My Favorite Sewing Tools

These are my favorite sewing tools that are perfect for any sewing level from beginner to advanced. They also make great gifts!

In every hobby comes tools that you have to buy to actually be able to do that hobby. I don’t have a fully decked out sewing room, but I do have some sewing tools that I can’t sew without. If I don’t have them, then I’m walking around looking for them.

I have tried a lot of different brands over time, but I’m always willing to try others so this list is constantly changing. These are my favorite current sewing tools that I can’t sew without!

I did not link to any sewing machines in this post, because I have another post full of the best sewing machine for sewing clothes. Sewing machines really vary by what you are sewing and what you can afford.

Also, I’m frugal and like to sew to save money so most of these ideas are budget and beginner friendly options. If you are learning how to sew, you can start with sewing 101 for beginners!

I also have another list of new sewing tools I’ve tried!

The Best Sewing Tools

Dritz Extra-Fine Glass Head Pins

I’ve been using glass head pins for a couple of years, and I love them. They are small and thin so they don’t ruin fabric, and they don’t melt if you press them while they are holding fabric together.

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Multipurpose Sewing Clips with Box

I also just started using sewing clips, and I like them so far. They take some getting used to, but I think I sew faster when I use them instead of pins. There is a place for both pins and clips while sewing.

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Fiskars Rotary Sewing Cutting Set

I love love love cutting fabric out with a cutting mat and rotary cutter. It’s so fast and easy! I only use my ruler when I’m cutting rectangles, pockets, and knit bands, but I couldn’t live without it.
It is not as cheap as pins and fabric scissors, but it’s worth the investment because I use it all the time.

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Tailor’s Chalk for Marking Fabric

I know a lot of people don’t like wax chalk for marking fabric, but I love it. I started doing it in a tailor shop about ten years ago, and I’ve never looked back. It’s my favorite and only way of marking fabric. I love that it steams off when I iron it! It works on both light and dark fabric.

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Fiskars Softgrip Detail Scissors

These aren’t the exact scissors I have, but it’s pretty close. I have a small pair of scissors that I tied a long ribbon on and wear it around my neck.
I love having small scissors always accessible when I sew for quick trims and cuts. If I stand up to iron something at the ironing board, but scissors come with me. I use them constantly while sewing, and I can’t sew without them!

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Tape Measure

I don’t use a measuring tape while I sew, but I use it to measure myself, my kids, and any pattern I’m working on. I had a sewing teacher recommend to always wear one around your neck, but I’ve never gotten in the habit of it. I’ve heard that the plastic ones can get stretched out and warped, so a fabric one is a good alternative.

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Clear Acrylic 6 Inch Ruler

This is a personal preference, but I love having a small ruler right next to my machine when I sew for any small measuring job. A lot of people use a seam gauge, but I prefer a tiny ruler instead
I use it to pin up hems and to measure seam allowances. It’s really handy!

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Fabric Scissors with Comfort Grip

I used to have really fancy, expensive fabric scissors and didn’t see a huge difference from inexpensive fabric scissors. I use them so much that they dull quickly, so I like to inexpensively buy another pair. There’s always a couple of them hanging out in my sewing room.

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HeatnBond SoftStretch Iron-On Hem Tape

This is specifically for working with knit fabric. I have tried every trick for hemming knits with a twin needle without success until I started using this product. It’s the only hem tape that works well and gives me a hem I am happy with. I can’t recommend it enough!

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Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron

I have a much older version of this iron, mine is 8 years old, and I’ve always been happy with it. It works great, it’s inexpensive, and I love the retractable cord!

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Ironing Board Cover

Every ironing board cover I’ve had gets stained or dirty so I wash it and then I can never get it to fit on the ironing board well! It’s so frustrating to work with the string, so I found this elasticized ironing board cover that doesn’t stain and won’t burn! I love it!

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Accessory Sleeveboard Mini Ironing Board

I actually use my small sleeve ironing board more than my big ironing board. I got a small one like this at a thrift stores years ago and always have it out for quick pressing jobs. I love that I don’t have to get my big board out to press small areas.

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Brother Serger 1034DX

I’ve had this inexpensive serger for almost eight years, and I’ve never had a problem with it. It’s loud and shakes a ton, and it’s definitely an extra level serger, but it’s a great little machine. It elevates my sewing and makes finishing edges so easy!

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If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!