Day 9…Needful things for quilters…

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by lisabongean

9 daysDay 9…Hera Marker…4002CV
Do you know what this does? It marks your quilting lines for machine quilting! You can mark with some kind of marking pen, but they wear out, run out, or you have to keep sharpening them and the lead/chalk keeps breaking…but this baby does none of that…you will have it forever and it is only 6 bucks! Now here is how I use it…First I layer my quilt with backing, batting and the top…then I figure out how I want to mark…diagonally, cross hatch…how wide to I do them apart…again..lots of decisions, but most of the time the quilt will determine some of these matters. I usually use this on my small quilts, they are very easy to mark…now I have a picture here but it is after I stitched the quilt one way already…but you will still get the idea…

Layered, stitched one way, now ready to mark the other way...
Layered, stitched one way, now ready to mark the other way…

 

Using a ruler and the Hera...you will run the Hera along the ruler creating a crease, where you will eventually quilt.
Using a ruler and the Hera…you will run the Hera along the ruler creating a crease, where you will eventually quilt. Move the ruler over after each mark, start marking from the middle up of the ruler and then the middle of the ruler down. This keeps everything flatter.

 

Can you see the marks? On this little sample they are 1" apart...
Can you see the marks? On this little sample they are 1″ apart…

Using your walking foot, stitch while watching ahead of your stitching...this is the trick that makes it easier...Using your walking foot, stitch while watching ahead of your stitching…this is the trick that makes it easier…I used my favorite color for quilting this Auriful #1140. Be brave…I would rather see dark thread on the light fabrics, then light thread on my dark fabrics.

It is hard to stitch and take pics at the same time...so I hope this helps...I like to spray with water/mist and then iron with lots of steam...this help shrink it up a bit and the stitching relax. Now my little sample is ready for binding...It will make a cute little tree skirt or night stand quilt.
It is hard to stitch and take pics at the same time…so I hope this helps…I like to spray with water/mist and then iron with lots of steam…this helps shrink it up a bit and the stitching relax. My sample is a little damp yet, you can see on the stitching lines. Now my little sample is ready for binding…It will make a cute little tree skirt or night stand quilt.

 

If you want to purchase a Hera…it is here on our site on sale for you!!! Click Here for Hera

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Now the winners for Day 10 are Comment #84, #88 and #89… I picked these numbers for the years of my 3 sons birth.

 

 

 

  1. Reply 84   Charlotte S  December 15, 2012 at 10:53 amI started using Aurifil and it is great!

    Charlotte S

    Reply 88  Pam Uhan December 15, 2012 at 11:12 amI love your information! I lover learning new things. Never heard of this thread but will give it a try.
  3. 89Barbara Jenson

    December 15, 2012 at 11:16 am

    It is just the best thread I use the funky green color for hand applique and it blends with most colors.

You all win a spool of Aurifil Thread…it will not be black..it will be one of the colors I use….please send us your address in an email so we can get this out to you when it is all over… Congratulations girls!!!

See you tomorrow for Day 8!

Published by

lisabongean

I live on a lake in beautiful Butte Des Morts, WI. I have three sons: Lance (forever 29), Luke 33, Jake 32, and two grand-babies, Little Man and O-Bug. I've been married to the love of my life Nick, since 1998 when we started our crazy adventure together! I am a quilter, rugger, and gardener. I also love to cook when I get the chance. Thanks for visiting and supporting Primitive Gathering Quilt Shop where I try to bring you the best Moda fabrics and wool projects anywhere!

168 thoughts on “Day 9…Needful things for quilters…”

  1. Now I need to go piece something, so I can try out that method…wait a minute….I need the marker first.

  2. What a great tool. Thanks for sharing and showing me how it works. This would certainly be very useful and wouldn’t break or wear out.

  3. How can I be the second person to comment? I have the marker and absolutely love it! Thanks for the reminder and all the great tool ideas!

  4. I have one of these and haven’t used it in years. Time to get it out and use again, especially now that I am doing more small quilts than large.

