Basic Sewing Tools

Descriptions of the basic tools for sewing can be found in all sewing books and various places on the web. From experience all of these things are interesting to know in advance but you can only learn as you go, so here are a few with a brief description in case other articles on the site forget to include enough information on them.

• Pins : Longer thinner pins are generally easier to work with and don't leave big holes in the material.
  • Dressmakers pins which are usually 26mm in length.
  • Lace pins which are shorter and used for delicate fabrics.
  • There are also T headed pins, which are usful as they stay in place on open weave fabrics.
  • Glass headed pins (Bigger bobbles on the end) which are easy to handle.

• Handsewing Needles
  • Sharps, medium length with a round eye - th emost commonly used for handsewing on all fabrics.
  • Curved Needles, lots of sizes they are used for upholstery where straight needles aren't usable.
  • Beading Needles, these are longer and finer than sharps, used for attaching beads and sequins.
  • Betweens are short needles with a round eye. These are used to make close/fine stitches.
  • Ballpoint needles, like sharps but with a rounded end suitable for knitted yarns.
  • Milliners Needles also called Straws, are used for tacking, they're longer than betweens.
  • Darners, these can vary in length and are used as the name suggests for darning.
   
• Sewing Machine Needles : These may need to be replaced or cvhanged depending on the following
  
  • The fabric you’re working with
  • Tthe thread you’re using
  • The stitches you’re making

• Cutting Tools - various sizes and types they all do the same thing although some are more suitable for some fabrics than others. Best to keep them sharp as dull blades can damage fabric.
  • Sewing scissors, have a blunt point on the upper blade to stop fabric tearing.
  • Bent Handled Shears, have a bent handle so fabric stays flat whilst you cut it.
  • Pinking shears, these have a zigzag blade to trim edges on fabrics that fray.
  • Embroidery Scissors, short but sharp pointed blades for needlework and button holes.

•  Threads
  • Tacking Thread. Loosly twisted cotton thread, easy to break and unpick. Used for temporary work as not usually string enough for permanent stitching. vAlso called Basting thread.
  • Polyester Cotton. The most common all purpose thread, can be used on all types of fabric as it is strong and elastic.
  • Silk thread. Fine but very strong, used with wool and silk.
  • Cotton Thread. Used for both hand sewign and machine sewing
  • Invisible Thread. Fine string nylon thread. Used for synthetic fabrics it can mlet under an iron.
  • Mending threads. These are the threads on card in small sewing kits usually cotton or polyester cotton. They come in lots of colours and short lengths for small repairs.
  • Mending Yarn. Thick and hardwearing wool thread used for darning

• Fabrics
  • Cottons
    • Jersey. Fine knit stitches, drapes well and is crease resistent. Used for sportswear quality can vary.
    • Gingham. Lightwieght plain weave and checked. Used for clothes and table linen.
    • Poplin. Fine, cross rib, plain weave. Used mostly for shorts, blouses/dresses.
    • Madras Cotton. Lightwieght, plain weave fabric creases easily. Used for making casual clothes.
    • Chintz. Closely woven plain weave with a glazed finish, used for soft furnishing and dresses.
    • Chambray. Used for shirts and childrens clothes this is light to medium weight. Easy to sew and hard wearing.
  • Synthetic Materials
    • Crinkle Cotton (Crépon) Soft crinkly fabric used for dresses, blouses.
    • Viscose, Soft synthetic material that drapes well on skirts and dresses. Apparently mothproof.
    • Polyester crepe. Hardwearing and does't crease. Most commonly used for underwear.
    • Microfibre. Polyester very durable, densely woven fabric.
    • Acetate. Viscose for sportswear.
  • Wools
    • Jersey, For casual wear, ribbed.
    • Garbadine. Water repellant used for coats.
    • Challis. Soft and lightweight, Often has a pattern.
    • Silks