Inside My Sewing Kit: The Tools I Can’t Live Without

Inside My Sewing Kit: The Tools I Can’t Live Without

 

🧵 Inside My Sewing Kit: The Tools I Can’t Live Without

I love peeking into other makers’ sewing kits—it’s like a little window into their sewing soul. So today, I thought I’d share mine. Whether you're a fellow sewing nerd or just starting to build your own kit, here's what I keep close by when I’m creating.

✂️ The Scissors Situation

Yes, I have four pairs of scissors. And no... it's not excessive—it’s essential!

  • Fabric Shears: My prized purple pair. These are for Fabric only and never touch paper (I’m watching you).

  • Paper Cutters: We all cut paper sometimes, best not be tempted to use the Fabric Shears.

  • Small Snips: Perfect for thread ends, trimming corners, and quick fixes.

  • Pinking Shears: For when I want a zigzag edge to keep fraying at bay. Handy and slightly nostalgic.

🪡 Needles & Thread: The Basics That Matter

My kit wouldn’t be complete without a variety of hand-sewing needles. From short and sharp ones for general use to longer ones with a bigger eye for Boro and Sashiko—they’re scattered all over the place in my collection of Needle Books. And I can never find the one I want when I want it!

I’m a little better with my machine needles; I tend to keep these in my sewing machine drawer. There are 70 for fine work on paper, all the way up to 110 for thicker projects like layers of denim, and always a sleeve of stretch needles for my love of a T-shirt skirt.

I have a stash of threads in all weights and lengths. Neutral shades (black, white, grey, beige) plus a rainbow of colours for visible mending or decorative topstitching. I always keep a spool of extra-strong thread for buttons or bag-making. I only ever use quality branded threads in my sewing machine as cheaper threads make them very unhappy and they servicing more often, so it ends up costing me more.

And to go with those needles, I have an array of threads in every weight, texture and colour imaginable. I have my Polyester 50wt threads for sewing clothes, and the Cotton 50wt for sewing everything else. I must say I’m partial to a Variegated Thread in any weight and I may also have a secret stash of hand-dyed threads that I’ve collected from local artisans and op shops. These threads have unique textures and hues that add a magical touch to my projects. 

🧷 Pins, Safety Pins & Other Prickly Friends

You’ll find a pin cushion on my wrist (made by a fabulous student of mine) with Nickel-Plated Steel Pins, I like that they don’t melt under an iron, are magnetic and don’t rust as easily. I also keep a stash of safety pins—great for turning elastic or threading ribbon, and curved ones for holding the layers together when Quilting..

📏 Tools That Measure Up

  • Measuring Tape: Classic. Flexible. Slightly worn at the ends and it’s never where I want it.

  • Seam Gauge: My go-to for checking hems and seam allowances, always on the ironing board.

  • Measuring Gauge: A newer addition, but great for fast measuring at the machine.

✍️ Marking & Tracing Tools

  • Fabric Markers: I have air-erasable and wash-out pens, fabric pencils & crayons, but my favorite is usually a 2B pencil, which I use constantly.

  • Tracing Wheel: For pattern transfers. Paired with tracing paper, it saves so much time.

  • Pencil Sharpener: For my marking pencils—because blunt tools are the enemy of precision.

🔧 The Unsung Heroes

Some tools aren’t flashy but I’d be lost without them:

  • Quick Unpick (Seam Ripper): Used more often than I care to admit! Have a Thousand of them.

  • Thread Conditioner: Helps with tangling and makes hand-sewing smoother.

  • Tweezers: For removing threads, guiding fabric, or fishing something out of the bobbin area.

  • Bobbins: I do have a ton of these but you only need a few for your favourite colours, these are not interchangeable between machine brands so please check that you are buying the same brand as your machine.

  • Bias Tape Makers: I have a couple of sizes. They’re magic.

📌 Weights, Sticks, and Sprays

  • Fabric Weights: For cutting out patterns without pins—quicker and gentler on fabric.

  • Magnetic Pick-Up Stick: Honestly a game-changer. If you’ve ever dropped pins everywhere, you know.

  • 505 Spray Glue: For holding fabric layers or appliqué in place. Temporary but strong.

  • Glue Stick: The kind made for fabric—it’s great for quick basting or positioning.

🧵 Machine Maintenance & Extras

  • Rotary Cutter: My right hand for cutting straight lines. Paired with a self-healing mat, it makes the cutting process a joy.

  • Rulers: I have Quilting and Sewing - wouldn’t be without them

  • Machine oil: Get the good stuff, and look after your Adorable Sewing Machine(s)

  • Darning Mushroom or Egg - Whoever I can find first

  • Fabric Patches - Small scraps of denim, cotton, linen, or favourite fabrics ready for patching worn knees, elbows, or pockets.

🧵 Final Thoughts

My sewing kit is more than just tools—it’s a little treasure chest of possibilities. Every item has earned its place through use, trial, and love. It grows with me as I learn new techniques and take on new challenges.

So, what’s in your kit? I’d love to know what tools you swear by—leave a comment or share your favourites. There’s always room for one more tool (or three)!

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