Now you know mine, I want to hear YOUR top 3 to 5 sewing tools that you just wouldn't sew without? ✂ Want to learn how to use all these cool sewing tools like a pro? Join me at VINTAGE SEWING SCHOOL www.vintagesewingschool.com
Hi Evelyn, I hope you read this, cause I truly have great news for you. I found your favorite embroidery scissors online, exactly the same one. If you google "prym 611516" you will find them right away. Prym is the brandname and 611516 is the specific article number. I usually never comment, but I like your personality and informative videos so very much, that I had to share and give this information to you. Good luck :-)
I just bought the bent handle scissors today :D Yours are Kai, mine are Prym, both very reliable and quality brands. I'm not sure if you have Prym in the US, because it's a German brand, but Kai is Japanese and might be available in your part of the world. As for my top sewing tools, it's very similar to yours. Tape measure, good tailor shears (Kai), long wooden tailor ruler, quality pins (I use extra thin "silk" pins). Also a seam allowance marker gadget, and I love my rotary cutter :D
I love rotary cutters which I had to learn to use when my right thumb got injured. I have 3 sizes for different uses. Also, if you use your ring finger when you use shears, you'll have much better control, as your thumb guides the shear and the ring finger stabilizes it. Other favorites are curved rulers, Ott lights on sewing table and cutting surface, steam generator iron as well as the little Clover iron, and different sized loop turner tubes.
My one luxury in sewing is to have a dedicated room always ready to sew. It doesn't have to be big, once it was just a walk in closet. But setting up a project, then having to put it all away to use the dining room table, that takes the joy out of sewing. It also leads to mistakes and lost pieces. So a room I can just shut the door and enter to only enjoy sewing is a must in my list!
My husband was about to get a 6mx4m shed built many years ago so I convinced he he needed to get a 9mx4m shed instead so I could have 1/3 of it for a sewing craft room. Best thing ever. It is fully lined, insulated &Even has reverse cycle air con for when we are having up to 40degree days over here in Kalgoorlie. Have added to shed over the years & now have twice the space. This is my lady cave LOL.
Jobelle - why not buy a folding 6 foot long, heavy plastic table from Bunnings? The table folds in half and the curved legs fold under it. I had one of those, it is very solid and inexpensive. So when you finished sewing, you just fold your table away. No need to sew on the dining table.
Hello, I hope by now you have your dedicated sewing room. I know exactly what you meant. Dining room table is my go-to space, and when i need to sew or pain and craft I have to bring everything from garage and set it up. Then my table is busy, and I try to do as much sewing as possible which can take a few weeks. And dinner is served in the den's coffee table while we watch tv. Right now, my sewing machine is at the head of the table with 1 project completed, yay! Wishing you happy sewing!!!
This video helps I just used the sewing machine my sister gave me 3 yrs ago & successfully made 3 sets of two small pillow cases. Now need to buy gadgets to get into this new hobby. Got 6 yrs to retire & I'm finding something to when I retire. Thanks for all the tips
When I worked in bridal, our uniform was black and the dresses white... we used to tear off bits of packing tape and 'de-fluff' each other with that! 😂
Yes! But for me it’s more for cleaning up the loose threads or fabric cut offs because my dog likes to lick the carpet for some reason and I’d like to keep him from eating synthetic thread or fabric bits. So any time I’m sewing with something that’s fraying or linty I roll my clothes and work area before I stand up ha.
Such a gorgeous sewing box. I love a good notions video, it gives me so many ideas of what's out there to use. Something that occurred to me while I was watching is that it would be interesting to have a video on sewing tool maintenance. Like how does one keep their scissors in working condition for years? Do you need to clean the iron inside and out? Do tailor's hams ever need to be washed? Things like that I think would be very interesting. Not necessarily the actual steps even but just a list of things about our tools that we should know to keep them in shape.
My mom was a master seamstress, she always said that “you can tell how good a seamstress is by the quality of her seam ripper”. My absolute favorites are a good seam ripper, good shears, double sided tape, my cricket press/ mini press, and my tv in my sewing room.
When you sew with birds around you learn that good quality, expensive seam rippers arent really worth it cuz well... They're gonna be gonne in a minute 🤣 either broken by a giant colorful chicken, or hidden by that same criminal 🤣 (as much as they make my life hard and chaotic, they really help with frustrating pieces hehe, also helps them with problem solving and exploring, while loosing the fear of silly things)
Everyone has picked the most usual useful things. So I’ll add some left of field ideas. A comfortable but supportive chair with adjustable heights on castors so you can glide from machine to overlocker and back A blue tooth speaker for busting out some tunes, an audio book or podcast. A tv to watch those RUclips tutorials while you sew along. Two small artery clamps (mosquito), one curved and one straight, great for manipulating things like zipper pulls while the object is on the machine. Non slip thin yoga mat. Cut into sizes to fit under your machines and foot pedals. Reduces noise and vibration, helps protect your table surface, and stops that chase the pedal game that ruins posture at the machine. Bonus: surge-protected power board to enable plugging in of all machines, light and iron from the one cord. I put mine in the middle of my table. Four machines and my iron rotate out of it, and only one cord goes to the power point. I sew in the dining room so safety for passerby traffic is important.
I inherited my Great-Grandmothers cantilever sewing box. Still full of 1920's to 1950's items. I bought a smaller one for my granddaughter. I lined hers with velvet as well. I am filling it with jewelry, not sewing supplies. She is only 3 years old, so when she is 18, she will have a lovely collection of pretty baubles. Sewing is such a relaxing hobby. One I won't give up to even with Parkinson's tremor hands!
as a newbie 66 year old sewing beginner, your videos are invaluable. I'm learning so much! thank you so very much for being so cheerful and engaging. Thank you for these learning sessions. I'm using my husbands computer site, I suppose I had better get my own if I keep uploading all this great information. Cheers!
Thanks for posting that Tom because I've wanted to sew my whole life but I never had the time to learn until now and I was worried I waited too long but it's never too late, i hope. And you were a complete beginner.?
I loved seeing your favorite tools! Those are so important. I have another few that I keep near my sewing machine: My levelers for sewing over thick seams with the sewing machine. I have one that came with my machine, and it is useful, but my two favorites come from left over straps from purse making , one is leather, one is cloth. I find I can usually quickly find the right height between the two of them, either folded or single layer. As I approach the thick seam, I raise the foot with the needle in the fabric, and put the leveler under the back of the foot as close to the needle as I can get it, lower the foot and sew. The machine sails right over the seam, no skipped stitches, no funny too short or too long stitches. Tissue paper. I keep tissue paper handy to use as a temporary stabilizer while sewing delicate or slippery fabrics; I also use it under any fabrics that tend to shift or change shape as they go under the presser foot. It’s great for stay-stitching and for sewing delicate rolled hems. Once I’ve got that first line of stitching, the paper is easy to remove, and the line of stitching becomes the stabilizer!
1. Sharp shears, I have multiple ones, just in case one goes bonkers on me. 2. My Rowenta steam iron. It has 400 holes underneath, compared to the 33 on my old, back up one. (I was watching QVC one night, and was totally impressed.) 3. Heat erasable pens. Awesome idea. 4. Good quality thread. 5. My newest addition is the strip of led lights I added to my sewing machine. Older eyes need a little help. And thank you Evelyn for all your wonderful videos. You're an inspiration to lots of sewist.
My favorite moment working in a bridal shop as a seamstress was when a stylist came in our room picked up a pair of scissors and asked to use them for something and we all jumped up and said for what? all panicky and wanting to snatch them out of her hand. Don't touch our scissors! Love these items!
Once my grand-father use my grand-mother's sewing scissors to cut his finger nails, we still heard about it 20 years later, when he had been dead for over 10 years.
I would add a large safety pin, to get elastic through tunnels (or to reinsert the string into your sweater's hood, after your 5 year old nephew pulled it out, nearly strangling you in the process). A homemade 'thimble', made from a scrap piece of leather - much easier to use for beginners, than the real thing. Bees wax, so your thread doesn't twist and knot, when you hand sew. A fullspektrum lightbulb...makes such a difference, when sewing a lot by lamplight in winter. A piece of really thin cotton, you can use as ironing cloth, to protect heat sensitive fabrics/trims. One of those spraybottles, that produce an ultrafine mist, if you don't have a fancy iron. Also helps with static electricity. A handheld vacuum, to keep the mess under control. Well ok, I'm not sure, if that would actually make my personal top 10 (lol), but it does come in handy.
Wow, Rara! Good ones! Beeswax, large safety pin, smaller leather thimble, good light...didn’t think of a handheld vacuum! I’d add a 6” hem gauge and a simple wire needle threader.
I have a tool that clamps the elastic, tape, or cord -- you slide a ring up the tool to hold the jaws closed. It's easy to keep the elastic or tape flat, and it doesn't catch.
Love my Rowena iron, my Ott lights, and my magnifying light! Side note- I actually have my great grandmother's tailor shears. They are made in U.S.A. ( which this company is no longer here) and they are over 100 yrs old!
I'm new to sewing. But I have learned that I like my needles even for quilting, but rarely use them. That I couldn't live without my 28mm rotary cutter. And that the right light above my machine and the right chair make all the difference. I'm trying to figure out my marking method and am too scared to sew clothes yet. My mom made most of my clothes and play items growing up. I've never known a woman who could see such beautiful doll and Barbie clothes! Anyway, she tried my whole life to get me to sew. I hated it. Christmas of '19 my husband got me a sweet little Brother machine to make costumes and things for all of our kids (4) and then Covid hit. I had never put needle to fabric before. In the last 12 months I've made hundreds of masks and a total of 4 quilts with more on the way. I like your videos and watch you while I sew. Someday I'll make a beautiful vintage dress of my dreams. Till then, masks and straight lines for me 😆
@@raraavis7782 Or if you are a little distractible. I said to my parents and grandparents that I have lost sooooo many seam rippers and my dad wondered what one would need a seam ripper for, ha.
1. My Fiskars Easy Action spring-loaded shears and snips, due to chronic RSI I can't use a normal pair of shears, and these have made it possible for me to even sew at all! I've got an entire set of them by now, one is extra angled, making it much easier for me to cut fabric on the floor. 2. Water-erasable pens for marking, super easy and cheap to get and I love them. 3. A magnet (hot-glued to a stick)! Gotta find those stray pins and needles that tend to run away on the floor! 4. A seam gauge, the one with the little slider. I only got this recently and holy smokes, how did I even work without the thing before this?! 5. Probably my clips, complete chinese knock-off of the true quilting clips, but I got a jar of 100 and they're great for holding weird folded corners or hard-to-pin trims etc in place. Still use a bazillion pins though...
