Sewing Construction
Here is a list of sewing tools that will get you from start to finish on all your sewing projects! The images on this page are affiliate links.
Cutting Tools:
Below are all my go-to cutting tools.
OLFA 60mm Straight Handle Rotary Fab
My Olfa rotary cutter is by far my most used sewing tool. I use it to cut just about pattern piece. I find it much easier to cut with a rotary cutter than using traditional scissors because I can keep the fabric flat which ensures my lines are straight and fabric stays straight on the grain.
OLFA Tungsten Tool Steel Rotary Blades, Pack of 5
Rotary blades dull over time so it’s always good to have a couple on hand.
OLFA 24″ x 36″ Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat
This Olfa cutting mat protects your table from being cut by your rotary cutter and protects your rotary cutter from becoming dull. The ruler feature on this cutting mat ismakes measuring lengths of fabric, cutting shapes or straight lines a breeze.
Be careful to keep it away from direct heat and remember to store your mat flat. I had to learn this the hard way.
Fiskars 12-94518697WJ The Original Orange Handled Scissors, 8 Inch
I don’t use traditional scissors as often as I use my rotary cutter but when I am cutting woven muslin to tear along the grain, these Fiskars are what I reach for.
Fiskars 94817797 Micro-Tip Scissors, 5 Inch, Orange
These little scissors are excellent for cutting threads off of finished pieces. They are one of my most used sewing tools, by far.
O’Lipfa 11111 Ruler with Lip Edge, 5 x 24-Inch
I use this ruler for EVERYTHING. You can easily see through it which comes in handy with just about every measuring job you have. The O’lipfa ruler ha s a lip that hooks onto the edge of your cutting mat which makes cutting straight lines super easy. It’s transparency makes squaring up lines a sinch when drafting a pattern. I could probably write an entire post about this ruler alone…maybe I should.
Pattern Drafting Tools
Alvin Lightweight White Tracing Paper Roll 36 inches x 50 yards 55W-L
This tracing paper is my absolute favorite for creating accurate patterns. When drafting a new pattern the transparency of this paper allows me to easily compare front and backs of garments, transpose a first draft onto a second and so much more. I use this more than any of my other sewing tools. If you are a pattern drafter or wanting to learn to pattern draft, this is a must have for your kit.
Staedtler Rally Graphite #2 Pencils
I use these pencils for EVERYTHING! But for the sake of staying on topic, these are my very favorite pencils for pattern drafting. I know a lot of people use mechanical pencils for drafting, which I can see being a good way to go as they keep a consistent point, but mechanical pencils are not for me. My grandmother, Rita Ludden, is a professional artist and the one who taught me fashion drawing. She is a master at watercolor and colored pencil and I always have her voice in the back of my mind saying “always keep your pencils sharp”. So my consistent point comes from her, and a pencil sharpener.
Which brings me to me next point, pencil sharpeners!
Pencil Sharpeners
Sooooooo. I regret to inform you that my all time favorite pencil sharpener brand, Boston is out of production. The Boston pencil sharpener that I have is a high-quality work horse, and I kid you not, I have had this sharpener in my life since I was ten-years old!! My mom bought this back in the late 90s for art classes she was taking at the time. I still use this sharpener every day
I sadly, therefore, have no recommendations for you but will do my best to find a pencil sharpener that is of equal or better quality than my beloved Boston, may its brand rest in peace.