What is a Pointer and Creaser?

A pointer and creaser, also known as a point turner or a point turner and seam creaser, is a hand tool sold as a sewing notion. It is sometimes packaged as a multifunction tool, in which case you may find it labeled as a button gauge and point turner, a sewing gauge and point turner, or a sewing gauge/point turner/button gauge. The button gauge checks the button shank depth and distance between buttons and button holes, and has a slot for making button shanks. The sewing gauge is useful for measuring hems; adjusting lines of buttons, snaps, sequins, and so on; and checking knitting gauge.

The pointer and creaser is made of wood, plastic, or — when it is combined with a seam gauge — metal. Its two ends are always differently shaped. The pointed end is used after sewing any element that comes to a point to turn it without damaging the fabric. As you flip the fabric right-side out, you insert the pointed end and use it to poke out the corner into its proper shape. The pointer and creaser can be used to turn corners and points of collars, lapels, cuffs, pockets, belts, ties, place mats, pillows, Christmas ornaments, and so on.

Other creative uses for the pointed end of the pointer and creaser exist as well. The point can be used to move stuffing into place in corners and other small areas. The pointed end can also be used to remove basting threads. The other end of the pointer and creaser, a blunt shape, usually rounded, is used to smooth curves and seams.

The pointer and creaser can be used for feeding fabric toward the sewing machine needle as you quilt on a machine, and the curved side is useful for holding open seam allowances, keeping them in place while pressing – in both cases, keeping fingers out of harm’s way. In fact, some people also use the pointer and creaser to shape points and curves while pressing, by inserting it into the fabric and pressing over it.