My Sewing Tools
Over the years, I have collected quite a few sewing tools. They help me sew and create the garments I wear for my personal life and business. This list is a comprehensive list of what I actually use. Some of the things linked are affiliate links, but they won’t cost you anything extra. I do receive a small commission when you purchase through the links. This helps me keep my small business growing, so TIA!
MACHINES
Juki HZL-DX5 | $769
My current sewing machine. I absolutely love this machine and its features. It has an automatic backstitch, thread cutter option, and the presser foot lifts when you take your foot off the foot pedal (which makes pivoting a breeze). You can also sew without the foot pedal, and it has a knee leaver. It has way too many stitches, but I chose this over an industrial machine because I wanted to have a zig zag and button hole option.
That being said, I did sew on a $200 machine for 10+ years before I upgraded to this machine. Once it was beyond repair we decided it was time to buy a machine I hope to work for years to come. If you are just starting out this machine would still work great for you, but you could get by just fine with a less expensive machine.
JUKI MO699N Serger | $369
I have had this serger for 5+ years and have zero complaints. It has been a workhorse in my studio, it’s simple enough to thread, its consistent and has more features than I will ever use. I always recommend getting a serger as soon as you can. You can get by without one by using a zigzag stitch or using French and felted seams, but a serger is a game changer!
NEEDLES
Universal Machine Needles | $9.84
I break my fair share of needles, and so its helpful to always have an extra pack or two of universal needles in my supply box. I also try to keep jean and heavyweight needles in my box as well. Nothing is worse than being in the middle of a project and have to run to the store for more needles to finish.
Assorted Hand Needles | $2.37
I do a fair bit of hand sewing to making things look as nice as I can on the inside and outside of my garments. Having a basic kit with multiple sizes has been so helpful and has lasted me years.
Extra-Fine Glass Head Pins | $12.99
I recently switched to these needles after using plastic head quilting needles and I’m not looking back. Having the extra fine needles has been really helpful using all weights of fabric. My quilting needles frequently had hard time going through my fabrics and sometimes tore things or left big holes.
Tomato Pin Cushion | $7.49
This is a classic. I have one of these in my sewing kit since I love that the strawberry sharpens my dull needles. I also have 2 other pin cushions that I made in high school. I have been tempted to switch to a magnetic pin cushion but whenever I have used one in the past I seam to stab myself with pins more often and always gravitate towards a soft pin cushions. The tomato is such a classic and I think is an essential to a sewists sewing kit
CUTTING
Ginger Dressmakers's Shears | $30.38
These are hands down my favorite scissors. I have 3 pairs. My mom always used Ginger scissors and when she passed these on to me I was so grateful. They can be sharpened and I love the weight of them. They have lasted for over 30 years and look practically new.
Dritz Deluxe Seam Ripper | $9.99
I always have one of these on hand for the inevitable mishaps that happen in sewing. I love the smaller seam rippers that fit in my sewing machine, but when I make a big mistake I pull this bigger one out as it’s much more comfortable for my hands.
MEASURING
Quilters Ruler 6” x 24” | $26.99
I use this ruler every day. I used to draft on paper so I used it more, but even without manually drafting I always find a reason to use this ruler. It’s so helpful for tracing, adjusting sewing patterns and I even use it as a weight when cutting fabrics out.
60” Measuring Tape | $2.99
Anybody who garment sews needs at least one of these in their sewing kit. I use it to measure myself, but also fabric while I am cutting out and sewing. I recommend having multiple as I always seem to have misplaced mine.
IRONING
Ironing Board | $54.99
I can’t remember where I got my exact ironing board, but this is very similar to the one I have. I love having a standing ironing board set up in my sewing room to make it as easy as possible to iron as I sew. Plus I almost always use it as an extra table to place pattern pieces while I work.
Steam Iron | $33.40
My exact iron is no longer sold, but I use a Black and Decker Steam Iron (very similar to the one above). Having a steam function is a must for me, and many heat temperatures is essential when working with different types of fabrics.
I hope this helps get a glimpse into what I use on a daily basis to create the clothing I make. I really consider these my essentials and having them in your tool kit will help make sewing that much smoother. Let me know what your sewing essential tools are below! I would love to see what makes your sewing space work.