Sewing supplies are my weakness. Notions and accessories that help me sew smarter and not harder? Yes, please!
As you might expect, with this personality flaw quirk, I’ve built a massive sewing kit. The following gallery shows off my favorite sewing tools.
This collection of sewing supplies can help you learn about gear you may be unfamiliar with. It can give you ideas for sewing tools you might want to upgrade, or what you might want to add next to YOUR sewing kit. What’s more, if you’re new to sewing, you can see what’s in the toolbox of a more advanced sewist.
I’ve been sewing since the mid-2000s, stitching everything from jeans to quilts to T-shirts to kids’ costumes. With each project, I’ve added sewing supplies to my sewing kit. It feels good to say that there are few sewing notions that I truly need these days. But, that doesn’t stop me from picking up gadgets that fascinate me!
Peruse this catalog to discover the sewing supplies that power my home sewing practice. Each photo features a piece of sewing gear that I would recommend to a friend. I am your sewing guinea pig, testing and sharing only the best sewing tools for your consideration!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Use the Sewing Supplies Gallery
I did my best to link to the exact product in the photo. When that wasn’t possible, I noted the substitution with “SIMILAR” in the caption.
To see a product for yourself, you may click its name, the “Shop Now” button, or its photo.
Beneath each section I share links to any blog posts or videos that feature those sewing supplies.
Also, before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine or other sewing accessories. Check out return policies, just in case. Caveat emptor!
This list of sewing supplies contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This is a no-effort way to provide Sie Macht with monetary support, and I thank you for it! Should you be interested, you can read about our affiliate program participation on the About page.
Sewing Machines and Accessories
Here they are, my sewing machine and serger (overlocker). These workhorses, plus some special presser feet, allow me to sew my heart out. (BTW, these presser feet are in addition to the feet that came with my machine.)
Baby Lock Elizabeth Sewing Machine
I’ve sewn everything from quilts to jeans to panties on this mid-grade sewing machine.
This Greist buttonholer helps my modern sewing machine make consistently gorgeous buttonholes.
Related Post: Q&A Guide to Vintage Buttonholers [VIDEO]
Snap-on Stitch In The Ditch/Edge-Joining Foot (Similar)
I love a tidy stitch in the ditch. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
Open-Toe Walking Foot Low Shank Adapter (Similar)
A walking foot can make sewing knits on your sewing machine easier. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
Related Post: Sewing knits with a sewing machine: Testing foot-tension-needle combos
Adjustable Guide Sewing Machine Presser Foot (Similar)
Keep your seams ridiculously even with this handy foot — my favorite! NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
Glide over “sticky” fabrics with a non-stick Teflon foot. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
High-Quality Open Toe Foot (Similar)
An open-toe foot is helpful for embroidery. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
Invisible Zipper Foot (Similar)
Because you can’t sew an invisible zipper without the right foot. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
Low-Shank Open Toe Darning Foot (Similar)
Explore the world of quilting and darning with this foot. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
Quarter-Inch Quilting Patchwork Sewing Machine Presser Foot with Edge Guide (Similar)
Master quarter-inch seams with this foot. NOTE: Before buying a “universal” or non-branded accessory, always research whether it will work with your sewing machine!
With this foot and a two-thread narrow flatlock stitch, I can create a blind hem with my serger. The coolest part is that the fabric’s raw edge is finished during hemming and turned to the wrong side. Very profesh.
RELATED: Favorite Sewing Books: Lurk My Library
Sewing Supplies and Notions
This is the heart of my mega sewing kit! These sewing supplies and sewing tools make my sewing practice more efficient, more accurate, and more fun.
Basting Tools
Odif 505 Spray and Fix Adhesive, Large 11.7 oz. Can (Similar)
Temporarily adhere fabrics to make sewing easier.
Zirkel Magnetic Pin Cushion (Similar)
Worry less about where your pins end up with a magnetic pincushion.
Related Video: Sewing Hack | You Need 2 Pincushions!
This is perfect tool for holding together layers of thick fabric or fabric that you don’t want pinholes in.
Related Post: Lucent Visor: The Urban Bonnet
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks (Similar)
Glue sticks are a favorite way to baste tricky knit fabrics.
Related Post: Revealed: Retro Reno and Dakota swimsuit
Wonder Tape is your secret weapon for perfect placement of pockets and whatnot that are hard to keep in place with pins.
Related Post: Cali Faye Collection Pocket skirt + How to use basting tape like a pro
Cutting Tools
Fiskars Crafts Rotary Cutter, 60mm Titanium (Similar)
A rotary cutter is my favorite tool for cutting fabric.
