The difference between a frustrating project and a satisfying transformation? Having the right tools. Whether you’re taking apart thrifted finds or creating custom pieces from scratch, these 21 essentials will help you sew with confidence and achieve professional-looking results.
How many tools do you have? Check off each one you own and see how close you are to a complete refashioning toolkit!
Sharp, quality cutting tools are the foundation of clean, professional work.
My first pair of scissors is the Fiskars Easy Action Scissors 10".
I got its sister, these Fiskar Easy Action 9" pinking shears that prevents fabric fraying.
I also got the Fiskars classic 45mm rotary cutter with comfort handle.
And of course, I got the Fiskars 18" X 24" cutting mat as well!
Your sewing machine is your workhorse, but the right attachments and needles make all the difference. Match your needle to your fabric for professional results every time.
The Singer Stylist 7528 is the machine I own. Sadly, its been discontinued. Brother has good beginner machines.
The walking foot has been my lifesaver for neater sewing. You need all the support you can get when learning to sew.
Needles come in different types and sizes. These are the most commonly used.
You’ll need these needles when working with knit fabrics.
These needles create that double lined top stitch finish that make your refashion clothes so rad!
You’ll need heavy-duty needles for working with jeans, and other heavy weight woven fabrics.
I purchase Gutermann or Coats & Clark for my threads.
Refashioning means taking things apart to make it new again.
An essential refashioning tool. The seam ripper is for taking apart garments and undoing mistakes.
Refresh old garments by removing pills and fuzz—makes thrifted pieces look brand new again.
Create or copy patterns from existing clothes and mark up your fabrics with pens that can disappear.
Pattern weights secure pattern placement when tracing or cutting.
Dual water-soluble and air-erasable fabric disappearing ink markings pens are a must have.
Using tracing paper and a tracing wheel is a great way to pull patterns from existing clothes.
Clear grid rulers are so helpful, styling design rulers for curved lines, and measuring tapes as well.
These tools help you create finishes and secure your work from quick and easy to professional and beautifully.
Make your own bias tape to create finishes that match your refashioned garment.
Wonder clips are great to use instead of pins at times depending on the fabric.
Stop-fraying sealer. No-sew solutions for quick fixes, preventing raw edge fraying.
Glass pins are a must. You can iron over them and the glass heads won’t melt, you can keep them in a magnetic container for easy use.
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