My favourite sewing aids, that I use all the time when sewing
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Many of these sewing aids are very inexpensive, however, they make quite a difference to the effort undertaken when sewing.
Sewing clips
Most sewers use pins when stitching items together this at times can be very useful. However I have found when sewing certain seams together miniature clips are actually more effective. I got a pack of around 20 for just a few pounds. These are almost like a bulldog clip they hold the seam firmly in place, however you will need to completely remove them before pushing the fabric through the sewing machine.
These are very useful for flat seams. However, in some instances depending on what you’re sewing, it is still advisable to use regular pins to secure your work before sewing.
Pattern Weights
I found a very large, heavy duty washers, which often come in packs of 10 or 20. And these are perfect for holding flat your fabric and pattern ready for cutting. This way delicate fabrics aren’t damaged with pin holes. The washer can be used by itself therefore pins are not needed.
Sewing Chalk
A lot of my sewing requires me to create my own patterns or to adjust patents that are already in existence. I strongly rely on nothing so essential in order to draw freehand and patterns onto the fabric, prize crafting.
It is also a good way to make a mark for sewing details such as buttonholes or poppers. This again is a fairly inexpensive item that can really help to create your writings.
Sewing Template
As I have said, I create a number of patterns myself. However, there are a few sewing aids that will aid in the creation process. Basic templates can easily be achieved. For example, If you are a quilter then quilters template blocks, are very useful for ensuring that all of your patchwork sections are uniform in size and shape. This is a simple acrylic shaped block that can be cut around in order to create your quilting sections.
Similar to the quilting block mentioned above, you could also have a tailoring ruler. This ruler is specially shaped to help you create the pattern shapes that you require for your sewing projects. This can really aid in getting a nice finish and more delicate lines in your sewing projects.
Rotary Cutter
If you do a lot of cutting out, I would strongly suggest investing in a rotary cutter. This cutter can make it a lot easier to cut through fabric. As you lay it flat and roll the blade along the fabric you will require a cutting mat to ensure that you do not damage the surface area on which you are working on underneath.
Due to the nature of the rolling blade, it is usually more helpful for straight cutting projects. However a gentle curve in the pattern can easily be achieved as well. These again are relatively inexpensive and replacement blades can be bought. To ensure you don’t have to buy a whole new cutter.
These take a little bit of getting used to as you have to be fairly firm when pushing to cut through the fabric. It is also advisable that you have maybe a steel ruler or something similar. To ensure you cut along the line that you are planning.
Bobbin Tray
More an organisational aid than a sewing aid however helps in the end is a tray for all of your bobbins to be stored in. This means when you are sewing you can easily see at a glance where your bobbins are and what colours you have available. This makes it fairly quick to change thread colour when you’re sewing.
These can be picked up for a few pounds, however other Tupperware, or storage containers can be also be used for this purpose. It also keeps them tidy and stops them tangled together and un-ravelling when you are storing them.
Pinterest is another vital aid. Many of us are self-taught and we learn as we move through our projects. I would strongly advise having a Pinterest account. It is a useful resource. So finding patterns, hints, tricks, also tutorials on how to complete different sewing techniques.
Click here to get started with your Pinterest account www.pinterest.com
Through Pinterest you can be redirected to other channels like where you can actually watch a video on the technique you are trying to do. Often this can save us a lot of time of trial and error as we can watch or read an instruction, which will help us to achieve that way.
Seam ripper, the essential of the sewing aids
I think it goes without saying also you should be equipped with a seam ripper. At times we all make mistakes and it is easily rectified with this tool. Stitches can be undone on the seam. Seam rippers can be free as a lot of the time these are actually provided along with your sewing machine.
However, I would advise investing in a second one as this item is the one that most often goes missing in my sewing room.
Please let me know if there are any other sewing aids that you find useful. We all have our own way of working and I am sure that we all have tools and tricks that we use in order to aid us.
If you are looking for a small simple sewing project you can find a how to guide over on my blog post on how to make a phone case https://www.claireyatfairycrafters.com/diy-phone-case-project-make-your-own/
