Useful Advice - Needlecraft Tips

These needlecraft tips have been compiled with help from enthusiastic sewing group members and individuals. The ideas have all been tried and tested by people with a severe visual impairment and found to be helpful.

Suggestions range from threading a needle to dressmaking, knitting and crochet.

Sewing

Remember to work in a good light

Sewing needles are threaded easily with an 'Infila' needle threader, available from the KAB. The plastic cover can double as a stand which makes the base easier to hold. There is a model to thread sewing machines too.

Self Threading Needles. Choose good quality cotton otherwise the thread is likely to fray or split. Push the point of the needle into a cork. This makes it easier to hold the needle whilst directing the thread over the split eye. Self threading needles are available from Singer for sewing machines too.

Cottons Store reels in a multi-drawer storage box purchased from a DIY store. Stick labels or colour code buttons on the front of each drawer. Made from white and coloured plastic they come in nine distinctive shapes. They are ideal for colour identification when sewn discreetly onto clothes, like a spare button. The KAB sells these.

Pins can be kept safe on a magnetic pin cushion. Coloured large headed pins are easier to handle. Use a magnet to help find dropped pins and needles.

Measuring The KAB sells tape measures that have eyelets placed at every inch or centimetre. By counting the eyelets it is possible to measure accurately even if the numbers on the tape measure are too small to read.

When you are measuring to the same point repeatedly, fasten a safety pin or a small piece of wool through the selected eyelet. This will save the need to count to the same spot each time. Or take a strip of card slightly longer than the length required. Measure the distance needed from one end and cut a notch at the measured point. Place the edge of the card against the edge of the garment and pin at the notch.

Alternatively, when you are pinning a 5/8 inch seam, try these methods. Standard tape measures are 5/8 inch wide, so place the long edge of a tape measure against the long edge of the material and pin along the inner edge. As most people's thumbs are also about this width you can use your thumb in a similar way. This method is particularly helpful when setting-in sleeves.

Hemming Fix a hem with Wundaweb. This is made from Vilene, is washable and can be dry cleaned. Place the Wundaweb between the folds in the material, cover with a damp cloth and press with a hot iron. Full instructions are given on the packet.

Replacing fastenings and zips with Velcro. Velcro is made from strips of nylon covered with masses of tiny hooks. When pressed together the hooks grip securely. To open just peel the strips apart. Velcro can be sewn or stuck into place. It is washable and can be dry cleaned.

Cutting out dressmaking patterns Tissue patterns are very flimsy so transfer the pattern onto thin card or heavy duty paper. Strong wall paper is ideal. Cut slits and holes in the card for marking instructions.

Sewing a seam by machine Make a simple guide from card that will keep the seam straight and even. Place a piece of material in position on the machine ready to sew. Check that the width of the seam is correct, then lower the foot to secure. Cut a piece of card about two inches wide and the same length as the distance from the front to the back of your machine base. Butt the long edge of the card against the edge of the material and stick it firmly in place with Sellotape. When you machine, nudge the material against the card.

Wear an apron with lots of pockets to keep all your sewing aids handy.

Join a sewing class, often held especially for people with little or no sight at many local education centres. The classes are small, friendly and have sighted assistants.

Needlecraft Magazine can be obtained free of charge on tape from:

Talkback Magazine Service
163 Valley Way
Stevenage
Herts
SE2 9DD

Telephone: 01438 746700

Knitting and Crochet

Always work in a good light.

If the clothes that you are wearing are similar in colour to the wool, put a plain contrasting coloured cloth across your lap. Or wear an apron. One with pockets is particularly helpful.

Wool splits less easily than manmade fibres.

Choose knitting needles and crochet hooks that suit you. Stitches slide more easily on metal than on plastic. However, if you can't see the stitches against the metal, then consider using light coloured plastic needles for dark wools and vice versa.

Counting rows is simple with a Brynolf Pocket Counter. Whilst intended as a pocket calculator for adding money to the value of £99.99, it makes an ideal knitting counter. Supplied with a wrist strap, the display is read by touch.

An easy-to-see counter is also available, supplied with both a wrist strap and a stand. Both items are inexpensive and can be purchased from KAB or the RNIB.

Alternatively, the counters are sold as part of a knitting pack. These contain one white and one green pair of knitting needles, and an adapted tape measure and needle gauge. If you always knit at home you might prefer to make your own counter. Have two containers and some buttons or beads. Count out a button for every row to be knitted. Put them all in the same container. Every time you complete a row transfer a button to the second container until the knitting is complete.

Patterns can be enlarged on a photocopier if the print is too small. This will also eliminate the glare from glossy paper. Wendy Wools sell clearprint patterns in which the print is larger than average.

For information about knitting and crochet patterns that have been produced in large print, braille or on tape, phone the RNIB on 0345 023153.

Here is an idea that does not need a pattern !

To make a waistcoat Crochet small squares of equal size. Sew them together using contrasting coloured thread. This is both easier to see and will make an interesting design. The waistcoast will look most attractive when worn over a plain blouse or tee shirt.

A cassette entitled 'Better Knitting Made Easy' can be borrowed from Jewish Care, telephone 0181 880 2244 or from Calibre, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5XQ.

For more assistance or information ring:

Duty Officer
KAB Helpline

Telephone: 01622 691357