I found that using a rotary cutter was easier than those shears which I also own. I use the shears on the “tricky bits” but I use the rotary cutter on the long/straight seams and outside curves. I also saw a woman who had added padding to the handle of her shears and that looked so nice and comfortable.
I just found your channel. Even though I've been sewing since I was a young girl about 1965, I now know what the difference between shears and scissors. It just shows that we can always learn something new.
Top 5 Tools: 1. A *sharp* seam ripper. I buy a new one as soon as there's any resistance on the current one. A dull seam ripper is a ripped garment waiting to happen. You can theoretically sharpen them, at least the better ones. I've just never bothered. And since I can't get through a single garment without having to pick out at least one mis-stitched seam, and there are so many times where you need to slice open pre-basted areas after final stitching, this one gets a regular workout. 2. Self-winding tape measure. I like and use the type of tape measure you do, but not nearly as much as I use the cased versions that automatically roll back up into their little cases when you click the button, since they take up much less room in the sewing box and don't get tangled around other stuff like my regular ribbon-type does. I've always got one sitting nearby for a quick measure-check. 3. Extra-fine mechanical chalk pencil (www.amazon.com/Bohin-Extra-Fine-Chalk-Pencil-91473/dp/B004M5BGD4). This is a new one for me, and I am in love. Tailor's chalk is great for most uses, but sometimes for precision sewing I need a consistently finer line than I can get with a standard chalk, which tends to 'unsharpen' fairly quickly as you use it and leaves an increasingly thicker line. This product is amazing for that! 4. Pinking shears. Along with regular shears and snips, a pair of pinking shears is a must have for quick seam finishes and other applications where you need to stop fabric fraying in its tracks. 5. Fray-Check. Speaking of fraying, I don't know how I'd function without this product. Not sure if this counts as a "tool" or not, but I certainly use it enough to consider it one. Buttonholes, rips and tears that I'm mending or patching, the edges of fray-happy fabric, knots that are at risk of unknotting...the number of times I reach for this during a project makes it a key part of sewing kit. Bonus tool: Metal hem/turning gauges, both the odd-looking ones that have a variety of pre-measured "tabs" on them (like Clover's Seams Right gauge) for quick turn-over measuring and seam allowance checking, and the larger 'ez-hem' style you can iron over to create crisp, perfectly straight and perfectly even hems, folds and casings. I *could* get by without these (and did for years). But once you have them on hand to use, it's really hard to go back to turning hems and measuring seams the old way.
Absolutely on the pinking shears. I’ve used fabric that would have fallen apart before I finished the garment if I hadn’t cut the pieces out with pinking shears.
Quilting pins are a lifesaver for arthritic hands! They are longer. I can no longer grip the regular sewing straight pins. I've been using pipe cleaners for loop turners. I did not know they made them specifically for sewing
I've had the pointy "grabber" part of the loop turner hook the wrong part of the fabric, before you got to the end. They were like fish hooks or porcupine quills, difficult to get out. I always just used small safety pins instead.
Yes! I've made my own leather timble from an old glove that I used for scraps. Cut of the top of one of the fingers and re-sewed the seam. It's a little thin, but works pretty decently.
You have really inspired me to just get started with sewing, and I am actually able to make something wearable now! I started with just fixing my old clothes and shorten a hem on a skirt and things like that. Thank you 🥰
In the automotive shop I found this great telescoping magnet tool. I keep it handy to pick up every lost needle or pin. Also had a magnetic sheet with a sticky back (about 3"sq.) Applied to the base of my machine just to the right of my right hand. This works great as I feed my work with left hand and pull pins as I go with right hand, the magnet captures the pins. 😅
My must-have sewing tools includes a buttonhole chisel for cutting buttonholes, a compass for drawing circles, a metre long ruler. One smooth and one spiky tracing wheel with a pack of dressmaker's coloured carbon papers, a bodkin, thimble and a seam ripper that has a razor sharp small knife, different to an unpicker. A flexirule is a must too. It shapes curves. A hip curved ruler is also very good to have. A tailor's clapper for sharp hems.
You aren't kidding about the fabric scissors being only for fabric. My grandmother was a seamstress and I still remember the ONE time I used her fabric scissors to cut something that was not fabric... Also I'm super excited that you just showed me how I can now fix the missing drawstrings in all my hoodies, pajamas, and shorts. Yay! Totally ordering that loop thing as soon as I'm done watching this. As for tools, I'm very new/rusty at sewing so I'm not sure what's my favorite when it comes to sewing, but I already have a lot of these tools from other non related projects. Those clear rulers are the best for everything. They are great for wood projects, clay, electronics design, painting, drawing, and so much more. I actually have a bunch of them in different sizes including a square one, two 6" ones, an 18" one with a flat edge on the bottom which helps keep projects straight. I even have one 6" clear ruler that I cut into pieces that are excellent for fitting into small places for drawing, marking wood and other projects. They would probably work great for sewing as well. I cut it in half making one piece which is now 1"x3". Then I cut the other half in half again giving me two 1.5" x 1" pieces. Then I cut one of those lengthwise giving me two 1.5" x 0.5" pieces which I have used for so many different projects ranging from jewelry box making, electronics blueprint making/marking, painting, measuring small pieces of felt. They are hands down one of my favorite tools.
My essentials: 1) a pair of short tailors' scissors (terribly sharp), 2) my magnet to collect pins (I am not a wrist pin cushion person), and 3) a sharp seam ripper (I think Clover makes the best seam rippers); 4) pins--I use ancient glass bead topped pins or smaller sized t-pins; 5) tailors' chalk. My bonus would be a replacement lamp for my sewing machine: my husband found me an LED bulb in near daylight, the light spread and color make a big difference when I sew. I usually keep a small notebook and marker or pencil on hand to make notes. I have nine out of your ten (I improvise a tailors' ham with rolled bath towels and kitchen cloths). Most of my sewing tools were passed on or appropriated from my mother. I inherited some wonderful vintage notions (antique hem gauge, tiny scissors, thimbles) from my grandmother who was a seamstress.
My sewing box and sewing machine I got from my Mom. They are both from the 70s, I believe, but well made. I try to sew at home and at work, where I give my granddaughter sewing lessons once a week. I take my sewing case back and forth, but can't take my sewing machine because it's in a cabinet. We use my granddaughter's cheap sewing machine. I'm looking forward to the day that she can sit down at my machine and feel what a "real" machine feels like. No comparison. Other than that, I really like my cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter.
It would be interesting to see a basic, better, best sort of video. For example, I recently upgraded and went from a seam ripper (which I swear blunts so so fast) to a scalpel handle with suture cutter blades. Oh my goodness, it glides like butter. I now use glass headed silk pins. They are so fine and I adore them. My scissors went from ordinary dressmaking scissors to Fiskar’s spring loaded ones, they don’t lift the fabric so much (a bit like your embroidery scissors angle) so they cut down on distortion and they are so so comfy.
Returning to clothing sewing after many years, I have 3 new favorite tools: 1) thread snips for my slightly arthritic fingers - and they would have been great when I was younger for snipping curved seams and opening buttonholes. 2) green painters' frog tape- now that I draft my own patterns this tape is just like old drafting tape - releases from paper very easily - even tracing paper. 3) MOST IMPORTANT -BEESWAX! Newer sewing thread - even the "good stuff" is so highly twisted it knots like crazy when hand sewing. Tailors have used waxed thread for hand sewing for years. Pull the thread thru the wax and then press with a dry iron between a folded paper towel to remove the excess. Hand sewing is then a dream. I bought a beeswax votive candle at a health food store for $3.50 rather than pay $10 or more for a pound online. It will probably last me a decade. If I don't finish my project right away, I wrap the waxed threads on an empty toilet tissue roll and secure the ends with a small strip of the frog tape. The frog tape can be reused several times.
Hello Evelyn. Another wonderful video, thank you. Personally I wouldn't be without "Dolly", my tailors dummy. Makes life so easy for pinning and checking fit, especially in awkward areas that I can't see usually. Makes hems a breeze too. My other must have, that I use on every single project is my "Isomars pattern curve". It is the only curve tool I own, and the only one I need. It also has a straight edge and seam guide. I use it for pattern tracing and grading all the time. Like you, pins are my favourite item 😃. I just can't get by without them, especially as I am a beginner, only on my fifth garment now 😃 I just ❤️ pins 😃 💋
1. My sewing room! Don’t think I would ever sew if I had to take out my machine and supplies every time I wanted to sew. 2. My walking foot. It has been a game changer for knits and stretchy fabrics! 3. My iPad. So I can watch sewing tutorials while I sew! Thanks for all your helpful information!!🥰
I tied a small pair of snips to each sewing machine so they can’t disappear or be easily be borrowed. I also keep a needle and threader handy for quick tacking or burying thread ends into seams. Never forget the trash can hidden under the table.
I have Mundial shears just like yours but I probably bought them 15+ years before you, so I second your comment that they will last for life. I absolutely love them 💗💝
I made my own pressing hams out of heavy calico for the lining and a cotton and wool upholstery fabric for a cover, and stuffed them with hamster sawdust from the pet shop. I used the same cotton to make pyramid pattern weights, filled with aquarium gravel, a mat for my sewing machine and a couple of fabric bowls for throwing in scraps and holding bits and pieces. I should have got more of the fabric because I would have liked to make a matching pressing mat and cloth. My most used tool is probably a seam ripper, but I never sew anything without my sewing gauge/point turner/button gauge by my machine. How could I forget, I made a matching sewing book for my machine needles and a couple of pincushions, I use these things without thinking about them.
I've always argued with my husband about not using the sewing shears on anything else that it's not fabric. My three favorite things are my shears, tape measure, and pins. I'm just a beginner but I've learned a couple of things from my mother. By the way, I'm using my 80s Caboodle beauty case as my sewing box. Totally love it! 💋❤🧵🪡
I managed to repair my late grandmother’s sewing machine last month and your channel has been very helpful for a sewing beginner like me! Now I just need to prevent myself from binge watching all of your videos at once . Thank you for makin these videos !!
