Create Sewing

5 Must-Have Sewing Tools to Elevate Your Projects

That title is a bit dramatic however, there are at least 5 probably more, sewing tools and equipment that make my life easier and my sewing more efficient. I sew everyday and have been sewing for the past 50 years (shhhh – how can I be that old?) Sewing helps me relax and forget about the worries of life, family and midlife frustrations. It’s like meditation, but with needles and threads!

Some tools have been gifted, denoted with a *

The 5 sewing tools that make my work flow more efficient.

1 Clover Bias Tape/Binding Cutting Ruler *

What is Bias Binding?

Bias binding is a strip of fabric cut on the diagonal, which makes it flexible and stretchy. Used for binding edges, piping, or decorative accents. If you enjoy making your own, add this ruler to your must have sewing tools list. It makes bias tape easier and faster to cut out whilst keeping everything accurate. Made by Clover and available on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

2 Bamboo Point Turner

Simply could not live without this one sewing tool and I have had it at least 7 years. Purchased from Merchant & Mills and only £3.50. Lightweight, you can use both ends, one for corners and one for curves and if you are gentle it doesn’t pierce a hole in your makes, I thread a ribbon around mine and hang it up with the rest of my most used tools

3 Clover Button Hole Cutter *

Have you done this? Cut into a perfectly executed button hole only to ruin it by cutting to far. Well this makes the job of opening buttonholes or small cuts on fabrics so easy. After stitching a buttonhole, use this cutter to open it by placing and pressing the blade on the beads of the buttonhole vertically.

clover 12mm button hole cutter sewing tool

4 Clover Hot Hemmer

This Hot Hemmer is genius. A hem guideline grid you can iron on. Simply tuck it under your hemline, it up with the correct measurement and iron on top of it. I find this brilliant for curve hems. Unique non-slip surface prevents misalignment. So simple, the only draw back is I wish I had a longer one! Also Available from Amazon

5 Decent Pins – Don’t settle for any old pins!

My top tip. It may be obvious, but opt for the best you can afford and get rid of any bent or blunt pins. I love these from Merchant and Mills, not expensive at £4,50 and brilliant all rounders.

My absolute favourites are these from Clover Marble Glass head pins* also available from Amazon Not only beautiful but very fine and a slightly longer length for finer fabrics and perfect for setting in sleeves and gathering.

Useful To Have In your Stash At All Times . . . Vlieseline

A selection of different weight interfacing. My go to brand? Vlieseline always the website has all the information you need and some clever ideas for projects too. Love this video on how to embroider on stretch fabric.