TLDR: Are SewTites worth it? They are! You should go buy some now.
SewTites was kind enough to send me a sample pack and wow! I can’t say enough good things to say about them. I’ll definitely be ordering more for myself. Keep reading for the full review.
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Use code PATTYMURPHY to receive 10% off your order.
What Are SewTites
SewTites is a woman owned company born from the simple idea to use magnets instead of straight pins while sewing leather to a bag. Genius, right? The idea took off and many iterations and products later, SewTites is an industry leader, and for good reason.
How Do SewTites Work?
SewTites are easy to use. Simply separate the magnets, put your fabric or project between them, then clamp the magnets in place to keep your project from slipping. Easy, right?
Of the three sizes sent to me, I used the SewTites original (aqua) and the SewTites HD (blue, heavy duty). The magnets are incredibly strong and can be used across a variety of mediums. In fact, if you look at the SewTites website you can see how creative makers get using the magnets!
My initial test run with SewTites happened while I was making the smaller version of Persephone Awaits to take to AQS.
Here’s what I liked:
- Ease of use
- Not stabbing myself with a straight pin
- I was able to maintain accurate and precise piecing results
Use code PATTYMURPHY to receive 10% off your order.
What REALLY Impressed Me?
What really impressed me is that I was able to keep the SewTites in place on my blocks while I was sewing (see the video above). No taking out pins. No forgetting to take out pins. No messing up my machine. I was simply able to secure my pieces together and sew. The SewTites were just to the outside of my presser foot. It’s genius and I think it’ll be a complete game changer for me. My only regret is that I didn’t try them sooner.
The magnets are safe for use with your computerized machine but don’t store them on it!
Accuracy and Precision
If you’ve been following along for a while you know that accuracy and precision are a part of my ethos. I know it’s not for everyone but for me, any tool that can help me maintain my accuracy and precision get an A+ in my book. These magnets might even get an A++.
Where Else You Can Use SewTites
Possibilities are limitless for using SewTites but for garment making, bag making and embroidery the magnets provide a wide variety of options to help keep your work secure.
There are several weights/strengths of magnets that you can use if you are sewing with hard-to pin fabrics like leather, gauze, lace, or other specialty fabrics that are thin or stretch. If you aren’t sure which magnets to get, a mix pack will give you the option to test a few types before you commit.
The SewTites website shares all the magnets and possible applications so you can pick what best suits your needs.
Are They Worth The Investment?
Hands down they are. I will definitely be ordering more for myself.
Will SewTites Replace All My Pins?
No. There’s a place for straight pins in every studio and I don’t see myself ever getting rid of all of them. I do, however, see a future studio where my SewTites and straight pins live in harmony, though.
PROS:
The magnets are incredibly strong.
Great to use if you have dexterity issues.
You can achieve accurate and precise piecing results.
You avoid pin pricks.
There is no need to replace dull pins.
CONS:
If you have fingernails, be sure to slide the magnet off the back instead of trying to pull apart so you don’t break a nail. Ask me how I know. 🙃
They are an investment. A worthwhile investment, but an investment.
Linky Love:
SHOP: SewTites magnets
SHOP: Persephone Awaits Pattern
BLOG: Persephone Awaits Gets a Makeover
I’ve been wondering about these. Someone else suggested seam glue to hold those tricky nesting seams that don’t want to stay in place while sewing, and I can’t really see these for that, but for many other things, yes. Isn’t it interesting how many lovely new ideas there are to replace pins? Adding this…one (I) could even write my name on them for use at retreats…and you, I mean–one–could also be sure at retreats that digging pins out of carpets was a rare thing, rather than a check-before-every-meal thing. And it’s very good to know you can use them with your computerized machine…that was a big question for me. I will go get me a sampler pack–I do love a sampler pack–right away. Thanks for the helpful review 🙂
You’re so welcome. They really are fantastic and I hadn’t even thought of writing my name on the magnets. Brilliant suggestion!