Best sewing tools according to redditors

Get a stitch ripper. It takes 2 minutes to do it, I've done it to all my clothes to remove the logos.

Get a soft measure tape. Your local craft place should have plenty of them.

Or, use a string to map out your path, then measure the string :)

You can use a piece of string and a ruler. You can even print a ruler off assuming you have a printer.

That said tailors tape is relatively inexpensive and can come in handy for taking measurements.

Hello all! I wanted to share with you my organizer for all my daily cross stitch stuff. I had been looking for an easy solution to store my stuff without having it all over my coffee table and be able to easily move between rooms to continue working on my projects. I finally found this little organizer on Amazon and it's PERFECT for what I needed. I thought it would be fun to go through my bag and show what supplies I keep in there. Not pictured are obviously my hoop this is my all time favorite and the grime guard that I am trying to learn to love.

Everything is stored in the Roll-up canvas organizer that I got from Amazon. It's made for crochet supplies, but comes empty so you can load it up with your own stuff. Lot of designs available, but most importantly, CATS!

Section 1:

-Dritz seam ripper

-Cottage Cutz 2-in-1 needle threader

-Basic travel scissors

-Embroidery Scissors

-Needle Minders - one homemade from a dichroic pendant from a local craft fair, one made from a Babypietattoo hand painted clay pendant

-Tiny magnet set - I used this as a "minder" before I got around to making new ones. I keep it inside my kit now to use for my needle threader. I usually stitch with the kit opened in front of me, so it's easy to just throw the threader down on the magnet and have it handy

-Needle threader


Section 2:

-Needle Twister - this thing totally rocks and I want one for each size of needles!

-Magentic needle case

-Assorted sewing needles


Section 3:

-Needle minder from Maggies Minders

-Hem clips - I got mine in a vintage sewing box from an estate sale. They are perfect for clipping back extra aida to keep it out of the way

-Clover fine tipped water soluble marker

-Snip-a-Stitch scissors


Section 4

ORT [Thread catcher] from Maggies Minders

DMC magnetic needle case

Dritz Fray Check with applicator tip

I use these and I love them. I've never had a problem. I use wet a washcloth and wipe it off when I'm done. Don't get the pink ones, the disappear too fast.

I've used an 'Iron Mend' kit before on my kit.

This has worked well, and 2 years later, same jacket is still going strong.

So I was thinking about sewing on a modification to my GR1 earlier this year and, like /u/TonyTonyChopper said, the biggest concern is how thick the canvas is.

The conclusion that I came to is that the best way to sew something on would be to use a Sewing Awl handtool with heavy duty thread. They're used to stitch leather so GR1 should be doable. There's also videos on YouTube to follow if you've never used an awl before. It's not that hard to learn since it's a simple tool.

So that would be my recommendation. Get the velcro you want to attach, grab a sewing awl, measure everything out so it looks clean, and just sew it on there.

Or if you don't mind using the MOLLE itself, you could always literally just buy MOLLE Velcro Strips

These are the ones I use!

There’s honestly the only ones I’ve ever tried. I bought them 3 years ago and used them mostly to just draw on the fabric and less for transfer.

They’re pretty fine tip but the ink does spread a little so you’ll lose some smaller details. They’re really fun to rinse off though! The ink magically vanishes. I bought them 3 years ago and they’re still going strong so I can recommend them as being a really good value for your money too.

> yesterday I started wanting something sweet. Will this go away soon?

Maybe, maybe not. There are all sorts of recipes for cheesecakes and other desserts floating around if you'd like to try making stuff. I used to do a chocolate fudge-like concoction with cream cheese, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and liquid stevia. Find something that suits your craving, but don't go overboard.

> Has anyone had any long term success while drinking diet soda? Will I eventually need to cut it out completely?

Ugh. Probably the most controversial topic here. Some people claim it prevents them from entering ketosis or from losing weight. Frankly, I don't believe them. If you're a few weeks in and haven't lost any weight in a week or so, maybe try cutting back. Other than that, have at it.

