23 Awesome Sewing Tools for Your Sewing Room

What’s a needle without a thread? One of the most essential sewing tools and a must-have is a collection of sewing thread.

Remember that saying: Measure Twice, Cut Once. A good tape measure is a must-have especially if you are planning on cutting a hard to find Tula Pink fabric you outbid your friend on Facebook to get!

A hem gauge helps you make an accurate fold and a crisp crease. When a pattern calls for turning or pressing edges on pockets, alterations, belts or waistbands, this handy tool makes the job easier and more precise.

The MVP of sewing tools. Ball point pins come in different sizes and colors, but they all serve the same purpose: pin things together for easier work. Pin your patterns to your fabric, secure odds and ends or pin materials together – endless uses for these little guys.

Many people use fabric pin cushions but we prefer this magnetic one. Not only does it hold your pins while you work but it makes finding ones you drop much easier. Just wave this magnetic pincushion and let the needle find you. Anyone that has found a stray pin by stepping on it can appreciate this!

Sometimes you may need to do a quick fix using your hands instead of a machine. For that you need sewing needles.

Needle threaders can save your time and irritation when threading the tiniest of needles. Especially helpful for those with strained eyesight or shaky hands.

A seam ripper is used for cutting and removing stitches. These are tiny but mighty tools for your sewing kit. Seam rippers allow you to open a seam with precision, which is especially helpful for beginners and appreciated for the experienced. My favorite must-have tool bar none.

You’ll need a sharp pair of fabric scissors that are used exclusively for sewing. Using fabric scissors to cut paper will dull them quickly and make it hard to cut with precision. Once you choose your scissors make sure everyone in your house knows they are fabric-only scissors and they will pay the price if they use them for anything else! I may have learned this lesson the hard way from my mom.

Pinking shears cut a saw-toothed edge rather than straight across like standard fabric scissors. Cutting a zigzag pattern along a fabric edge limits the length of frayed threads and prevents unraveling. This is a helpful way to keep your projects crisp and clean.

If you cut long straight lines, a rotary cutter makes the job much easier. These are the best buddy for quilters as rotary cutters are essential to cutting strips for quilts.

An iron is essential for sewing. Some might even say that an iron is just as important as a sewing machine! You sew nearly every seam you that make. You iron fabric to take wrinkles out and line things up. You iron to apply fusible interface. And then you iron some more.

This little thing is absolutely awesome! Grab cords firmly, push them along the fabric, see your magical creating come to life with little stress. This is the easiest way to get strings through waistbands and hoods.

Seam guides are great little helpers to make sure your straight lines are straight and your circle lines are circle. Crooked seams scream out that items are hand made. Go for that extra professional polish with the help of a seam guide.

Find a ruler that is made of solid material and is at least .25 inches thick. You will want to find one with markings etched into the ruler (vs just printed on) for durability. Transparent materials like acrylic are helps to see through to your fabric.

When hand sewing, use beeswax to condition your thread. It helps keep it from tangling or fraying. Find a good quality beeswax that will not stain your fabric.

Tailor’s chalk lets you take notes on your fabric. Make temporary marks on your garment for whatever you need. Mark the spot where it needs to be taken in or let out. Mark the spot for an embellishment. Mark the right measurement.

Ham seam rolls are stuffed and curved, allowing you to iron fabric over them. Using a ham roll let’s you avoid creases and shape your garment.

Our next guest in the top sewing tools list is the yard stick. Simple and useful for messing fabric.

A thimble protects your finger from the sewing needle. They are useful in helping push needles through layers of fabric too.

A good duster will always come in handy to keep your work space clean. Fabric, threads and notions will get dusty if not enclosed in some kind of protective organizer. So a quick dusting can be helpful on the regular.

A helpful way to mark up your garment with temporary ink that disappears after its use.

A tailor’s clapper is a small block of wood used to get flat, crisp seams and creases while sewing. You just need a little steam, then the clapper and you get great pressing.