5 Sewing Tools I Can’t Live Without
When you’ve been doing anything for a while, you figure out your preferred way of doing things. I generally read quite a few patterns and watch videos of various creators and figure out what works best for me. So I decided to share five of my favorite tools that I use for sewing to hopefully help you out.
Sewing Machine
I feel like this is a no-brainer so I’m not counting this as any of the five, but if you are just beginning your sewing journey you may be looking for recommendations. I personally use a Brother PS700. I’ve used a few different Brother machines and feel they are a good quality machine to invest in. They do have a range of machines to fit your price point, and I feel Brother is generally user friendly. You can check out some of their machines on Amazon [here].
If you are starting new, I’d suggest finding a local sewing machine store (or Sew and Vac store) where they can show you different brands and models and help you find what is right for you and your desired projects. If you are near Salt Lake City, I highly recommend Nuttal’s Sewing and Quilting Shop, they have 4 locations you can find [here].
1- Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat and Rotary Cutter
In my opinion Fiskars is the best for cutting tools. I love the durability of their cutting mats, and the variety of sized they offer. I keep my larger cutting mat under my sewing machine, and my smaller one is my “portable” mat that I can pull out to use on the kitchen table when needed. The large easy to read grids help with measuring and lining up straight edges.
In addition, Fiskars has some of my favorite Rotary Cutters. They have a few different handle options, and all come with great safety features.
The set pictured above also comes with a clear ruler, you can find it on Amazon [here].
2- Sewing Clips
I spent years poking myself with pins to hold my sewing projects together. I watched a project tutorial where the creator was using clips instead of pins and I decided to give it a try. I find that clips are easier to attach and remove in some cases. I also don’t have to worry as much if I drop one, it’s not going to stab me if I step on it. I also find them easier to use with thicker layers or fabrics. Sewing clips are generally pretty inexpensive, and you can get the above pictured jar of 100 on Amazon [here].
3- Scissors
Another cutting tool, another Fiskars. I keep 2 pairs of scissors near my sewing machine at all times. My large fabric scissors I tuck under the extension table of my sewing machine (along with my seam ripper, corner pusher, and a couple sewing clips). I also have a small pair of scissors that goes on the right hand side of my machine, right under all the dials. Why they go under the dials on the right side? I couldn’t begin to tell you, but for the 20+ years I’ve been sewing, that is where I put them. I use these for trimming threads and keep my trash can to my right as well.
There are a number of brands of fabric scissors with different styles of handles. You can check your local fabric or craft store to hold them and see which you prefer. Or you can get the above pictured set on Amazon '[here].
Some people do prefer to use Thread Snips instead of precision scissors. Again, find what works for you.
4- Mini Iron and Ironing Pad
Keeping my ironing board out all the time doesn’t work in my sewing space. To avoid having to constantly go to the other room to press down seams, I looked for a better solution. We had an extra Folding Tv Tray that fit perfectly next to my sewing table. I got a Mini Iron and Ironing Mat to go on it. Now I simply rotate my chair, iron, and get back to sewing. (Part of the ironing mat does hang over the sides of my tv tray. I thought about stapling it to the bottom to secure it, but decided to just leave it so I can put it away or pack it if needed.)
5- Walking Foot
Let me start by saying that a quality Walking Foot is not necessarily cheap. However, If you are going to be sewing lots of layers or thick fabrics it is absolutely worth the investment. As indicated by the name of it, this presser foot “walks” over the top of your fabrics instead of just gliding which helps to avoid your pieces moving as they glide through your machine. You can find a Walking Foot specifically for the brand of your machine. You can find the Brother Walking Foot on Amazon [here].
