My Sewing Essentials
The Cliff Notes —
My Must Haves:
Where to buy —
Online:
In NYC:
My Top Tools —
Useful tools for those who sew and those who don’t!
1. Embroidery Scissors
This is one of my most used tools and one that makes a big difference when sewing. These small scissors are what I use when I’m clipping work from my machine, and when hand sewing. Their long pointed blade allows you to clip the threads very close to the fabric, with control and great visibility. If you’re still using clunky fabric scissors for every snip you make, I highly recommend trying a pair of these tiny guys.
2. Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is used to undo a seam, but is also great to have on hand for other things. If you’ve ever gone to remove a tag with a pair of scissors and accidentally cut a hole in a garment, do yourself a favor and buy one of these! The pointed end gets under a stitch and rips it without damaging the garment. You can also use this to open a pocket on pants or a jacket. Some pockets come sewn closed because that’s a step in the production process, however they are meant to be opened.
Once I used these pins, I just couldn’t go back to anything else. They easily glide through any material, and won’t damage fabrics. Pins are a preference and most of the time you find one you like and stick with them. For me it’ll always be a super fine.
4. Sewing Gauge
I always have this tool with me, and use it for a variety of things. It can measure the amount you’ve pinned (when altering something), and the plastic piece slides to make checking seams and hems super easy. This tool is specifically helpful when pressing a hem because you can simply line up the plastic piece with the # of inches you need to press, and then as you’re pressing you can quickly line up the gauge to make sure your hem stays even.
5. Pre-waxed Thread (or Waxed Skein)
This thread is SO helpful when hand sewing a hem, and is even used by hair stylists to sewn in extensions. What’s amazing about it is it doesn’t tangle. We’ve all been in a situation where your thread tangles and the knot is impossible to undo, so you have to cut your thread and restart. Follow the tip below to avoid a tangled mess.
To open the skein watch this tutorial
You want to make sure you open the package correctly, so you can easily pull out a precut strand. If you don’t open it correctly the thread will tangle inside the package and it’ll be a mess (trust me).
Sewing Retailers —
Online:
In NYC:
Sil Thread
Steinhoff and Stoller *you can have a variety of snaps and denim buttons applied here
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