> I know I need to set a weight goal for myself

Nope. Some people find it useful, but in no way is it required. In fact, I would highly recommend NOT weighing yourself for at least the first month. The best metric is measurements. Get a measuring tape like this one and track your wait, belly, chest, and neck. Often you'll go a week without losing weight, which may be discouraging... but if you'll probably also have lost an inch off your belly in that time. I'm not an expert on the mechanism, but I believe a lot of times your body will replace areas of lost fat with stored water, which comes out about the same in weight, but much denser. You'll notice a drop in inches over time with little change in weight, then BOOM five pounds are gone. Measurements will give you a more consistent indication of how you're doing.

Exactly my thoughts. More than likely, this is all water fluctuation. Disheartening to see the numbers increase, because weight is the most popular way to measure progress. That's why I'd always recommend taking body measurements. They sometimes reveal changes that the scale does not (e.g: You did NOT get "bigger" or fatter if you look at body measurement trends) A device like this makes it all the much easier:

https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Push-Button-Retract-Ergnomic-Portable/dp/B077Z4DRMS/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=myotape&qid=1571406074&sr=8-6

I use Leonis pens and have never had a problem with permanent stains. They're really short but seem to hold a lot of ink. They're also much cheaper than other brands.

https://www.amazon.com/LEONIS-Water-Erasable-Marking-78008/dp/B00QTIBOS4/

A seam ripper with a thread grabber: Dritz 665D Seam-Fix Seam Ripper, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UY15X2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_azpUBbQ3ARD2Z

These are the best for threading: Easy Threader Flexible Needle Drawstring replacement and craft tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052Y3RRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yRVwyb370W73P

And you can buy cord anywhere, for example: Wrights Drawstring Cord, 1/4-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XNQPTC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NSVwybBS56HEX

Throw your scale in the garbage and save your sanity....

https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Push-Button-Retract-Ergnomic-Portable/dp/B077Z4DRMS/ref=sr_1_40?keywords=body+tape&qid=1570817899&sr=8-40

If you are flat they kind of serve no purpose they only make whats there appear bigger. I think you would be better suited looking up padded bras under the shirt they can give the impression of breasts.

I bought a cloth tape measure for measuring underbust and overbust and bought the corresponding bras from amazon. Though its a bit different with a wide chest like mine the cup size has to be dramatically reduced, so if you have a wide chest make sure to check out size guides for trans woman.

https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Measure-Sewing-Tailor-Cloth/dp/B01D9RCHDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485617343&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=cloth+tape+measure&psc=1

You're going to want to get this really accurate. Most people use a string or a tailors measure and run that around at his widest point.

It's $5 on Amazon

I have one of those scales and it’s a piece of crap. I don’t trust it’s body fat estimates at all. If I have some carbs (usually from beer) I’ll put on a kilo or 2 of water and it disappears with a day or 2. The scales think this is mostly fat.

I’ve lost about 70lbs of fat over the last 3 years and I’ve had periods where I didn’t know whether I was losing fat or muscle and also gaining fat or muscle (when eating at a surplus). The best thing I did was get a cheap body measuring tape which makes it really easy to take consistent measurements of my body. You can then use the Navy or YMCA body fat calculator to estimate body fat %. From there you can estimate how much fat and lean mass you’re carrying around. I track this in a google sheet and I can see what’s happened each month.

The first 2 months on carnivore (after losing bloat, water weight etc) saw me weight stable but I lost about an inch from my waist. I didn’t care whether it was muscle (my strength actually dropped) or bone or organs that kept my weight stable but I knew I’d lost fat. You’re still early on your journey - get one and take measurements now, record them somewhere (you’ll thank yourself later on). Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Push-Button-Retract-Ergnomic-Portable/dp/B077Z4DRMS/

Frequent breaks (even if they don't last long), stretching, and advil.