I enjoyed watching your favorites, some are mine as well. I can quickly add 2 that I would add. Like the tape measure, I fashioned my embroidery scissors to hang around my neck. They are always there while I sew for cutting threads. If I sit down to do something quick and don’t put them on, I am inevitably reaching for them. But a little “tool” I have used for many years and could not live without is a porcupine quill. It’s perfect while I sew to help ease fabric under the needle. It’s very stiff, yet a little flexible. It always is right there in front of my machine for easy pick up when I need it.
In addition to the other notions mentioned, I love using a glue stick to "glue baste." When I'm making face masks and need to sew the ends of the elastic together before putting the sewn ear loop into the mask, I glue baste the ends of the elastic overlapping together and that helps keep them lined up together to sew them permanently.
All the other comments have listed my favorites except Hemostat locking tweezers. Perfect for removing tangled threads in the bobbin area. It has saved me numerous times!
My top 3 sewing tools. My blue magnetic wand for collecting pins and needles that go everywhere. Next, the seam ripper and lastly my needle shoe - my great grandmothers silver shoe, which was her sewing needle pin/needle holder and its next to me where ever I park myself around the house. I would not be without it
While not a tool, I love my sewing table. It's a drafting table that I can comfortably stand at or use a chair that is high up to sit on. Hubby got them at his work many years ago. Tools - seam ripper, seam gauge. I don't like using pin cushions, so I have some small pretty vintage dishes for my pins and generic Wonder clips..
Oh my! Your partner is very talented. His talent with wood and your talent with sewing, such a perfect pair. Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them so much. I hope to take you sewing school in the near future.
You had me at #2! My must-have is my home-made wrist pin cushion made from cotton belt, Velcro, and pad. Then, large, heavy fabric shears, and then my favorite steam iron-not commercial, but carefully chosen for shots of steam. 😊
My seam ripper! I don't always work with a pattern and I tent to constantly change my mind about things. A good, strong magnet. I keep dropping pins no matter how hard I try not to. My leather thimble. I would never hand sew without it. My rotary cutter-actually two of them in different sizes- they can be more accurate than scissors in certain cases.
Nothing to add. Seems as if we had pretty much the same basic training. Lol. Tape around neck, pins all the way in and chalkers for life. 😁 Yesssss.... Only thing I never used before knit fabrics became the norm was glass head pins. Now they are just handy. Hatmakers pins for anything heavier than twill. 😁 With boned corsets anything else is just futile. 😁
I use glue to secure seams in place before sewing. It's water-based and washes right out after the garment is made, but it works better for me than pins for getting hems exactly straight and right. I use graph paper with 1/4 centimeter (or 1/10 inch) grids to keep copies of patterns in a notebook. This is important since I usually modify patterns quite a bit before I sew. So I can re-create the pattern as modded from my notebook if necessary. Side benefit: my wife never reorganizes my notebook, so I can always find the patterns I want. I use a piece of clear acrylic two by three feet square to hold things down absolutely flat. It's way better than pattern weights. It make it far easier to see an inch grid behind my pattern if I'm transferring to my notebook, makes it far easier to see the original pattern behind the paper when I'm transferring it to paper to start modding, holds the layers together relative to each other in both cases, and then also holds fabric and pattern down together absolutely accurately when I'm cutting. Finally, nothing I do above the acrylic is going to cause anything below it to shift, slide, or distort, so I can literally crawl over a large piece on the floor when cutting without worrying about disturbing the pattern.
Another must is a magnet! It helps to pick up dropped or spilled pins. You can get a set of little magnets at the dollar store, glue them to a Tupperware and use that as a pin container/collector. Or just get a magnet from a sewing store. A ruler just like hers is a must! You need a clear one with a lot of very, very thin lines. I agree that pattern paper is very important but if you go with a bit thinner paper you can trace patterns underneath which allows for easier pattern alterations. Semi related - label all of your patterns every time.
I made a ham out of sand. It's really heavy, but it doubles as a massive pin cushion. And I had a lot of sand left over from another project, lol. Currently making a sausage stuffed with wool roving that has felted slightly so is not good for spinning yarn with. Yes, I have too many hobbies.
You and I shop at the same shops, but mine are in Canada. I've a sausage and ham from a second hand store, I found a little box of millinery pins (hat pins.) and so many other things. I have a collection of darning eggs and mushrooms. My great grandfather was a tailor and furrier, so my grandmother had his great big shears, They had shaped handles, just lovely. I love my Ginger shears, a little rubber circle used for pulling needles through heavy fabric in quilting, glass headed pins that do not melt, and little pin cushions, separate for the different sizes of pins.
Love the way red color always poops up in your tutorial,and that gorgeous smile,you just make me wanna learn even when am dosing,they v really helped me in a lot of ways.God continue blessing you.😊
My very favourite tool is my thimble. I was browsing for something else and came across the Taylor Seville Wonder Grip and Thimble. I have never got on with thimbles and any hand sewing made my fingers so sore but now, though I still don't like hand sewing much, I find this thimble is perfect for me. It is a silicon thimble with a metal tip joined with a strip of the silicon to a thumb cover which acts, along with the sides of the thimble, as a needle gripper. I can wear the thimble on my index finger and my fingers don't get sore any more.
Sewing tools I can’t sew without: point board, clapper, a 1/2 inch round wooden stick for pressing seam open in straps or belts, stiletto for helping fabric lay flat while it’s going under the pressure foot when sewing heavy fabrics, and a small snips or scissors at each machine and near the ironing station so there no looking for them.
Pinking shears!! I got mine at a garage sale for only $10, then saw the same ones at the fabric shop for $80, so I was very pleased - and I can’t imagine cutting fabric without them, especially when I know I’ll be handling & manipulating the fabric quite a lot, which could mean frayed edges if I hadn’t used the pinking shears.
I have a favorite seam ripper, with a long and ergonomic handle. I do more quilting than clothes sewing, so my mat, rotary cutter are a must, and my favorite ruler is my 6"x12" Olfa Frost. My spray bottle for starching, specially when I am going to cut repurposed shirt's fabric into small pieces: it reduces distortion and fraying. Long straight pins and sturdy safety pins. Washable glue for temporary help.
Katrina ate my house and sewing nook, so finally restarting. First rate shears. A ham. Chalk. Silk and ball point pins. There’s a few favorite How To books I finally replaced. A thimble that fits well to hop on basting/ tailor tacks and hand sewing oddments. And I need a big table top to work on, that’s a challenge. What you sew determines what you need. I stay pretty basic, but ball point needles and pins for knits were utterly liberating for me. Let me really exploit my machines stretch stitch.
Found a vintage sewing box like yours. It had long legs on it but one was broken, so I removed the other 3. The wood handle was also broken, I have yet to fix it...I love the short legs on yours and the paint color...I think I will remodel mine, and post pics to u to show it... I paid $20 for it and another $20 for the accessories that the daughter had... she was cleaning out her mother's estate after the loss of her mom, and would not let me give her more $$ for the stuff. Vintage scissors, as well as, other notions, threads, zippers...well worth over a couple hundred dollars. She, herself was not a sewer, but her mom taught in Jr. High.
Something you have probably never thought of as being a a sewing tool, is a pair of curved end hemostats. I use these daily, (a 5.5" pair with a curved end) I use them for grabbing threads, pulling thread loops when bringing up bobbin thread and threading needles, and for holding down material while feeding under the presser foot. This is an unbelievable little tool that everyone should try. Honestly, it's something I grab a lot, and will always be with my machine along with my seam ripper, thread trimming scissors, etc. I am a beginning sewer, and I am always looking for helpful tools. This is my most used. By the way, I love your videos. Your experience shows, and is appreciated.
Fabric shears, paper scissors, thread nippers, best quality pins & needles I can afford, properly sized machine needle for current project, tape measures & rulers AND good lighting! I love your sewing box (would love one like it or similar)
Definitely a tailor’s ham and sleeve roll. Also a small metal measuring gauge with moveable marker, tailor’s chalk and erasable marker pens. I use either a chopstick or a manicure orange stick for helping to turn points. For the life of me, I cannot get on with those loop turners though!
I made my self saddle bags for my bedside table. I live in a nursing home. The saddle bag has strips three of them and the saddle bag holds my sears,my compass,clear plastic box of needles.tons of labeled pockets. I have had a wrist pin cushion and a sewed one on my saddle. But my most used (not a sewing tool) is my Pillow pad for my tablet that is big soft but firm and I stick my pins and needles in it,I also have a threaded pinned on it.
I have a pair of scissors that my grandma gave me, that are like those little embroidery scissors just with a long handle. I've never seen any others like them, but I've never looked lol but they're really cool!
was was told to buy doctors roll out table paper if you can get it from a medical supply store it works great you can see through it and it folds up well you get a lot on a role. i have some pattern that are 25 plus year old mark on this paper and it still going strong
1. Sharp scissors big and small. 2. Rotary cutter with mat and ruler for cutting straight lines. 3. Magnetic pin cushion. If I drop pins I just run it over and they come up from the floor. 4. I love binding clips for when I’m hand sewing so I don’t stick myself as much. 5. Chalk pencil. 6. Pattern paper, and pencil. 7. Seam ripper. I have a hand turned one that’s got two ends and fits my hand perfectly. 8. Awl. 9. Iron. 10. An uncluttered space to sew in.
I love a good tailor's ham, they're so useful! I have a full chest so I found most hams aren't quite round enough so I made my own which I have dubbed the seamstress' breast. I basically made it a very full oval shape and filled it with sawdust (thanks to my dad who always has wood projects going on) and it's worked wonders especially with garments that have princess seams.
@@magnoliaweathershield443 ya, I got fine dust because my dad happened to have just sanded down a ton of projects at once and used a vaccum system to sort out the even finer dust so I could use it. Otherwise i would have just made do with purchased ones
great video :) I would add small paper clips, as I make a lot of zipper pouches and they are so simple to use for that purpouse. I also use a tweezer to pull out threads after seamripping! also thank you so much for this channel! a few years ago I inherited my grandmothers Husqvarna Practica from the 1950s, and I wanted to learn to sew, mostly redesigning my clothes. for a long time I haven't had the space or time to sew, but recently I picked it up again, now that I finally have the space to have a room dedicated to sewing. your videos are so fun and inspiring to watch and I learn so much! my sewing has improved so much over the past weeks, and a lot of that is because of these videos. sewing can sometimes feel overwhelming when starting out, but it really helps to learn from more experienced sewers. If I have a problem or make a mistake I search for the answer here on youtube, and 80% of the time your videos pops up, and I click on them. so thank you for sharing your knowledge and making these videos.