  8. Good Morning .. I am finding myself looking forward everyday to your posts! Love them.
    I do have a Hera marker, but have not used it for this purpose. Will definately give it a try. I have some ‘little’ quilts to work on, this is inspiring me. Thanks again!
    Loretta

  9. Thanks for the info Lisa, I’ve had one of the HERA MARKERS for years and never quite knew how to use it. I’ll give it a try.

  16. This looks like a great idea! I am going to purchase one and try it.
    Thanks for all of your ideas.
    Alice

  18. Thanks for the tip. I can see how easy it would be to mark a quilt with a hera marker, especially a smaller wallhanging or table topper. I need to go and try this.

  19. I didn’t think Hera markers worked so well. Thanks for the demo and I will pick one up! Love this series. 🙂

  22. Can’t wait each morning to read your tips, please don’t stop after the 12th day. I am making my list for ordering, the Hera marker has been added. Can’t wait until tomorrow.

  30. What a cleaver way to mark a small quilt. Your tip on spraying and then steam ironing sounds like a great idea. Look forward to the rest of your needful things for quilting.

  32. This is awesome and something I do want to try. Learning a lot form your posts this week. Thanks!

  34. I have one of these and never knew how to use it. Thank you for the lesson. All lessons have been great.. thanks.

  37. This is a great tool. I was introduced to this a few years ago, and honestly I forget I have it so I don’t use it much. I will make sure to start using it again! Thanks for the tips! Love your daily blog!

  38. Love all your tips and hints. I need to get one of these. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to show us each day.

  39. I have heard of the hera markers, but had never seen one. This looks like a great little tool. Thanks for sharing.

  42. Your needful things posts are really helpful Lisa. I didn’t know anything about the Hera marker. I will be sure to look for one now. Thank-you.

  44. Where has the Hera been all my quilting life? Thank you for these, I love my new pair of snips too! I look forward to your posts!

  51. Wow, thought I had every gadget out there for marking but never heard of this one. Shows how much I know. Will have to check this out. Thanks once again for the suggestion.

  56. Oh my, now that is awesome…no marks to have to clean away. I’m adding that to my list of tools to buy. Thank you!

  59. I have one of these Hera markers but have never used it – will definitely try it after the Christmas holidays when I get back to my quilting.

  62. Had never heard of this before, but I think I’m going to give it a try; especially as I hope to make a lot of small quilts this year! Merry Christmas!

  63. Great tip! I will have to give this a try for sure. I wonder if this would work on wool for wool applique? I love the little quilt you used for demonstrating.

  65. Great tip! I will have to give this a try for sure. I wonder if this would work on wool for wool applique? I love the little quilt you used for demonstrating.

  68. WOW that is amazing, never heard of it and don’t have it…I will be ordering. Thanks for education Lisa, when I grow up I want to be able to quilt like Lisa

  71. Another tool in the sewing room that I’ve never used because I didn’t know how to use it! We are all going to be
    so smart when these 12 days are over…

  75. Another great tip! Thanks so much! I know some folks that can quilt without marking… I “need” markings or I forget where I’m stitching! lol! Love the quilt you used as an example… is that a pattern of yours?

  76. A couple of years ago I subscribed to a quilting magazine and this was my “gift” It works great for marking lots of things. I love aurifil and I love your little quilt!!! Merry Chirstmas, Lisa!

  77. Lisa, I have had this tool in my little sewing box forever. You have inspired me to use it. How easy it will be to mark my little quilts. Thanks!!!

  78. This is just the tool I have been looking for. I have been using blue painters tape for my cross hatching lines. It really helps keep me in line but this would be much easier.

  79. Your table topper is adorable. I have seen but don’t own Hera Marker but may have to give it a try. Never have liked to remove marking lines. Your tips are so helpful, thanks.

  85. I’ve heard of the hera marker, but didn’t know what it was all about. Guess I need one of those too! Thanks so much, Lisa. Thank you for sharing with us.

  86. I’ve seen these but never tried one, but at that price I’m convinced. I need all the help I can get when it comes to machine quilting!!

  89. Thank you for sharing. I have used a ceramic pencil for a while. I love hearing other peoples experiences with products. I will add this to my Christmas wish list.

