Have you ever felt frustrated by your sewing tools or bought gadgets that gather dust? Trust me, you’re not alone. Choosing the right equipment can make all the difference when you’re starting out or even after years of sewing. Over the years, I’ve pared down my collection to a slimline set of tools I use weekly in my sewing and sewing school projects.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stitcher, investing in a set of durable, reliable tools makes your sewing life easier. Next week, I’ll walk you through my essential sewing tools, followed by add-on lists for Patchwork, Quilting, and Garment Making. Let’s get started!
(Please note that the links are for illustration, and I am not affiliated with these shops. All links were checked as working as of 6th January 2025)
Essential Sewing Tools: The Basics
Sewing equipment doesn’t need to break the bank. If you choose wisely, quality tools will last for years. Here’s my personal go-to list, updated as of January 2025, and every product link is checked for accuracy.
1. Pins
These are the unsung heroes of my sewing toolkit. Why glass-headed pins? They won’t melt when you press your fabric with the iron, which is a huge plus. The long pins are easier to handle, and the fine needles won’t damage the delicate fabric fibres; instead, they push them aside. I also have a large bowl of Wonderclips, which are my go-to when sewing bags or any project where fabric piercing isn’t an option (think waterproof fabric or vinyl).
2. Pin Cushions
I can never have enough pin cushions. I keep one on my work table and one next to my sewing machine, so no matter where I’m working, I can immediately discard pins safely. It’s a simple thing, but it makes a difference in terms of safety and efficiency.
3. Scissors
Investing in the right pair of scissors is vital. You should have a pair of fabric scissors that are solely for fabric. Trust me, never let anyone else near them! I also recommend having a pair of paper scissors for patterns and cutting paper templates. For precision work like trimming seams, a small pair of fabric scissors is indispensable.
4. Marking Tools
A good set of marking tools is a must for any sewer. Depending on your fabric, you’ll need different options. I use a Bohin pencil for both light and dark fabrics, as it provides clear, precise marks that are easy to remove after sewing.
5. Measuring Tape and Ruler
These two go hand-in-hand. A measuring tape is essential, but I keep a short ruler on hand for quick measurements, especially when checking seam allowances or other small distances. The short ruler is quicker to grab and gives you a precise reading without unravelling a tape measure.
6. Neutral Threads
Regarding thread, you don’t always need to match the fabric exactly—especially for general sewing tasks. I keep a range of neutral threads like white, natural, light grey, dark grey, navy, and black on hand. These six colours cover about 80% of the sewing I do. My go-to thread for the sewing school is Gutermann 50w cotton in 250m spools. It’s strong, reliable, and works beautifully for most projects.
7. Spare Bobbins
Make sure to have machine-specific spare bobbins on hand. Always buy the correct, genuine bobbins for your sewing machine. It might seem like a small detail, but trust me—it makes all the difference in preventing issues during sewing.
8. Needles
Good-quality hand-sewing needles are essential, but you’ll also need easy-threading needles for burying ends and completing fine handwork. As for sewing machine needles, there’s one that I always recommend to my students. If you buy just one type, this is a solid choice for most projects.
9. Unpicker/Seam Ripper
An unpicker is a must-have! I always have a few scattered around my sewing area. I’ve found that cheaper seam rippers lose their sharpness quickly, so I opt for higher-quality ones. This a favourite in my sewing school.
10. Minimum Maintenance Equipment
You don’t need a full set of tools to maintain your sewing machine, but I always keep a few things handy: a small (chunky) screwdriver for adjusting tension and a cleaning brush to keep the machine running smoothly. These tools are often underrated but essential for keeping your machine in tip-top shape.
BONUS Tool – Pressing Cloth
A pressing cloth protects your fabric from heat damage and scorching. If you want to take it a step further, I recommend adding a wooden clapper to your toolkit. This will help set your seams and create perfectly crisp folds, especially for heavier fabrics.
Coming Up Next: Add-On Essentials for Patchwork & Quilting and Garment Making
Next week, I’ll share my add-on essentials for Patchwork & Quilting and Garment Making. These tools are a little more specific, depending on the type of projects you’re working on, but they’re just as important for creating beautiful, precise work.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools can genuinely elevate your sewing experience. It doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming, but investing in a solid set of essential tools will save you time, frustration, and money in the long run. Remember, sewing is meant to be enjoyable—having the right equipment makes it that much more rewarding!
Until next time, happy stitching!
— GillyMac