Now if it's from the yarn rubbing your finger, I got this rubber thimble thing that quilters use and it saved my fingers! Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Needle-Grabber-Breathable-Slots-Tips-/dp/B01DYFQB3W/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1468530015&sr=8-7&keywords=silicone+thimble

The only time I sometimes need something is when I am at the end of a thread and I put the needle through the back of a handful of stitches and pull through. That can be a bit tough so I got some silicone ones that just help me grip the needle. They're similar to these ones: Prym Needle Grabber with Breathable Slots and Cut Out Tips- Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DYFQB3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Q3XCybB2B34A3

First of all, screw lunch. It's all about breakfast for dinner! =) Secondly, to measure my bodyfat, I use tailor's tape. I then enter the relevant info (age, gender, height, weight, neck, waist, and hip measurements) into my preferred body fat calulator. Measuring yourself can be tricky, so I suggest doing some research, and maybe enlisting the help of a trusted accomplice the first time or two until you get the hang of it. Finally, I try to also use the calipers and my appearance It's always going to be an estimate, but I think I have a pretty good idea.

I've used these LEONIS Water soluble markers with good results. https://www.amazon.com/LEONIS-Water-Erasable-Marking-78008/dp/B00QTIBOS4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2OX25M8SG4S2F&keywords=water+soluble+markers&qid=1573592643&sprefix=water+solu%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-4

for stubborn threads (and to not waste sheets of lint rollers) also get one of these it'll save your life :) https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-665D-Seam-Fix-Ripper-Purple/dp/B00UY15X2K/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524661291&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=rubber+tipped+seam+ripper

Don't know if there's an easy free option but there's this: Easy Threader

I use these by Leonis

They're pretty good and come out of fabric easily.

Another alternative: maybe you could simply secure a neoprene camera case inside the backpack. You could use a sewing awl to stitch it in (check out this video).

If you're handy, you may be able to stitch it back up with a sewing awl.

For the fabric covers the logos are stitched on, so if you get yourself one of these bad boys you should be good to go. The logos on the other ones look printed, so maybe a light abrasive?

Easiest way is to use a threader like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052Y3RRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SxncBbAYTH70X

"Plan B" involves undoing a metal hanger, a long shoestring, and piece of masking tape.

None of this is very helpful because sizes vary so much even within the same make/model.

Get a tailor’s measuring tape and measure yourself. At minimum you should measure your waist, hips, thighs, and inseam — write those down or commit to memory. Include them whenever asking a question like this.

You should also measure your garments that fit you well so you can compare them to other garments you’re looking to purchase. It takes most the guesswork out of finding the correct size.

measuring tape

I stitch a grid in with braided fishing line:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074T7ZNZ7

not just because I am a masochist but because I use dark fabrics so I always assumed the pens won't show up. I am going to do a light fabric next so I was planning trying these pens:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IWEAPSS

I bought this leather sewing awl http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049W6XRE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey, remember that Home Ec stuff you learned? You get to use it now.

When my stuff gets cut or stitching starts to fail, this fixes it right up.

You know they make things specifically for that purpose. I got this one on Amazon. It did its job remarkably well.

Image.

Yeah, I also shop online unless I'm away and feeling confident. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071XGLB1S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 One of these tape measures for body measuring will be your new best friend. I shop at Amazon a lot. I like H&M for some basics, including undies. And there are store galore that specialize in whatever style you want to cultivate. If having things shipped to your home is a problem, and you don't have the option of receiving packages at work, Amazon also has pick up location options.

Have you tried marking with a wash-out fabric marker? I use the little Japanese markers to mark quilting lines, should work for hem lines too.

https://www.amazon.com/JC-Performance-Leather-Sewing-Stitch/dp/B075NRLD28/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2DYOQWQRLLA6F&keywords=speedy+stitcher+sewing+awl&qid=1569653638&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=speedy%2Carts-crafts%2C165&sr=1-11

this would be super helpful and thanks for doing this contest!

Get one of those needle threaders and it won’t matter how big the needle eye is! I like using tiny Hiroshima needles and those would be difficult to thread without the threader.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBA8SQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aZ5UBbW7VD8HJ

I use these: YEHAM®Disappearing Ink Vanishing Air Erasable Pen(9 PACK,3 COLOR) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182HZZ02/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aNMLBbJ5GMNF2

I draw on the grid and the ink comes out when wet! Just make sure to try them each on a spare piece of fabric first. My pink ones leave a weird yellow tint when washed off, but my blue ones work perfectly!

