What tricks do you use when DIY'ing?

**latriper** · 02-11-2015, 09:41

Inspired by Dutch's sewing sash. Out of the way but always at the ready. Now I have to find another one for my lighter.

**VictoriaGuy** · 02-11-2015, 14:14

My greatest DIY trick is convincing myself that I'm saving money by DIY-ing, and especially by buying extra materials every time I mail order!

Seriously, lots of good suggestions in this discussion thread! Keep 'em coming!

**[o]TTeR** · 02-11-2015, 20:36

After 6 years in the DIY trenches, my #1 trick is more about a "happy home" then DIY, I always work with down in a tent! My Wife gets a little annoyed when Down feathers wander aimlessly about the house.

Trick#2, I always cut synthetic fabrics with a soldering iron, it's quick and melts the edges so the cuts don't Fray.

Trick#3, for projects with repeatable shapes or, its gear I know I'll make more then one of, I make foam-core templates with foil taped edges. I find the job much easier when it's just laying out the fabric, placing down the template and cutting out panels with a soldering gun

My last trick is a bit philosophical and took me a few years to figure out but, it’s proven to be a huge time & cash saver! Before I get started on any DIY project I ask myself, will this solve a gear problem I actually have or, is it the solution to a problem that doesn’t exist? For example, I have a plethora of “Alcohol stoves”, side-jet, top-jet, pressurized, open-bath… I definitely don’t need another stove but every time I see an unusual aluminum container the wheels start turning!

**JohnD** · 02-11-2015, 23:30

Rather than making up dowells etc with the larger industrial type thread spools you can just leave them standing on the floor, thread them on up to the machine and away you go!
My wife is an ex machinist and this is how she works it when she has to sew ... alas the sight of a sew device sends her in to convulsions, I am able to tap the knowledge base but try as I might I have to put up with my rickity stitches.

Newspaper can be your friend, apply it over slippy fabric or as a template for a new idea, as an aid to climashield not sticking to your feet ( injector humour )

**Dutch** · 02-11-2015, 23:41

I use circular knitting needles to thread cord though channels. I loop or tie the cord to the wire between the needles and push the needles through at the same time.

**gmcttr** · 02-11-2015, 23:56

Originally Posted by JohnD

Rather than making up dowells etc with the larger industrial type thread spools you can just leave them standing on the floor...

While that would work with the larger cones, it's not going to work with the size spool of Mara 70 most frequently used by many of us...

mara_120_1000m.jpg

**Snowball** · 02-12-2015, 04:03

I am not sure what this tool is called but I got it from my local sewing shop. Very handy for splicing and when I have to pull a cord through a channel.
The cord on the picture is 7/64 3mm.
S-tool.jpg

**Xtrm tj** · 02-12-2015, 06:05

Originally Posted by Snowball

I am not sure what this tool is called but I got it from my local sewing shop. Very handy for splicing and when I have to pull a cord through a channel.
The cord on the picture is 7/64 3mm.
S-tool.jpg

Turner loop I believe. Sold at Dutchware.com

**gmcttr** · 02-12-2015, 08:32

Dritz Loop Turner.

**Snowball** · 02-12-2015, 18:22

Found this by coincidence.
Apparently there is something called “slap on wrist band”
It could be “handy” in some situations .

The pincushion is never where you need it.
The pincushion in this video may not to your taste but the idea is ok. Foam would do.

I could have used it today