Sewing Tools

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Essential tools, nice to have tools, luxury tools.

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ESSENTIAL SEWING TOOLS

Our essentials list includes tools we absolutely could not imagine sewing without. I use these tools in most (if not all) sewing projects.

NOTE: You can find many of these items in our DIY Products store

Large Sewing Ruler
I use my large mat and large sewing ruler for so many projects! It comes in handy for home improvement projects (you will see it in use in numerous projects on the site), art projects, and craft projects. Not just for sewing! In the following photos, I am using it to ensure my horizon line is straight for my custom address sign and watercolor floral.

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Pins
I like long length quilting pins because they are large and easy to see. A finer straight pin might be more appropriate for certain fabrics.

Needles
Various sizes of both machine and hand sewing needles should be part of your basic supplies.

Quilter’s Square
Like the large sewing ruler, I use my quilter’s square for craft and home improvement projects as well as sewing.

The following image shows the quilting square being used to square down a quilt block, and also being used to ensure a table leg will be centered properly on the corner of my Easy DIY Outdoor Table.

Large Self Healing Cutting Mat
A cutting mat has measurement marks. Line up fabric, and use a large sewing ruler and rotary cutter to quickly cut fabric. The ruler is lined up with the measurement marks on the mat. The rotary cutter is placed along the edge of the large ruler. A straight cut is quick and easy with this method of cutting.

It is self healing, in that you can lay a piece of fabric on it, run a rotary cutter over it (basically a round razor blade) and the fabric will be cut without harming the mat. When I need to make long, straight cuts there is nothing like a mat and rotary cutter.

I list this as “essential” because it is so useful to me. However, there are those who prefer cutting fabric with scissors. There are times I need scissors, but whenever possible I use my mat and rotary cutter.

Thread Holder For Large Spools
This type of holder is made to hold the large spools of thread for serger sewing machines, but I use it to hold serger spools for my regular sewing machine as well.

Rotary Cutter, Snippers, & Seam Ripper
A rotary cutter has a circular blade that cuts through fabric. It is used with or without the large ruler. Easily cut a line of fabric - used in place of scissors.

Snippers are tiny, very sharp scissors used for precision cuts. My little snippers have small, very sharp blades, which are perfect for cutting thread or getting into a small space.

The seam ripper is used to cut through thread that has been stitched, such as removing a seam. We all make mistakes, and these mistakes are much more easily removed with a seam ripper. A good ripper has a ball on the small point, which protects the fabric. The longer point is sharp. The entire inner curve is sharp, allowing the ripper to slice though the stitches.

All 3 of these items are used often in sewing.

Bent (or slant) Handled Shears
Purchase good quality sewing shears. Bent handle shears are a type of dressmaker shears that allow the fabric to lie flat on the surfaace while it is being cut. This provides a more accurate cut. The handles are up off the surface, out of the way, which allows the fabric to lie closer to the surface.

Sewing Shears
Keep comfort in mind. General sewing shears are used for basic cutting. I have my favorite pair always handy. It has a spring action handle, which saves my hands. I use these for most of my cutting.

Tracing Paper & Wheel
If you sew clothing, you will most likely need these items. They are used to transfer lines and marks used for precision stitching (such as when making darts) from the pattern to the fabric. I also use tracing paper in my art work - transferring a design to canvas or watercolor paper.

Steam Iron and Ironing Board
Pressing often with a good steam iron is necessary if you want a nicely finished item. I press after almost every seam (this is especially important with quilting). For example, if you take the time to press under a hem before stitching, chances are you will be much happier with the outcome than if you just folded it and stitched. Get in the habit of pressing often.

Disappearing Markers
No matter what project you are making, chances are you will need to mark the fabric. Choose fabric markers that are water soluble (will wash out) or evaporating (disappear with time).

Pressing Cloth
Pressing cloths are placed over fabric that should not come in direct contact with a hot iron. A pillowcase or spare piece of fabric will work for this purpose.

Measuring Tape
I use my measuring tape when designing projects. For example, careful measurements of my lounge chair were necessary in order to make a nicely fitted cushion cover. Go to: Cushion Cover to see that project.

Good Lighting
Reduce strain on your eyes by using appropriate lighting. My machine has a light, I have a desk lamp next to my machine that can be pointed to the precise spot that needs a boost of light, and I have overhead lights that shine down from the ceiling as spotlights. I use a magnifying light for close hand work. Trying to locate dark thread on dark fabric can create eye strain. Using a seam ripper to remove black thread from black fabric has actually triggered visual migraine for me. Insufficient light increases the possibility of errors. Make good lighting a priority.

Basic Sewing Machine
See my article on Choosing A Machine. Extremely tailored clothing used to be made with a foot run (tredle) straight stitch machine, so don’t think you must have an elaborate set-up to sew nice things. A beginner’s machine should have straight stitching, zig-zag, buttonhole and zipper capability. A free arm is necessary for sleeve installation. Most basic machines also come with stretch stitches (used for stretch fabric) and at least a few decorative stitches. Refer to our article on choosing a sewing machine for information on sewing machine features and tips on choosing the right machine for you. 

Go to: Choose The Right Sewing Machine for more information.

Nice To Have Sewing Tools

Applique Pressing Sheet / Fusible Web

An applique pressing sheet is used for intricate appliques. The design is seen beneath the sheet. When pressed, the fabric pieces stick to one another, but not to the sheet. An entire applique can be made and transferred to your project.

Fusible web is an iron-on adhesive. It adheres applique pieces to base fabric.

For more information, go to: Applique Sheet Lesson.

Dressmaker French Curve
Usually used for drawing curves in clothing patterns (drawing a neckline, for example), it can be used to draw any curved line.

Fabric Grippers
I use these on my large sewing ruler. One side has adhesive, allowing the small gripper dots to stick to the ruler; the other side has a finish like fine sand paper and is the side placed on the fabric. The grippers keep the ruler from slipping on the fabric. This is a huge help when using a rotary cutter.

Luxury Sewing Tools

Large Sewing Table
A large table is better than the floor or kitchen table because it is at a height that is friendly to backs (sewing tables tend to be higher than regular tables). They usually have wings that can be folded back. This means they provide a large surface when needed, but can be folded down for storage. I bought a Costco table, then a table from Ikea. Neither are for sewing, specifically, but both work well. The point is to have a table that can be set up for sewing. There is nothing more annoying to me than having to take down my work set-up before a project is done. I have one room that is dedicated to my sewing and art projects. I have a small home, but I made sure to have this dedicated space. Some people have an office - I have a sewing / art room.

Fray Stop
A liquid that is applied to the edges of cut fabric to stop fraying.

Water Soluble Basting Thread
This type of thread is washable; it holds fabric together until stitched, but does not have to be removed because it will wash out.

NOTE: Keep all tools and sewing items in a safe place, where they will not be damaged, such as a plastic storage container with a lid. Keep sharp objects in a place where they will not be accessible by young children.

Sewing Lessons