A turning tool for sewing is a versatile and indispensable accessory in the world of sewing and fabric crafting. It serves as a trusted ally when the need arises to transform a sewn fabric piece from the inside out, ensuring a clean and polished finish to your projects.
This unassuming tool possesses a range of functions, from delicately navigating intricate corners and curves to preserving fabric integrity by preventing damage during the turning process.
Whether you’re working on garments, accessories, or home decor, understanding the utility and types of turning tools empowers you to achieve professional-grade results in your sewing endeavors, enhancing the overall quality of your creations.
What Is a Turning Tool for Sewing? -The Definition
A turning tool in sewing is a versatile instrument designed to help seamstresses and crafters manipulate fabric with precision.
This tool is typically used when working on projects that involve turning fabric right side out, pushing out corners, and achieving smooth, clean lines.
It comes in various shapes and sizes, but the most common forms are tubes or rods made from materials like wood, plastic, or metal.
The turning tool’s primary purpose is to simplify the process of turning narrow fabric tubes, such as straps, belts, or spaghetti straps, inside out.
It eliminates the struggle of using fingers or other blunt objects, ensuring that the fabric retains its shape and doesn’t get damaged during the turning process.
Additionally, turning tools often have a rounded or pointed end that helps in achieving crisp corners and edges on projects like pillows, plush toys, or collars.
How a Turning Tool for Sewing Works -Functions
A turning tool for sewing, often referred to as a “turning tool” or “turning stick,” is a handy sewing accessory used to turn fabric right-side out after sewing a seam.
It’s a simple but essential tool that makes the process easier and helps achieve cleaner, more professional-looking results.
Here’s how a turning tool works and its main functions:
Turning Fabric Right-Side Out
A turning tool is primarily designed to simplify the process of reversing a fabric tube or piece so that the right side faces outward.
This step is crucial in sewing projects like bags, pillowcases, or clothing items when you’ve sewn the fabric pieces with their wrong sides together.
The turning tool allows you to gently guide the fabric through the opening you’ve left, ensuring it doesn’t get tangled or wrinkled during the process.
Assisting with Pointed Corners and Curves
Many sewing projects involve intricate shapes, such as pointed corners or curved seams. Turning tools often have a pointed end or a curved tip, which is incredibly useful in these situations.
When you’re dealing with a pointed corner, the tool helps you reach into it and push out the fabric without causing stress on the corner.
For curved seams, the tool allows you to navigate smoothly along the curve, ensuring it retains its shape and doesn’t pucker.
Preventing Fabric Damage
Using your fingers or improvised objects like scissors or pens to turn fabric can be risky. These items can easily puncture or stretch the fabric, leading to tears or distortion.
A turning tool is designed to be gentle on delicate fabrics, preventing any damage during the turning process.
Its smooth surface ensures that the fabric remains intact and unharmed, preserving the quality of your sewing project.
Smoothing Seams and Edges
After successfully turning the fabric right-side out, you can use the turning tool to refine the seams and edges. By gently running the tool along the seam lines, you ensure that they lay flat and are evenly distributed.
This step is especially important for achieving a professional finish in your sewing projects, as it eliminates any bulges or unevenness in the seam allowances.
Stuffing and Shaping
Some turning tools come with a hollow or blunt end, making them versatile for various sewing tasks.
When working on projects like stuffed toys, pillows, or soft crafts, you can use the tool to push stuffing material into tight corners or crevices.
It also helps in shaping your project precisely, ensuring that it retains the desired form and appearance.
Easing Out Creases
If your fabric has creases or wrinkles after turning it right-side out, a turning tool can come to the rescue.
Its smooth, blunt end can be used to gently press and smooth out any creases or folds, leaving your project looking clean and well-finished.
This step is particularly important when working with fabrics that tend to crease easily, such as linen or silk.
Purpose of a Turning Tool in Sewing
The purpose of using a turning tool in sewing is to facilitate the process of turning fabric right-side out after it has been sewn inside out.
This tool plays a crucial role in achieving clean, professional-looking sewing projects and serves several essential purposes.
Here they are:
Turning Fabric Right-Side Out
The primary purpose of a turning tool is to assist in turning a fabric tube or piece right-side out.
When you sew a seam inside out (with the wrong sides facing each other), you need to reverse the fabric to reveal the correct side with the seams hidden.