Fiskars Classic Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter, 45mm (Similar)
A smaller rotary cutter helps you get into smaller curves with greater ease when cutting fabric.
KAI 7000 Series 9″ Shears #7230
These Kai scissors cut fabric like a knife through hot butter; a joy to use.
Gingher 6-Inch Knife Edge Applique Scissors
Cut only what you want with these lovely applique scissors.
Fiskars Forged Embroidery Scissors
These sharp, small scissors are great for snipping threads and marking pattern notches.
KAI 8″ Pinking Shears (Similar)
Pinking shears are a legit tool for finishing seam edges.
Related Post: How to Sharpen Pinking Shears: 5 Options for Sewists
OLFA Cutting Mat, 24in. x 36in
Cutting mat + rotary cutter = unstoppable fabric-cutting machine.
Related Post: 5 Best Fabric Cutting Mats for Garment Sewists
Fiskars Titanium Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades, 45mm (Similar)
Don’t forget to have extra rotary blades in your sewing supplies.
RELATED: How to Buy Cheap Fabric on Amazon
Elastic and Fasteners
Braided Elastic 144 Yards – White (1/4” Wide) (Similar)
I bought this mega yardage of quarter-inch elastic for leggings waistbands.
Fold Over Elastic Stretch Foldover FOE Elastics
This vendor offers FOE in many colors, including navy and black.
Dritz 9405W Non-Roll Woven Elastic, White, 1/2-Inch by 30-Yard (Similar)
IMO it’s good to have a variety of elastic in your stash.
Dritz 9326W Sport Knit Elastic, White, 1-1/4-Inch by 1-Yard (Similar)
This is my favorite elastic — easy to work with and soft to wear.
Dritz 16P Snap Fastener Pliers, Size 15 (3/8-Inch) & Size 16 (7/16-Inch), Metal
This simple-to-use tool lets you apply snaps to garments!
Related Video: Gadget Test: Snap Pliers. (This video appeared in a Sie Macht email. Sign up for email.)
Dritz 25-13 Pearl Snap Fasteners, Black, Size 16 (7/16-Inch) 12-Count
Pearl snaps are just plain fun.
Tools for Hand Sewing
1 Ounce Premium, Pure All Natural Beeswax Bar (Similar)
The best tool for stiffening up a thread end that won’t thread.
Assorted Hand Needles, 60 Count (Similar)
A variety of hand needles ensures you’ll have the right tool for the job.
Interfacing
Pellon Easy-Knit Fusible Tricot Interfacing (Similar)
This knit interfacing is easy to apply and can be used on knits and wovens.
Pellon Flex 1-Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer (Similar)
I used this fusible foam to sew a visor.
Related Post: Lucent Visor: The Urban Bonnet
Pellon Natural 860F Ultra Weft Fusible Interfacing
I used this interfacing in a blazer; it’s a mix of rayon and poly.
Related Post: Yona Coat: Proud as a Peacock
Soft cotton twill tape is my favorite shoulder stabilizer.
Related Post: Stabilizing Seams: The Pros and Cons of Stabilizers
Another stabilizer option; this one is made of nylon.
Related Post: Stabilizing Seams: The Pros and Cons of Stabilizers
Marking Tools
Clover Chaco Liner Pen-Style CL4713 – Yellow
A yellow Chaco liner shows up on light and dark fabrics.
Dritz Dual-Purpose Marking Pen
The ink on one side disappears, and the ink on the other side comes off with a damp cloth.
Needle Stash
Large-Eye Needles Steel Yarn Knitting Needles
I use a yarn needle to thread loose serger ends into a line of serging; it’s my favorite way to secure serger ends.
Stretch Machine Needles-Size 14/90 5/Pkg
For slightly heavier knits.
Related Post: Sewing knits with a sewing machine: Testing foot-tension-needle combos
Schmetz 1722 Stretch Needles, 130/705 H-S 75/11, 5 per pack
For lighter knits.
Related Post: Sewing knits with a sewing machine: Testing foot-tension-needle combos
Schmetz Universal Needle Size 80/12 10pc
I use these for most woven sewing projects that aren’t particularly heavy or lightweight.
Schmetz Euro-Notions Twin Stretch Machine Needle, 4/75-Inch
When I’m feeling thorough, I’ll hem knits with a stretch twin needle.
Related Post: My Must-Have Tool for Twin Needle Sewing
Twin Machine Needle Size 2.0/80 1/Pkg
A universal twin needle whose needles are close together.
