One thing I do appreciate about sewing is the “Lowtech” of it. OK… Apart from a YouTube tutorial from time to time lol…. Threads, needles, fabrics and voila!
Of course, there are few tools that will make your life much easier if you're new to sewing and this is what this post is all about:)
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Only available in french sorry:)
THE SMALL SEWING KIT
In my small sewing kit are the tools I use most often. The ones I like to have on hand at all times. They are placed near my sewing machine and I move them around the studio or even in the living room when I repair a garment or hand sew a project in front of the TV.
HAND SEWING NEEDLES
Needles is like pretty much anything else...there is many kinds of them. What you have to remember is that you choose your needle according to the fabric and the thread you plan to use. A finer fabric = fine thread- and finer needle. A thick, dense fabric like denim then = a sturdier yarn and a stiffer needle. There are two main families of needles, those for hand sewing and those for sewing machine.
The needle hole is called eye and it is used to pass your thread through it. On hand sewing needles the eye is positioned at the top while on sewing machine needles the eye is at the bottom of the needle where the point of the needle is. If you have trouble getting your thread through it, it may not be the right needle for the thread you have chosen. My tip would be to use a variety of needles and just experiment.
SEWING THREADS
Like needles, there are many several kinds of yarn. The most common is Gütermann's 100% polyester yarn.Like needles, there are many several kinds of threads. The most common sewing thread is Gütermann's 100% polyester yarn. You can find it at any fabric store. It's versatile and comes in a wide range of colors. It is also available thicker for topstitching. For a few years, I like to use cotton yarn. It's a little less durable, but when I'm using natural fiber, I still cringe a bit to use polyester yarn. I buy it online at Wawak. A bit more expensive, but I feel worth is the organique coton thread. I get it at Organic Cotton Plus.
THE SEAM RIPPER
Know that any person sewing even the finest seamstress will be called upon one day to rip a seam, the seam ripper is an essential tool in any sewing kit. It will allow you to unstitch the mistakes and start over! If you often go to thrifting you might be able finding some in old sewing kit.
THE THREAD CLIPPER
Of course the fabric scissor can also be used to cut threads, but the scissor has a very long blade which is less precise when it comes to cutting threads. With fabric scissors it is easy to cut the fabric by mistake while cutting the thread. The thread cutter will prevent this mistake. There are all prices. I love this one, it's more expensive, but it's one piece of metal, no plastic, more durable and made in Japan. from Yoshihiro,it's more expensive, but it's one piece of metal, no plastic, more durable and made in Japan.
TAPE MEASURE
In a sewing kit the tape measure is a must for measurements of course, but it completes the much desired fashion designer look :) I love the one that have inches as well as centimeters.
THE FABRIC CHALK
Fabric chalk is used to trace the pattern or mark the fabric. There are different kinds, wax crayon, powdered chalk, pencil format, etc. In my little kit, I like the dry chalk in the little box with the built-in sharpener.
THE SEWING THIMBLE
Many believe that the sewing thimble purpose is to protect the finger from being prick by the needle, but that is not it. The thimble is used to protect the finger pushing the needle into the fabric. It is especially practical if you have to do a long seam by hand or if your fabric is very thick. Like rings it comes in several sizes and it can be worn in different finger depending on your preference.
DIAPER PINS
Diaper pins are very useful for pinning two layers of fabric together, and make reference point. They are also very useful while making adjustment and alterations, to mark the new height of a trouser hem for instance, etc.
Finally, make this kit your own by adding in, anything you like to use often...a small ruler, embroidery threads, magnifying glass etc.
THE BIG SEWING CASE
First my vintage case, I found it on Marketplace. It's all leather...I love it.
In the large kit we find essentially the same thing as in the small sewing kit, but in greater quantity and/or variety. Chalks, pencils, eraser, small ruler, pins, needles of all kinds.
BOBBINS CASE BOX
I used to put my bobbins of thread in a Mason jar and it was soon chaos. I discovered a bobbin case a few years ago and I love it. I can easily put it in my sewing chest or place it near my sewing machine.
THE MAGNETS
It's always handy to have a few magnets in your sewing kit to pick up needles that have fallen on the floor. Advice from someone who ended up in the hospital because of a needle in the foot… Shoes in the studio are also a good idea lol!
LES CISEAUX ET L’X-ACTO
I have many pairs of scissors but here are the three main ones: paper, fabric, serrated edge scissors. If you've always used kitchen scissors to cut fabric, today is the day that you might consider investing in a good pair of sewing scissors. I really like these.Your life will never be the same after cutting fabric with sewing scissors. I really like this pair, because I find it suitable for all types of fabrics, it is easy to handle and it is not too heavy.
The serrated edge scissors prevent the fabric from fraying too easily. It can be useful, but it is not a necessity.
I love the X-ACTO. I use it to rip a seam, deconstruct old jeans and even to cut certain materials such as denim or leather.
POINT TURNER AND TAILOR AWL
The safran The point turner is the wooden tool and it is used to push on the fabric in an angle difficult to reach, such as the point of the collar for example. It is extremely useful.
The tailor awl on the other hand is a must have only if you plan on making your own sewing patterns. Otherwise, there is no need to have one.
LA RÈGLE TRANSPARENTE ET LE FER À REPASSER
This transparent ruler is essential if you are thinking of making your own patterns.
The iron and the sewing machine... It's like a telephone and its charger. One does not go without the other. It is necessary to iron between each sewing step to obtain a quality finished product. A good iron is really an investment. Again, I strongly urge you to go to the Saint-Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army or the clothing counter nearest you. A few months ago I found one for $3!
VISIT YOU NEAREST THRIFT SHOP BEFORE BYING ON AMAZON
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, The Salvation Army, the clothing counter close to your home… you might be able to find sewing tools you need second-hand for next to nothing. Before clicking on an Amazon link, ask around or post on Facebook saying you're looking for sewing tools. Many people have it from their grandmother, but do not use it. Do not hesitate if you have any questions, write a comment bellow this article :)