The turning tool simplifies this process by allowing you to gently guide the fabric through a small opening without causing damage or wrinkles.
Minimizing Fabric Damage
Using fingers or other improvised objects like scissors or pens to turn fabric can risk puncturing or stretching the fabric, leading to damage.
A turning tool is designed to be gentle on the fabric, reducing the risk of tears or distortion. It helps preserve the fabric’s integrity and appearance.
Navigating Corners and Curves
Sewing often involves intricate shapes with pointed corners and curved seams. Turning tools are designed with pointed or curved ends that make it easier to reach into these areas and turn the fabric without stressing the corners or causing puckering along curved seams.
Ensuring Neat Seams
After turning the fabric right-side out, a turning tool can be used to smooth out and refine the seams. It helps eliminate any bulges or unevenness in the seam allowances, ensuring that the finished project looks polished and professional.
Stuffing and Shaping
Some turning tools have a hollow or blunt end, making them versatile for tasks beyond just turning fabric.
They can be used for stuffing and shaping projects like stuffed toys or pillows, allowing you to distribute stuffing material evenly and achieve the desired shape.
Crease Removal
If the fabric has creases or wrinkles after turning it right-side out, a turning tool can be employed to gently press and smooth out these imperfections.
This step is especially important when working with fabrics that tend to crease easily, such as linen or silk.
Enhancing Overall Quality
Using a turning tool helps improve the overall quality and appearance of your sewing projects.
It ensures that the fabric is handled with care, seams are well-defined, and the finished item looks clean and professionally crafted.
Types of Turning Tools for Sewing
There are several types of turning tools available for sewing, each designed for specific tasks and fabric types. These tools help with turning fabric right-side out, smoothing seams, and achieving various sewing techniques.
Here are some common types of turning tools:
Point Turner and Creaser
- Point Turner: This tool is a must-have when you want to achieve sharp, well-defined corners in your sewing projects. Its pointed end allows you to reach into tight angles, such as collar points, cuffs, or pocket corners. By gently pushing the fabric with the point turner, you ensure that the corners turn out crisp and professional-looking, adding a touch of refinement to your work.
- Creaser: Beyond turning corners, the blunt end of a point turner is versatile as a creaser. It assists in creating neat, flat seams by running it along the seamlines. This flattening effect gives your sewing a polished appearance and helps ensure that seams lie flat.
Loop Turner or Bodkin
Often employed for narrow fabric tubes like spaghetti straps, button loops, or drawstrings, a loop turner is a practical tool.
Its hook or blunt end is designed for snagging the fabric from the inside, simplifying the process of turning it right-side out. This is particularly helpful when dealing with delicate or thin fabric pieces.
Tube Turner
Tube turners come with a variety of attachments like hooks, clasps, or wires, allowing you to choose the right one for the task at hand.
Whether you’re turning a thin or thick fabric tube, they provide a reliable means of turning without causing damage or distortion.
These tools offer flexibility and precision when dealing with fabric tubes of different sizes.
Hemostats or Locking Forceps
While not originally intended for sewing, hemostats and locking forceps are resourceful tools for turning fabric.
Their locking mechanism secures the fabric, making them useful for turning narrow tubes and accessing confined spaces.
Sewists often repurpose them as a quick solution when the appropriate turning tool isn’t available.
Stiletto or Awl
Stilettos and awls are versatile sewing tools with pointed ends, which make them useful for turning fabric in corners and tight areas.
The blunt end can aid in shaping fabric and smoothing out wrinkles, making them handy for multiple tasks within your sewing projects.
Wooden or Bamboo Turning Tools
These turning tools are revered for their gentle treatment of delicate fabrics. They are particularly suitable for fabrics that require special care.
Their smooth surfaces and lightweight construction allow you to push out seams and corners without risking any damage.
Stuffing Tools
Turning tools with a hollow or blunt end are well-suited for projects involving stuffing, such as stuffed animals, pillows, or soft crafts.
The hollow end facilitates even distribution of stuffing material into tight spaces, while the blunt end aids in shaping and achieving the desired project form.
Seam Roll and Tailor’s Clapper
While seam rolls and tailor’s clappers are primarily used for pressing and setting seams, they play an indirect role in turning fabric right-side out.
