Wax: Thread wax or thread conditioner. I use beewax or thread magic. It makes cheap thread glide like the expensive ones. I am an old punk so ive done lots of hand sewing for patches and the standby is to use waxed dental floss to sew on patches since it doesn't snag or break so easy. This is the same principal but now any thread will work. Wax makes working with thicker thread so easy. For hand sewing, just drag your thread over the wax (I've used candle wax for patch sewing). Some places say to iron your thread after, but I've never done that. For sewing machines, they make wax that attaches to the top of your machine so the thread glides over it as you sew.
Washi Tape: if you put washi tape down your traced pattern lines (on the fabric), just inside where you need to cut, it will keep the material from fraying. It also makes it easier to cut out silky or thin fabrics. Frayed fabric leaves all those little hanging-off threads at your hems and it’s a mess. If you use a good washi tape, there is no residue. You can even sew over it and not remove it until the end. It is fantastic for hems. Washi tape is going to give you a definite location for your hems and gives you a straight edge to follow. I've also used painters tape.
Seam Ripper: Flip the seam ripper over, put the ball tip in the seam and then push the tool through the stitches, quickly cutting them. *Caution – don’t use this part of the technique on delicate fabrics. It’s too easy to tear holes in them doing this. It is fine on most cottons and denims. The point is for picking out individual stitches, tight stitches, or difficult ones.
Gutermann thread: The spool opens to hold a needle. There is a myth that it comes with a needle included. None of mine has ever come with one.
Ribbon Fraying: quickly run a flame across the end of the ribbon to eliminate the fraying.
Lock your stitches: reverse sew at the beginning and end of each seam to lock your stitches in place to prevent them from unraveling once the threads are snipped.
Pins: Use a magnet to collect them. I use a magnetic bowl from harbor freight. It's cheaper than the sewing specific ones and you can rubber coat them or cover them in fabric if you want to protect your pin tips.
Thread Cutter: Many machines come with a thread cutter on the machine. But if your machine doesn't you can buy a stick on one. They are convenient but not a necessity.
Magnetic Seam Guides: tool that attaches to any stitch plate of a sewing machine, near the presser foot. The magnet helps the fabric that is pulled forward by your sewing machine to stay firmly in place, giving you a solid, reliable guide for setting seam allowances and sewing straight lines.
Seam Guide Ruler: a small ruler used to mark an accurate seam allowance. Place the Seam Guide under the presser foot and lower the needle through the appropriate hole in the guide. Video reference here.
Sewing Needles: I have a whole post here but the basics are
Universal – no color code
Jersey – orange or light brown
Universal twin – red shaft
Stretch twin – blue shaft
Fray check: A permanent, clear liquid seam sealant that prevents fabric from fraying and secures thread ends; Use to finish raw edges of ribbon, trim and fabric. It soaks into fabric.
Fabri-tac: won't soak into fabrics, which can cause discoloration or damage to the fabric. Instead, it creates a strong, permanent bond on the surface of the fabric. This makes it a great option for attaching embellishments like rhinestones, sequins, ribbons, or beads to fabric.
Original Gutermann HT2: designed specifically for use with fabrics and is ideal for attaching patches to clothing, bags, and other fabric items. It's a great choice for attaching patches to fabrics that will be washed or worn frequently. The glue is also resistant to heat and cold, making it suitable for use in a variety of different environments. It is a bit expensive but it is worth it imo.
Aleene's: I love Aleene's they always perform well for the affordable price. They have a wide variety of glues and adhesives. They even make fabric glue sticks.
Dritz Original Liquid Stitch: Dries clear but applies white. It takes 24 hours for it to full cure but once it does its flexible.
SpraynBond Quilt Basting Adhesive Spray: It forms a temporary bond between the batting and the fabric when quilting so that you don’t need to baste the quilt before you stitch. Unlike traditional adhesives, which can leave a residue on the fabric, spray glue dries clear and leaves no residue. I have also used this for backpatches. it washes out.
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