Construction Tools

There are a seemingly endless number of construction tools and notions to aid in the sewing and making process.  There are a few ‘must-have’ items that will ensure a smooth process, and many ‘nice to have’ items.

Paper Scissors

Spend a bit of money on these as you will notice the difference when cutting out your paper pattern.  One brand that has a good quality scissor is Fiskars, but there are also lots of others out there!  Note that if you are pattern drafting a significant amount and creating manila cardstock patterns you may need a bit of a heavier duty paper scissor, like these Pattern Shears.

Fabric Shears

A good pair of fabric shears will last for ages, and will be well worth the money spent.  Remember to regularly have your shears sharpened, often a good knife shop will be able to sharpen fabric shears.  If you are working with left-handed shears you may have to call around a bit though.

When looking for fabric shears there are a number of different lengths.  The length of shear that you choose to work with, and the brand that you use will have much to do with personal preference.  Try a range, talk to other sewists, listen to some podcasts and gather recommendations.

Snips

These are smaller scissors that may be used throughout the sewing process.  When clipping threads off of a piece, when trimming a seam, or when nipping a notch.  The type of snips that best work for you may depend on your preference, and you may find that you acquire a few different pairs to have in a few different places to help you along in your sewing process

Rotary Cutters

Think pizza wheel, but for fabric.  Rotary cutters are available in a range of sizes and are incredibly useful when cutting a fabric that is prone to shifting or cutting a significant amount of fabric.  Olfa is a fairly well-known brand of rotary cutter and cutting mat.  When working with a rotary cutter aim to use a cutting mat so as to avoid cutting into any table surfaces.

Rulers

Clear rulers are useful for pattern drafting and adding seam allowance. Heavy plastic rulers are safer to use with rotary cutters than thin rulers are. Curved rulers are excellent for drawing curved areas such as the hip and armhole.

Sewing Tools

Sewing Gauge

Useful for measuring small areas. The sliding arrow makes repeated measurements easy such as when pinning a hem.

Seam Ripper

With one pointed end, one balled end, and a sharp blade in between, seam rippers are used to removed unwanted stitches.

Pressing Tools

Tailor’s Ham

A densely stuffed cushion used when pressing shaped areas like darts and curved seams.

Clapper/Point Presser

A two-in-one wooden tool. The top section is used for pressing collar points and seams, and the bottom section is used to pound creases into fabrics immediately after steaming.

Steam Iron

Necessary for pressing seams, hems and for removing wrinkles.

Iron, rulers,  Pressing ham, Velvet & Needle Board