A handful of tools

 

 

When starting any new project you need a handful of tools. Here are a few basics that every good sewing basket should have. Pins – buy good ones and not small pins. I like pins with a glass head and that are 1 7/8″ long. This is because most of my sewing is with decorator fabric and I need large sturdy pins. But I have also found that larger pins are less fussy to deal with, don’t bend too easily and the glass heads don’t melt when you iron over them. A magnetic pin bowl saves spilling pins on the floor and makes for quick clean up when the pins are scattered all over your table. The pretty blue magnetic pin cushion sells for $9-15.00 at the local fabric store. The metal pin bowl has a stronger magnet, works just as well and I spent about $3.00 at Harbor Freight Tools. pinsScissors – a good pair of sharp scissors to cut fabric and fabric only is a must. I like the Fiskars scissors with the spring. It is a personal preference. Some people invest in large sharp scissors that can be sharpened on a regular basis and last for generations. I have yet to invest in a pair. I like the lighter weight scissors and replace them when they get too banged up to be useful.

A second small pair of scissors is very helpful. They are best for cutting threads at your machine and hand sewing.

Needles- you will need good hand sewing needles. To start out, buy a package with different sizes, try them out find a size you are comfortable with using. You will also need a variety of sewing machine needles. Your fabric and needles should match for each project. More on that later.

Seam ripper – you will have to take out stitches. I have told students that just like writing is rewriting, sewing can mean ripping it out and resewing.

Tape Measure – you actually need several kinds of measuring tools. I use a tape measure like to one in the picture to measure people or for quick reference. I have several wide plastic rulers in different sizes to use with my cutting mat, but they also get used to check that things are square and measure hems. I have a simple 6″ metal ruler, a seam gauge and for draperies 25 ft tape measure.

Tailor’s chalk – I started using Tailor’s chalk in marking fabric for draperies, but I found it is also handy in making small marks on fabric for skirts and dresses. It is an easy way to mark pleats, darts, dots that need to match up or a new longer hemline. There are other handy marking pens available too. Again, try several and use your favorite. toolsThis list could go on a long time, but I will end with investing in a good iron. I like an iron that shuts off automatically, one that gets good and hot and creates a lot of steam. I don’t like it when they spit, leak or drip rusty water on my fabric. This Rowenta works well for now.ironSo gather up some basic tools and put them in a drawer or basket near your sewing machine. It is easier to sit down to sew when your tools are handy. Save up those fabric store coupons to shop for the pieces you are missing. Have fun.

2 Replies to “A handful of tools”

    1. Thanks Diana. I saw a picture on Pinterest of the same magnetic bowls that someone had decoupaged with a pretty fabric. That would make a nice gift for friends that like to sew.

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