Pool Noodles Are a Big Help in the Sewing Room

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Baste, Store and Ship Quilts – and More!

Creative quilters have developed many uses for inexpensive pool noodles (and pipe insulation – look for either at the hardware, dollar store, Walmart, etc.). You may be surprised how useful they are in the sewing room.

The noodles are easy to cut to size with a knife and can be used for so many things. They can even be pinned into.

Use short lengths to store blocks, cut borders, binding strips, and other quilt parts. Secure the ends as needed with pins.

Quilt Blocks Stored on a Pool Noodle

From Fairholme Quilters.

Store quilts not in use by wrapping them around pool noodles. This is a great way to prevent creases in the quilts. Textile Conservator, Kristin Phillips, assures us that storing quilts this way will not degrade the fabric, even without wrapping the noodle first with an acid-free paper or fabric (learn more here). 

Store Quilts Around Pool Noodles

From Sew Kind of Wonderful.

Rolled quilts are also perfect for transporting to shows. A dowel can be inserted in the center of the noodles for large, heavy quilts to keep the pool noodles from bowing. Secure the quilts by tying them with a ribbon or strip of fabric.

Quilts Ready for Transport

From Kathleen Probst.

Rolling quilts onto pool noodles is a good way to ship them, too. Click here to read the full article from Quilting Daily about how to pack and ship quilts.

How to Pack and Ship Quilt

Three pool noodles make basting a quilt a breeze. Roll the backing, batting and top around pool noodles and unroll them as you go.

Baste a Quilt with Pool Noodles

Photo found on Pinterest showing a quilt in process by Sharon Cox Vest.

The following video shows a quick way to baste a quilt using pool noodles and a basting spray.

Click here to watch the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.
 
The next video provides a similar basting method and goes into much more detail. You’ll find many helpful tips.
 

Click here to watch the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.

A short length of pool noodle works nicely for keeping a prepared binding neat and ready to use. Plus, it’s lightweight and travels easily to class or a retreat. Simply pin both ends of the binding into the pool noodle to secure it.

Pool Noodle for Storing a Quilt Binding

Found on Pinterest.

When you’re ready to sew the binding onto the quilt, the pool noodle will sit nicely in your lap as the binding reels off.

Use a Pool Noodle for Holding the Binding of a Quilt

From That Man Quilts?

Pool noodles also work for pin cushions. They are especially helpful for storing open basting pins. Use a knife to cut the length you want, then cut it in half down the center.

Pool Noodle for Basting Pins

 From Fairholme Quilters.

Or, slice pool noodles across the diameter for lightweight pin cushions.

Pool Noodle Pin Cushion

Tip from Pat Sloan.

And, finally, pool noodles can be cut lengthwise to slide over hangers, rods and other things you might hang a quilt, quilt top or quilt pieces from (and clothing!). It’s a great way to prevent creasing.

Prevent Creases with Pool Noodles

Photo found on Pinterest.

What ways have you found to use pool noodles in the sewing room? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Source: The photo at the top of the page and the idea for this post is from Fairholme Quilters.

 

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