I’ve been sewing since I was 13 and am always amazed when I find a new tool and wonder how I ever got along without it. Here are some of my favorite finds, tools & notions from the last few years. If you are learning how to sew and consider yourself a beginner, I hope you find this list helpful.
If you’ve been sewing for a long time, then I hope you discover something new on this list to make your “sewing life” a little bit easier!
7+ Must Have Sewing Tools for Beginning Sewers
Just before I jump into the list, if you’re learning how to sew, I’m going to assume you have the “basics.” A sewing machine, some sharp scissors, measuring tape, and pins. That’s all you really need to get going. After you have those things and want to “expand” on your sewing tool stash, then you’ll want to start thinking about adding more fun notions.
Table of Contents
If you’re new to sewing make sure you check out these 50+ Fun Beginner Sewing Projects!
1- Seam Measuring Gauge
14 in One Seam Gauge: Any good seamstress knows that having precise seam allowances is vital to the quality of the finished project.
Not sure where a ¼″ or ⅝″ is on your machine? Double-check it with this handy seam gauge.
2- Sewers Aid
Sewers Aid: Sewing with Laminate fabrics or extra sticky interfacing? A drop or two of Sewer’s Aid on your machine needle will ensure smooth sailing.
3- Hera Tool/Marker
Hera Tool: Also called a point-to-point turner. It’s great to “push” corners out when you’re constructing bags; it’s also fantastic to use for marking on quilt blocks. Use the curved end with a bit of pressure to leave a “line” to guide your quilting.
4- Sharp Small Scissors
Olfa Scissors: These Olfa Scissors are always next to my machine. In fact, I bought a second pair so that I’d never lost them! They are super sharp and great for trimming threads, and sharp enough to cut out small fabric shapes.
5- Cut Glove
Cut Glove: Take it from someone who has cut the end of their index finger off with a rotary cutter; you need to be careful! Sewing tools are sharp! I now use a cut glove on my left hand when I’m using my rotary cutter.
6- Rotating Cutting Mat
Sue Daley Rotary Mat: This round cutting mat comes in ever so handy when you’re trimming quilt blocks or squaring up fabrics. Don’t move your fabric; move your cutting mat. I use mine all the time. There are a few on the market; right now, I love my Sue Daley pink mat (shown in the photo above with my Alice Bag – which is just the right size to hold the cutting mat- grab the sewing pattern for the Alice bag HERE).
7- Binding Clips
Quilt Binding Clips: You’ll use these for so much more than you think. They are great for holding heavy fabrics together, securing knits, and, yes, of course, binding a quilt.
8- Mini Ironing/Sleeve Board
Sleeve Board for Ironing: Use it to get into tight corners when pressing tote bags, sleeves, and children’s items. It’s what I used to add fabric to my sneakers (you can see the tutorial for this project HERE)
9- Hot Hemmer
No need to mark your hem and pin it before you press. Do all of the above in one simple step using this handy measuring tool. Fold your fabric over it at the desired hem measurement and press.
Okay, so what did I forget? Let me know in the comments section! I’m sure you guys all have amazing favorite tools!
