Essential Sewing Tools & Equipment   

Tools are an essential part of learning to sew and sewing in general.  With the right tools for the type of project you are working on, you can complete a nice, professional project with ease, and have fun in the process.  Here, we will discuss the most practical and necessary general tools (in my opinion), needed for most projects.  I’ve also starred generalized cost/prices usually paid for these types of tools in a fabric or department store from low (*) to high (****) prices. 

With the exception of a really GOOD pair of fabric scissors, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on tools.  Some sewing tools can be purchased at garage and/or estate sales.  Old does not necessarily mean bad (unless the tool is rusted—don’t buy rusted sewing tools!).

Scissors (Shears)****

Fabric Scissors—A good pair of scissors (correctly known as shears) is essential for getting precise and neat cuts.  Keep your scissors is its case/sheath when not in use and use them ONLY for fabrics.  Have them sharpened by a professional as needed.  I own a pair of Gingher 8-Inch Knife Edge Dressmaker's Shears which I purchased in 1986 for my mother to use to sew my wedding dress.  (This was the only way I could get her to sew it!)  These scissors still look new and cut like a razor.

Paper/Interfacing Scissors*—I purchase these at the Dollar Store or Walmart.  Use a permanent marking pen and mark these PAPER/INTERFACING.  They will become dull quickly.  I don’t pay to have these sharpened.  When they become too dull for the sewing room, I use them in the kitchen for herbs, packages, etc.  I use them in the kitchen until they become so dull, they are dangerous, or they rust or break.  At this point, they go in the recycle bin.

Thread Scissors/Snippers**—these are not necessarily essential, but once you have a pair to keep handy for those small threads, you will be happy you have them.  They are pointed and small, and can cut thread right down to the end, close to the fabric.  Have these sharpened by a professional to keep the points sharp.  I don’t keep these in a sheath since I use this pair all the time, however, it is important to be careful not to drop them because they are very sharp, and you can break the tips off or injury yourself or your pets or children who hang around at your feet while you sew (or drop things).

Tape Measure*

Your best friend!  These come in tape form or a mechanical form (which automatically retract when you push a button).  I recommend having one of each. I have a set in my purse and a set at home.  I’m always ready to measure something! The mechanical version is usually only a yard long, which is great to keep in your purse for fabric store trips, confirming pattern piece measurements, etc.  I keep my tape corralled with a hair clip or binder clip.  You can get these free at quilt shows and hardware stores, sometimes.

Pins & Needles

Safety Pins*—all sizes.  Useful for inserting elastics, holding down things while you sew other things, and securing buttons with posts that cannot be washed or dry cleaned. 

Quilting Pins**—better than those short, stubby pins with no heads.  These pins are long, thin and easy to work with.  They are a bit more pricey than regular sewing pin, but well worth the cost.

Sewing Machine Needles***—Purchase high quality sewing machine needles in various sizes and for various purposes.  Always keep a supply of needles on hand.  You can find tons of needle charts online FREE.  Print one out and take it shopping with you.  As a beginner, print several copies, and place one copy in each of your patterns and attached to your tutorial.  When you go shopping, you have all the info you need as part of  your shopping list.  My favorite brands are Schmetz and Organ.  They are universal needles and do not easily bend or break.  Organ needles are suburb for serger machines!

Hand Stitching Needles*

Most of my students refuse to sew by hand.  One day, and one day soon, you will need to sew by hand.  Learn how and learn well!  Get a set of hand sewing needles and get used to it!  A cheap set of needles is all you need.

Corner Tool*

A dual purpose tool, with one end pointed (great tool for poking out corners) and the other end odd looking—usually with a large missing gape (used to help lift up a button to easily sew onto fabrics).  Some are wooden and some are plastic. 

Loop Turner*

Loop Turners come in a couple of different styles:  a long metal wire with a hook on one end and handle on the other; and a hollow tube with a plastic stick-type tool.  I like the metal wire version.  These are fairly easy to use after you get the hang of it, and makes easy work of turning long, skinny tubular fabric pieces right side out.  It is actually  kind of fun to use.

Bobbins*

Purchase the correct bobbins for your make and model sewing machines and create a good, even, full bobbin.  Your life just became more enjoyable.  I make several bobbins at once so I won’t have to stop to make one mid-project.

Thread**

A high quality thread will never fail you.  Enough said!

A cheap thread leaves lint in your bobbin area, all over your project, and tends to break easily.  Not good.  Ever.

Always read your pattern and/or tutorial under the Tools & Notions section to survey whether or not you need to purchase additional tools.  Some tools can be substituted with things you may have around the house—be creative!  A tool box, kitchen utensil drawer, junk drawer, makeup drawer, etc. is a great hunting ground for neat and inventive sewing tools!  For instance, if you have skewer sticks, you can use these in place of a corner tool. 

Have fun and Happy Sewing!