#1.The metal, 6" sewing gauge that I've had for ages. Bonus use; the bump on the end is perfect for drawing out the bobbin thread. #2. My odd, midsized sheers. They work for small fabric cutting tasks and as snips. I've had this pair since home economics in HS. #3. I just discovered "Wash Away Wonder Tape". Patch pocket installation favorite!
I use a housewife to hold all my necessary sewing tools. It’s mostly for hand sewing (as that’s what I do most of), and I’ve made it myself out of some cabbage and a bit of lace, and designed it to meet my needs. I’d say to Google sewing housewife or hussif to get a basic idea, but it’s basically a roll up sewing kit that I’ve customised. So instead of only pockets, I have one pocket that holds my quick unpick, whatever thread I need for my current project, my thimble, some measuring tape, tailors chalk, and then I have a home-made pin cushion, then a triangular embroidery scissors pocket, that has a loop of lace that snaps, to keep the scissors in even upside down, and then a have a couple of woolen “pages” that hold my hand needles, some silk pins (separate form my other pins), and some safety pins. Then I roll it all up, and tie it with some attached ribbon. And it goes everywhere with me. Edited to add a link to my Instagram, that has pictures of my housewife. instagram.com/p/CE_ou8GBnen/?igshid=gccqlfwg51si Hopefully that link works, not sure if my Instagram is set to super private or not. I should probably check that.
I've been using a little Tupperware container but I have a self drafted housewife pattern on my cutting table right now. So much cuter than a plastic box!
My first husband was in the navy (UK) and was issued with a 'housewife' for mending and keeping their uniforms tip top. Yes, it was called a housewife. and a very good kit it was. He still got me to do his mending and sewing on of badges if he was home though!
I have a tiny vintage sewing box I bought in Korea that I use for sewing at home, and a zipper pouch with a small sewing kit I assembled inside, that stays in my bag. A housewife might be a fun project for the new year.
I have a pair of little scissors like yours! I was looking for some scissors, one for embroidery and one for making small cuts in paper at the time. I actually got mine from ebay under beauty and healthcare, where they were advertised as for trimming eyebrows and false eyelashes to shape. They came with a removeable plastic comb that fit on one blade, but just slips off. It was cheap (even free postage) and I didnt expect much, but they are extremely sharp and work well (I'm using a tiny craft blade for the paperwork)
The scissors to cut hair also need to be very very sharp. Just like dressmakers, hairdressers are also very protective of their scissors. A nice haircut starts with very sharp scissors ;) I remember there was a time when i was little, i was being told ALL the time: if you start cutting 1 type of item with the scissors, NEVER EVER cut something else with that thing. So there was a pair of scissors for everything in the house.
The seam ripper!! I've never used a toile*. I always used my actual fabric as the toile. But that was back in the 70s and 80s when most of the fabric was "self-repairing" lol and didn't leave needle holes. Amazingly, my garments turned out fine. * I will be making toiles from now on. Fabric is so much more expensive.
I have one of those vintage sewing boxes. It is a three tier though. I love it. My dog broke the legs off it and I haven't repaired it yet. But I will do it someday.
@@sharonteitsma9698 mine has a lot of zips and trimming, although my desk doesn’t have drawers. Maybe make it handsewing focused since it’s portable and then you could take it with you if you’re handsewing around the house away from the machine desk?
A pen removable by friction because it acts as heat (i.e. iron) erasable marker! It's thin, easy to use, cheap and precise, and you can buy them at the stationary! It's a must have for me! Another must have is Prym form tape interfacing which can be used instead of stay stitching and/or interfacing for neckline!
My entire sewing "kit" is needle, thread, pins, small scissors to cut the thread (and sometimes the fabric because we don't have any good fabric scissors), pencil for markings (a n.2 for light colours and a yellow one for dark colours), and a regular transparent arts-n-crafts ruler from middle school times, lol. When necessary I raid my mother's sewing box for a seam ripper, although less and less lately, and if it's a big piece i borrow my father's sewing machine and iron. I'm just starting out, so my materials aren't the best, the tiny scissors are actually the only piece I specifically bought for _me_ and for _my_ sewing kit. I tried buying thoes chalk triangles but didn't get great results, so I switched to pencil. I don't get much encouragement at home for my projects, but it's fine, I like the results and it makes me happy. Isn't that what matters? Right now I'm doing a shirt for a doll (little fabric = small projects), second attempt because the first one was just bad, but this one might actually be complete.
I bought new shears and they cut so well! This isn't an accessory, but my 45-year-old Bernina machine and table are indispensible. It is hard for me to do things digitally, so I won't replace it. I refused to loan it even to my (now ex) sister-in-law!
I learned from my mother never to loan out or let anyone use your sewing machine. Somewhere else in my life I was told never to waste money on cheap notions.
I lost my 1984 White Machine in Katrina. Finally found an exact replacement in amazing shape, it’s on the way. You do not need a computer to run a sewing machine. And, when sitting at the imposter I keep reaching for a control and it’s not there.
YES ME TOO!! But I’ve only had my Bernina for 38 years. 😁 It is a Model 930 Record. It was the last mechanical machine that Bernina made before they started using computer components. I LOVE it.
I loved my mechanical White machine too. My husband bought it for me the first Christmas we were married in 1965. The store used a brilliant marketing idea. They offered a FREE SHOTGUN with the purchase of every White sewing machine!! Can you imagine a sale like that these days? No way. But it was perfect for a young couple in Oklahoma in the 60s!
I may have more than I need to sew and have not sewn anything yet. I have a new Singer model 2277 machine which I got new months ago and have had problems setting it up. I recently purchased a new Singer model 44S Heavy duty machine this past week from an area store and still have yet to try it out. As for supplies I have plenty of thread I purchased along with almost everything else used to sew with. I can't say what my favorite tools for sewing is as I have not done any yet, but I love all the items I have and there is plenty of thread to use and a variety of both machine and manual sewing needles for my machiness.
I just came from watching your top 5 tools you don’t use and man after seeing this video I really need to level up my game! I do have a measuring tape and shears but I need chalk because I use soap ( it’s free and tons of it in my bathroom) , the turning/pushing thing ( chop sticks, again free), the ham & sausage iron ( I use the towel, guess my bathroom is a big supplier for my sewing lol). I cheered when you talked about the pattern paper (I used wrapping paper till one day I really needed to see through the paper) because I have that 🎉. Been using the clips because I read that different fabrics need different pins so I took the path of least resistance. Your box is gorgeous and what a very special gift!
Now you know mine, I want to hear YOUR top 3 to 5 sewing tools that you just wouldn't sew without?
✂
Want to learn how to use all these cool sewing tools like a pro? Join me at VINTAGE SEWING SCHOOL www.vintagesewingschool.com
I think these are similar to the embroidery scissors u have. I like them. www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUEUVJP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_cOjUFbJ495JAC
I was able to find the scissors that you mention at 7:23
kaiscissors.com/kai-5100b-4-inch-bent-handle-scissors/
Hi Evelyn, I hope you read this, cause I truly have great news for you. I found your favorite embroidery scissors online, exactly the same one. If you google "prym 611516" you will find them right away. Prym is the brandname and 611516 is the specific article number. I usually never comment, but I like your personality and informative videos so very much, that I had to share and give this information to you. Good luck :-)
I just bought the bent handle scissors today :D Yours are Kai, mine are Prym, both very reliable and quality brands. I'm not sure if you have Prym in the US, because it's a German brand, but Kai is Japanese and might be available in your part of the world.
As for my top sewing tools, it's very similar to yours. Tape measure, good tailor shears (Kai), long wooden tailor ruler, quality pins (I use extra thin "silk" pins). Also a seam allowance marker gadget, and I love my rotary cutter :D
I love rotary cutters which I had to learn to use when my right thumb got injured. I have 3 sizes for different uses. Also, if you use your ring finger when you use shears, you'll have much better control, as your thumb guides the shear and the ring finger stabilizes it.
Other favorites are curved rulers, Ott lights on sewing table and cutting surface, steam generator iron as well as the little Clover iron, and different sized loop turner tubes.
My one luxury in sewing is to have a dedicated room always ready to sew. It doesn't have to be big, once it was just a walk in closet. But setting up a project, then having to put it all away to use the dining room table, that takes the joy out of sewing. It also leads to mistakes and lost pieces. So a room I can just shut the door and enter to only enjoy sewing is a must in my list!
A agree! I would never sew if I had to un-pack it all first, and then after too!
My husband was about to get a 6mx4m shed built many years ago so I convinced he he needed to get a 9mx4m shed instead so I could have 1/3 of it for a sewing craft room. Best thing ever. It is fully lined, insulated &Even has reverse cycle air con for when we are having up to 40degree days over here in Kalgoorlie. Have added to shed over the years & now have twice the space. This is my lady cave LOL.
this is so true!!! my poor living room is in disarray as we speak! 😂
Jobelle - why not buy a folding 6 foot long, heavy plastic table from Bunnings? The table folds in half and the curved legs fold under it. I had one of those, it is very solid and inexpensive. So when you finished sewing, you just fold your table away. No need to sew on the dining table.
Hello, I hope by now you have your dedicated sewing room. I know exactly what you meant. Dining room table is my go-to space, and when i need to sew or pain and craft I have to bring everything from garage and set it up. Then my table is busy, and I try to do as much sewing as possible which can take a few weeks. And dinner is served in the den's coffee table while we watch tv. Right now, my sewing machine is at the head of the table with 1 project completed, yay! Wishing you happy sewing!!!
This video helps
I just used the sewing machine my sister gave me 3 yrs ago & successfully made 3 sets of two small pillow cases.
Now need to buy gadgets to get into this new hobby. Got 6 yrs to retire & I'm finding something to when I retire. Thanks for all the tips
A large, sticky lint roller. I have three very "helpful" cats and inevitably I get cat hair on everything I sew!
