by Belinda Simon

Created on: July 10, 2010

With new sewing tools seemingly being invented every time you visit the haberdashery store, it is hard to know just want you really need for your sewing projects.

To stock your sewing box with the essential tools you should start with these items:

Scissors

Start with two pairs of scissors. One should be bent-handled dressmaker’s shears for cutting fabric. These allow the fabric to lay flat during cutting. Choose one that feels comfortable to use in both size and weight. Also look for scissors that are rustproof. The second pair of scissors should be smaller sewing scissors with one pointed blade and one blade with a blunt end. The blunt end helps to prevent snagging the fabric when used for trimming and clipping seams.

Tape measure

An essential tool for taking body measurements, as well as fabrics, trims, and pattern pieces. Using one helps ensure proper fit of the finished item. Buy one made from material which will not stretch, has markings in imperial and metric, and is further divided into eights of an inch and millimeters. It should be 60 inches or 150 centimeters long.

Pins

Used for holding two or more pieces of fabric together prior to sewing. Usually made from nickel-plated or stainless steel, they come in various thicknesses and lengths. Dressmaker’s pins are the most versatile to begin with, and they should be rustproof.

Needles

Needles are essential for all sewing and there are many types available. For basic hand sewing, sharps with a round eye and a medium length are the most versatile. They are usually available in an assorted range of sizes for different types of fabric. Sewing machine needles have a different design to hand needles and must be compatible with the sewing machine used, be the correct size, and have the right point for the fabric being sewn. Refer to your sewing machine for the recommended size and type to use.

Thread

The most versatile thread to begin with is made from polyester. This thread comes in a large range of colors and is widely available. Polyester is suitable for both machine and hand sewing, and with both natural and synthetic fabrics. Cotton thread is also available in a wide range of colors and is encouraged for sewing cotton patchwork fabrics. It is not recommended for sewing knit fabric as it breaks when stretched.

Sewing machine

People have been hand sewing for centuries. Although a sewing machine is not an essential sewing tool, it will sew much faster than anyone sewing by hand. There are many sewing machines on the market and they all have different features and options available. Choose the one you prefer and will get the most use from.

By beginning with these basic sewing tools and gradually adding other accessories, you will soon have a variety of handy tools to help you sew more efficiently.

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