TOOLS FOR SEWING Part 1 Drawing, marking, cutting

As any skillful work sewing needs various tools. 

They can be divided by their purpose of use, for example, measuring tools, pattern manipulating tools, marking tools, cutting tools, sewing tools and pressing tools. 

MEASURING tools

1. Tape measure 

PATTERN MANIPULATING tools

2.  Grid ruler  

3.  Stainless steel straight ruler 

4.  Free curve ruler. 

5.  Mechanical pencil (for making notes on the pattern when basting).

6.  Paper weight. For holding down the patterns, when copying or when cutting fabric with the pattern on top. You can use any well standing weight for this. 

7.  Safety pins, tailor pins or t-pins. May be useful for holding a pattern in place when manipulating. Safety pins can really come in handy cause they let you to pin the pattern to the fabric while cutting it will hold it nicely.

 

8.  Pattern copying paper. If you adjusted the pattern and then want to make it nice and clean you might need a paper for copying your pattern on it. You may use craft paper or pattern paper with dots. You also can use just a roller brown paper for it. 

9.  Note or printer paper A4. Of course, for printing the pattern you will need a paper A4 suitable for your printer. The quality of the paper may vary because you can copy your pattern on pattern paper later. 

10. Paper scissors. 

11. Adhesive tape. You can take apart and realign pattern pieces using this tape. It is invisible and you can draw on it. 

MARKING tools

12.  Chalk (for making tacks on fabric). Several types of chalk are available, such as: chalk pencil and tailor's chalk. 

CUTTING tools

13. Cutting table. You don't need a special table, of course, but you will really need a wide and long table for all the pattern and fabric manipulations. 

14. Tailoring scissors. Scissors of approx. 26 cm length will be easy to manage. 

15. Fabric cutter (rotary cutter). It is better for cutting delicate and slippery fabrics. The blade is replaceable. The blade of 4.5 cm in diameter is sharper and more efficient.

16. Cutting mat. If you use a rotary cutter you will need a cutting mat to protect the surface of your table. Size of 90 x 60 cm will be enough, but if you your budget allows and you want to sew quilts you can buy even bigger one.   

In Part 2 we will talk about Sewing tools, and in Part 3 about Pressing tools and Dress Forms. Don't miss!

There are a lot of tools for sewing and tailoring. I'm trying to choose those which we really need in everyday sewing. If you want to sew more professionally, to become a tailor, I am sure you will find great books and professional recommendations. I wish all the best in your achievements!