I use the lint roller to deposit thread bits, instead of casting them on the floor :)
When I worked in bridal, our uniform was black and the dresses white... we used to tear off bits of packing tape and 'de-fluff' each other with that! 😂
I have a helpful cat too. His job is to run off with little bits of fabric that drop and also to re-house paper pattern scraps that drop as I cut.
Yes! But for me it’s more for cleaning up the loose threads or fabric cut offs because my dog likes to lick the carpet for some reason and I’d like to keep him from eating synthetic thread or fabric bits. So any time I’m sewing with something that’s fraying or linty I roll my clothes and work area before I stand up ha.
I bought a Hydrea London 3-Way Clothes Brush, Shoehorn and Lint Remover. It works well.
Such a gorgeous sewing box. I love a good notions video, it gives me so many ideas of what's out there to use. Something that occurred to me while I was watching is that it would be interesting to have a video on sewing tool maintenance. Like how does one keep their scissors in working condition for years? Do you need to clean the iron inside and out? Do tailor's hams ever need to be washed? Things like that I think would be very interesting. Not necessarily the actual steps even but just a list of things about our tools that we should know to keep them in shape.
Great ideas, hope she reads you!
Ooo yes I second that, a video on sewing tool maintenance would be really helpful!
Great idea!
Yesss
My mom was a master seamstress, she always said that “you can tell how good a seamstress is by the quality of her seam ripper”. My absolute favorites are a good seam ripper, good shears, double sided tape, my cricket press/ mini press, and my tv in my sewing room.
😂😂😂 I like that saying!
When you sew with birds around you learn that good quality, expensive seam rippers arent really worth it cuz well... They're gonna be gonne in a minute 🤣 either broken by a giant colorful chicken, or hidden by that same criminal 🤣 (as much as they make my life hard and chaotic, they really help with frustrating pieces hehe, also helps them with problem solving and exploring, while loosing the fear of silly things)
Everyone has picked the most usual useful things. So I’ll add some left of field ideas.
A comfortable but supportive chair with adjustable heights on castors so you can glide from machine to overlocker and back
A blue tooth speaker for busting out some tunes, an audio book or podcast.
A tv to watch those RUclips tutorials while you sew along.
Two small artery clamps (mosquito), one curved and one straight, great for manipulating things like zipper pulls while the object is on the machine.
Non slip thin yoga mat. Cut into sizes to fit under your machines and foot pedals. Reduces noise and vibration, helps protect your table surface, and stops that chase the pedal game that ruins posture at the machine.
Bonus: surge-protected power board to enable plugging in of all machines, light and iron from the one cord. I put mine in the middle of my table. Four machines and my iron rotate out of it, and only one cord goes to the power point. I sew in the dining room so safety for passerby traffic is important.
Yup. Back in days of yore, foot pedals were heavier. You didn't have to chase them.
I inherited my Great-Grandmothers cantilever sewing box. Still full of 1920's to 1950's items. I bought a smaller one for my granddaughter. I lined hers with velvet as well. I am filling it with jewelry, not sewing supplies. She is only 3 years old, so when she is 18, she will have a lovely collection of pretty baubles. Sewing is such a relaxing hobby. One I won't give up to even with Parkinson's tremor hands!
Great idea!!
as a newbie 66 year old sewing beginner, your videos are invaluable. I'm learning so much! thank you so very much for being so cheerful and engaging. Thank you for these learning sessions. I'm using my husbands computer site, I suppose I had better get my own if I keep uploading all this great information. Cheers!
Thanks for posting that Tom because I've wanted to sew my whole life but I never had the time to learn until now and I was worried I waited too long but it's never too late, i hope. And you were a complete beginner.?
I loved seeing your favorite tools! Those are so important. I have another few that I keep near my sewing machine:
My levelers for sewing over thick seams with the sewing machine. I have one that came with my machine, and it is useful, but my two favorites come from left over straps from purse making , one is leather, one is cloth. I find I can usually quickly find the right height between the two of them, either folded or single layer. As I approach the thick seam, I raise the foot with the needle in the fabric, and put the leveler under the back of the foot as close to the needle as I can get it, lower the foot and sew. The machine sails right over the seam, no skipped stitches, no funny too short or too long stitches.
Tissue paper. I keep tissue paper handy to use as a temporary stabilizer while sewing delicate or slippery fabrics; I also use it under any fabrics that tend to shift or change shape as they go under the presser foot. It’s great for stay-stitching and for sewing delicate rolled hems. Once I’ve got that first line of stitching, the paper is easy to remove, and the line of stitching becomes the stabilizer!
Great tip. Thankyou!
1. Sharp shears, I have multiple ones, just in case one goes bonkers on me.
2. My Rowenta steam iron. It has 400 holes underneath, compared to the 33 on my old, back up one. (I was watching QVC one night, and was totally impressed.)
3. Heat erasable pens. Awesome idea.
4. Good quality thread.
5. My newest addition is the strip of led lights I added to my sewing machine. Older eyes need a little help.
And thank you Evelyn for all your wonderful videos. You're an inspiration to lots of sewist.
Aww thankyou for watching 😄
I love having a 400-hole steam iron. I could not believe I put up with hissing and spitting irons for so many years (decades, ha ha).
@@user-mv9tt4st9k I know what you mean.
@@user-mv9tt4st9k
Wow, what brand?
With the heat disappearing pens do you know is you accidentally iron them out just put the piece in the freezer and the lines will come back.
My favorite moment working in a bridal shop as a seamstress was when a stylist came in our room picked up a pair of scissors and asked to use them for something and we all jumped up and said for what? all panicky and wanting to snatch them out of her hand. Don't touch our scissors! Love these items!
Once my grand-father use my grand-mother's sewing scissors to cut his finger nails, we still heard about it 20 years later, when he had been dead for over 10 years.
I would add a large safety pin, to get elastic through tunnels (or to reinsert the string into your sweater's hood, after your 5 year old nephew pulled it out, nearly strangling you in the process).
A homemade 'thimble', made from a scrap piece of leather - much easier to use for beginners, than the real thing. Bees wax, so your thread doesn't twist and knot, when you hand sew.
A fullspektrum lightbulb...makes such a difference, when sewing a lot by lamplight in winter. A piece of really thin cotton, you can use as ironing cloth, to protect heat sensitive fabrics/trims.
One of those spraybottles, that produce an ultrafine mist, if you don't have a fancy iron. Also helps with static electricity. A handheld vacuum, to keep the mess under control. Well ok, I'm not sure, if that would actually make my personal top 10 (lol), but it does come in handy.
Wow, Rara! Good ones! Beeswax, large safety pin, smaller leather thimble, good light...didn’t think of a handheld vacuum!
I’d add a 6” hem gauge and a simple wire needle threader.
😍 I know there's so many neat sewing to use right!!
Beeswax, definitely. I use beeswax when I hand sew or thread my machine.
I have a tool that clamps the elastic, tape, or cord -- you slide a ring up the tool to hold the jaws closed. It's easy to keep the elastic or tape flat, and it doesn't catch.
@@maryjackson1194 binder clips are wonderful too for holding things together. You can get colorful ones too.
Love my Rowena iron, my Ott lights, and my magnifying light!
Side note- I actually have my great grandmother's tailor shears. They are made in U.S.A. ( which this company is no longer here) and they are over 100 yrs old!
Now that is really neat! Do you use them?
@@Evelyn__Wood, no I don't. I did have them sharpened. But I usually use my rotary cutter now. I have trouble with my hands using scissors.
I'm new to sewing. But I have learned that I like my needles even for quilting, but rarely use them. That I couldn't live without my 28mm rotary cutter. And that the right light above my machine and the right chair make all the difference. I'm trying to figure out my marking method and am too scared to sew clothes yet.
My mom made most of my clothes and play items growing up. I've never known a woman who could see such beautiful doll and Barbie clothes! Anyway, she tried my whole life to get me to sew. I hated it. Christmas of '19 my husband got me a sweet little Brother machine to make costumes and things for all of our kids (4) and then Covid hit. I had never put needle to fabric before. In the last 12 months I've made hundreds of masks and a total of 4 quilts with more on the way.
I like your videos and watch you while I sew. Someday I'll make a beautiful vintage dress of my dreams. Till then, masks and straight lines for me 😆
1. Mindset / Mood Be ready and in the mood to sew 2. Clean table to set up my sewing space 3. Seam ripper.
Hmmm... I might habe to re do the whole video now to add mindset to the list! 😂 You're so right!
Yes. Seam ripper. That one is definitely an essential! Especially, if you skip number one ;-)
😂😂😂
@@raraavis7782 Or if you are a little distractible. I said to my parents and grandparents that I have lost sooooo many seam rippers and my dad wondered what one would need a seam ripper for, ha.
@@mjbe
Tell him to imagine, he could never take out a screw or remove a nail, once it's hammered in. He'll understand 😉
1. My Fiskars Easy Action spring-loaded shears and snips, due to chronic RSI I can't use a normal pair of shears, and these have made it possible for me to even sew at all! I've got an entire set of them by now, one is extra angled, making it much easier for me to cut fabric on the floor.
2. Water-erasable pens for marking, super easy and cheap to get and I love them.
3. A magnet (hot-glued to a stick)! Gotta find those stray pins and needles that tend to run away on the floor!
4. A seam gauge, the one with the little slider. I only got this recently and holy smokes, how did I even work without the thing before this?!
5. Probably my clips, complete chinese knock-off of the true quilting clips, but I got a jar of 100 and they're great for holding weird folded corners or hard-to-pin trims etc in place. Still use a bazillion pins though...
Bingo wand is great as stick magnet
I found that using a rotary cutter was easier than those shears which I also own. I use the shears on the “tricky bits” but I use the rotary cutter on the long/straight seams and outside curves. I also saw a woman who had added padding to the handle of her shears and that looked so nice and comfortable.
Seam ripper, good quilting pins and I love my magnetic pin “cushion”.
I just found your channel. Even though I've been sewing since I was a young girl about 1965, I now know what the difference between shears and scissors. It just shows that we can always learn something new.
Since my sewing machine is broken for the moment. I cannot live without my thimble ring for hand sewing. Love it!!
Wow, didn't know I had a loop turner until now! I was wondering what that was!
😂😂 Well I'm glad you know what it does now!
Thank you for your reply! I love your box. I have one too, and now I myself very tempted to line it.
You should! 😍
Top 5 Tools:
1. A *sharp* seam ripper. I buy a new one as soon as there's any resistance on the current one. A dull seam ripper is a ripped garment waiting to happen. You can theoretically sharpen them, at least the better ones. I've just never bothered. And since I can't get through a single garment without having to pick out at least one mis-stitched seam, and there are so many times where you need to slice open pre-basted areas after final stitching, this one gets a regular workout.
2. Self-winding tape measure. I like and use the type of tape measure you do, but not nearly as much as I use the cased versions that automatically roll back up into their little cases when you click the button, since they take up much less room in the sewing box and don't get tangled around other stuff like my regular ribbon-type does. I've always got one sitting nearby for a quick measure-check.
3. Extra-fine mechanical chalk pencil (www.amazon.com/Bohin-Extra-Fine-Chalk-Pencil-91473/dp/B004M5BGD4). This is a new one for me, and I am in love. Tailor's chalk is great for most uses, but sometimes for precision sewing I need a consistently finer line than I can get with a standard chalk, which tends to 'unsharpen' fairly quickly as you use it and leaves an increasingly thicker line. This product is amazing for that!
4. Pinking shears. Along with regular shears and snips, a pair of pinking shears is a must have for quick seam finishes and other applications where you need to stop fabric fraying in its tracks.
5. Fray-Check. Speaking of fraying, I don't know how I'd function without this product. Not sure if this counts as a "tool" or not, but I certainly use it enough to consider it one. Buttonholes, rips and tears that I'm mending or patching, the edges of fray-happy fabric, knots that are at risk of unknotting...the number of times I reach for this during a project makes it a key part of sewing kit.
Bonus tool: Metal hem/turning gauges, both the odd-looking ones that have a variety of pre-measured "tabs" on them (like Clover's Seams Right gauge) for quick turn-over measuring and seam allowance checking, and the larger 'ez-hem' style you can iron over to create crisp, perfectly straight and perfectly even hems, folds and casings. I *could* get by without these (and did for years). But once you have them on hand to use, it's really hard to go back to turning hems and measuring seams the old way.
Absolutely on the pinking shears. I’ve used fabric that would have fallen apart before I finished the garment if I hadn’t cut the pieces out with pinking shears.
Quilting pins are a lifesaver for arthritic hands! They are longer. I can no longer grip the regular sewing straight pins. I've been using pipe cleaners for loop turners. I did not know they made them specifically for sewing
How do you use pipe cleaners as a loop turner?
I've had the pointy "grabber" part of the loop turner hook the wrong part of the fabric, before you got to the end. They were like fish hooks or porcupine quills, difficult to get out. I always just used small safety pins instead.
My favorite sewing tools: Steam iron, pressing hams, grading ruler, Swedish pattern paper, wrist pin cushion, embroidery scissors, chalk and wash-out markers.
A leather and a metal thimble for hand sewing! A pair of needle-nose pliers for those projects with many layers that you can't just 'push' thru.
Yes! I've made my own leather timble from an old glove that I used for scraps. Cut of the top of one of the fingers and re-sewed the seam. It's a little thin, but works pretty decently.
You have really inspired me to just get started with sewing, and I am actually able to make something wearable now! I started with just fixing my old clothes and shorten a hem on a skirt and things like that. Thank you 🥰
Aww this lovley, thankyou for letting me know! Happy sewing 😄
In the automotive shop I found this great telescoping magnet tool. I keep it handy to pick up every lost needle or pin. Also had a magnetic sheet with a sticky back (about 3"sq.) Applied to the base of my machine just to the right of my right hand. This works great as I feed my work with left hand and pull pins as I go with right hand, the magnet captures the pins. 😅
My must-have sewing tools includes a buttonhole chisel for cutting buttonholes, a compass for drawing circles, a metre long ruler. One smooth and one spiky tracing wheel with a pack of dressmaker's coloured carbon papers, a bodkin, thimble and a seam ripper that has a razor sharp small knife, different to an unpicker. A flexirule is a must too. It shapes curves. A hip curved ruler is also very good to have. A tailor's clapper for sharp hems.
You aren't kidding about the fabric scissors being only for fabric. My grandmother was a seamstress and I still remember the ONE time I used her fabric scissors to cut something that was not fabric...
Also I'm super excited that you just showed me how I can now fix the missing drawstrings in all my hoodies, pajamas, and shorts. Yay! Totally ordering that loop thing as soon as I'm done watching this.
As for tools, I'm very new/rusty at sewing so I'm not sure what's my favorite when it comes to sewing, but I already have a lot of these tools from other non related projects. Those clear rulers are the best for everything. They are great for wood projects, clay, electronics design, painting, drawing, and so much more. I actually have a bunch of them in different sizes including a square one, two 6" ones, an 18" one with a flat edge on the bottom which helps keep projects straight. I even have one 6" clear ruler that I cut into pieces that are excellent for fitting into small places for drawing, marking wood and other projects. They would probably work great for sewing as well. I cut it in half making one piece which is now 1"x3". Then I cut the other half in half again giving me two 1.5" x 1" pieces. Then I cut one of those lengthwise giving me two 1.5" x 0.5" pieces which I have used for so many different projects ranging from jewelry box making, electronics blueprint making/marking, painting, measuring small pieces of felt. They are hands down one of my favorite tools.
I bet grandma was not happy! 🙃
My essentials: 1) a pair of short tailors' scissors (terribly sharp), 2) my magnet to collect pins (I am not a wrist pin cushion person), and 3) a sharp seam ripper (I think Clover makes the best seam rippers); 4) pins--I use ancient glass bead topped pins or smaller sized t-pins; 5) tailors' chalk. My bonus would be a replacement lamp for my sewing machine: my husband found me an LED bulb in near daylight, the light spread and color make a big difference when I sew. I usually keep a small notebook and marker or pencil on hand to make notes.
I have nine out of your ten (I improvise a tailors' ham with rolled bath towels and kitchen cloths).
Most of my sewing tools were passed on or appropriated from my mother. I inherited some wonderful vintage notions (antique hem gauge, tiny scissors, thimbles) from my grandmother who was a seamstress.
My sewing box and sewing machine I got from my Mom. They are both from the 70s, I believe, but well made. I try to sew at home and at work, where I give my granddaughter sewing lessons once a week. I take my sewing case back and forth, but can't take my sewing machine because it's in a cabinet. We use my granddaughter's cheap sewing machine. I'm looking forward to the day that she can sit down at my machine and feel what a "real" machine feels like. No comparison. Other than that, I really like my cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter.
It would be interesting to see a basic, better, best sort of video.
For example, I recently upgraded and went from a seam ripper (which I swear blunts so so fast) to a scalpel handle with suture cutter blades. Oh my goodness, it glides like butter.
I now use glass headed silk pins. They are so fine and I adore them.
My scissors went from ordinary dressmaking scissors to Fiskar’s spring loaded ones, they don’t lift the fabric so much (a bit like your embroidery scissors angle) so they cut down on distortion and they are so so comfy.
This is a really great idea Sarah! Thankyou for the suggestion I think you will see this one in the future! ❤
Returning to clothing sewing after many years, I have 3 new favorite tools: 1) thread snips for my slightly arthritic fingers - and they would have been great when I was younger for snipping curved seams and opening buttonholes. 2) green painters' frog tape- now that I draft my own patterns this tape is just like old drafting tape - releases from paper very easily - even tracing paper. 3) MOST IMPORTANT -BEESWAX! Newer sewing thread - even the "good stuff" is so highly twisted it knots like crazy when hand sewing. Tailors have used waxed thread for hand sewing for years. Pull the thread thru the wax and then press with a dry iron between a folded paper towel to remove the excess. Hand sewing is then a dream. I bought a beeswax votive candle at a health food store for $3.50 rather than pay $10 or more for a pound online. It will probably last me a decade. If I don't finish my project right away, I wrap the waxed threads on an empty toilet tissue roll and secure the ends with a small strip of the frog tape. The frog tape can be reused several times.
Hello Evelyn. Another wonderful video, thank you.
Personally I wouldn't be without "Dolly", my tailors dummy. Makes life so easy for pinning and checking fit, especially in awkward areas that I can't see usually. Makes hems a breeze too.
My other must have, that I use on every single project is my "Isomars pattern curve". It is the only curve tool I own, and the only one I need. It also has a straight edge and seam guide. I use it for pattern tracing and grading all the time.
Like you, pins are my favourite item 😃. I just can't get by without them, especially as I am a beginner, only on my fifth garment now 😃
I just ❤️ pins 😃
💋
I’ve always admired your vintage sewing box and wondered what you stored in there! ❤️ Your hair today especially reminds me of Snow White! Lovely!
1. My sewing room! Don’t think I would ever sew if I had to take out my machine and supplies every time I wanted to sew.
2. My walking foot. It has been a game changer for knits and stretchy fabrics!
3. My iPad. So I can watch sewing tutorials while I sew!
Thanks for all your helpful information!!🥰
Your so right!! I would never sew if I had pull everything out each time 😂
In school we had to make our own pressing ham, still have it 40 years later. Still use it too!
I tied a small pair of snips to each sewing machine so they can’t disappear or be easily be borrowed.
I also keep a needle and threader handy for quick tacking or burying thread ends into seams.
Never forget the trash can hidden under the table.
I have Mundial shears just like yours but I probably bought them 15+ years before you, so I second your comment that they will last for life. I absolutely love them 💗💝
Right!!! They are great and so comfy to ude!
Oh the box is so pretty... 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Right!!! I'm so lucky to have it custom made for me!
@@Evelyn__Wood Indeed.. :)
Your box is gorgeous and obviously restored with much love!
Yes it was! ❤
I made my own pressing hams out of heavy calico for the lining and a cotton and wool upholstery fabric for a cover, and stuffed them with hamster sawdust from the pet shop. I used the same cotton to make pyramid pattern weights, filled with aquarium gravel, a mat for my sewing machine and a couple of fabric bowls for throwing in scraps and holding bits and pieces. I should have got more of the fabric because I would have liked to make a matching pressing mat and cloth. My most used tool is probably a seam ripper, but I never sew anything without my sewing gauge/point turner/button gauge by my machine. How could I forget, I made a matching sewing book for my machine needles and a couple of pincushions, I use these things without thinking about them.
I've always argued with my husband about not using the sewing shears on anything else that it's not fabric. My three favorite things are my shears, tape measure, and pins. I'm just a beginner but I've learned a couple of things from my mother. By the way, I'm using my 80s Caboodle beauty case as my sewing box. Totally love it! 💋❤🧵🪡
I managed to repair my late grandmother’s sewing machine last month and your channel has been very helpful for a sewing beginner like me! Now I just need to prevent myself from binge watching all of your videos at once . Thank you for makin these videos !!
Thanks for watching! And binge watching is totally allowed! 😀
I didn’t know about the tailor ham. I’ve been using a leather juggling ball. (Made with sawdust so that they don’t bounce) incredible box, btw.
I 💖💖💖my awl. I can get in close and get the precision I need to match point and make perfect corners in my quilts.
I enjoyed watching your favorites, some are mine as well. I can quickly add 2 that I would add. Like the tape measure, I fashioned my embroidery scissors to hang around my neck. They are always there while I sew for cutting threads. If I sit down to do something quick and don’t put them on, I am inevitably reaching for them.
But a little “tool” I have used for many years and could not live without is a porcupine quill. It’s perfect while I sew to help ease fabric under the needle. It’s very stiff, yet a little flexible. It always is right there in front of my machine for easy pick up when I need it.
In addition to the other notions mentioned, I love using a glue stick to "glue baste." When I'm making face masks and need to sew the ends of the elastic together before putting the sewn ear loop into the mask, I glue baste the ends of the elastic overlapping together and that helps keep them lined up together to sew them permanently.
All the other comments have listed my favorites except Hemostat locking tweezers. Perfect for removing tangled threads in the bobbin area. It has saved me numerous times!
My top 3 sewing tools. My blue magnetic wand for collecting pins and needles that go everywhere. Next, the seam ripper and lastly my needle shoe - my great grandmothers silver shoe, which was her sewing needle pin/needle holder and its next to me where ever I park myself around the house. I would not be without it
While not a tool, I love my sewing table. It's a drafting table that I can comfortably stand at or use a chair that is high up to sit on. Hubby got them at his work many years ago. Tools - seam ripper, seam gauge. I don't like using pin cushions, so I have some small pretty vintage dishes for my pins and generic Wonder clips..
Such a cute sewing box!
Oh my! Your partner is very talented. His talent with wood and your talent with sewing, such a perfect pair. Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them so much. I hope to take you sewing school in the near future.
😀😀 I'd lo e too have you in class!!
You had me at #2! My must-have is my home-made wrist pin cushion made from cotton belt, Velcro, and pad. Then, large, heavy fabric shears, and then my favorite steam iron-not commercial, but carefully chosen for shots of steam. 😊
The box is fantastic!!! What a treasure 😍
Very helpful as usual and your sewing box is gorgeous!
I also would add a seam gauge. I use mine all of the time ☺️
My seam ripper! I don't always work with a pattern and I tent to constantly change my mind about things.
A good, strong magnet. I keep dropping pins no matter how hard I try not to.
My leather thimble. I would never hand sew without it.
My rotary cutter-actually two of them in different sizes- they can be more accurate than scissors in certain cases.
Nothing to add. Seems as if we had pretty much the same basic training. Lol. Tape around neck, pins all the way in and chalkers for life. 😁 Yesssss.... Only thing I never used before knit fabrics became the norm was glass head pins. Now they are just handy. Hatmakers pins for anything heavier than twill. 😁 With boned corsets anything else is just futile. 😁
I use glue to secure seams in place before sewing. It's water-based and washes right out after the garment is made, but it works better for me than pins for getting hems exactly straight and right.
I use graph paper with 1/4 centimeter (or 1/10 inch) grids to keep copies of patterns in a notebook. This is important since I usually modify patterns quite a bit before I sew. So I can re-create the pattern as modded from my notebook if necessary. Side benefit: my wife never reorganizes my notebook, so I can always find the patterns I want.
I use a piece of clear acrylic two by three feet square to hold things down absolutely flat. It's way better than pattern weights. It make it far easier to see an inch grid behind my pattern if I'm transferring to my notebook, makes it far easier to see the original pattern behind the paper when I'm transferring it to paper to start modding, holds the layers together relative to each other in both cases, and then also holds fabric and pattern down together absolutely accurately when I'm cutting. Finally, nothing I do above the acrylic is going to cause anything below it to shift, slide, or distort, so I can literally crawl over a large piece on the floor when cutting without worrying about disturbing the pattern.
Another must is a magnet! It helps to pick up dropped or spilled pins. You can get a set of little magnets at the dollar store, glue them to a Tupperware and use that as a pin container/collector. Or just get a magnet from a sewing store. A ruler just like hers is a must! You need a clear one with a lot of very, very thin lines. I agree that pattern paper is very important but if you go with a bit thinner paper you can trace patterns underneath which allows for easier pattern alterations. Semi related - label all of your patterns every time.
I made a ham out of sand. It's really heavy, but it doubles as a massive pin cushion. And I had a lot of sand left over from another project, lol. Currently making a sausage stuffed with wool roving that has felted slightly so is not good for spinning yarn with. Yes, I have too many hobbies.
My favorite ham is an old one filled with sawdust. They don’t make those anymore. Too bad as they are nice and firm.
Careful, the sand will dull your pins and the remaining moisture from the steam can make them rust
@@NinaKeilin I bought a saw shavings at the farm store, they make great filling
@@Sehara wow great idea!
You and I shop at the same shops, but mine are in Canada. I've a sausage and ham from a second hand store, I found a little box of millinery pins (hat pins.) and so many other things. I have a collection of darning eggs and mushrooms. My great grandfather was a tailor and furrier, so my grandmother had his great big shears, They had shaped handles, just lovely. I love my Ginger shears, a little rubber circle used for pulling needles through heavy fabric in quilting, glass headed pins that do not melt, and little pin cushions, separate for the different sizes of pins.
Love the way red color always poops up in your tutorial,and that gorgeous smile,you just make me wanna learn even when am dosing,they v really helped me in a lot of ways.God continue blessing you.😊
My very favourite tool is my thimble. I was browsing for something else and came across the Taylor Seville Wonder Grip and Thimble. I have never got on with thimbles and any hand sewing made my fingers so sore but now, though I still don't like hand sewing much, I find this thimble is perfect for me. It is a silicon thimble with a metal tip joined with a strip of the silicon to a thumb cover which acts, along with the sides of the thimble, as a needle gripper. I can wear the thimble on my index finger and my fingers don't get sore any more.
Sewing tools I can’t sew without: point board, clapper, a 1/2 inch round wooden stick for pressing seam open in straps or belts, stiletto for helping fabric lay flat while it’s going under the pressure foot when sewing heavy fabrics, and a small snips or scissors at each machine and near the ironing station so there no looking for them.
Love the one on having scissors handy wherever you work, makes total sense!
Pinking shears!! I got mine at a garage sale for only $10, then saw the same ones at the fabric shop for $80, so I was very pleased - and I can’t imagine cutting fabric without them, especially when I know I’ll be handling & manipulating the fabric quite a lot, which could mean frayed edges if I hadn’t used the pinking shears.
I have a favorite seam ripper, with a long and ergonomic handle. I do more quilting than clothes sewing, so my mat, rotary cutter are a must, and my favorite ruler is my 6"x12" Olfa Frost. My spray bottle for starching, specially when I am going to cut repurposed shirt's fabric into small pieces: it reduces distortion and fraying. Long straight pins and sturdy safety pins. Washable glue for temporary help.
So SO glad I found you! You are a delight!!!!
Great top ten and bought loop turners after you suggested them long ago.... game changer!!!! Oh and that sewing box....speechless!!!
I know! Who knew that a simple stick with a hook on the end could be so useful!
Katrina ate my house and sewing nook, so finally restarting. First rate shears. A ham. Chalk. Silk and ball point pins. There’s a few favorite How To books I finally replaced. A thimble that fits well to hop on basting/ tailor tacks and hand sewing oddments. And I need a big table top to work on, that’s a challenge.
What you sew determines what you need. I stay pretty basic, but ball point needles and pins for knits were utterly liberating for me. Let me really exploit my machines stretch stitch.
Found a vintage sewing box like yours. It had long legs on it but one was broken, so I removed the other 3. The wood handle was also broken, I have yet to fix it...I love the short legs on yours and the paint color...I think I will remodel mine, and post pics to u to show it... I paid $20 for it and another $20 for the accessories that the daughter had... she was cleaning out her mother's estate after the loss of her mom, and would not let me give her more $$ for the stuff. Vintage scissors, as well as, other notions, threads, zippers...well worth over a couple hundred dollars. She, herself was not a sewer, but her mom taught in Jr. High.
Something you have probably never thought of as being a a sewing tool, is a pair of curved end hemostats. I use these daily, (a 5.5" pair with a curved end) I use them for grabbing threads, pulling thread loops when bringing up bobbin thread and threading needles, and for holding down material while feeding under the presser foot. This is an unbelievable little tool that everyone should try. Honestly, it's something I grab a lot, and will always be with my machine along with my seam ripper, thread trimming scissors, etc. I am a beginning sewer, and I am always looking for helpful tools. This is my most used. By the way, I love your videos. Your experience shows, and is appreciated.
I've always admired your sewing box. It looks like a jewlery box inside. I never realized that it was your sewing box.
Fabric shears, paper scissors, thread nippers, best quality pins & needles I can afford, properly sized machine needle for current project, tape measures & rulers AND good lighting! I love your sewing box (would love one like it or similar)
Definitely a tailor’s ham and sleeve roll. Also a small metal measuring gauge with moveable marker, tailor’s chalk and erasable marker pens. I use either a chopstick or a manicure orange stick for helping to turn points.
For the life of me, I cannot get on with those loop turners though!
Same here with the loop turners! What confounded person invented that!?
😂😂😂 I must admit that they take some getting used to!
Yes, I took a wooden skewer, clipped off the tip and sanded down, it is perfect for my corners.
I made my self saddle bags for my bedside table. I live in a nursing home. The saddle bag has strips three of them and the saddle bag holds my sears,my compass,clear plastic box of needles.tons of labeled pockets. I have had a wrist pin cushion and a sewed one on my saddle. But my most used (not a sewing tool) is my Pillow pad for my tablet that is big soft but firm and I stick my pins and needles in it,I also have a threaded pinned on it.