These work well

I use this one when I use a 24 needle but I find that it doesn't work as well if I use a smaller one. https://www.123stitch.com/item/Dritz-LoRan-Needle-Threader/DRITZ-NT1

I also really like these wire ones. It's the same idea of the flimsy silver ones but they don't fall apart constantly.
yueton 30pcs Plastic Wire Loop DIY Needle Threader Stitch Insertion Hand Machine Sewing Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBA8SQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_jCE9x9sPCRTTx

Get a tape measurer https://www.amazon.com/Tailor-Craft-Flexible-Measure-Yellow/dp/B00C94EHFY and check your key measurements. Chest, arms, waist, etc.

Highly recommend picking up one of these: https://smile.amazon.com/eBoot-Measure-Sewing-Tailor-Cloth/dp/B01D9RCHDI

Buying clothes online based on height/weight is a struggle not worth fighting. Using your real measurements and manufacturer's sizing charts is a much better way to go (you're still at the mercy of their accuracy, though).

Check out one of your local tailors and have them measure you. Be upfront about why you are there. If you buy something from them, thats great. I'd tip a tailor $20 to take my measurements if I wasn't giving them any business.
The other option is to have your Significant Other measure you. Then compare those measurements to garments you already own and fit you well.

https://www.amazon.com/Measuring-Measure-Double-Measurement-Sewing/dp/B07SWZVNC3/ref=pd_ybh_a_76?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TWH3ATMVHM8KKZZV99W1&pldnSite=1

Only real difference between regular sewing and leather/fur sewing us you'll want to use glover needles and a sailors palm, speedy stitcher, or leather thumb cover with a coin in it. These mittens are some of the easiest patterns to trace two identical halves and sew inside out. Best used with glove liners.

Here is my Every Day Carry list.

• Not picture by itself is my belt. EDC Cobra Belt With Velcro Lining - Size 36"
  
  
• Timex Ironman
  
  
• SureFire G2X Pro with Surefire Rugged Polymer Speed Holster
  
  
• Zero Tolerance 0566BW with skater tape on the bottom end
  
  
• Oakley Radar Path Sunglasses with cheapo replacement lenses
  
  
• iPhone 6s with Otterbox Commuter Series Wallet Case
  
  
• Aluminum Key Organizer with Magnesium Fire Striker and Blood Type Key Chain
  
  
• Cheap Tool Belt Pouch with G2 Pilot, SOG Powerlock with V-Cutter, generic lockpick as a tooth pick, Measuring Tape and a generic comb

Depending on the size of the splits, you could use a product like Iron Mend, but it's only meant for small rips and holes.

If it's a long tear or a lot of tears you might be able to get someone to repair it, just google for custom wetsuit makers in your area and give them a call. But it might be that the cost of repair is more than a new suit.

Success!

Thank you so so so so much. Wow. I wanted to wait to try it out to see how well it might work. It went through two layers of leather without any difficulty and it made sewing incredibly fast and easy. I was able to finish tailoring in less than 30 minutes. Thank you so much.

If anyone is wondering: I bought Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl 120. I bought one of the slight more expensive "new" ones, and therefore didn't need to break $25.

I'm also a big fan of this thing: https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitcher-SEW110-BRK-Sewing-Awl/dp/B0049W6XRE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518210202&sr=8-2&keywords=speed+stitcher

You can get a curved needle for it, and it's been a huge help in punching through thicker materials when I'm making gear (leather, ballistic nylon, etc).

Not to be a dick, but "buy a thing you didn't already buy" is a bad solution.

As for DIY I found this stuff: http://www.amazon.com/McNett-Iron-Mend-Repair-Black/dp/B000GT471S

In that case, it seems like he has a really good appetite and may just not be storing much fat, yet (which is normal). A couple things I would do is get a small scale and a tape measure, just to track if he's growing, and just record the numbers in a note on your phone or simple Excel spreadsheet, along with how much he's eating, so you don't have to rely on your memory to spot any trends if he never grows or starts losing weight.