Related Post: My Must-Have Tool for Twin Needle Sewing
Schmetz Universal Needle Twin Size 80/4.0
A universal twin needle whose needles are farther apart.
Related Post: My Must-Have Tool for Twin Needle Sewing
Microtex Sharp Machine Needles Size 14/90 5/Pkg
Extra-sharp needles that are great for top stitching.
Schmetz Leather Machine Needle Size 18/110
Beefy needles that blast through tough fabrics and thick layers.
Schmetz, Jean & Denim Machine Needles-Size 16/100 5/Pkg
If you’re sewing jeans, ya need needles that are up to the task.
Tools for Pattern Work
Canson Translucent Sketch Paper
High-quality tracing paper makes tracing off sewing patterns more enjoyable.
Related Post: Tracing Sewing Patterns: How I Attack My Least Favorite Sewing Task
Elmers Washable No-Run School Glue
School glue is the best tool for sticking together PDF sewing patterns.
Related Post: The Fastest Way to Assemble PDF Sewing Patterns [VIDEO]
Ziploc Freezer Bags, Two Gallon
I use these heavy-duty bags for storing sewing patterns and projects in process. NOTE: My husband works for S.C. Johnson & Son, which owns Ziploc.
Pressing Tools
Rowenta DW5080 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron
This iron is weighty and produces a lot of steam.
Related Post: Buying an iron for sewing: 5 irons less than $100 from Amazon
Mardili Hardwood Tailors Clapper (Similar)
A hardwood clapper absorbs steam from an iron and creates the crispest seams you’ll ever see.
Serenade 54″ Silk Organza (Similar)
I use a square (maybe 18-by-18 inches?) as a see-through press cloth; silk organza as is wonderful as an interfacing.
Dritz 5/8-Inch Stitch Witchery
When someone asks, “Hey, can you hem this for me?” Direct them to good, old Stitch Witchery.
Measuring Tools
I use this little tool all the time to measure seam allowances on my sewing machine and serger.
60″ Easy Check Snap n Slide Tape Measure
This clever measuring tape lets you snap the end in place and easily measure circumference.
Fiskars Acrylic Ruler, 6×24 Inch
I do a surprising amount of work with this heavy-duty, clear plastic ruler.
Itty Bitty Eights 3″ x 7″ Rectangle Quilting Ruler (Similar)
I grab this small, easy-to-handle ruler all the time for short measurements.
Dritz See-Thru Ruler, 2 x 18-Inch (Similar)
This was my first ruler for sewing, and it did me right for a long time.
Set of 3 Shapes of French Curves (Similar)
These curves are nice for making smooth, curved transitions when drafting sewing pattern pieces.
Thread
Single Cone Thread Stand With Metal Base (Similar)
This cast-iron thread stand (mine is black) helped me master twin-needle sewing.
Related Post: My Must-Have Tool for Twin Needle Sewing
This rack lets me see all my thread at the same time.
Related Video: 1-Minute Thread Rack Hack for Sewists (So Easy!) | Sewing Room Organization
For when your seams need stretch; handwind it in a bobbin or thread it through serger loopers.
Metrosene All-Purpose Thread Gift Set
This multi-color set of all-purpose, polyester thread is delightful to sew with and covers almost any thread-color need you might have.
Additional Sewing Accessories
Sharpie Color Burst Marker (Similar)
I use permanent markers to color match elastic, thread, and fabric!
Indispensable for sewing layers of fabric that change in thickness; keep that presser foot level!
Serger Pad and Trim Catcher (Similar)
Catch trimmed fabric and threads and minimize vibrations from your serger.
Bias Tape Maker Accessory Set With Case (Similar)
Once you discover how to make your own bias tape, a new world of possibilities opens up.
Dritz Quick Turn Fabric Tube Turners, Set of 3 (Similar)
Turn tubes with ease with this set of turners.
Deluxe Bent Stainless Steel Tweezers (Similar)
These tweezers came with my serger, and they’ve been great help with changing needles and grabbing threads when my fingers are too big for the job.
Sewing Trim and Embellishment
These sewing notions add flair to me-made garments. I also keep a stash of iron-on patches to shore up worn fabric.
These particular patches are from the kids’ section at Target, but Amazon has a huge selection of patches to spice up your me-made garments.
Personalized Labels for My Me-Made Garments
There’s A LOT of satisfaction attaching a Sie Macht label to a freshly sewing garments.
SHOP AMAZON FOR SEWING SUPPLIES
Should you be interested, here are Amazon’s best sellers based on sales.