  91. I have never heard of this tool, but it looks great! I plan on getting one and using it to mark my quilts.

  93. Love the fabrics and colors of your little quilt! I never would have thought that just making a crease in the fabric would hold up long enough to quilt! Since I mostly make smaller wallhanging or lap quilt size quilts, I think I might need to try this little tool. Thanks for all the great tips you’ve been giving.

  94. Well I never knew what that “thingy” was for and just in the “nick” of time I find out! I have just decided to trust myself and do my own quilting on some projects …. tops that have been long finished, too small to send to the long arm quilter and yet too scary for me to start and then maybe mess up! I like your thoughts about going darker on thread … and going back to your recent thought about the tips being misinterpreted as hard sell… no way does it seem that way to me.

  95. Thanks for informing us of these useful tips and products! I would love to try this on my quilt waiting to mark now!

  96. When we took your wool class last August, you asked if anyone knew wheat a Hera Marker was, and low and behold my friend did ! She machine quilts and love it, so I would love to be the winner and show her mine !!!

  97. Never heard of this little gadget! Gonna have to get one of these soon for all of those UFO’s on my “to do” list for January! I am enjoying your daily posts – – very informative

  99. That’s such a great tip! I have used it to mark silk for garments, but didn’t think to use it for quilting–I will from now on.
    PS–love that little quilt!

  102. Never heard of this tool either! I would love to give it a try. Something else to add to the list!!!

  106. What an awesome tool! You just gave me the nudge I needed to tackle a small quilt on my home machine. Thanks!

  107. Wow, that looks like the tool to have. I really enjoy your blog, Merry Christmas.
    Felicia Hamlin
    607 E 21 St
    Blue Earth, MN 56013

  113. Great tip Lisa, I had a hara marker I got free from someone, never used it much, yours looks like it would be easier to use. Will have to check it out next time I am at the shop. Love your tips.

  116. My, my, my – this looks like a nifty tool. The photos really helped explain its use. I will need to add that little gem to my ever growing list. Thanks for these great tips!

  119. I have this tool/marker–again at the suggestion of one of the instructors for a class I took at your shop. It works great–although I refer to it as a “harem marker” since I misunderstood the name initially and can’t seem to make by brain adjust! Keep the great tips coming!

  121. I have never seen or heard of this tool. Thank you for all of the great information. Hope you continue for more than 12 days 🙂

  124. This looks like a pretty cool tool. Once you use the tool, do you need to sew right away on the crease? Looks like a must have!

  127. This is a tool I have never seen. Another great tip. Looks like my shopping cart will be full at the end of 12 days of Christmas!

  134. I have one of those markers; but have to confess that I have never used it. I love buying notions with rave reviews!

  135. Wow, I can’t believe how many readers have heard of this tool and already use it! I have never heard of it, where have I been? 🙂 Looks like I will be getting one ASAP!

  140. You know I have this tool and never thought to use it to mark a quilt .It was bought for another use.Thanks I am going to give it a try.

  143. I have one of these. Never knew how to use it. I will be giving it a try. I’m enjoying your tips so much. Thank You Lisa.

  146. I have one of the Hera markers, but have never used it. Thanks for the tips on how to use it! I’ll have to give it a try.

  147. I have not seen this marking tool. Of course, now I need one. Looks like a gadget I could use. Thanks for sharing this. KK

  154. I own a Hera market, but forget to use it. Never thought about marking a quilt. I’ll tuck that tip away!

  155. I love the marker. I don’t have to worry about removing marks after I am done quilting, or having marks that don’t come out and spoil the quilt.

    1. What a great tool, this is something that I will really use as I have been doing alot of small quilts. Thanks for these great insights!

  156. I’ve never used a Hera marker before, but it sounds like a handy tool. I’ll have to get one. Love the red and brown quilt, so cute!

  157. I am working on a quilt at the moment and I can’t wait to get this tool for marking. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!

  158. Love all the tool ideas! I’m the gadget person in our sewing group. Didn’t know the Hera marker would work so well. Will have to try it.

  161. Wow, I too love spray sizing, but I haven’t been using it enough, and the trigger handle is genius, especially for those with a little finger arthritis. Thanks for the great idea.

  164. This is really cool. I’ve never understood what this tool does. I could have really used this on so many quilts. Thanks for explaining.

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