This week’s cool tool is the Sewline Glue Pen. These are mainly marketed towards fans of English Paper Piecing (EPP) but let me tell you about all the other things they are useful for (because I don’t EPP!)
With glue cartridges available in blue and neon yellow, both of which dry clear, you will easily be able to see the fresh glue from this baby when you come to use it. Although the glue holds well for basting, it’s not too difficult to release if and when needed. I go through quite a lot of cartridges, but you can buy replacements in packs of 2 from many good sewing shops.
Here’s a wee list of all the places that I love using mine:
- Foundation paper piecing – I use it to glue the first piece in place and also to secure larger piece of fabric to stop it wandering off and contorting
- Applique – I machine applique, and pins can distort small pieces of fabric, so glue holds them nicely in place. I’ve used it liberally in my latest mystery project.
- EPP-esque projects – okay, I don’t hand sew, but I have been known to use EPP templates to make shapes which I then applique in place. I use the glue to baste the fabric to the shape before pressing it, then I release the paper and glue the shape onto its background.
- Bag making – I use it to hold things in place, especially on PVC where you can’t use pins. Handles and flaps are the most common things I use them for.
- Other useful places – binding, piping, and even quilt piecing if you’re trying to make seams line up perfectly.
So are you a glue pen fan? If so, what do you use yours for?
I’m not a gadget person but I can see I would use this in EPp which I love and paper foundation piecing which I am learning to love
I have tried several fabric glue stick and school glue and did not like any. I will try this one, thanks.
I do so love those glue pens! I’ve only used mine for EPP. It’s still in fine shape but yours is absolutely adorable and I’m wondering if I “need” a new one.
I love it for holding fabric temporarily to paper like in EPP and PP but I struggled with it holding fabric to fabric for applique. Have you tried Roxannes baste it glue – works better for me for fabric to fabric. I do like that you can get handy refills for the pen though and they are not expensive either.
I’ve never tried any of the glue pens but after seeing the uses you’ve found for them they seem quite appealing and will be going on my list for the next trip to the fabric store. I have tried using the glue sticks but found them less than satisfactory. BTW I’m still stumped by the mystery project.
I use mine frequently for piecing, especially when seams are pressed open or otherwise don’t nest. It holds so much better than a pin.
Love this Sewline glue pen, use it mainly for EPP. I’m usually a traditionalist with methods but once I started using this pen a couple of years ago, I have never looked back. So fast!!
Thanks for this. What I apparently do is buy one then forget I have it and use pritt-stick to hold down fabrics as necessary! I shall find mine and use it!!!!