If you want to sew for yourself or for other people, you need the tools of the trade. There are many things a sewing room just can’t do without. Let’s explore what they are so you can set your sewing room up.
By the way, Crunchy Menopause is a review site that receives compensation from ShareASale, Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, eBay, and other affiliate networks whose products I review. That means if you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I get a little bit of money.
Scissors
I don’t know about you but I like to use the best scissors on the market. I like to use scissors that cut well and get the job done.
Below is a list of scissors I’ve used that I consider to be the best of the best.
I also consider rotary cutters to be a must in my sewing room. I do know how many times I’ve grabbed the Rotary cutters before grabbing my regular scissors.
And with quilting, rotary cutters just make it easy.
Below is a list of scissors and rotary cutters I’ve used that I consider to be the best of the best.
Tape Measure
Every sewing room has to have a tape measure. I keep one around my neck when I sew a project, or when I alter clothing.
I’ve also got a yardstick that I use all the time.
I’ve got several different kinds of tape measures and they’re all good.
I don’t consider any particular brand better than the other when it comes to tape measures
If you can measure with it, that’s all that counts.
I also like to use quilting rulers.
Below is a list of measuring tapes and rulers every sewing room needs.
Wooden Yardstick with Metal Tips
Pins
You don’t have to use pins when you sew, but every sewer should use pins in some way or another.
When I construct a garment from scratch I usually don’t use pins. But when I alter someone’s clothing I almost always use pins.
Take for example narrowing the sides of a pair of pants. I almost always have to take the hips in, when I buy a pair of pants.
I don’t have hips, and my biggest pet peeve is big bowing sides on a pair of jeans or dress pants. I’m not built like that. I guess some people are, but it’s unfortunate that I always have to alter my pants.
When I do, I use pins because I alter my pants inside out, and then pin where I need to take it in. This allows me to slip it off and then draw lines where my pins are, so I can alter it to my size.
I also use pins for my quilting projects, depending on what kind of clothes I’m making.
Below is a list of must-have pins.
Ironing Board
Every sewing room must have an ironing board if you want your sewing projects to look professional.
Pressing as you sew is important.
It helps the seams lay flat so that you can join other seams properly, and let you finish your garment without big bulky corners.
I used an older ironing board that I’ve had for a long time. It doesn’t matter what kind it is or how much you spend on it, just that you actually have one.
If you have the space, get a big one.
Get one that you can leave standing all the time.
The worst thing is having to keep folding and unfolding in ironing board. The end result is that you just don’t bother, and that’s a shame.
Below is a list of some good ideas when it comes to ironing boards for your sewing room.
Iron
Get a good iron when you sew. I can’t stress this enough. I’ve had many terrible irons in my life and they cause problems.
Some irons leak and make a mess of your project.
Some irons don’t steam and that causes frustration.
You can get industrial irons if you have the space. I’ve used many and I can tell you they are the best thing ever. I only wish I had the space.
My sewing room is small.
Below is a list of some good quality irons that every sewer needs.
Sleeve Ironing Board
One of my most cherished sewing possessions is a sleeve board. I got it as a gift when I first got married so it’s 30+ years old and still works great.
I use it to iron sleeves when I sew or alter them.
They’re especially useful when sewing or altering suit jackets and dress shirts.
They don’t take up a lot of space so you can tuck them away under a table.
Take a peek at one.
Cutting Board
A rotary cutting board is one of the best inventions they’ve ever made for the sewing room. I wish I had an entire table covered with rotary cutting boards.
They make cutting fabric very easy. Most cutting boards come with preset measuring lines to help you cut your fabric properly.
I love them.
I especially love cutting quilting fabric on rotary cutting mats. You can get them in several different sizes.
The brand I love is Olfa. I don’t even consider anything else. You can read more about Olfa rotary cutting mats here.
OLFA Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat
Rotary Cutters
If you have a rotary cutting mat, you’ll need a rotary cutter. It defeats the whole purpose for having a cutting board if you don’t have a rotary cutter.
There are many on the market, but the best in my opinion, is the Olfa brand.
It makes cutting so much easier when it’s done on a wheel, especially when you cut out quilt squares.
They’re very sharp so you have to be careful when you use it, and always use the guard. They come in different sizes.
I just love mine and use it everyday.
Take a peek at what I mean.
Seam Ripper
Every sewing room needs a seam ripper. You will always need one no matter how good a sewer you are.
There will always be something that you need to pick apart.
I use mine all the time and wouldn’t know what to do without it.
I like to use mine for ripping open button holes I’ve made, or taking buttons off a project I’m altering.
Seam rippers are very useful.
Check it out.
Serger
I don’t know what I’d do without my serger.
If you’re lucky enough to buy one, get a Baby Lock. That’s the kind I have and I love it. I love it because it’s self adjusting. You don’t have to change the tension every time you change your fabric.
A serger will cut and sew at the same time. They are so convenient and and make your sewing look professional.
If you want to sell your sewing buying a searcher is the way to go.
There’s many great brands from Janome, Singer, Brother, Juki, and Baby Lock to name a few. It really doesn’t matter what kind you get, as long as it works well.