Properly pressed seams lie flat, making it easier to turn the fabric and achieve a neat finish in your sewing projects. These tools are essential for ensuring that seams are crisp and professional-looking.
How to Take Care of Turning Tools
Caring for turning tools, such as lathe tools or woodturning tools, is essential to ensure they remain sharp, safe, and effective. Proper maintenance will extend their lifespan and improve the quality of your work.
Here are some steps to care for turning tools:
Cleaning the Tools
After each use, it’s crucial to clean your turning tools thoroughly. Start by removing any wood or metal shavings, chips, or dust from the tool’s surface.
Use a wire brush, a scraper, or compressed air to ensure there is no debris left behind. Pay close attention to the cutting edge, as even small particles can affect the tool’s performance.
Inspect for Damage
Regularly inspect your turning tools for signs of wear and damage. Examine the cutting edge carefully for any chips, nicks, or cracks.
Check the handles for any splinters or cracks as well. If you detect any issues, address them promptly. Damaged tools can be dangerous to use and may produce subpar results.
Sharpening Regularly
Maintaining a sharp cutting edge is vital for achieving clean cuts and precision in your turning work. Invest in high-quality sharpening equipment, such as sharpening stones or a sharpening system, and learn how to use them properly.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific type of tool you are sharpening, as different tools may require different angles and techniques.
Protect the Cutting Edge
When your turning tools are not in use, protect their cutting edges to prevent accidental damage.
Many turning tool sets come with blade guards or sheaths designed for this purpose. If your tools don’t have such protection, consider making custom covers or sheaths to keep the edges sharp and safe.
Proper Storage
Store your turning tools in a dry and cool environment to prevent rust. Moisture and humidity can lead to corrosion, which can ruin the cutting edges.
Invest in a dedicated storage solution, such as a toolbox or wall-mounted racks, to keep your tools organized and protected from damage.
Applying Lubrication
To prevent rust on the metal parts of your turning tools, lightly coat them with a rust inhibitor or a thin layer of machine oil. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil to avoid contamination of your workpiece.
This step is especially important if you live in a humid environment or store your tools for extended periods.
Handle Care
If your turning tools have wooden handles, inspect them regularly for signs of wear. Sand down any rough spots to maintain a comfortable grip.
Applying a finish, such as linseed oil, will not only protect the wood but also enhance its longevity and appearance.
Proper Usage
Use your turning tools according to best practices. Ensure you are using the right tool for the specific task and material.
Maintain the proper cutting angles and techniques for your work. Avoid applying excessive force, as it can lead to premature wear and damage to the tools.
Safety Measures
Prioritize safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses or a face shield, when using turning tools.
Additionally, ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and free from clutter to minimize the risk of accidents and improve overall safety.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Establish a regular maintenance schedule for your turning tools. Whether it’s weekly, monthly, or based on the frequency of use, consistency is key. Keeping a maintenance log can help you track when each tool was last inspected, sharpened, or maintained.
Learning from Experts
Consider seeking guidance from experienced woodworkers or metalworkers to learn advanced techniques and tricks for caring for your specific turning tools.
Joining a local turning club or attending workshops can also provide valuable insights and knowledge.
FAQS
What are the primary materials used in making turning tools for sewing?
Turning tools are typically made from materials like plastic, wood, bamboo, or metal.
Can I use everyday household items as a makeshift turning tool in a pinch?
Yes, in emergencies, you can use items like chopsticks, pencils, or even a straw as makeshift turning tools.
Are turning tools essential for all sewing projects?
While turning tools greatly simplify the process of turning fabric right-side out, they are not necessary for every project.
Are there any safety considerations when using a turning tool?
Yes, when using a turning tool with a pointed end, exercise caution to avoid poking yourself or damaging the fabric.
To Recap
A turning tool for sewing is a versatile and indispensable tool in the world of sewing and crafting. It serves as a bridge between imagination and reality, allowing sewists to bring their creations to life with precision and finesse.
Whether it’s turning small fabric tubes right-side out, shaping corners, or stuffing soft toys, these tools enable the transformation of flat fabric into three-dimensional masterpieces.
They exemplify the attention to detail and craftsmanship that sewing enthusiasts pour into their projects.
With the right turning tools, sewists can elevate the quality and aesthetics of their work, making each piece a true labor of love and artistry.
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