Your Sewing Toolkit.

Written By Joanna O'Dowd

I often get asked about sewing essentials, what you need to get started. I have put together small trays for each of my students to use while in class. The idea behind it is to take away the stress of packing when you’re coming to class. My sewing room is a safe place for relaxation, unwinding, joy of hanging out with like minded people. It is one of very few spaces where we are meant to slow down - something that’s rare in our busy lives. So all I ask of you is to grab your sewing machine and you’re ready to go. (And if you forget that or a cable for your machine - no worries, there’s always one to borrow).

So as well as in class as in your home sewing practice it is nice to have your tools handy. Here’s what’s in my sewing toolkit:

1. Fabric scissors (not in the picture 🤦‍♀️) - I recommend Friscars 8” (20.3 cm) they are very dependable and this size will be fairly universal for a lot of jobs. This is one tool I do recommend to spend a little bit extra on.

2. Pair of snips - they don’t have to be expensive, basic pair will do.

3. Seam ripper - I like them quite chunky, with nice big handle - easier to handle

4. Pins - I know there are many kinds and it can be overwhelming… my recommendation is glass head 38 mm long ones. The advantage of glass head is that you can iron over them.

5. Measuring tape - I like one with both inches and centimetres

6. Seam gauge  - very handy for hems and when your seam allowances need to be precise

7. Quilting ruller - very handy for all those 90 degrees angles

8. Marking tool - I love using Frixon pens made by Pilot (available in most supermarkets). You can easily remove them using iron

9. Washi tape - very handy to mark your seam allowances on your machine or if your fabric doesn’t have the right and wrong side. Advantage of using paper tape is that it doesn’t leave glue residue

10. Chopstick - super handy for pushing out these corners

11. Big straw (one used for boba tea) - together with the chopstick make an amazing tool for turning tubes right side out

12. Hump jumper (or bulky seam aid) - invaluable for avoiding skipped stitches when sewing over bulky seams

13. Bodkin - for feeding strings or elastic though

I hope this list will help you to sew more often. You will be ready once the inspiration sparks.

Love,

Joanna

Joanna O'Dowd