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Sewing Tips and Techniques
If you’ve ever wondered which sewing tools actually make a difference to your finished garments, you’re not alone! With so many gadgets available, it can be hard to know what’s genuinely useful and what will end up living at the bottom of your sewing box (forever).
We’re sharing the sewing tools that we use on almost every single dressmaking project. These are the items that help you sew more accurately, achieve a more professional finish and stop you from throwing your project into the WIP pile never to be seen again.
Whether you’re just starting out on your sewing journey or you’ve been dressmaking for years, having the right sewing tools in your kit can make all the difference.
If there is one foot we always recommend, it's the seam guide foot. If there is one available for your machine (and there usually is) get one now. Go. We'll wait here for you to return... Ordered it? Good. Your sewing (and sanity) will thank you!
A seam guide foot is one of those sewing machine accessories that you might not realise you need until you try one. With clearly marked seam allowances such as 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch (and in metric if that's your thing), it makes sewing straight, accurate seams much easier.
Instead of relying on the markings on your needle plate, you simply align the edge of your fabric with the marking on the foot and sew. It’s especially helpful if you’re new to sewing or find it tricky to maintain an even seam allowance.
If a seam guide foot isn’t available for your specific machine model, a magnetic seam guide is a great alternative that attaches directly to your needle plate.
The Purple Thang is a simple but incredibly versatile sewing tool that earns its place in almost every project.
You can use it to:
It’s particularly useful when working with curved seams or easing fabric, as the pointed end helps hold everything in place while you sew.
Turning corners neatly can be surprisingly tricky, especially when working with delicate fabrics. A dedicated corner turning tool allows you to gently push out corners on collars, waistbands and pockets without risking damage to the fabric.
Using a slightly blunter tool is ideal for finer fabrics where a sharp point might otherwise poke through the seam.
Wonder Tape is a double-sided adhesive tape designed specifically for fabric, and simply put, it's a wonder. It temporarily holds two layers of fabric together and washes away after the finished garment is laundered.
It’s particularly useful for:
Unlike pins, it doesn’t add bulk or shift while you sew, making it much easier to achieve a smooth and accurate finish.
We all need them, even when we start a new project so optimistically, there will always be a moment you root around looking for it. Make sure you get a decent one with nice sharp blades, as this can ease the pain of having to use it ever so slightly.
Some seam rippers also feature a rubber tip that helps remove loose threads after unpicking. Simply glide the rubber end across the fabric and it lifts away the stray threads, saving time and effort.
Chaco pens are a refillable alternative to traditional tailor’s chalk. With a small roller tip, they allow you to mark fabric with fine, accurate lines that are easy to brush away once you’ve finished sewing.
They’re ideal for transferring pattern markings such as darts, notches and pocket placements.
A high-quality pair of fabric scissors makes cutting your pattern pieces smoother and more accurate. Look for a pair that fits comfortably in your hand and isn’t overly heavy, particularly if you’re cutting more intricate shapes.
Smaller embroidery scissors are perfect for:
They give you greater control when working close to the stitching line.
Pressing is an essential part of dressmaking and can have a huge impact on the finished look of your garment.
A silk organza pressing cloth protects your fabric from heat damage while allowing you to see exactly what you’re pressing. This makes it much easier to press seams accurately without leaving shine marks or scorch marks on delicate fabrics. A bit of an investment, but you'll soon see why.
A tailor’s ham and sleeve roll allow you to press curved seams and small areas more effectively than a flat ironing board alone.
You can use them to:
They help prevent unwanted creases and give your handmade garments a more professional finish.
Having the right sewing tools in your kit doesn’t just make sewing easier. It helps you achieve more accurate results, improve the fit of your garments and build confidence in your dressmaking skills.
You can find all of these sewing tools and accessories on our website, alongside our weekly tutorials, guides and inspiration to support you on your sewing journey.