The all-metal, Thread-O-Stat's have a smooth jaw, so the thread is gripped tightly and securely as you clamp the handles together. Unlike a typical "hemostat" which has a toothed or jagged jaw (preventing a firm grip), these are more like tweezers, only better! It isn't a matter of "if" you get a thread caught behind the bobbin case, but "when"... and having the right tool to remove it when that happens will ease any frustration and get you back to sewing in no time! (You'll impress your quilting friends, too!) TO OPEN: it will feel counterintuitive, but squeeze together and then slightly twist so the locking teeth unlock. TO LOCK: Squeeze locking teeth together without any slight twisting. The Thread-O-Stat is also quite helpful for removing paper from the back of your paper-piecing projects, or turning things right side out, whatever you need to grab in a tight spot - an all around handy tool to have in your sewing room!
