If you need to turn a tube of fabric (especially a skinny one) right side out, it can be a real pain if you don’t have the right tools. There are a few options out there. I used to wrestle with a safety pin and yarn, and I’ve tried using hemostats – but I swear by my turning tubes. They’re inexpensive and they work like magic. Really! Just watch!
See how slick that is? They are the perfect tool. Want to order a set? You can find them here.
The most common time you’ll need to turn a tube of fabric is if you’re sewing clothing – especially anything with straps or bands or belts.
I usually use double-fold strips of fabric for tote bag handles – but a lot of other patterns will call for fabric tubes.
Once in a while I’ll use little tubes of fabric for 3D hair on a quilt – like this silly monster.
![](https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/knotty-3D-bits-600x600.jpeg)
For each lock of hair I sewed a skinny tube, turned it right side out, and tied a little knot in the end before slipping it under the edge of the applique and stitching it down.
But I use fabric tubes most often for softies! Arms, legs, and tails are all just tubes of fabric.
![Mischief of Mice - softie sewing pattern from Shiny Happy World](https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mouse-pair-1000-px-600x450.jpg)
The tails on these mice are extra skinny tubes.
I love making softies with floppy arms and legs, like this Munch Monster.
![Use stretchy knit fabric to make extra soft stuffed animals - tips and tricks from Shiny Happy World](https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/knit-Munch-600x600.jpg)
Want to practice turning some tubes? These snakes are really fun to make.
And the pattern’s free! Get it here.
Happy sewing!
I’ve seen several “how to turn a fabric tube right side out” tutorials with various gadgets, but yours seems by far the easiest and eye-opening! Thank you. I’ll definitely try them out.
Hi, from Spain !!!
What a great tool, it seems so easy to turn the tube right side out with it…! How can I get these tools? How much are they? Is the shipping expansive? maybe I can find it in Spain, do you know where?
How many questions, I’m sorry!!!
Hi Charo! It is a great tool – one I use all the time. I’m not sure about in Spain, but these are made by Dritz and are pretty easily available in most fabric stores here. There’s a link in the post to an online shop, but the shipping with probably cost more than the tools. I wonder if you could make a set? It’s really just a tube and a rounded stick. The link to buy has a good photo of all the pieces out of the package.
Great tutorial! The video helped a lot. I looked at several instructions online on how to to tis and yours was by far the best!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Wow! What an awesome tool. I have used another tube turning tool. No matter how much I try, I can’t get it to work. So I am super excited about this gadget. Thank you for sharing and for your great tutorial.
I’m glad it was helpful! This tool is never-fail. I use it with kids all the time and it’s loads of fun.
This is the best tip/hint ever!! I use it constantly for turning…..not just for tubes but any shape that has a narrow opening. It is great and such a time saver!! thanks!
I have another tool for doing the same thing but it never works well. what you showed looks amazingly easy , so thanks for sharing this tool.
Wow, this looks great, but out of stock. Where else can I get them?? Thanks.