Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Five Must-have Sewing Tools

These simple, inexpensive items make sewing easier and more enjoyable.

The buttonhole gauge simplifies positioning and measuring of buttonholes, pleats, tucks, or anything else that needs to be evenly spaced.

Good sewing tools are an extension of your sewing machine and basic for any sewing room. They make most tasks easier, improve results, and certainly add to sewing enjoyment. But there are so many great gadgets available today, how do you choose tools that are effective and useful and won’t just clutter your toolbox? For me, a good tool is one with a simple design that easily accomplishes the task it was meant to do, and it’s one that I reach for over and over.

Below are the five tools that I absolutely could not live without. They’re inexpensive items that you can find in most notions departments, or see “Sources.” I know there may be other similar products available, as well as several additional items that are equally useful depending on the type of sewing your do, but these are my favorites.

Bamboo point turner/creaser forms crisp corners and seams

Bamboo point turner/creaser

This little, unassuming tool costs about $2 and is probably the simplest on my list. Its pointed end is used to poke the corner right side out when turning corners, and its rounded, beveled end smoothes out curves and seams.
The tool’s soft, bamboo wood minimally stresses the fabric and stitching, yet gently helps form a nice, crisp corner, curve, or seam. You can even use it as a pressing tool, inserting it into a point or curve, to shape the fabric as you press over it.

Buttonhole gauge simplifies buttonhole positioning

Buttonhole gauge
Buttonhole gauge

This exotic device, which costs about $15, looks complex but simplifies positioning and measuring buttonholes, pleats, tucks, or anything else needing to be evenly spaced. It’s a great time-saver because it eliminates the need for calculating and carefully measuring intervals. It’s easy to use: Simply mark the…

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights