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How (and why!) to use Tailor’s Tacks, Video!

September 23, 2017

How to use tailor's tacks, thread loop | Vintage on Tap

Tailor’s Tacks might seem difficult, but I promise you, they’re amazing.

Generally considered couture, they’re a great way to mark your fabric pieces during the sewing process.

Tailor’s tacks carry this unfortunate stigma of being time consuming and just “ew, hand sewing”- but attention to detail counts in sewing, even down to the pattern markings. 

Nobody wants a giant hole in their expensive fashion fabric.

At least I THINK most people don’t want that.

One of the most common fabric marking tools is a piercing awl, which is all well and good, except for its single purpose: piercing a hole in your beautiful fabric.

Common places the awl might be used? Dart end points and pivot points, all areas that receive a huge amount of stress when worn. Adding an unnecessary hole to a high stress point is less than ideal.

In the same vein, dress maker’s wheels also pierce fabric and (in general)- the less holes you pierce into your fabric the better.

“But it’s just a tiny hole.”

Taking the time to avoid points where fibers may become damaged over time will protect the integrity of your garment over the long haul.

Think of your favorite pair of nylons or a yummy nylon bra. A tiny hole or snag in that will cause unraveling and before you know it, there’s a giant hole where there wasn’t one before.

The second most common fabric marking tools are water-soluble markers.

Water-soluble markers are great for knits and garments that will be laundered repeatedly. However, depending on the type of garment you’re making, laundering and water submersion might not be what you’re into.

There’s a full list of fabrics that should probably avoid water and unnecessary moisture such as wools, silks, and special occasion fabrics. A pink or blue mark at a dart point is not cute, especially when you can’t wash it out.

Tailor’s chalk might be a good option as replacement to a water soluble marker, however pattern pieces may need to be marked individually, which can also become time consuming.

Practice your tailor’s tacks before rolling them out for a garment.

A few practice tries on a couple scraps of fabric only take a few minutes and you’ll be using tailor’s tacks in no time!

How and Why to Use Tailor's Tacks | Vintage on Tap

Step One: Consider the thread and needle combination.

Chose thread that will stand out against your fabric. Black fabric? White thread. Grey fabric? Yellow or red thread. Chose something that will be bright and easy to use instantly (no more searching for awl piercings!)

The needle you use to create the tailor’s tacks should match the fabric you’re working with, in a similar way that your sewing machine needle matches your fashion fabric. Thin needles for delicate fabrics and chiffons, thicker needles if you’re using a denim or thick wool.

Double your thread, but don’t knot it.

 

Tailor Tacks tutorial | Vintage on Tap

Step Two: Create your tailor’s loop.

Push your needle through the fabric, leaving an inch to two inch tail, and pull your needle back up through your fabric to make a stitch.

 

Tailor Tack's tutorial | Vintage on Tap

Double back your needle to the starting point, again pulling your needle back up through your fabric, leaving a one inch loop.

Snip your loop and snip the new tail, leaving an inch or two.

 

How to use tailor's tacks, thread loop | Vintage on Tap

Tailor's Tacks, what they look like | Vintage on Tap

Step Three: Pay special care when marking multiple layers.

When marking multiple layers, start by following the video above.

Snip the tail and loop.

Slowly separate the layers of fabric, evenly spacing out the threads. Snip between the fabric layers.

 

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Tailor's Tacks, what they look like | Vintage on Tap

Tailor's Tacks, what they look like | Vintage on Tap

Mishaps occasionally happen when you make a tailor’s tack.

Tangled threads while making your loops, or even pulling the completed threads out by accident. They happen! But.

Remarking tailor’s tacks is quick and easy and sure as hell beats piercing the sh*t out of your fabric for no reason.

Even better, the more you practice marking your fabric in this way, the faster it’ll be.

 

Tailor's Tack Tutorial, Learn how to Do Tailor's Tacks! | Vintage on Tap

 

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Learn how and why to use Tailor's Tacks in your sewing process! | Vintage on Tap

Do you have a favorite way to mark your fabric that I haven’t mentioned? Leave it in the comments below!

 


 
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Filed Under: Hand Sewing, Techniques & Tips Tagged With: hand sewing, tailor's tacks

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anita says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:01 am

    You did make the tailor tack correctly but you don’t want to cut the loop. Instead separate the two pieces of fabric until the loop just touches the top layer of fabric (the tails must be longer than the loop. Then go between the two pieces of fabric and cut the threads. Leaving the loop intact makes this process easier.

    Reply
  2. Danita says

    September 23, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    I am a tailor tack snob who just got schooled! I normally use a “washable” pen, but after watching your video I realize how silly that statement is considering some of the very expensive fabric I tend to chose. I WILL be practicing this simple technique and implementing it into my normal sewing routine! Thank you for giving me an excellent reason to take the time to do this!

    Reply
    • Bianca says

      September 25, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      So glad this video was helpful!! I actually used to use washable markers for markings but after ruining a pretty wool, I was over it hahaha! I tend to use an awl for muslins, but other than that, it’s all tailor’s tacks. Whatever works for the project, though!

      Reply

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My name is Bianca, I'm 34 years old, and a California girl through and through 🏖

I inspire people to sew, to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, and am an avid lover of tiki culture and Vintage Style Not Vintage Values!

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