3. Sewing Gauges
Sewing gauges are hand tools for measuring
small areas as you sew.
Gauges come in a variety of forms. The most
common to have is a 6-inch aluminum ruler with
a slider.
4. Pins and Pincushions
A pincushion holds straight pins and needles
while you are working. The standard tomato
pincushion is a classic, but you can choose from
many options.
5. Hand Sewing Needles
Hand sewing needles come in varying sizes with
different types of points.
The most commonly used hand sewing needles
are called sharps. Sharps have a medium length
(in comparison with all available needles), have
a rounded eye for the thread, and are suitable
for almost any fabric.
6. Sewing Needle
Threader
Failing eyesight or just being tired can make
threading a sewing needle difficult. It doesn't
have to be. Use a needle threader to solve the
problem.
7. Seam Ripper
Mistakes happen and seam rippers remove
unwanted stitches.
The fine tip of a seam ripper lets you pick out
single threads, while the rounded tip allows you
to remove stitches along a whole seam without
tearing the fabric.
8. Sewing Scissors
Sharp sewing shears help keep your cutting
accurate while preventing hand fatigue.
Generally, it's worth it to choose a high-quality
pair of scissors and spend a little more money to
start.
9. Pinking Shears
Pinking shears have jagged blades that fit
together to cut a saw-tooth edge on your fabric.
For many tightly woven or non-fraying fabrics, a
pinked edge is sufficient as a seam finish.
10. Pressing Tools
As you sew, it's important to press your work
with essential pressing tools. At the very least
you should have an iron and ironing board.
A press cloth prevents your fabric from
scorching when applying more heat than you
would if you were just ironing out wrinkles.
11. Bodkin
A bodkin is a handy tool to have but not a
"must-have" item. Use this tool to thread or
replace drawstrings, elastic, and other items
enclosed in a casing.
Bodkins come in different styles and textures to
make the process easier.
12. Sewing Machine Manual
A sewing machine manual is the most important
accessory you can have for your sewing
machine. It is an essential tool for getting the
most out of your machine.
The manual for your sewing machine guides you
through every step of operating your model. It
provides details for built-in stitches and features,
and it helps when the machine malfunctions by
offering troubleshooting details.
13. Sewing Machine Seam Guide
Sewing machine seam guides help you sew
consistent, accurate seams.
The most commonly used seam guide is on the
throat plate of the sewing machine. Sewing
machine feet are also commonly used for
narrow seam allowance guides.
14. Fabric Rotary Cutter
Rotary cutters quickly and accurately cut fabric
with straight lines. You should always use a
rotary cutter with a cutting mat and ruler.
Because this tool is very sharp, it's important to
learn how to safely use a rotary cutter. The cover
should always cover the blade when you aren't
using it.
15. Rotary Cutting Mat
These mats or cutting pads are available in a variety of
sizes, including folding mats. The mats are self-healing
so rotary cutters don't cause damage to the mat and the
mat doesn't damage the rotary cutter.
Always use a rotary cutting pad on a hard flat surface
and avoid using craft knives or razor tools on your mat.
16. Rotary Rulers
Rotary rulers are a great tool to assure that you
are getting squares and angles that are perfect.
Most cutting rulers feature 1- through 1/8-inch
markings as well as 30-, 45- and 60-degree
angle markings, but some include even more
markings. You can use them alone for
measuring or in conjunction with rotary mats and
rotary cutters.
