When I was 8, my parents gifted me a cute flower-shaped sewing kit. It is such a beautiful memory for me. It has a set of threads, various-sized needles, tape, fasteners, and a pincushion.
These sewing kits are a blessing in emergency fabric situations. I have used them many times to DIY clothes, sew buttons, or add stitches to kids’ torn clothes, especially when outside. I guess you may have this kit too.
Today, we will explore different sewing notions (tools). So, if you are a beginner, you can gather these tools for your sewing toolbox!
What Are Sewing Notions?
Sewing notions are essential tools for making garments.
Whether you are cutting, marking, pinning, or cutting a pattern, these tools are lifesavers!
Historical Journey Of Sewing Notions:
Sewing Tools In the Paleolithic Era: Early Humans
This journey started 25000 years ago.
Paleolithic humans wanted durable clothes and shelter covers for their protection. They created tools using natural fibres, bone needles, and sinew to sew furs and skins.
These humans stitched pieces of animal skin using this perforated bone. They used a burin to strike the bone with animal skin.
Sewing Tools During the Roman Era:
Around 100 AD, the Romans made pivoting scissors.
During the Crusades, buttons and buttonholes became popular in Europe (in the Middle Ages).
Sewing Tools During the Industrial Revolution:
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Era saw large development of sewing notions. People started using cotton threads to stitch clothes. They also utilized standardized methods to make pins and needles.
They used ribbon/ fabric measuring tapes, hooks, eyes, zippers, etc. Many people started taking patents for these inventions.
Essential Sewing Tools That You Must Know:
Here is a list of important sewing tools and their uses:
1. Measuring Tools:
1.1. Measuring Tape:
Everyone’s mom and grandma compulsively have this tool at home.
You may know it as the ‘tailor’s tape’. They are available in imperial (inches) and metric (centimeters) units.
These 60- to 120-inch-long tapes can bend easily around curves. Their structure helps to get accurate body measurements for proper fittings.
My Go-to Hacks:
I always share these key points with beginner students:
- Always keep your measuring tape parallel to the ground to get the right circumference measurements.
- For curved areas, measure around the fullest part. E.g., bust, arms, thighs, etc.
- Wear undergarments beneath clothes and breathe in fully- it gives a proper fit.
1.2. Seam Gauge:
This 6-inch (0 to 15 cm ) long tape is mainly used to measure short distances on fabric.
I Mainly Use A Seam Gauge For:
- Marking buttonholes at equal distances
- Marking intervals between pleats
- Marking hems and seams, especially in narrow areas
- Marking arcs and parallel lines for tucks, decorative pleats, etc.
- Marking custom widths.
The slider in this tool is beginner-friendly. You can take accurate measurements by moving and locking the slider.
Such seam gauges are handy, lightweight, and durable. Thanks to their aluminum core and simple handling.
2. Marking Tool:
Fabric marking pencils and chalks are a perfect solution for marking measurements before cutting the pattern.
They leave very light and temporary marks on the fabric. So, you can stitch without smudging the fabric.
I sometimes use a heat-erasable fabric pen too. Its glittery, smooth finish helps me mark faster. And the best part is that its ink disappears after you iron the fabric. It has a solid grip.
3. Cutting Tools:
3.1. Scissors:
They say, ‘never use your tailor’s scissors to cut things other than fabric.’
These scissors are designed to cut fabric and threads.
I Use These Types of Scissors In My Daily Sewing Tasks:
1. Tailoring Scissors:
These 7-10-inch-long scissors have angled blades. They also have an asymmetrical handle for a proper grip.
These scissors are also called ‘dressmaking shears’.
These scissors help to cut long or thick fabric in straight lines without fraying.
2. Zig-zag Blade Scissors:
Have you seen those decorative zigzag edges on leather outfits, linen fabric edges, or denim pockets? It is done using these shears.
They are also called ‘pinking shears’. They have a zig-zag-shaped blade edge. It looks similar to a saw-toothed blade.
I really like these scissors because they limit frayed thread ends. This reduces the damage to the fabric’s edges.
You can use them to trim seam allowances while finishing seams. I mostly use these shears to trim cotton, flannel, linen, silk, denim, leather, and wool.
3. Embroidery Scissors:
These scissors are mainly used to cut threads in embroidery work.
