The Top 7 Sewing Gadgets To Make Your Life a Little Easier
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You’re probably constantly hunting for tools and gadgets to simplify your various sewing projects if you’re anything like me. It always amazes me what different companies can come up with to help us sewists create beautiful masterpieces, and today, I want to go over the best sewing tools I’ve come across in my years of searching and sewing.
Before we look at the more unusual tools, let’s look at some basic sewing supplies every sewist will need, whether you specialize in quilting, garment making, or something in between.
What Sewing Tools Are Commonly Used?
This list will be a universal list of sewing supplies that every sewer should have in their sewing toolbox. If you have these best sewing tools for beginners, you should be able to make a wide variety of fun projects.
- Scissors– Sharp fabric scissors are best.
- Tape Measure– A sewing tape measure is best since they are not stiff and can wrap around things smoothly.
- Sewing Machine– I know, technically, you don’t need this to sew. Sewing by hand is a beautiful art form, and I applaud all who are able, but most will want a sewing machine to do their sewing. That said, you do NOT need a fancy, expensive machine to make beautiful things.
- Thread– There are different thread types for various projects, and yes, the kind of thread does matter. If you want your projects to last, use the correct thread for that type of project.
- Seam Ripper– The seam ripper has a bad wrap, and I would like to change that. It helps you fix problems in your sewing adventures and makes it possible to try again. It’s the fairy godmother of sewing tools!
- Marking Tools– You can use tailor’s chalk or a water-soluble ink pen/pencil. These items can make non-permanent marks on fabric that you will use for reference when sewing and piecing different projects.
- Pins– There are several different types of pins: straight pins, T-pins, quilting pins, ballpoint pins, and safety pins. It is good to have these different types of pins on hand for various categories of sewing.
What Is the Best Sewing Tool?
I’m not about to sit here and tell you with a definitive answer what the “best sewing tool ever” is because of this simple fact. What is best for me isn’t going to be the best for you.
Obviously, one of the most crucial sewing essentials you purchase is your sewing machine. But there isn’t one sewing machine that is “the best” either.
It may sound a little corny (maybe even cheesy), but I would venture to say that the best “sewing tool” is your love for sewing. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to make the lovely items and gorgeous gifts you make and will continue to make in the future.
Okay, before I get too sappy here, check out my compilation of sewing gadgets that will help make your sewing ventures a bit more straightforward.
The Top 7 Sewing Gadgets to Simplify Your Life
These are the best sewing tools that I use for my different sewing needs, and they have made an enormous difference. I’ll go over each item and its various uses.
1. Wool Pressing Mat
The wool pressing mat has taken off, particularly in the quilting community, and can be used to press various fabrics.
The cool thing about these 100% wool pressing mats is the heat from the iron radiates down through the fabric into the mat. The heat then heats the mat and radiates back up through the fabric to give you extremely crisp, flat seams.
Wool pressing mat uses:
- Quilt block piecing
- Pressing out difficult wrinkles
- Fusible Applique
2. Hera Marker
The Hera marker was created in Japan to mark kimono fabric without using any pigment. They were originally made from bone but are now more commonly seen made from plastic or wood.
Hera markers are now used for a wide variety of sewing skills.
Hera marker uses:
- Mark a quilt for quilting
- Mark notches for a clothing pattern
- Mark seams or creases on clothing
- Turn out corners
- Mark fabric for hand embroidery
3. Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
If you like to use a rotary cutter regularly, investing in one with an ergonomic handle is highly recommended. It will help your hand stay relaxed while cutting and help with any cramps or arthritis.
I have this one from Fiskars, and it has made a massive improvement in the pain I used to experience every time I used a regular rotary cutter.
The ergonomic rotary cutter uses:
- Cut pieces for quilt blocks
- Cut pattern pieces
- Cut perfect straight lines
- Trim several layers of fabric in one rotation
4. ¼” Tape for Sewing Machine
How cool is this tape? This special washi tape has several markings, including the ¼” seam allowance line, which is especially useful when piecing quilt blocks.
I recently discovered this tape and used it for so many different tasks. You simply line up the red centerline with the needle of your sewing machine and stick it to the bed of the machine. It easily peels off without leaving any residue if you need to move it or replace it.
¼” tape uses:
- Piecing quilt blocks
- Piecing different projects
5. Thread Snips
Thread snips are a specific type of small scissors used to trim loose threads. They are sharp and usually spring-loaded for easy use. They offer convenience since they are so small they can easily sit next to your sewing machine.
Other names for thread snips include thread trimmers, nippers, or clippers.
Thread snips uses:
- Trim excess thread
- Cut the thread at the end of a seam
- Remove stitches instead of a seam ripper
6. Quilting Clips
These clips may have the name “quilting clips,” but trust me when I say you can use these clips in pretty much any sewing project. These solid and spring-loaded clips are a step up from pins since they won’t make tiny holes in your fabric and hold edges together firmly.
Quilting clips uses:
- Hold a zipper in place for installation
- Hold trim in place
- Hold bias tape or quilt binding in place
- Hold curved edges together (works great for making stuffed animals)
7. Bias Tape Maker
Is it just me, or when you go to a craft store to search for bias tape, you can never find any that is the perfect shade or width for your project? But making your own seems so time-consuming.
Not anymore! These bias tape makers are a huge time saver and ensure you can have the perfect bias tape for any project. They’re simple to learn how to use and come in several different sizes.
Bias tape maker uses:
- Create bias tape for garments
- Create bias tape for handbags and other sewing projects
- Make single or double fold bias tape
I hope my list of the best sewing tools (in my humble opinion) will help you find some gadgets that will help you in your sewing projects too. I only recommend things I’ve personally used and feel would be helpful for my fellow stitch-obsessed friends.
How about you? Do you have a sewing tool that changed your life? Let me know in the comments below!
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