Whether you’re a professional focused on fabric-fastening solutions, or a member of the DIY sewing community, there are key tools you’re going to need. You know how it goes: you buy a sofa, now you need side tables. So, while you may have some of the fundamentals you need, you can’t up your game without a fuller complement of tools such as Velcro tape, elastic straps, and grommets. Here are the essential sewing and fabric tools you need for most any task.
Today’s Sewing Kit
Whether you’re just beginning to sew or are ready to take on more projects, you want to avoid having to go to your local crafts store in the middle of what you’re working on. Here’s what you need:
Shears
Sewing shears are crafted to ward off hand fatigue and ensure that your cut is made with precision and accuracy. Do note that these “scissors” are to be used exclusively on fabric. Otherwise, you could wind up with dull blades. In any case, clean and oil the shears after a few uses to keep them in optimal condition.
Pincushion
Often shaped like a tomato, a pincushion is nothing more than a receptacle for your needles and pins. Classically, the cushion is filled with different types of “wool roving” that contains rust-preventing lanolin.
Tape Measures
To sew properly, you’re going to need at least one tape measure. Try to also get the retractable type of this invaluable tool, which can help streamline your work.
Needle Threaders
While amid a large project, threading needles can become a chore. Whether this is due to vision issues or fatigue, a needle threader makes the job easier. You can utilize the threader’s wire to pass through the needle’s eye. Make sure the eye is open and that a sizeable opening is created. You then pull the wire and the thread straight through.
Bodkins
Ever heard of this tool? A Bodkin is used to thread drawstrings, elastics, and other items that are enclosed or encased. These tools resemble oversized needles and come in a number of sizes and shapes for varying fabrics.
Seam Rippers
The purpose of these tools is to easily remove stitches that are unnecessary or put there by mistake. On one side, there’s a fine tip that permits you to pull out one thread at a time, if you wish. A round tip on the other side rips and removes entire seams while preserving the fabric.
Seam Guide
A seam guide, which is typically printed on the throat plate of most sewing machines, are there to help you sew accurate seams consistently, the allowance’s narrowness notwithstanding.
Pressing Tools
In addition to your trusty iron, here are partner tools:
- Ironing board. This may seem like a no-brainer, but people often iron on their table or other surface. The board travels well and is thinner and more accessible.
- Sleeve rolls. You can use these cylindrical tools for pressing seams and curves without causing creases.
- Press Cloths. These prevent scorching when you mistakenly apply excessive heat.
Hand Needles
Hand sewing needles are necessary in situations in which a sewing machine is neither necessary nor helpful. These are ideal for minor repairs and other small jobs. Have a variety on hand.
Rotary Cutters
You can use this tool to cut fabric with speed and precision. Note, though, that if you buy one of these, you’ll also need a cutting mat so that you don’t damage the surface upon which you’re cutting.
Fabric Fastening
Do-it-yourself projects require a good toolkit. While a number of tools and materials will likely be needed for your tasks, fasteners will at some point be necessary because they hold everything together.
These are the key essential fasteners, which are also called fastenings or fixings:
- Snap fasteners. There are two parts to these: one part is attached and the other can be snapped on top. They’re typically used in garments or bags that call for fast opening/closing options.
- Nails. The points of these can be hammered into wood and other materials to hold them together.
- Staples. These are typically constructed from metal wire and are commonly used with staple guns for fastening materials such as paper or fabric onto surfaces.
- Tacks and pins. These are sharp, small objects that can be pushed into walls or other surfaces. Pins also can hold things together.
- Clamps. These are used to hold things together until glue or other adhesive completely dries.
- Rivets. These connect two pieces of material by deforming one of the end’s to produce a permanent connection.
- Anchors. These tools expand inside a wall hole to provide stability when attaching items such as pictures or shelves.
- Washers. Used to distribute pressure evenly, these are placed between a nut or bolt head.
- Screws. Threading on these little tools allow them to be tightened into various materials, usually with a screwdriver.
- Nut and bolts. These complement each other and are essential for securing parts in place.
- Velcro. Velcro is an excellent and easy-to-use fastener, particularly for applications that call for a quick and simple fastening method.
These essential sewing and fastening tools can come in handy when pursuing DIY or professional jobs. Make sure you’re not left in the lurch or waste time by having to identify, then purchase, something necessary to finish what you’re doing.
