subject: Twelve Essential Sewing Tools [print this page] Sewing is a creative art which people have been practicing from a long time. Everyday items like upholstery, personal garments, stuffed toys, bags and shoes are sewn. People are attracted towards this activity due to the creativeness it has. As a result sewing passionate often describes sewing as playing with fabrics and threads.
Looking at the demand and preference for this art, many sewing and quilting workshops have originated. They provide comprehensive training on sewing and its related aspects like embroidery. For those who want to learn the skills of sewing, knowledge about the essential sewing equipments is preferred. It gives the learner an insight beforehand and gives him/her an edge over others.
Based on my knowledge, I have jotted down a list of the essential sewing supplies.
1.Sewing machine: Many training centers provide sewing machines to the students. For the others, it is recommended not to invest in a sewing machine at the beginning. You can borrow from a friend/relative. This will make you familiar as how the machine works and make you assess your interest towards it. In case of no one to borrow from, buying a second hand machine is recommended.
2.Sewing gauge You will require this metal ruler for making correct measurements. It has a slide marker at one end which will let you maintain accuracy.
3.Seam Ripper In case of any wrong stitches you make, you can use the seam ripper to remove them.
4.Rotary cutter This is important for cutting the fabric especially when you are cutting straight edges. Along with this you also need a rotary ruler and a cutting mat. You can go for different sized rulers. While large sized rulers are good for cutting large portions of fabric, you will need the shorter ones for trimming purpose.
5.Needle & Thread You will require thread both in the machine and for hand stitching.
6.Safety pins They will be of much help when you are using elastics on the cloth. They will help to hold the elastics in one place while you pull it through.
7.Fabric scissors Buy a good pair of scissors specially designed for cutting fabrics. You can check out several craft stores for this purpose. Make sure that you use the scissors only for cutting the fabric and not any other thing. This will increase the longevity of the scissors.
8.Mini scissors You will require them at the end to clip the threads once you are done with sewing.
9.Tape measure This is needed for taking in the measurements.
10.Fabric markers You will need them for marking on the fabric. You can go for different colors here.
11.Zippers You can buy them later also as you will not be requiring them in the beginning itself.
12.Thimble This is an old technique of protecting the fingertip when you push the needle into the cloth. Get these as they are much helpful.
