The Sewing Place

tweezers for overlocker/serger

jk1066

tweezers for overlocker/serger
« on: September 24, 2018, 14:35:45 PM »
Any good recommendations for tweezers to use with overlockers/serger? length for example or good makes. I have some that came with the machine but they don't seem to meet up very well and want to buy better quality if they exist.
Many thanks


BrendaP

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2018, 18:43:09 PM »
I bought two sets of these last year - one set for me and one set for my Secret Santa partner.  They all have very fine pointed tips.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

DementedFairy

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2018, 18:47:41 PM »
I have always struggled with mine...but then after watching Mr King's zip method using forceps, I got some from eBay, and they are BRILLIANT for using with the overlocker as they don't slip and you don't have to strain your grip squeezing them.  The bomb.
link here
C'est moi!

ambro0

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2018, 22:54:19 PM »
I have always struggled with mine...but then after watching Mr King's zip method using forceps, I got some from eBay, and they are BRILLIANT for using with the overlocker as they don't slip and you don't have to strain your grip squeezing them.  The bomb.
link here

Thanks for the tip DF. I bought two pair of forceps for the same reason - haven't done the invisible zipper thing yet but they will be very useful next time I have to thread the O/L from scratch.
Annette

Bernina Aurora QE440, Bernina 1150MDA Overlocker, Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX, Elna Air Electronic SU

Nevis5

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2018, 04:53:49 AM »
I agree.  Someone else on here mentioned forceps a while ago and I bought a pair out of curiosity.  A revelation!  Turning out my last collar points was SO EASY using those. They're my new favourite sewing tool!  And not expensive at all.

SkoutSews

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2018, 10:00:45 AM »
It has happened again, the TSP effect.  Something I never knew existed, now I must have one!  I've just ordered a  hemostat ;)

Greybird

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2018, 10:33:30 AM »
I bought a hemostat after reading an earlier post on here. Waited excitedly for it to arrive. OH opened the package (he can never resist opening post) and said "I didn't order this!". I told him I'd ordered it and he said "What for? I've got a box full of these in the garage"!

He collects and restores antique and vintage boxes, specialising in medical antiques and he has a box full of instruments to complete their contents!

Elnnina

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2018, 11:10:25 AM »
Just to throw a hiccup into the forceps brigade did you know that they also do a pair with a curved end - again an absolutely essential tool  in my eyes   in the sewing box.  These curved ends, are extremely useful in threading the overlocker.   My pairs of forceps both have 'dolphin shaped jaws', and are the same sort of size.  If you cannot find any try asking a pharmacy if they can order for you or failing that a helpful Chiropodist or Dentist may be willing to order them as they are constantly ordering new tools for their surgeries.

These forceps have so many uses both in the sewing department and in household uses, also excellent for people who go fishing - a leaflet I had with my small pair from the USA gave 12 reasons for their use.  No I did not buy from the USA, these were a gift in a needlecase from my sister who lives in Canada, and she likes bringing over home made gifts which are always well received.

BrendaP

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2018, 11:48:07 AM »
It has happened again, the TSP effect.  Something I never knew existed, now I must have one!  I've just ordered a  hemostat ;)

I too have just ordered - straight and curved. 0_0
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Ohsewsimple

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2018, 14:25:26 PM »
I have three in different sizes, including a curved pair.  Couldn't be without these either.  Used for turning collars, facings etc.  Any place there's a point and these come out.  No pushing etc with the point turner which results in stretched fabric. 

Elnnina

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2018, 15:14:55 PM »
Oh Nevis5 I was the one responsible for mentioning these forceps/hemostats sometime last year, and I am so glad that so many members here now have a pair or two they really are so useful in so many ways.

I happen to have really long hair I can almost sit on it, it is very thin though.  Well these forceps are again useful for getting hold of hair from the bath plughole, you know what it is like so awkward to get hold of but the forceps just make the job so much easier.


Nevis5

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2018, 06:17:31 AM »
Aw, thank you so much, @Elnnina for the suggestion!  Now you've got me thinking about what else I can use these little darlings for :)  Luckily at the moment they are stashed carefully away in my sewing room so DH can't get his grubby mitts on them, he completely marmelised my overlocker tweezers after 'borrowing' them for some nefarious purpose, so these are one of my (many) little secrets  :devil: :devil:

Elnnina

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2018, 15:50:30 PM »
Nevis5 Oh I know that feeling well, I keep mine hidden, but when he saw me using the little Bernina Chisel he clapped his eyes on that and had to make a comment as to how useful that would be, and how come I had this.  Again this is kept well hidden, I also keep all my scissors/shears well out of sight as they are only ever used by me and only on fabric nothing else.  It is a shame that they do not understand the need to keep tools like this purely for the job they do  and not be left laying around and used for all manner of other things.

I have a wooden meat tenderiser - well I do not eat meat, and it has never ever been used on meat, but oh this is so useful when using the buttonhole chisel to cut open the buttonholes, so this now lives in my sewing room it is just the right weight to give a short sharp tap on the chisel.

toileandtrouble

Re: tweezers for overlocker/serger
« Reply #14 on: October 12, 2018, 16:37:41 PM »
Quote
it is just the right weight to give a short sharp tap on the chisel.
  Or any fingers that come near the tools?
Yarn down:  1000g
Fabric down:  29m