Everyone has their personal preference when it comes to brands, but they all do the same thing. They cut and sew at the same time.
Check them out.
Single Needle Machine
Single needle sewing machines are a must in a sewing room no matter how many other machines you have.
You can’t just sew with the serger because you always need to do some top stitching. Top stitching can only be done with single needle sewing machines.
Also, if you do alterations for a living, you will need a single needle sewing machine because the majority of your work will be fixing small holes and sizing garments.
This is done with a single needle sewing machine because a serger cannot get into small spaces like a single needle sewing machine can.
There are many great brands of single needle sewing machines on the market today. I’ve had many different kinds in my lifetime.
I currently have a Pfaff and I love it. I’ve also used a Singer, a Brother, and many other industrial sewing machines as well.
Check them out. I’m sure you will find something that works well and is in your price range.
Lightweight Brother Sewing Machine
Sewing Box
With all the notions that you have to buy to stock a sewing room, you will need somewhere to put them.
Most people use a sewing box. This box can be big or small and can be complex or basic depending on how many sewing supplies you have.
Some people use plastic bins and others use shelving units.
Small carry bags are great for sewing projects as well, especially if you get together with a quilting group or sewing group, and have to travel with your supplies.
I’ll post a few different kinds so that you can choose which is going to suit your sewing needs.
Fabric Stash
Every sewing room needs a fabric stash, especially if you are a quilter like me. I have bins full of sewing remnants that I can use for quilting projects.
Some people have shelving units full of 1 to 2 meter pieces of fabric, so there will always be something on hand when deciding to sew a project.
I don’t have the space for this unfortunately. My sewing room is small.
If you have the space, consider buying a supply of assorted fabrics when they are on special so that you can save money in the long run.
I’ll post some fabric deals below so that you can stock your sewing shelves with great product.
Sewing Table
Every sewing room needs a good table. Depending on the space that you have available, there are some good tables that fold up.
I have a fold out table that works well in my sewing room. I can also take my table to craft shows and display my sewing.
It’s very handy.
My ultimate goal is to have a big enough sewing room to buy a permanent cutting table the size of the ones you find at a fabric store.
That would be heaven!
Below is a list of different size tables available for your sewing room.
Vintage Sewing Machine Cabinet
30”W x 96”L Bi-Fold Plastic Folding Table
Sewing oil
Sewing oil is essential for every sewer whether you think it is or not.
A lot of sewers don’t even know how to maintain their own sewing machines because they’ve never done it.
But oiling your machine needs to be done on a regular basis, otherwise, your machine won’t last very long.
You can’t just use any oil, it has to be sewing machine oil. It’s a light grade oil that is specially made for small mechanical parts like sewing machines have.
I will list sewing machine oil below so that you can keep your sewing machines well oiled. Then they will run smoothly for you and last a long time.
Sewing Machine Oil ~ 1 U.S. Gallon
Zoom Spout Sewing Machine Oiler/4 OZ
Pin Cushion
Pincushions might not be the number one sewing supply on your list, but they sure do make things easier.
Buy a good one that goes on your wrist or sits on a table, big enough to hold a lot of pins.
When you’re sewing a project and you’re sticking pins here and there or removing them, you don’t want them falling on the floor or carpet where children crawl.
The most annoying thing for me is losing them in the carpet and then sucking them up with my vacuum cleaner unaware.
I have pincushions in my sewing room but they’re too small. They’re usually full.
That’s why I say the bigger the better, and the more convenient the better. If you can get the wrist kind, you’re ahead of the game.
Check them out below.
Thread
We all need thread when we sew.
It is a staple in the sewing industry no matter if you’re a home sewer, hobbyist, or professional dressmaker.
Thread is essential.
Get an assortment that you can display on a shelf according to color. You will need different colors and kinds at your fingertips especially if you run an alteration business.
A client will come in that needs a yellow dress altered fast, and you will need to quickly dive into your stash to get the job done.
Taking time out to go to the store and buy a specific color, just doesn’t cut it when your client is in a hurry to get it done for a special occasion.
I recently bought a large assortment of threads in different styles and colors to fill my sewing shelves, and I’m glad I did. I’ve had alterations and projects that needed specific colors of thread, and didn’t even have to go to the store to finish the project.
It’s always good to have a large assortment of thread.
Buying in bulk is good, and buying online as well. If you don’t know where to get good thread online, I’ll post some links below.
Patterns
My pattern stash dates back 30 years and I’m proud of it. I have my original wedding dress pattern as well is the very first blouse that I ever sewed.
Keeping a supply of patterns on hand is a good idea when sewing for clients or for yourself. It means you can mismatch and create your own style from two different patterns and be creative.
If you sew for clients, it’s good to have an assortment of different sizes and patterns of staple garments like leggings and tunics.
Below is a list of some great places to buy patterns to stock your sewing room.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I just want to say that stocking your sewing room with good tools will help you out in the long run, especially if you want to make a business of it.
Even if you don’t, and you just want to sew for yourself, it’s nice to have the things that you need at hand when you need it.
If you’re just a beginner sewer, this list of sewing essentials will help you get started in no time.
HAPPY SEWING!
Check out my YouTube video on Olfa Cutting mats.