The Upholstery Forum

Instead of measuring I had a friend make these disks, which gives me 1/4” -3/8” -1/2”- 5/8” -3/4” and 1”.

Usually I use a 1/2”seam allowance so I mark and cut my pattern 1” oversized in both dimensions (leaving 1/2”seam allowance on both sides) next I put the materials edge against a straight edge and put the marker in the centre of the disk and drag it down the straight edge. I find it really easy to hit the line with the needle while sewing rather than using a guide and I’m just not good enough to just sew by eye.


Alternately I measure and mark the pattern piece to actual size (minus seam allowance) on the roll then lay the straight edge on those lines to add seam allowance, it’s fast and accurate. There also handy for rounding off corners and give you a variety of choices.



Really a variety of washers would accomplish the same task but a friend with a machine shop that often trades me for some of my work. If your constantly measuring and striking lines give it a try, you will find your straight edge should be thick so the disk doesn’t ride up it.

Those look to be handy. You should figure put a price and offer them for sale. I'd be interested. I currently use two mechanical pencils with a popsicle stick between them taped together to do my 1/2" allowance. Lol

Thanks, wouldn’t be worth what it would cost to ship... look around the hardware store or drill a hole dead center of a dowel or coin or....

Very interesting technique! I also used something similar to the popsicle trick some months ago!

Interesting trick @Revv Up Thanks for sharing!

Excellent tip - thank you

I just use a steel washer, they come in all different sizes

Good idea, I’m going to use my mobile solutions circle kit. Which I use in vehicles to get a profile when making custom panels .

Good idea! I like the Mobile Solutions kit, although for laying out patterns I probably just need a 1” disc for a 1/2” allowance. Then I can make the pattern and trace the offset all around.

In the same spirit of quick layout, i’ve Been thinking that for laying out pleats I should cut a series of straight edges in different widths. Simple thing on the table saw or shear. Then I can use them to quickly lay out a series of uniform pleats without measuring and making a bunch of points that need to be connected. Just choose the right width straightedge, put it on the seam allowance line, trace the edge, move it over and repeat.