The Top Five Must-Have Notions for Garment Sewing
Sewing your own clothes is a rewarding experience, from the thrill of selecting the perfect fabric to the satisfaction of wearing something you’ve made with your own hands. But as every seasoned sewist knows, having the right tools—especially the right notions—can make or break your project. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, here are the top five notions you absolutely need when garment sewing.
1. Quality Scissors
A good pair of fabric scissors is non-negotiable. These aren’t your everyday kitchen shears; fabric scissors are specifically designed to slice through fabric with precision, without causing fraying or uneven edges. Invest in a pair that feels comfortable in your hand and is dedicated solely to fabric. A smaller pair of sharp embroidery scissors is also handy for trimming threads and snipping notches with precision.
Both of these are wonderful quality scissors. The Elan Dressmaker’s scissors are shown above, left and the Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors 7 1/2″ are above, right. Both pair of ahhh-mazing scissors that you will love! You can find them on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
2. Measuring Tape
Accuracy is crucial in garment sewing, and that’s where a flexible measuring tape comes in. It’s essential for taking body measurements, ensuring that your pattern pieces are the right size, and making any necessary adjustments before cutting your fabric. A measuring tape with both metric and imperial measurements can be especially useful depending on the patterns you’re working with.
This Golden Threads Centering Measuring Tape makes measuring and finding the center a total breeze! You can find this measuring tape on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
3. Marking Tools
Transferring pattern markings onto fabric is a key step in garment construction. Tailor’s chalk, washable fabric markers, or tracing paper and a tracing wheel are indispensable for this. These tools allow you to mark darts, pleats, button placements, and seam allowances with ease and remove the markings when no longer needed. Choose a marking tool that contrasts well with your fabric and test it first to ensure it doesn’t leave a permanent mark.
These marking pens are heat erasable and show up great on your fabric. You can find these, as well as lots of other marking pen options, on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
4. Seam Ripper
Even the most experienced sewists make mistakes, and that’s where a seam ripper becomes your best friend. This small, pointed tool allows you to carefully undo stitches without damaging the fabric. Whether you need to remove a misaligned seam or adjust a hem, a sharp seam ripper is a must-have in your sewing kit.
Both of these seam rippers are sharp and get the job done! The Mighty Bright (left) comes with an LED light and a magnifier. The Missouri Star option on the right has a wonderful easy-to-grip handle. Both of these can be found on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
5. Pins and Pin Cushions
Pins hold your fabric in place as you sew, ensuring that everything stays aligned and your seams are straight. Fine, sharp pins are ideal for garment sewing as they won’t leave holes in your fabric. Magnetic pin cushions or traditional tomato pin cushions are both great options for keeping your pins organized and easily accessible while you work.
Every seamstress needs lots of pins and pincushions! This magnetic bowl is a very handy way to keep track of all of those pins! You can find it on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
Bonus Tips:
- Tailor’s Ham: This padded tool is perfect for pressing curved seams and darts, helping to shape your garments beautifully.
- Clear Ruler: A see-through ruler with grid lines helps with measuring and aligning pattern pieces, especially when making alterations.
Having these top five notions on hand will set you up for success on your garment-sewing journey. They’re the foundation of a well-equipped sewing kit, ensuring your projects come together smoothly and with professional results. So, stock up and get sewing! Your next handmade wardrobe addition is just a stitch away.
Be sure to check out our Nancy’s Notions Homepage, where you can find links to over 60 different categories of sewing and quilting topics! That’s over 400 articles! Click here!
Looking for free patterns or more sewing project ideas? Click here!
