This is the last in my series of Gifts For The Seamstress. The first was on pressing aides, the second was on scissors & rulers and this one focuses on the smaller necessary notions.
A seamstress always needs a variety of marking tools. A chalk wheel is an efficient way to mark lines on the fabric. The chalk comes in white or blue and refills of the chalk dust can be purchased when it runs out.
Of course, the traditional tailor’s chalk can also be used to mark with. It comes in a variety of colors. Both the chalk from the chalk wheel as well as the tailor’s chalk will wear off eventually as the fabric is being handled.
Other marking tools, which I tend to prefer, are the wash-out markers. I most frequently use the fine tip blue wash-out marker. I also use the air-erasable marker if I know that I will finish my project the same day. That marker tends to disappear within 24 hours, so speed is necessary. These can be purchased as a combination maker as well with each end being the different tip. If you are working with dark fabrics, a white marker is available.
Other marking tools include the Sew Line marker, Stadetler non-permanent lumocolor markers (I have only found these at art supply companies) as well as the traditional pencil markers.
Then there are the piping rulers. Darr makes a nice ruler, though it is short compared to others. Ten Sisters makes a longer one, which is preferred by most.
Washable Glue is an invaluable tool to have in the sewing room. I use this for so many different things – securing rickrack/piping/trim prior to sewing, etc. Sewline makes a nice glue pen which creates a nice, fine line of glue. Roxanne’s Glue Baste is a favorite of mine. It also creates a nice line or even dots of glue. Both Clover and Dritz make a washable glue stick.
Some less known tools include the Dritz Hem Gauge, which works fabulously for pressing up a hem on a garment, curtains, etc. Fray Check comes in handy for stopping ribbons or buttonhole ends from fraying. The Simflex Buttonhole Marker/Gauge is a MUST HAVE for all sewing rooms. It will accurately mark buttonholes on a blouse, dress, etc. The Hera Marker will aide greatly in pushing out sewn scallops. An Awl is also a very valuable tool, particularly for anyone that hand-embroiders, although it is helpful for guiding tricky sewing under the foot of the machine as well.
Any seamstress can use new sewing machine needles!!! If you aren’t sure of any other of the tools mentioned, you can’t go wrong with good needles!
I hope that these suggestions have been helpful! If you prefer to watch the YouTube video where you can see all of these different products, you can do that as well.
You should have plenty of ideas for gift-giving for the seamstress in your life now! Have fun shopping!!!
Kathy
Disclosure: The recommended products contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting me when you shop! These are my opinions and are not representative of the companies that create these products. These are the products I use and have gotten great results with. I would never recommend poor quality products.