Seamwork's Best Sewing Tools

If something’s going wrong with your sewing, it’s either your technique or your tools.

The right tools can make all the difference in your sewing experience, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sewing for years.

In this round-up, we’ve gathered some of our most loved tools and notions to help you build the ultimate sewing kit on any budget.

From must-have basics like scissors and seam rippers to specialty gadgets that make tricky tasks easier, these resources will guide you through choosing and using the tools that can take your sewing to the next level. Ready to upgrade your sewing kit?

Best Tool Round-ups

• 10 Budget-Friendly Sewing Tools From the Hardware Store: Explore 10 affordable sewing tools you can buy at any hardware store. Plus, learn how to use them to elevate your sewing projects without breaking the bank.


• How to Use Every Pressing Tool: The best pressing techniques for perfect seams and corners.


• Sewing Tools Under $10 That Will Change Your Life: Do you have these cheap sewing tools? If not, they might help you out!


• 10 Sewing Tools Under $20 That Will Change Your Life: Which tools do you already own, and which do you want to add?


• The 10 Best Presser Feet for Sewing Clothing: Do you really need special presser feet, and which ones should you buy?


• What’s the Best Paper for Tracing Patterns?: Our favorite paper for tracing and making flat pattern adjustments.


• Do You Really Need This Sewing Tool? Here’s How to Decide.: If you’re ready to upgrade your sewing toolbox—or play with some specialty notions—use this framework to justify the expense.


• Dress Forms and Mannequins: Do you really need a dress form in your sewing room?

Best Sewing Machine Guides

• The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine: Everything you need to consider when buying a sewing machine.


• A Guide to Coverstitch Machines: A comprehensive guide to using and purchasing a coverstitch machine.


• Do I REALLY Need a Coverstitch Machine?: Will a coverstitch make hemming knits easier, or is it a waste of money?

Best Books and Digital Tools

• The Best Sewing Books for Beginners: Three kinds of sewing books you need in your library.


• 7 Vintage Sewing Books You’ve Never Heard Of: Find hundreds of pages of inspiration in these must-have vintage sewing books.


• How to Use Procreate to Sketch Your Sewing Plans: Draw your dream wardrobe using Procreate—no drawing skills required!


• 5 Free Downloads to Solve Your Biggest Sewing Challenges: Our favorite free tools for tackling your sewing roadblocks.

Our Favorite Sewing Notions

• The Ultimate Guide to Elastic: Choose the right elastic for the project.


• The Best Way to Mark Fabric: We experimented with different fabric marking tools, so you don’t have to.


• Guide to Buying the Perfect Thread Snips: You’re going to use this tool all the time, so pick out something you like.