For a novice seamstress, one of the main tasks is to collect a set of tools necessary for work. They are designed to optimize the sewing process and save the craftswoman’s time. It can take years to find truly useful “helpers”. We have prepared a list for you, which includes the most important and functional tools. If you are already an advanced user, go to CraftOnline for unique and professional tools. Create with pleasure!
Centimeter
The main tailor’s tool. It has such a feature – to stretch. When comparing, the divisions of the centimeter may not coincide with the divisions of the ruler. Why is it important to know this? Since measurements are taken with a centimeter, and drawings are built according to a ruler, errors and inaccuracies may occur. Therefore, when constructing a drawing, we draw along a ruler and control it with a centimeter. We handle the centimeter with care. Do not twist tight, do not stretch.
Linen elastic
Convenient for taking measurements – used as alignment belts. We fix it with the chest line, the waistline, and the hip line. In some cases, measurements are required that depend directly on these girths. For example, measure the height of the thigh. For trousers, it is removed from the side: from the installation belt along the waist to the installation belt for the hips. Elastic bands help to take measurements more correctly, which is especially important for beginners. Another good item can be craft using ropes.
Sewing machine
Choose a model that only has the features you need. Excessive opportunities increase the cost of the machine and complicate its design. Basic set: straight stitch, zigzag stitch, stretch knit stitch, overlock stitch. Check that the package includes special feet for sewing regular and invisible zippers, bias tape, needles, oil for lubrication. Sewing machines with a vertical shuttle are more reliable, with a horizontal shuttle they can make more different stitches.
Iron
You can buy a regular household iron with a steamer function. The narrow spout will allow you to iron hard-to-reach places. The optimal material for the outsole is cermet, titanium coated steel, steel coated aluminum. The optimal weight for the iron is 1.7 kg. Power – from 1800 to 2500 W.
Ironing board
It must be stable, with non-slip feet. For comfortable work, we recommend choosing a board with a working surface width of 40 cm. Before purchasing, unfold the board and check if it suits your height. Cover material – smooth, smooth, heat-resistant.
Pads
The pads will help you smooth out complex elements: sleeves, necks, cuffs, trousers cuts. The best option is professional models, the shape and size of which are thought out to the smallest detail.
Scissors
Buy separate scissors for cutting paper and fabric. Choose high-quality products, otherwise, your hands will get very tired when cutting. For light sliding fabrics, serrated scissors are suitable. The blades must be made of stainless steel. Check the quality and ergonomics of the plastic handles.
Thread cutters
The length of the scissors is 22–23 cm, so it is impractical to use them for cutting threads. It is much more convenient and faster to do this with the help of special nippers. Thanks to the spring mechanism, the blades are easily compressed and instantly cut the thread, even at the very bottom of the line.
Tailor’s meter
A centimeter tape will serve you much further if its design provides for folding into a plastic box. So it will not wrinkle and bend during storage. Give preference to a bright ribbon – you can easily find it among the threads and scraps of fabric on the table or in a drawer.
Tracing paper
Used to transfer patterns from magazines. A roll of 50 cm wide is enough. The thinner the tracing paper, the easier it is to translate the drawing.
Plain white chalk
It is sharpened with clerical scissors or a clerical knife at an angle so that a thin cut is obtained. White chalk is usually visible even on white fabric as it has a milky hue. If you still can’t see it, then you can use colored chalk. But – it is not always clean. Therefore, it is imperative to check it on a piece of fabric, steam it with an iron, and then wash it.
Ruler
The optimal length is 30 cm. The ruler will come in handy when constructing patterns and cutting. In addition to it, you can purchase a ruler for marking allowances, a template ruler with a slider, a meter-long wooden ruler, a cutter ruler. If you are doing patchwork, special rulers, squares, and templates will come in handy.
Safety pins
Stock up on safety pins and safety pins. The former allows you to do without manual basting – just pin the parts to each other with tailor’s pins. The latter helps to thread an elastic band or cord into a drawstring or belt.
Magnetic pin cushion
Needles and pins won’t be scattered all over the table if you have a magnetic pin cushion. It will be perfectly replaced by a magnetic plate, which is sold in hardware stores. It is originally designed for storing bolts and studs, so it will work for pins too.
Patterns
In your arsenal, there must be two patterns – “boot” and “snail”. With them, you will design the armhole, the neckline, the bottom of the “sun” type skirt, and other details of clothing without mistakes.
Tailor’s chalk
A washable marker can be used in place of chalk. The color marker is irreplaceable when working with white and light-colored fabrics. It leaves fine, straight, and highly visible lines. Its traces can be easily removed with water.
Stationery knife
A stationery knife is used to sharpen chalk. The line must be thin, otherwise, when cutting, you can make a mistake by a few millimeters. In addition, the clerical knife perfectly cuts thick paper and cardboard. Unlike scissors, it does not leave wavy cuts or irregularities.
Parser
This small tool costs no more than 50 rubles. Often comes with a sewing machine. Helps to quickly correct mistakes in case you do not always get straight lines.
Sewing machine needles
It will be a shame if in the middle of work in the sewing machine a needle breaks, and you have nothing in stock. Build a complete collection for working with light, medium, and heavy materials. For knitwear, a needle with a rounded tip is required, which gently spreads the threads and eliminates the appearance of puffs. Follow the recommendations of the sewing machine manufacturer.
Anti-shedding fluid
The edge glue is applied to the fabric and allowed to dry. With it, seams, collars, loops, edges are protected from fraying even after numerous washes and cleanings. Before using light and thin fabrics, make sure that the product will not change the texture and shade of the material.
Organizer for seamstress
A transparent plastic box will hold dozens of spools of thread, needles, bobbins, a measuring tape, and other small devices. Thanks to the presence of several sections, you can sort the threads by color and by purpose.
Suggest Read
Who is Thomas Dambo? His Giant Wooden Troll Locations, Artwork Photos & Biography
These Incredible Sculptures Were Once Used For… WHAT? This Will Blow Your Mind