They are smaller than regular dressmaking scissors. Their 3- to 4-inch length allows us to cut threads neatly without damaging the embroidery pattern.
Their pointy tips are good for snipping jump stitches and tiny threadwork.
4. Thread Snips:
These are spring-loaded cutting tools. They are mainly used to cut yarn and embroidery thread.
These snips have one-handed operation. I find them easier than two-finger loop regular scissors.
You can squeeze their handles to cut the thread. They automatically open after squeezing.
This movement gives me less strain on my hand muscles. So I can cut threads continuously without getting tired.
If you have hanging threads or frayed ends, these snips work best on them!
3.2. Rotary Cutter:
It works like a pizza cutter!
It has a circular blade that can cut through many layers of fabric without damaging them.
The best thing about this cutter is that both left- and right-handed tailors can use it. Thanks to its ergonomic handle grip!
This cutter is razor-sharp. Hence, I suggest using it with a self-healing mat and an acrylic ruler for safety.
I use a 28 mm blade size for cutting tight curves and a 45mm rotary cutter for general cutting tasks.
If you need to cut many layers, a 60mm cut works best. Always cover the blade whenever not in use. This habit helps keep your rotary cutter blade sharp for longer.
3.3. Seam Ripper:
As the name says, this tool rips off seams without damaging the fabric! It is useful for fixing mismatched stitches.
You need to put the pointed tip of the seam ripper under the stitch thread and cut it using the inner ‘J’-shaped curve blade.
My Pro Tip: The small red ball at the tip of its curve should always face down when you cut the stitches.
To rip stitches quickly: cut 3-4 stitches at a few intervals and pull the thread. It will come out smoothly.
4. Pinning Tools:
4.1. Pins:
Sewing pins hold the fabric layers before final stitching. They are great for holding pleats and multiple pieces of fabric in one place.
Here are the types of pins that I use in my daily sewing tasks:
4.2. Pin cushions:
A pin cushion comes in three main types:
1. Foam Cushion:
This cushion looks like a small circular or square foam pillow. You can pierce the pins in these cushions whenever you are not using them.
2. Magnetic Cushion:
It has a small magnetic plate on which you can stick pins. I gather scattered sewing pins on the desk using this tool.
3. Wrist Pin Cushion:
It can be a foam or magnetic cushion. It is fixed on a wristband that you can easily wear while working on the fabrics
5. Fasteners:
Want to do donning, doffing, or closing in the outfit? What will you need? FASTENERS.
Yes, hooks, buttons, etc.; fasteners connect two fabric pieces for a perfect fit. Let us see each of them below:
5.1. Buttons:
We attach these buttons at the centre front of blouses, skirts, pants, trousers, etc. They secure the garment’s opening.
They are sometimes used for decorative purposes, too! You can find such embellishments on soft toys, accessories, etc.
Shank buttons have a hollow protrusion on the back. Thick fabrics like wool, leather, jute, denim, etc., can fit beneath them.
5.2. Zippers:
They safeguard closures on skirts, jeans, trousers, jackets, etc.
These sewing tools connect the edges of two fabrics via metal teeth.
Invisible zippers are hidden within a seam, giving a clean look. You can find them on the side or back of dresses, skirts, etc.
5.3. Hooks And Eyes:
You will find these hooks and eyes at the edge of jeans, waistbands, tops, trousers, etc.
Fasteners are strong and made to hold more tension. They safeguard low-bulk closures on clothes.
Choose The Right Shape Of Eye Hook With These Tips:
- Round eyes hold two fabrics that meet at the edges.
- However, a straight eye hook is good when two fabrics overlap at the edges.
5.4. Velcro:
It quickly binds two pieces of fabric together. It has two parts: a rough hook and a smooth loop.
The rough hook connects to the soft loop when we press them.
6. Stitching Tools:
6.1 Threads:
Sewing machine threads are made to withstand heat, tension, and friction.
Their multi-yarn feature stays strong during fast sewing. I like to use all-purpose polyester threads for general use. You can also use cotton, rayon, or polyester threads, depending on the fabric and the stitches.
For high-speed stitching, serger/overlocker threads are good. They have comparatively higher strength.
Thread Weight
Thread weight plays a major role when you sew different types of fabrics. Here is how you can choose the right thread weight:
Monofilament Thread:
These threads are useful for adding invisible stitches on fabric. They are mostly used in quilting, upholstery, appliqué, bind-hemming, etc.
