Every seamstress or “sewist” who has been sewing for any length of time has developed their own style and discovered their own favorite tools along the way. Over the years I have found many tools that I use on a daily basis in my sewing that are too important for me not to share them! This list is my all-time top 5! Though there are far more than 5 on my list, these are the tippy top 5 that I can not, or will not, do without!
#1) That Purple Thang!
I know you have probably seen this tool on many a sewist’s top 5 list, and that is because it is simply the best tool available to do the job! I use my Purple Thang for several important things. First of all, I always use this tool to hold fabric or zippers in place as they are starting to pass under the sewing machine needle. I NEVER, ever, use my fingers to push fabric or anything under that needle while it is moving! This little guy has a slight curve to it and makes it super easy to manage layers as the feed dogs pull the fabric into place! Though some folks prefer an awl, I like this tool because I have had the needle hit it (not a good thing!) and not break it! I am not afraid to mention that I did start using this tool after watching someone accidentally get their finger caught by the needle.
2.) Gingher Sewing Shears!
I am sure that everyone has their own favorite brand of sewing scissors. I do as well, I have owned several pairs over the many years that I have been sewing, but of all of them, the only ones that I still use and trust are my Gingher Sewing Shears! I have had FIskers that lasted me for years only to have my kids get their hands on them and ruin them by cutting all manner of things. I will usually hide my shears now or even put a padlock on the handles so even my dear husband can’t get ahold of them. They are the life blood of my sewing!
3.) Sewing Machine Light!
I am an average American. I still have kids living at home, so there isn’t a secluded and specific space for my sewing as of yet. That being said when I do get the time to sew, sometimes it’s well after dark or in the very early mornings. Unfortunately, I find it is too dark to see what I am trying to sew if I don’t add additional lights to my sewing area. When I found this sewing machine light that adheres directly to the machine, I was overjoyed! Now I can sew at any time and always be able to see exactly what I am sewing! After using it for several years, I have found that I do also use it during the day just to make sure I can see under the machine regardless of the lighting situation.
4.) Fiskars Snips!
I found these smallish snips that were made by FIskers at Joann’s one day. I bought them to give them a try so that I could stop having to pick up the big scissors every time a single thread needed cut on my sewing. Little did I know that I was going to fall in love with them! Now I can’t sew without them! I have bought extra pairs so that I can take them with me wherever I go! You need these! They don’t require your entire hand to operate, and they are very gentle on the arthritic hands! I use them all day while sewing.
5.) The last item on the list is actually two items that work together! Fiskars Rotary Cutter and an Aluminum Ruler!
I find it super easy to be able to cut pattern pieces using a rotary cutter. I find that my hands aren’t steady enough to cut a straight line by myself often. So, I have gotten an aluminum ruler that I use as a straight edge for cutting with. When I use the two of them together I can always cut out pattern pieces quickly and they are always on point! I will never be without them now. They are worth their weight in gold! I promise you this is the best way to trim anything straight!
Well, there you have it, my top 5 favorite sewing notions. I do have several more that I use every single day that I sew. However, I will save those for another day.
Feel free to pop over to the sewing gallery to see some of the many things that I have sewn over the years. I try to post as many images of the items I have made as possible. Until next time, have a great day!
