11 Basic Sewing Essentials

Here is a list of some basic and essential sewing equipment that I think is quite useful to have and some can make your tasks easier and more interesting, as well as professional looking. Take a look at the list and see what they are used for. As your skills improve and your projects become more difficult, your need for sewing materials increase accordingly.

• Straight Pins: For all of my sewing,  I use quite fine silk pins as they don't leave big prick marks in the fabric.

• Pin Cushion or Magnetic Holder: I have both of these. A Pin Cushion is a great way to keep pins close to you at all times as you just pop mine onto my wrist. I made my one by using some old fabric and some wadding- this is also a very cheap way too, so can save you quite a bit of money. If you want to know how to make one, you can click here. 

          A Magnetic Holder is also great as it's quick for picking up all those loose pins,   

          especially on the floor! There are many sites you can get one of these from such as  

          here.

Sewing A Dart

I've been sewing darts quite a bit recently, so thought i'd share a quick fab tip on how to sew them.

Mark the top of your dark with some chalk or a tailors tack. Also mark the bottom of the dart legs with a little snip- make sure the snip is within the seam allowance.

The dart point should be on the fold. Then fold the dart, aligning the two snips at the bottom of the dart. 

Quick Tip | Measuring Without A Ruler!

A quick and handy tip I have learnt over the years is to use my fingers to take small measurements if I do not have a ruler or tape measure to hand. I learned this little trick back at college in 2005 and it works a treat!

So as a guide my measurements are approx:

thumb: 2.5" or 5cm

index finger: 3" or 7.5cm

middle finger (usually the longest finger): 3.5" or 8.9cm

ring finger: 3" or 7.5cm

pinkie finger: 2.5" or 5cm

My thumb measures approx. 2.5" or 5cm

Body Measurements

I get quite a few questions regarding how to take body measurements, so I thought i'd give you all the details with a diagram to show correctly. Hope this helps!

Measurements:
Depending on the type of garment you would like made, these are the measurements needed:

0. Height: Measure from tip of head down to feet.
1. Across Back: Measure from prominent neck bone down center back 4" to 6" (10cm to 15cm) and mark. Measure across the back from armscye seam to armscye seam at the narrowest point (across the shoulder blades).
2. Across Front: Measure across the top of the breasts from left underarm to right underarm.
3. Across Shoulder: Measure from the back shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
4. Ankle: Measure around the ankle.
5. Armhole: Measure the circumference of your desired sleeve hole. Measure from under your arm around to the top of your shoulder and back to where you started. (It shouldn't be too tight and may help to have a blouse on).