January 2010

My Favourite Sewing Tools (January 2010)

20 January 2010 - Jo Williams

OK, I have to admit, I am a sucker for tools. My sewing cabinet drawers are full of gadgets, many of which are seldom used because they have a very specific purpose. I find myself, however, using a few tools over and over again, so I thought I’d share my most useful tools with you.

I seem to make a lot of items that have elastic or tubes that need turning, so I use this bodkin pinch all the time. It sits in my top drawer in the front, because I need it so often. It makes it so easy to turn tubes inside out or pull elastic through a channel. It’s the perfect size for everything I’ve been doing.

I took a class in pattern making several years ago, and I recommend it highly to anyone who sews frequently. I use a few basic patterns and add the changes with a little dressmaking pattern paper and my handy French curve. I’ll bet I’ve saved the price I paid for my class over and over again with the money I’ve saved on patterns. As well as these items, I go through fabric markers like water. They are the most convenient item I can think, especially the disappearing ink markers. Just make sure you don’t wait more than a couple of days or the ink disappears!

I Love: my retractable tape measure, it keeps me from getting tangled up, my needle threader and cutter tool, who doesn’t like a sewing tool that does 2 jobs? My Tailors Dummy novelty pin cushion, just because it’s cute! My Pro-Cut Knife-Edge dressmaking shears, don’t give up on quality when it comes to your scissors!

I Love, love, love my daylight lamp! The old eyes aren’t what they used to be. But even if you’ve young eyes, save them with a daylight lamp. What a difference!

So what are some of your favourite sewing tools?

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