Most people who have been in the notions section of a fabric store have seen this little tool. But very few know what it is or what it is used for.
This little gadget is called a Herra Marker. Years ago, whenever you ordered a quilting or sewing magazine, one was often included as a free gift. I can’t remember the number of them I threw away because I had no idea what they were. Now that I have discovered how to use them, they are invaluable.
The smaller marker has a pointed end that can be used as a point turner. The larger one has a better handle to grip. SO what do you do with this little gadget? It marks your sewing projects without leaving a mark that won’t disappear. When marking darts on a pattern, lay your ruler over the stitching lines and run the rounded end portion of the marker along the ruler. It will leave an indentation in the fabric that you can see, but will eventually disappear. Want to mark a quilt? Use your marker to either free hand mark or mark in straight lines with the help of a straight edge.
To make bias tape, run the marker along the length of your bias strip – in from the edge about ¼”. Measure from that mark the width you want your tape to be. Run another mark along the length of the strip. Cut the strip about ¼” from that mark. Now press the edges toward the center. If you are making very narrow bias, trim the edges of the tape so they fold in without overlapping.
I still use the herra marker to mark quilting patterns and darts, but I have a new thing to make bias tape. I bought a bias tape maker that is motorized. It fold and irons the tape at the same time and prevents burned fingers. In another article I will tell you about that marvelous little machine.
2 comments:
Very cool!! I would have had no idea how to use those! Neato-van-deeto!!
I have been sewing for 40 years. I used to receive these in my quilting magazines as a free gift too. I knew what to use the pointed end one for. Like you, I threw the other ones away not knowing what to do with them. I never thought to ask someone what it was for. Now that I know how to use it - I wonder if I have one that I didn't throw away. Thanks for the info.
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