Did you know that there is product out there that helps you achieve precision piecing,
and essentially eliminates the need for pins?
Stick around and I'll tell you all about them.
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Hey, everybody, Tricia here with Sewing Parts Online.
So, today, we are going to talk about the Acorn Precision Piecing Products.
The first one I want to mention is the kit.
So this little kit actually comes with a
4 oz bottle of the Easy Press Fabric Treatment,
the 1 oz bottle of the Seam Align glue, and
an Easy Press Pen.
Now this is all you really need to get started with doing some awesome piecing-
this little combo, seriously, is fantastic.
So, let's take a look at the Easy Fabric Treatment.
This is considered a 'refill' as it is the solution in the pen,
which I'm going to show you in just a moment,
however, it can also be used in a misting bottle
and used to treat your fabric.
By treating your fabric, although it is similar to starching,
there are other benefits, as well.
This solution strengthens the fibers.
It also helps reduce stretching.
You can also do several applications if you need more stability and body.
Now let's take a look at the seam align glue.
This is considered a light hold fabric glue.
The bottle has a convenient metal applicator
so that you can apply a controlled amount of glue to your fabric.
Lastly, the kit includes the Easy Press Pen.
It has a reservoir that holds the Easy Press Treatment.
It has a reusable tip,
or otherwise known as a nib,
that, once depressed, will dispense the solution onto your fabric.
This will result in flat, easy to sew seams.
Now that we know what's included, let's see how it works.
To begin, we are going to use the Easy Press Fabric Treatment.
As previously mentioned, I am going to use my misting bottle.
This works great to evenly apply the treatment over the fabric.
Now I'm just going to press the fabric.
You'll be able to see and feel a difference.
This makes for more accurate cutting and less fraying.
Let's move onto the glue. This is the fun part.
When applying the glue, you want to make sure it is within the seam allowance.
About every half inch or so, place a small dot.
Place your other fabric, right side down
and line up the raw edges.
Once you have them lined up, grab your iron, and press.
Lift and repeat.
Holding it for 3-5 seconds should be sufficient to dry the glue.
One important thing to note is that this is a light holding glue.
If you make a mistake, you can easily pull your fabric apart.
It's just enough to hold your fabric stable while you sew.
The next step is to just go over to your sewing machine and
sew your 1/4" seam allowance.
Once you've sewn your seam allowance,
set your seam.
Press your seam towards your dark fabric,
open it up, finger press, and then just press it with the iron.
This is where the last part comes in.
I'm going to grab the Easy Press Pen.
Depress the pen nib and then evenly apply the solution on the high side of the seam.
Now, you're good to press one more time.
Look how nice and flat that seam is now.
If I don't use it see how, even after pressing, the fabric still sits up a bit?
This product makes it so much easier to patch.
I also want to mention a few other helpful tips when piecing.
First, the 1/4 inch foot is essential.
I'm going to include a video so that you can see the benefits of this foot.
Make sure that you use the correct sewing machine needle.
You can use a quilting needle or a sharp needle.
I, myself, prefer the sharp needle, because that very sharp point
will pierce the fabric instead of pushing the fibers to the side.
Because of this piercing versus pushing, the fabric will shift less because it has less resistance,
resulting in a more precise outcome.
Ideally, you would also use a straight stitch plate.
Because there is a small opening for the needle,
and there's support all around the needle,
the fabric will meet only a little bit of resistance;
whereas, if you had a zig zag plate,
there is a wide opening.
This would allow for more movement in the fabric.
I will also include a link for our video on the straight stitch plate.
If you find that you use it frequently, there are other ways that you can get this product as well.
So, the actual Fabric Treatment,
You can get it in either the 4 oz bottle,
the 16 oz bottle,
or the gallon.
Then you've got the Seam Align Glue.
You can get that in the 4 oz bottle or
the small 1 oz bottle.
The 1oz bottle has the metal tip-
the little dispenser.
Then you also have your replacement nibs, or tips, for your pen.
You can also individually purchase the pen.
I didn't have one handy other than the one in the kit.
Just so you're aware, that also comes individually.
Although this is primarily used when quilting,
know that you can use this in other applications, as well,
such as raw edge applique and just regular sewing.
I hope this information provided you with encouragement,
just knowing that there's something out there to help you with
your precision piecing.
Until next time, Happy Sewing, Everybody!