Pro tip: Monofilament thread runs tighter than regular serger threads. So, keep the thread tension lower than regular.
6.2. Bobbins:
It’s a small spool where we wind the bobbin thread. It’s also known as a ‘spindle’ or ‘cylinder’. It is a bottom thread used to create backstitches.
Bobbins can be made from metal or plastic. I like metal bobbins because they are more durable and can sustain high-speed stitching.
They must be set into a bobbin case for proper stitching. Bobbin cases can be standard-sized or size-adjustable.
7. Other Essential Notions:
7.1. Sewing Clips:
These clips are a great alternative to pins. They are tiny plastic clips with a metal spring and a flat shape.
Pins usually make holes in the fabric. But these clips can hold the fabric together without damaging it. Plus, they can hold two or more layers of fabric together firmly.
Sometimes, I poke my fingers when using pins. But that’s not the case for clips. No poking, no pain!
Important tip: Remove each clip when it reaches near the presser foot to avoid needle accidents.
7.2. Thimble:
Want to avoid sharp pricks? A thimble can help you!
A thimble is a metallic, leather, or plastic cap worn on a finger while hand-sewing. You can smoothly push needles through layers of fabric while wearing a thimble
Its pitted surface adds grip. You can easily guide the needle through the fabric without slipping.
These thimbles come in various sizes, such as 4, 8, 9, etc.
7.3. Bias Tape:
Have you observed the edge of a quilt, bib, or mat? They all have bias tape sewn at the border.
This tape is mainly used for piping, binding seams, and creating facings. They are a great alternative to French seams, hem tapes, and pinking shears.
You can use single-fold bias tape for two folds. You can locate it inside the garment.
However, for three or more folds, use double-folded bias tape. This tape is visible outside the garment over the edges.
7.4 Loop Turner:
Want to make tiny straps on dresses or small belt loops at the waistline? A Loop turner is best for this!
Loop turners help you turn narrow fabric tubes. You can make small spaghetti straps, belt hooks, and button loops using these tools.
Slide the loop turner’s hook through the tube. Keep the fabric end attached to the hook. Gently pull it backwards. It reverses the tube easily.
Know These 5 Advanced Sewing Tools for Professional Dressmaking:
Till now, we have explored basic sewing tools and their uses for beginners. If you are already practicing sewing and moving to dressmaking, you must have these tools:
- Heavy-Duty Dressmaking Shears: Kai’s 7000 professional scissors and Gingher Knife-Edge Dressmaker’s Shears (8-inch or 10-inch) are good for seasoned tailors!
- Chaco Liners: They add markings on fabric without any mess. E.g., Clover Chaco liner
- French Curves and Graded Rulers: They’re best for marking and drawing necklines, arm, and hip curves.
- Hot Hem Rulers: You can keep this heat-resistant ruler on fabric, fold its edge, and iron it. It is a great time-saving tool!
- Tailor’s Clapper: This is a porous hardwood piece. It absorbs moisture and flattens the edges.
My Two Cents:
Sewing notions are as important as a sewing machine. Without them, any sewing project is incomplete.
Whether it is a thimble, bobbin, thread, or tape, each tool plays a major role in sewing garments.
These tools are like the holy grail of the sewing universe! If you are a beginner, you must know these sewing tools and how to use them. I hope this guide has given you helpful tips about these notions.
So, keep practicing these tools in your stitching projects! Soon, you will handle them like a pro. If you need more help, email me. I’d love to help!
FAQs:
1. What Are The Tools Used In Sewing?
Sewing garments requires various tools like scissors, chalk, pins, pincushions, an iron, an ironing board, fasteners, etc.
2. What Is The Difference Between Shears And Scissors In Sewing?
Both are used for cutting purposes. But fabric shears have a bent handle. Their lower blade lies flat on the surface. This helps with sharp cutting. However, scissors have equal handles. They are mainly used for cutting paper, thread, etc.
3. How to Use A Turning Tool While Sewing?
A loop turner is a turning tool. A tunnel in the fabric is inside out when made. So, push the loop turner into the tunnel. Hook the turner’s latch to the closed end of this fabric. Pull it to turn and invert the fabric.
