What is a Multipurpose tool?
We see this tool often included with many Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machines and embroidery machines. These Multipurpose tools can be used for many things as their generic name implies.
The most common use of this tool is to help with inserting and removing/catching a needle. If you have any trouble holding the needle, simply drop the needle into the multipurpose tool’s hole. The hole is designed to help hold the flat side to the back of the machine so it does not rotate when lifting it up into the machine. The “D” shaped hole is cleverly designed for this exact reason.
The second most common use for the multipurpose tool is to use it to sew up and over thick seams such as the seams on denim jeans. When a presser foot must angle up a thick seam the stitch length can shorten. Users start wanting to help push the fabric through the sewing machine which can break a needle. Skipped stitches is another problem often encountered when sewing over a thick seam. Use the multipurpose tool as a leveler to keep the foot parallel to the feed dogs and to keep the stitch length even for effortless sewing on any fabric.
The third use of this tool is for creating the shank of thread between a button and the fabric. For buttons being used for actual buttoning, and not just as an embellishment, buttons need a little extra length of thread to allow the fabric to button to it. Position the multipurpose tool between the button and the fabric and sew the button in place as normal. If working on an extra thick fabric, use the thicker side of the multipurpose tool for a greater length of thread shank.
Though the multipurpose tool is made out of very sturdy plastic, machines these days are strong enough to stitch through them! We recommend changing the needle after accidentally stitching through this tool. If you have stitched through the multipurpose tool, you are already holding the best tool to replace the damaged needle.
From Sara: We often loan out Multipurpose tools in class to students who did not receive one with their machine for them to try out when learning about sewing over thick seams. As with anything that is new, trying something for the first time does not always go as planned. I have a few Multipurpose tools that have met the sewing needle head-on. Thankfully these days sewing machines are built robust enough to sewing through a tool this sturdy without damaging the machine. The only damage is to the student’s ego of accidentally sewing though their instructor’s multipurpose tool as well has having to removed the stitches because it gets sewn to their fabric! I always tell them its OK if they sew through it, they won’t be the first student to do so.
Multipurpose tools can be purchased from your local Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machine stores.