Recommended Sewing Tools

Hello to all the adventurous Sewists out there! From time-to-time we come across a tool (or reference material) that we found extremely helpful and we think you might like it, too. Below is a list of tools or items for your consideration. We will provide you with a little background or mini review on why we like this tool and how we found it useful. We'll add to the list as we come across great finds!

PINKING ROTARY BLADES

Woven fabrics are hot this summer but what's not hot is pulling your freshly washed fabric out of the dryer and having to spend time trimming the tangled, frayed edges before you can begin sewing. Pinking rotary blades provide a scalloped cut similar to pinking shears and will keep your fabric edges relatively fray-free! Tip: When cutting with the pinking rotary blades, you'll want to press harder than you typically would with a standard rotary blade. 

Here's a great deal on a pack of 10 blades from Amazon: 

SHOUT® COLOR CATCHERS

Never worry about rogue dye again! Shout® Color Catchers are small, white laundry sheets (they look like dryer sheets) that you throw in the wash to soak up any extra dye that bleeds in your first fabric wash (or second or third for that matter). These little sheets of magic can be a lifesaver not to mention a time saver allowing you to wash several different fabrics together without fear of ruining them. Tip: You can even tear the sheets in half and get two washes out of one sheet. If you have a fabric you're concerned about bleeding, wash it alone with a color catcher. Rewash with a new color catcher until the color catcher comes out white - it's original color. Now you know it's safe to mix with other fabric/laundry without bleeding. 

This is a great deal from Amazon, they're only $0.15 each!

SULLIVANS HOME HOBBY TABLE (CUTTING TABLE)

This table is the perfect height with ample surface area for laying out and cutting your patterns - 36" by 36" by 59 1/2"! This table is easy to put together and utilizes a gate leg design so it condenses to save space. Tip: Pair with Sullivans Home Hobby Cutting Mat and Sullivans Home Hobby Ironing Cover for the ultimate work station. 

We found a great price at Amazon: 

SULLIVANS CUTTING MAT FOR THE HOME HOBBY TABLE

Perfectly sized to fit on the Home Hobby Table (59" by 36") - this cutting mat has a grid layout with 1" squares for quick, easy cutting reference (I love this feature for cutting bands!). Tip: Do not use this in conjunction with the ironing cover! We learned this the hard way...yikes!

We also got ours from Amazon!

SULLIVANS HOME HOBBY COTTON IRONING COVER

Another great find from Sullivans! This cover adjusts to fit perfectly over the Home Hobby Table for the largest ironing surface you've ever had! We use this set up (Home Hobby Table + Ironing Cover) when ironing our woven one yard cuts for pictures. 

We got ours on Amazon when we ordered the table and cutting mat! 

PELLON 830 EASY PATTERN (PATTERN TRACING MATERIAL)

We use this to trace ALL our patterns. Pellon 830 comes in plain opaque white or with a graph for easy pattern tracing and grading. It keeps its position when you lay it down over the fabric for cutting and most times, you don't even need fabric weights - especially with brushed poly. Tip: Pellon folds up nicely for space-saving storage. Pin or clip your pattern pieces together. 

We typically buy this at Joann's with a coupon or on Amazon

OUR FAVORITE PLASTIC SEWING CLIPS!

Super economical and so much easier than pinning! You can't sew over them either. We keep these clips in a tin right by the serger so they're handy all the time. 

We got ours on Amazon

BROTHER 1034DX SERGER

This serger is a GREAT VALUE! Our Facebook Group members love this model. It's perfect for beginners and will have you screaming through knit sewing patterns like a pro in no time. AND, it ships FREE with Amazon Prime! I should mention that this is the new model replacing the Brother 1034D. 

BUSINESS OWNERS TIP

Did you know you can sign up for a free Amazon Business account and save time and money when shopping for office supplies? Businesses big and small can benefit. We like to use it to get better pricing on our office supplies because the suppliers compete against each other for your business keeping prices nice and low. Now that's what I call a win-win!