Wednesday, August 29, 2018

A Thread Catcher Idea

I've been using this idea for quite a while now...
To catch the thread bits that I clip or pick off my patches, as I sew by my sewing machine, I used to keep a small piece of scrap cotton batting... But this had to be pinned to the rubber mat that sits under my machine, which would poke me or scratch the desk.

Then I came across a large covered button in my stash and this idea came to me!




I removed the shank on the back, cut a circle of cotton batting, and put this thread catcher together.
Having a sticky felt circle the right size for the back, I added it to finish it off.
Note: Through the years, I've replace the batting a few times, and have even used flannel with the same effect.

Now it sits in front of my sewing machine, and 'magically' holds the threads until I'm ready to move the batch accumulated...


...into a large tin, which which is kept handy for my tiniest scraps of fabric, batting and threads.
When this tin is full I dump it into a pretty older pillowcase, and when the pillowcase is full I sew the end closed. It makes another great cushion for my kitties to use.
Tip: If you don't have a pet to give this cushion to, local pet shelters are always looking for bedding for their dogs and cats.


'Sew' Useful!


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6 comments:

  1. Clever idea! It would be nice to have one by my hand sewing chair too.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks!
      If I left one by my hand sewing chair, it would soon disappear as a cat toy. :)

      Delete
  2. I have done this for years, but now the local shelter won't take them anymore. They say they cannot use stuffing that the animals can ingest anymore. So, they have hammock beds now, and I am searching for another way to keep those bits out of the landfill.

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    Replies
    1. I just saw your comment now, Carole...
      Could you make them for friends with dogs or cats? <3

      Delete
  3. Love the thread catcher idea, am going to dig out buttons and batting right now. I do have a large basket under my cutting table to slide scraps in easily as I cut and when the bag inside is full just lift it out and take it to a group that sews for the animal shelters in our area.

    ReplyDelete