Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
How-to

Reader Tip: Make and Bake a Coating to Cover Sharp Underwires

Try a unique, time-saving solution to deal with cut ends on underwires.

As a seamstress working with professional cheerleaders’ uniforms, I am always trimming underwires. I have tried a number of techniques for coating the underwires’ cut ends so they don’t damage the fabric or hurt the cheerleader. My last project was under a strict deadline, and I didn’t have time to apply the usual coatings. Then I had a light bulb moment. I thought to use oven-hardened polymer clay, such as Premo, Sculpey, or FIMO. I pinched a piece onto the cut wire end, smoothed it, and baked it for about six minutes. It took a short time to bake because it was such a small piece. I sanded down spots that weren’t as smooth as I liked. The best part was it stayed on the wire. I didn’t have to wait a day for it to cure or spend time dipping and redipping the ends into plastic coating material.

—Rena Pearson, Marietta, Georgia

This reader-submitted tip was featured in Threads #195 (Feb./March 2018).


Submit your tip

At Threads magazine, we’re always in search of smart tips, tricks, and solutions to help you sew smarter, better, and faster. Send us your great ideas for a chance to be featured in the magazine’s Tips department.

Tips can be emailed directly to Threads or mailed to Threads Tips, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470.

We pay for any tips published in our magazine.

Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Discuss

  1. SandiRemedios | | #1

    That is brilliant!!!!
    I have problems with underwires, even if they are uncut and precoated!!
    Thank You!!

  2. WJ1993 | | #2

    Insane article, thanks for those tips!!

  3. user-4998287 | | #3

    And it works for spiral steel boning too!!!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights