17 Sewing Notions That Change Your Game: Must-Haves for Every Level!
Many sewists who are just starting out with their new hobby ask me which sewing notions I’d advise them to get. It is an excellent question. It can be extremely frustrating to finally get your pattern pieced together, ready to get started on a new project, only to realize you are missing essential sewing tools. Then you have to make a trip to the store before you can begin.
For beginners, the wall of sewing notions can be overwhelming. Knowing which ones you really need can be difficult, no matter if it is your first project or you’ve been sewing for years. Having the proper tools lined up before you begin makes any job go smoother.. anyone from mechanics to chefs can affirm. You can see why investing in the best sewing notions is a good idea. So I am sharing the 17 best sewing tools for everyone from beginners to experts.
Clover Wonder Clips
Of all the sewing notions, wonder clips are the most helpful when sewing curves! I absolutely love using them when I sew bags or project that involve vinyl because they don’t leave holes in plastic or leather. Sometimes they’re faster than pins, but I have pins and clips that I use for different steps in my sewing projects. They also have markings that can help guide your seam allowance.
Clear Acrylic Quilting Rulers
If you want to sew quilts, you can’t get started without a rotary cutter and self healing mat. These tools are great when cutting out pieces that use templates as well.
Omnigrid and Olfa rulers are my favorite. I like to have clearly marked rulers, that are sturdy and substantial. If you have trouble with your ruler sliding, you can make it non-slip by adding transparent stickers.
These are the sizes that I consider must have for any quilter:
- 6” x 24′‘ (or 6 1/2” x 24”)
- 6” x 12”
- 2 1/2” x 12 1/2”
Rotary Cutter and Self Healing Mat
A rotary cutter and self healing cutting mat are the #1 tools that change a beginner quilter’s life by making cutting faster and more accurate. There are many brands out there, but Olfa is the accepted standard for high quality cutting tools, so I suggest starting there. I love the simple type of cutter with a sliding guard (see above) vs. the squeeze handle, but that is preference. I also love having the numbers outside the grid like you see in the picture because then I can line my fabric up at the edge of the grid. You may start with a small mat, but eventually you will want an 18” x 24” medium sized or larger cutting mat.
Versatile Small Scissors
You will also need smaller scissors for clipping and trimming seam allowances, cutting out small pattern pieces, and cutting applique shapes. These Kai Pink Handled Scissors are a versatile size with a 6 1/2” blade and plastic handles that are are soft and comfortable.
High Quality Shears
Every sewist needs to start with a large pair of tailors shears for cutting out fabric pattern pieces, trimming seams, and slicing through multiple layers of fabric.
Having a pair of heavy-duty 9’’ Dressmaker Shears is essential. They are perfect dressmaking shears for cutting out large pattern pieces or quilting scissors for cutting yardage and batting. The sharp blades and strong tips are also great for clipping notches in thick seams – something smaller scissors struggle to do. This makes them great for cutting everything from lightweight cotton to thick fabrics like denim and also leather. The large blades also make it easier to cut a straight line.
Thread snips
Here’s another sewing tool that took me way too long to discover. I must be a penny pincher!
If you haven’t tried thread snips, you don’t know how much you need them ALL DAY LONG and for every project from quilting to embroidery. They cut fraying threads so nice and close without hurting my projects, and I never realized how wonderful it is to save all the energy that scissors require.
The Seam Ripper (your best friend)
I love surgical seam rippers because the sharp blade cuts at different angles and doesn’t cause the fabric to bunch up. They are also great at cutting button holes. Here’s a glimpse of how this specific seam ripper works if you’re curious.
My second favorite seam ripper is more of the classic style, but the other end is a ‘stitch eraser’ to remove the small threads that are left after cutting a seam. Check out this helpful article (with videos and step-by-step photos) to see the correct way to use a standard seam ripper.
Measuring Tape
Measuring tapes are an essential sewing notion for all sewists. I like to keep several different sizes in a basket on my sewing table so I always have one handy. They come in all lengths and colors, but you may find (like I have) that a flexible tape with large numbers is the best. I have seen some super cute retractable measuring tapes in yarn stores that have been crocheted into animals. I had to buy a new measuring tape last week because my old one got cut!
Quality All-Purpose Sewing Thread
Polyester thread is often called all-purpose because it really is great in lots of different projects like quilts, bags, home decor items, and clothes. The colors usually last a long time without fading, and it won’t grow brittle with time like cotton thread can. Polyester thread also has a tiny bit of stretch to it so it is the best choice for sewing clothes – especially clothes in stretch knit fabrics. My favorite brand of all purpose thread is Guterman.
Cotton threads are beautiful and great for making quilts and other projects that won’t be subject to a lot of wear and tear.
Read this article for more information about the many types of thread that are available.
Magnetic Pin Bowl
I didn’t believe how wonderful it would be to have a magnetic pin bowl until this one came with my Bernina longarm sewing machine. Now I own several so I can have one by each sewing machine. You can drop or toss a pin in their direction and they magically catch it! It’s also super easy to pick pins up from a magnetic pin bowl too.
Tip: You don’t have to get an expensive one. They have great quality pin bowls at Harbour Freight, although they may call them by a different name – like a magnetic parts bowl.
High Quality Sewing Pins
Cute straight pins are fun to use – I like pretty pins if you haven’t noticed! The flat heads don’t get snagged while I’m quilting, so besides being pretty they are also useful. Round glass head pins can be easier to quickly pick up or remove from a project, so I have quite a collection of those too. Be sure to throw away pins as soon as they become dull or bent because a broken pin can snag or damage your fabric.
I also have a collection of free pin cushion sewing patterns. Sew one for yourself!
Fabric Marking Tools
Blue Water Erasable Pens and Pilot Frixion Pens are my favorite brands of marking pens. Blue Water offers air erasable, and water erasable options. Frixion pen ink disappears with heat (hello iron)! Both are good options for marking fabric without leaving a trace.
Tailors chalk is another option for marking fabric. I use chalk intermittently as it is reliable and convenient for marking.
Plastic Snaps
Plastic snaps are one of those notions that have a wide range of uses. They are perfect for sewing the cute things that sell at craft fairs, keep your things organized, and that your kids love! There is such an available variety that you can find anything to fit your style. I find them useful so I keep a stash ready to use at all times.
Sewing Machine Cover
As much as I love looking at my sewing machine, I know it needs to be protected. Beyond the keeping dust particles from settling in the delicate tension mechanism and other open parts, a cover protects the plastic casing from UV yellowing and keeps curious pets or wandering hands away from delicate needles and tension dials. Essentially, spending five seconds to cover your machine today can save you hours of troubleshooting (and a hefty service bill) tomorrow.
I have a couple of store bought sewing machine covers, but my favorite ones are the ones I’ve made myself. See my free sewing machine cover pattern.
Stiletto
Sewing small pieces, tight curves, or precise edges calls for a special sewing tool called a stiletto. This wonderful sewing tool keeps my fingers safe while ensuring that I can maintain the correct seam allowance and fabric placement.
In an effort to be frugal, I have used a seam ripper in place of a stiletto, but the sharp edge of the ripper easily pokes through the fabric and sometimes threatens to slice delicate material. No my friends, the stiletto proves to be an essential tool; a sister worthy of the “must have” list.
Note: That Purple Thang is a popular multipurpose sewing tool that can be used as a stiletto.
Pressing Starch
I always have some kind of pressing starch on hand. For the price and availability (at the grocery store and sometimes the dollar store!), Faultless Sizing Magic can’t be beat. When I have the money to splurge I buy a gallon of Best Press and I have a small, continuous spray bottle that I refill and keep with my ironing board. Using Sizing Magic or Best Press is a game-changer for having straight and crisp seams. Enjoy!
Titanium-Coated Topstitch Needles
I recommend using a heavy-duty size 90/14 or 100/16 needle for projects where you will be sewing through many layers. My favorite needles are Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles that can be found in your local quilt shop and on Amazon.
More from SewCanShe:
Sew Much Profit: 70 Free Sewing Patterns to Make for the Craft Fair
35+ Beautifully FREE Fat Quarter Quilt Patterns: Transform Your Stash Today!
17+ FREE Easter Basket Patterns and Ideas You Can Sew in an Afternoon!
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