Thursday Tip // Sewing Tools: Our Top 5!

We’ve got something fun for you today! I’ve been thinking a lot about sewing tools lately because my birthday is coming up and I (Hali) like to buy one new sewing tool for myself each year. In the end you don’t really need a ton of tools to sew your own clothes but they sure do make sewing fun and there are some really cool tools out there! (Can you say “Simflex” anyone?!)

Katherine and I have each put together a list of “Top 5” tools we couldn’t sew without and we want to hear about your favourite tools as well!

Hali’s Top 5:

Darning needle - I use this to help weave my serger tails back through the serged seam to secure the ends. Especially for knit neck bands and cuffs. I have even used this needle to thread smaller widths of elastic. It has been especially handy for sewing masks.

seam ripper - for obvious reasons

seam gauge - I use this for measuring hems and seam allowance but also for holding my fabric under the presser foot where my fingers can’t reach. Especially for knits that like to roll, I use the end of the seam gauge to hold the fabric flat as I put the presser foot down.

thread snips - I am not married to the KAI brand of snips but I do like a scissor type as opposed to the pinchy kind that don’t close. I find I get more control and I like that they close because I am clumsy and likely would poke myself with the open kind. These snips are quite sharp so I can cut small bits of fabric with them and for thinner fabrics I use them for cutting notches too.

elastic wrist pin cushion - When I first learned to sew I used a wrist pincushion and now I just can’t do it any other way. I use wonder clips as well so I have a magnetic dish for those but I still much prefer having my pins on my wrist. This cute one was gifted to me by a dear sewing friend.

I would also like to add this beautiful tailor’s clapper made by Treevival as an honourable mention. It has totally changed my pressing game and I love it! It also makes a handy phone rest when not in use. Find these in the shop here.

Katherine’s Top 5:

LDH thread snips

Clover chalk pen

Buttonhole chisel

4x14” clear ruler

Button gauge/point turner

Leaving fabric scissors and rotary cutters aside (because we all need those), what are your Top 5 sewing tools? Think about those things you always have close at hand, near your machine or in an apron.

Share your list in the comments!

[And if you were curious, I am finally going to buy that Clover buttonhole chisel as my birthday present. I have been using my thread snips veeeerrrry carefully to cut all my buttonholes and it’s time to invest in the right tool for the job]