Pin cushion on my wrist the last 48 years I sewed elastic on it. Lol maybe I accidentally invented it.🙃
I have a pair of scissors that my grandma gave me, that are like those little embroidery scissors just with a long handle. I've never seen any others like them, but I've never looked lol but they're really cool!
I use magnifyer glasses, they clip onto my regular glasses. It helps me to see everything properly, especially for handsewing, this is a must for me.
was was told to buy doctors roll out table paper if you can get it from a medical supply store it works great you can see through it and it folds up well you get a lot on a role. i have some pattern that are 25 plus year old mark on this paper and it still going strong
1. Sharp scissors big and small.
2. Rotary cutter with mat and ruler for cutting straight lines.
3. Magnetic pin cushion. If I drop pins I just run it over and they come up from the floor.
4. I love binding clips for when I’m hand sewing so I don’t stick myself as much.
5. Chalk pencil.
6. Pattern paper, and pencil.
7. Seam ripper. I have a hand turned one that’s got two ends and fits my hand perfectly.
8. Awl.
9. Iron.
10. An uncluttered space to sew in.
My Sister-in-law is a tailor and she uses dried pieces of soap in place of tailor’s chalk. Try it. Washes out easily
I love a good tailor's ham, they're so useful! I have a full chest so I found most hams aren't quite round enough so I made my own which I have dubbed the seamstress' breast. I basically made it a very full oval shape and filled it with sawdust (thanks to my dad who always has wood projects going on) and it's worked wonders especially with garments that have princess seams.
That's the best idea I've hard this week! Brilliant! 😀
Genius! I could use an old bra for the pattern....
I hear your advice about the sawdust, Evelyn. I’ll have to do some research before I take this idea any further...
@@magnoliaweathershield443 ya, I got fine dust because my dad happened to have just sanded down a ton of projects at once and used a vaccum system to sort out the even finer dust so I could use it. Otherwise i would have just made do with purchased ones
@@nat6098 thanks! Glad to get your advice!
great video :) I would add small paper clips, as I make a lot of zipper pouches and they are so simple to use for that purpouse. I also use a tweezer to pull out threads after seamripping!
also thank you so much for this channel! a few years ago I inherited my grandmothers Husqvarna Practica from the 1950s, and I wanted to learn to sew, mostly redesigning my clothes. for a long time I haven't had the space or time to sew, but recently I picked it up again, now that I finally have the space to have a room dedicated to sewing.
your videos are so fun and inspiring to watch and I learn so much! my sewing has improved so much over the past weeks, and a lot of that is because of these videos. sewing can sometimes feel overwhelming when starting out, but it really helps to learn from more experienced sewers. If I have a problem or make a mistake I search for the answer here on youtube, and 80% of the time your videos pops up, and I click on them. so thank you for sharing your knowledge and making these videos.
#1.The metal, 6" sewing gauge that I've had for ages. Bonus use; the bump on the end is perfect for drawing out the bobbin thread. #2. My odd, midsized sheers. They work for small fabric cutting tasks and as snips. I've had this pair since home economics in HS. #3. I just discovered "Wash Away Wonder Tape". Patch pocket installation favorite!
I use a housewife to hold all my necessary sewing tools. It’s mostly for hand sewing (as that’s what I do most of), and I’ve made it myself out of some cabbage and a bit of lace, and designed it to meet my needs. I’d say to Google sewing housewife or hussif to get a basic idea, but it’s basically a roll up sewing kit that I’ve customised.
So instead of only pockets, I have one pocket that holds my quick unpick, whatever thread I need for my current project, my thimble, some measuring tape, tailors chalk, and then I have a home-made pin cushion, then a triangular embroidery scissors pocket, that has a loop of lace that snaps, to keep the scissors in even upside down, and then a have a couple of woolen “pages” that hold my hand needles, some silk pins (separate form my other pins), and some safety pins. Then I roll it all up, and tie it with some attached ribbon. And it goes everywhere with me.
Edited to add a link to my Instagram, that has pictures of my housewife. instagram.com/p/CE_ou8GBnen/?igshid=gccqlfwg51si
Hopefully that link works, not sure if my Instagram is set to super private or not. I should probably check that.
I've been using a little Tupperware container but I have a self drafted housewife pattern on my cutting table right now. So much cuter than a plastic box!
My first husband was in the navy (UK) and was issued with a 'housewife' for mending and keeping their uniforms tip top. Yes, it was called a housewife. and a very good kit it was. He still got me to do his mending and sewing on of badges if he was home though!
I have a tiny vintage sewing box I bought in Korea that I use for sewing at home, and a zipper pouch with a small sewing kit I assembled inside, that stays in my bag. A housewife might be a fun project for the new year.
@@sophiesong8937 is it such a fun little project! Fully customisable, and it uses up some old fabric scraps! It doesn’t get better than that.
@@katherinemorelle7115 I just looked at yours. So pretty!!
I have a pair of little scissors like yours! I was looking for some scissors, one for embroidery and one for making small cuts in paper at the time. I actually got mine from ebay under beauty and healthcare, where they were advertised as for trimming eyebrows and false eyelashes to shape. They came with a removeable plastic comb that fit on one blade, but just slips off. It was cheap (even free postage) and I didnt expect much, but they are extremely sharp and work well (I'm using a tiny craft blade for the paperwork)
Excellent!! I will have a look at those! Thankuyou for sharing your find!
The scissors to cut hair also need to be very very sharp. Just like dressmakers, hairdressers are also very protective of their scissors. A nice haircut starts with very sharp scissors ;)
I remember there was a time when i was little, i was being told ALL the time: if you start cutting 1 type of item with the scissors, NEVER EVER cut something else with that thing. So there was a pair of scissors for everything in the house.
@@Evelyn__Wood Alternatively I've got a pair similar but sold as nail sissors.
I always use a hemgauge. Great to mark seam allowances when adjusting a pattern or to mark hems.
5:24 I have a loop turner. But, I found that for a corner pusher, a long knitting needle also works well.
The seam ripper!!
I've never used a toile*. I always used my actual fabric as the toile. But that was back in the 70s and 80s when most of the fabric was "self-repairing" lol and didn't leave needle holes. Amazingly, my garments turned out fine.
* I will be making toiles from now on. Fabric is so much more expensive.
I have one of those vintage sewing boxes. It is a three tier though. I love it. My dog broke the legs off it and I haven't repaired it yet. But I will do it someday.
You should! They are just beautiful!
I have one too, but I don't know what to keep in it since I have a sewing table with drawers. Any ideas would be appreciated!
@@sharonteitsma9698 mine has a lot of zips and trimming, although my desk doesn’t have drawers. Maybe make it handsewing focused since it’s portable and then you could take it with you if you’re handsewing around the house away from the machine desk?
@@sharonteitsma9698 I keep my sewing needles, machine needles, odds and ends.
A pen removable by friction because it acts as heat (i.e. iron) erasable marker! It's thin, easy to use, cheap and precise, and you can buy them at the stationary! It's a must have for me! Another must have is Prym form tape interfacing which can be used instead of stay stitching and/or interfacing for neckline!
Heat disappearing pen….if you accidently heat erase one you can get it back by placing in the freezer. Cold brings it back
My entire sewing "kit" is needle, thread, pins, small scissors to cut the thread (and sometimes the fabric because we don't have any good fabric scissors), pencil for markings (a n.2 for light colours and a yellow one for dark colours), and a regular transparent arts-n-crafts ruler from middle school times, lol. When necessary I raid my mother's sewing box for a seam ripper, although less and less lately, and if it's a big piece i borrow my father's sewing machine and iron. I'm just starting out, so my materials aren't the best, the tiny scissors are actually the only piece I specifically bought for _me_ and for _my_ sewing kit. I tried buying thoes chalk triangles but didn't get great results, so I switched to pencil. I don't get much encouragement at home for my projects, but it's fine, I like the results and it makes me happy. Isn't that what matters? Right now I'm doing a shirt for a doll (little fabric = small projects), second attempt because the first one was just bad, but this one might actually be complete.
I bought new shears and they cut so well! This isn't an accessory, but my 45-year-old Bernina machine and table are indispensible. It is hard for me to do things digitally, so I won't replace it. I refused to loan it even to my (now ex) sister-in-law!
I learned from my mother never to loan out or let anyone use your sewing machine. Somewhere else in my life I was told never to waste money on cheap notions.
I lost my 1984 White Machine in Katrina. Finally found an exact replacement in amazing shape, it’s on the way. You do not need a computer to run a sewing machine. And, when sitting at the imposter I keep reaching for a control and it’s not there.
YES ME TOO!! But I’ve only had my Bernina for 38 years. 😁 It is a Model 930 Record. It was the last mechanical machine that Bernina made before they started using computer components. I LOVE it.
I loved my mechanical White machine too. My husband bought it for me the first Christmas we were married in 1965. The store used a brilliant marketing idea. They offered a FREE SHOTGUN with the purchase of every White sewing machine!! Can you imagine a sale like that these days? No way. But it was perfect for a young couple in Oklahoma in the 60s!
I may have more than I need to sew and have not sewn anything yet. I have a new Singer model 2277 machine which I got new months ago and have had problems setting it up. I recently purchased a new Singer model 44S Heavy duty machine this past week from an area store and still have yet to try it out. As for supplies I have plenty of thread I purchased along with almost everything else used to sew with. I can't say what my favorite tools for sewing is as I have not done any yet, but I love all the items I have and there is plenty of thread to use and a variety of both machine and manual sewing needles for my machiness.
I LOVE my Mundial scissors!! I have more pairs than I can count, but these are my go-to faves.
I made my sewing ham probably 30 years ago and still use them!
I just came from watching your top 5 tools you don’t use and man after seeing this video I really need to level up my game! I do have a measuring tape and shears but I need chalk because I use soap ( it’s free and tons of it in my bathroom) , the turning/pushing thing ( chop sticks, again free), the ham & sausage iron ( I use the towel, guess my bathroom is a big supplier for my sewing lol). I cheered when you talked about the pattern paper (I used wrapping paper till one day I really needed to see through the paper) because I have that 🎉. Been using the clips because I read that different fabrics need different pins so I took the path of least resistance. Your box is gorgeous and what a very special gift!
I'm interested in learning more about that kind of iron. My snippers are my favorite tool. I also like my magnetic pin holder. Seam gauge.
Good video Evelyn ! Think I have everything, all I need to do is use them...Thanks for sharing, and for showing your lovely sewing box.