The sewing tomato, also known as the tailor’s tomato or pincushion, is a must-have tool for sewers and dressmakers. It is a small, round cushion filled with stuffing that serves multiple purposes during the sewing process. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress, the sewing tomato is an essential item in your sewing kit.
Pinning and Holding Fabric
One of the primary functions of a sewing tomato is to hold fabric in place. When you’re working on a sewing project, you often need to secure the fabric layers together temporarily. The tomato helps you achieve this by allowing you to insert pins into its cushioned surface, keeping the fabric in position.
Moreover, the tomato provides a stable surface to push the pins through the fabric layers without the need for a separate pin cushion. This convenience allows for efficient pinning and less risk of losing or misplacing pins.
Sharpening Needles
The sewing tomato also acts as a needle sharpener. The tomato is filled with a type of abrasive material, such as emery or abrasive particles, that helps sharpen and clean dull or rusty needles. By inserting the needle into the tomato and twisting it back and forth a few times, you can restore the needle’s sharpness. This way, you can extend the lifespan of your needles and ensure cleaner, more accurate stitches.
Decoration and Personalization
Aside from its functionality, the sewing tomato can be a fun and decorative item in your sewing space. It often features vibrant patterns and colors, which adds a touch of visual appeal to your sewing kit. Additionally, many sewers personalize their tomatoes by attaching buttons, ribbons, or unique embellishments to make them more personalized and reflect their personal style.
Where to Get a
You can find sewing tomatoes in sewing supply stores, both online and offline. They are usually affordable and come in a variety of sizes and designs to suit your preferences. Additionally, you might find vintage sewing tomatoes in flea markets or antique stores, which can be charming collectibles for sewing enthusiasts.
The sewing tomato is a versatile and practical tool that offers various benefits to sewers and dressmakers. From pinning fabric to sharpening needles, it is a must-have item in any sewing kit. Furthermore, it adds a decorative touch to your sewing space and allows for personalization. So, if you haven’t already, consider adding a sewing tomato to your collection of sewing essentials!
Wow, I can’t believe you actually made it!
John King: That is awesome!
Ryan Cafferty: Impressive work!
This is so creative! It takes a lot of skill to be able to sew something like a tomato. Kudos to you for showing off your craftsmanship and producing such a unique and impressive item.
WOW! Love it!