The scale I use is this one, currently $8.50 on Amazon, and a flexible tape measure like this, currently $4.85. I also second making sure he doesn't have intestinal parasites, which is something I would do even if he wasn't showing any symptoms, as infections like coccidia are extremely common and easy to spread within clutches. (Most vet clinics in my area will do a fecal test for under $20).

All that said, there's nothing from your post which would make me think there's something wrong with your dragon. Tracking the babies for the first couple of months is just something I do for peace of mind.

Good luck!

Edit: Here's an article about determining if your bearded dragon is underweight (though the method mostly applies to adults), as well as some tips for getting them to gain some weight. "2 Surefire Ways To Make a Bearded Dragon Gain Weight And Fatten Them Up"

Easy Threader Flexible Needle Drawstring replacement and craft tool by schaller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052Y3RRM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This thing works like a champ. Takes seconds to re-thread drawstrings

www.killerbeegi.com

Also, change out all of the flat drawstrings on your gi pants with this.

Stretchy rope


Threader


Drawstring cord

Edit: It looks like Killer Bee also has drawstrings cut to size here.

oh nice, i didnt even look that close, it looks almost exactly like mine (i just spray glued a cloth measuring tape to it.)

https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Measure-Sewing-Tailor-Cloth/dp/B01D9RCHDI/

Aquaseal and/or iron on patch kit. Patagooch is also pretty good about repairing/replacing 'defective' merchandise so you may just try and return them.

|I'm kind of stuck in a rut now where my older clothes are boxy and I'd feel embarrassed wearing them, but I'm so depressed that I can't even get myself to the mall to buy anything new.


Never fear: the internet is here to help! With a bit of time & $ investment, you can forgo the hassle that is shopping in the (blech) "maul," find more flattering, stylish stuff with relative ease, and get MUCH better prices to boot. You'll be able to stretch your wardrobe budget to cover really nice pieces that you might otherwise pass over in favor of saving a buck, and bounce out of the rut of going to the same boring ol' shops in the interest of getting expeditiously the fuck out of the mall.

1. Spend $5 on this: http://www.amazon.com/6-Piece-Value-Pack-Soft-Fabric-Measures/dp/B003UXQQQG/ref=pd_sim_ac_1
   
   
2. Then, take & record your measurements as described here: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/category/popup/mens/menSizeGuide.html#measure
   
   
3. Peruse the Getting Started section in the sidebar. Don't necessarily glue yourself to the brands mentioned - there's plenty in there I wouldn't touch - but it's a great basic rundown. Pick a few starter pieces to look for, figure out how much you want to budget per month or so, and go from there.
   
   
4. Join sale sites like Gilt, etc. Most of the sale offering are for women, but the mens' sales are phenomenal when they show up. For instance, last night I ordered 3 Shirt By Shirt button-downs for Mr Undead at $30 apiece - usually $100+ apiece. If you keep an eye on upcoming sales, you can score some great deals. Until you have brand favorites and are familiar with how they fit, be prepared to order multiple sizes and send back lots of returns. Even with shipping charges, you'll still come out wayyyy ahead because of the deep discounts (but do factor in shipping and potential return shipping when looking at prices). And google is your friend - I often search the item I'm scoping out before buying it to look for reviews on other sites to get a more solid idea of fit/cut.
   

It’s a thread cutter pendant!

D&D Yarn Thread and Floss Cutter Pendant, Antique Bronze https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075N5ZZ5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.RxXAbE6PF543

The little notches are for cutting thread or yarn. It’s a pendant you can wear around your neck when you are working on a sewing project.

It looks a little different than the link I posted but the notches totally look the same. Do they have a little blade inside? It’s hard to tell from the photo.

Something like a tailor's tape measure?

http://www.amazon.com/All-Purpose-Tailor-Dieting-Tape-Measure/dp/B001RUMI20