Y'all convinced me that I need to get me a "purple thang". Thanks for your input everyone.

I have 3 of them because I can never just 1 when I am looking for it. I love them - they are so useful!

That's one of my favorite tools. It is extremely helpful when doing curved piecing.

I love mine and panic when I can't find it. It comes in real handy when you come to the end of the seam and need that helping hand to keep it straight while it feeds under the needle.

I have a purple thang and just love it. We made tote bags for a "Gathering" we had at church and used it then. I made
Christmas pillowcases for my grandchildren and used to smooth out the corners on pillowcases and totes. I have had
mine for a long time. Yes, the purple color caught me too. Josephine

Never heard of the purple thang, thanks for the www link. Now I know I will need one

I have a purple thang and just love it. We made tote bags for a "Gathering" we had at church and used it then. I made
Christmas pillowcases for my grandchildren and used to smooth out the corners on pillowcases and totes. I have had
mine for a long time. Yes, the purple color caught me too. Josephine

OMG, it is an awesome tool. When doing FMQ or Embroidery, you can use it to pull the bobbin thread to the top without damaging anything because it is plastic. The little square end is exactly 1/4" so if you are sewing seams and having trouble keeping it at a good quarter, just lay that end of the Purple Thang" in front of the needle and eliminate the guesswork. I have one with every machine and never go to a cloass without it.

Another hint.. when joining units you can lift top piece slightly to be sure everything is lined up nice and straight... love my Purple thang... and yet it is helpful when trying to get that "Scant" 1/4" seam...

Judy in Phx, AZ

I am so thankful somebody asked this. I bought one at a quilt show sev. yrs. ago & just have never used it. My fingers & fingernails are my most commonly used "tools" besides my trusty seam ripper. Now I'll look at it a little more & keep it handy to see how much I can use it. Got to find it first.

The Purple Thang is a quarter of an inch measure. There is a little square on one end and that is a quarter of an inch

I use mine to ease in the top when sewing blocks together when the top seems to be just a little over the edge. I hold it down with that little purple thang, and it fits, without turning it over and sewing on the other side. Great when some of your pieces are on the bias. Its for those places where you need a little pressure too close to the needle to use your fingers. I also use a kabob stick for this.

I use mine for making pointed corners in quilts that I have used the pillowcase method. I've used it in making an actual pillowcase and when I make things like damn it dolls or stuffed animals... the purple thang is AWESOME!

I am on my second one.... broke my first from overuse.... poking out corners is my favorite. Quilter 1234

Just got one for Christmas and simply love it!

I love my purple thang for all of the above reasons!