TPT That Purple Thang-

Good

Perfect for the job

Good for poking out corners, but too Expensive for what it is

That Purple Thang is one of those tools that are not really necessary, but once used leaves you wondering why you've made your life unnecessarily harder by not buying it sooner. Needing a corner and edge shaper, I purchased this one instead of going for a cheaper and quicker - in terms of delivery - option. I had seen this little tool pop up on several websites and YouTube videos, and after reading all the rave reviews here on Amazon, my curiosity won.Am I happy that it did. This 'little' tool is a bit over 15 cm (6") long, quite thin and very light weight. I'd be careful using the thin edge to straighten out corners, especially when using lighter fabric. It hasn't happened to me but I can see it poke a hole through thin fabric if pushed too hard. But that's where the square corner comes in. It's exactly 1/4" wide (perfect for quickly checking seam allowances, too) and does the job of shaping corners and edges perfectly.The pointy edge is the real winner for me, though. Thin and heavy weight fabrics tend to go left and right when sewing down to edges and corners, and I'd frantically use anything (from embroidery scissors to seam rippers) to keep the fabric in place, always hoping not to damage the fabric or hitting the needle. Those days are over. The pointy edge isn't sharp enough to damage anything; the tool itself long enough to have a good grip on it and - when necessary - quickly correct or push an extending edge underneath the right side of the fabric whilst sewing. I can hold the fabric firmly with it, right up to the needleKnowing my penchant for loosing or breaking things, I just ordered another. I think I'd have a fit if that happened to mine.

I thought this tool was really just a gimmick but a number of 'Craftsy. com' classes use them so I thought I would try them because they aren't very expensive. I must admit that they come in very handy. I use the curved pointed end to smooth fabric in front of my sewing machine needle and don't worry if I happen to hit it because they are plastic and wouldn't cause too much damage. The point is also handy as a stiletto to push fabric through the machine. The other end is a perfect 1/4 so it's very handy to check seam allowances as you are sewing. there is a useful slot in the handle to put string through so that you can place the 'Thang' around your neck when sewing and hang it onto your machine when you finish so that it is always handy when you need it.I have used this tool a lot since I bought it and use it to separate fabric when paper piecing and to help stick tiny pieces in applique so I'm very pleased with it.

I saw this recommend on a seeing blog send it is indeed very handy. It is probably a little thinner / less rigid than I was expecting but I suppose it needs to be to pin down fabric whilst going under the presser foot etc. It seems a little high in price for what it is, but not by much and is still a handy tool that I’m glad to have in my sewing kit.

I have found this item at the sewing community and thought I give it a go. I have to tell it is a very handy little tool. I didn't regret buying it.

It is effective, I.e. for poking out corners etc but it is a little flimsier than I expected.