What Essential Tools Do You Need Inside Your Sewing Box To Begin Your Sewing Projects?

 You only need a few pieces of basic equipment to start your sewing adventure. Of course, you need a sewing maching to do the work, but, there are other important tools needed to create a project.

 Pins and Needles

Straight pins and hand sewing needles are essential in every sewing project.

Straight pins come in all types and styles. There are the tradtional ones with the small head. Then there pins that have cool-colored heads. These make pinning the pattern easier because you have something a little more substantial to hold on to.

Hand sewing needles come in packs of different sizes. Having different sizes is important, because you will use the size needle that works with the particular weight of the fabric.

For example, if you are working on a light -weight fabric, you will use a smaller thin needle. This will prevent large holes in the fabric while you are stitching. The heavier the fabric, the larger the needle you will use.

It is also handy to have a pin cushion handy. This way, you won't have to worry about spilling the box  of pins all over, and the pins will always be convenient.

 Thread

There are two basic rules to follow when selecting thread.

1. For light-weight and medium-weight fabric, use an All-Purpose synthetic thread. On heavier fabrics, us a heavy-weight or bottom-weight thread. There are also specialized threads for top stitching and button holes. You can easily find these threads in you local fabric shops.

2. For the best possible color match, select a thread that is the same color or one shade darker than the fabric you ar using. Lighter colored thread will become too obvious on the garment. Your eye will be drawn the thread and not the garment itself.

Tape Measure and Ruler

You will need a flexible tape measure for many things. The number one reason to have one is to take your measurements so as to buy the right size pattern.

A tape measure is also necessary to measure the pattern on the fabric to make sure it is on the straight                       of the grain.

A ruler is also necessary to help with things such as measuring the hem.

Tracing Wheel and Tracing Paper

A tracing wheel is a tool that is used to mark sections of your pattern onto the fabric. If the garment you are making has darts in it, you will need to trace the markings of the dart onto the fabric. There are also "dots" you will need to mark. These dots show where the bottom of the zipper will be--and that's the spot you sew up to in the seam and keep the zipper section open. Other darts show where to place buttons and button holes and other useful guidellines when you begin to sew.

Tracing paper is the paper you need to place in between the wrong side of the fabric that traces the necessary pattern markings you will need when sewing. They usually come in a pack of 4 colors--white, yellow, red, blue, and black. Of course, you want to use a color that is in contrast to your fabric so you can see the markings.

Iron and Ironing Board

This is one of the most important tools to creating a professionally sewn garment. Every time you sew a seam, or prepare a hem, you need to press it out. Professionally sewn seams are always pressed out immediately after sewing it. If you chose to make other kinds of seams, such as french seams, you still need to iron it in order to properly finish the seam.

When hemming, you must iron the hem prior to sewing it. This will keep the hem consistent and accurate all the way around.

As far as the ironing board goes, buy one that is adjustable in height. This will make the job easier and more comfortable.

Smartek Smart Kit RX12

Sewing Basket w/Accessories