8 FANTASTIC sewing tools I could not live without.

[@Penguinandpear]

Hello friends! Let me know what your most used tool is? Itll be interesting to see if we like different things or the same!? xx

[@revecarodriguez709]

I’ve been using clothes pins ( wooden ones ) to hold fabric , while quilting, then someone invented clip’s awesome idea !

[@judidavieswebb]

I use mini clips for sewing and quilting.

[@helenc4228]

I live my serger too. I could not live without my chalk pen, my awesome sewing scissors, my sewing table and sew much more♥♥♥

[@justtere]

That Crayola marker tip blew me away. All of them are terrific, but that one can be a lifesaver.

[@glendajones416]

You're so down to earth love you 😅

[@aliceannjo]

I found a metal shop table at a yard sale a few years ago. Put my cutting mat on top and have magnets to hold the patterns down. also have magnetic hooks on the side to hang other things I use.

[@Penguinandpear]

Love this!

[@annblachly8068]

I did the same with a magnetic chalk board I bought from a farm supply store 'garage sale' for $5 when they changed to a white board. I had that chalk board around for nearly 10 years for the grandsons to play with, but they didn't. As it was so heavy, it wasn't making it into the pickup to be donated. When SewTites caught my attention, I realized I could use it on top of my upholstery fabric covered 4 x 6 cutting table $35 (formerly a display table in a clothing store twenty years ago) with the large cutting mat over it. Now SewTites has designed a too small for my use cutting mat with metal embedded in it for a preorder price $379. Shipping of the system is in October. No thank you. Mine is 4 times the size of theirs. I don't need a portable cutting mat. If sewing magnets are of interest, you can buy magnetic name badge holders for considerably less. Even the same sizes and shapes as the originals. Perhaps where they got the idea for use in the sewing room. I bought two sizes badge holders (20 sets each size) for $30 on Amazon. Excell Mark is the brand.

[@lindakimble2889]

I love the info and products - and you are too funny!!!

[@helenc4228]

Pins out of the fabric and immediately into the pincushion. You don’t lay a pin down. It only goes into the pin cushion. When I was growing up my mother was very negligent with her pins. My twin sister, me and my dad ALL had to have surgery to remove broken pins from our feet. To make it worse my mother was never repentant over this. So I decided if I ever sewed I would be super careful. Excellent video. I am subscribing😊😊😊

[@itsme4693]

Tuesday15 August 2023 01.29h at night, I see here for the first time your videos, I like it, and pressed the button. I love sewing, and still learning new things.👍🏼

[@roseambrose7971]

Helpful tips thank you for sharing.

[@PrayNow4all]

Oh, wow! Washable crayola pens!!!! BRILLIANT!! I’m a 45+ year sewing veteran.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I've bought 3 magnetic "pin" holders for $2 each from the hardware store, so I can have them where needed. An emergency call at 5:30 am when I was 15 to get a neighbors kids off to school has given me a lifelong ability to rarely drop a pin or needle. Her needle was about 2-1/4" long and she'd stepped on the dull end resulting in both ends of the needle protruding from either side of her foot! I waithed until I was over 50 to buy decent shears. Big mistake! I now own Ginghers and Kai and find that my arthritic hands appreciate switching the two out. They utilize finger joints differently and apply pressure differently. Thread snips at the machine are also amazing. If drafting/tracing your own patterns, green painter's "frog tape" is a neccessity. It seems to be just like old fashioned drafting tape and will release from tissue paper without tearing. Super handy stuff. I use it for loose threads at times. The crayola marker thing is a great tip. I usually use chalk pencils, but I have a tendency to grab whatever is close on occasion. Yes, I have carefully used a sharpie.😮

[@Penguinandpear]

Love an alternative look at sewing (ie sharpies lol). I use frog tape to hold slippery fabrics in place! If you go back to my oldest video you’ll see me talking having just left the hospital having a machine needle pulled out of my finger. I’m much more careful now

[@darshnarach8889]

Tweezers.... 100% using tweezers to thread server or sewing machine. To hold down corners, us the back of it as a guide to push down extra layers use the tip to ensure layers are split when I want...

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Amen on the tweezers. I have a pair of eagle beak and they are indispensable.

[@howardgoldstein867]

I agree...I have a 6" bent nose tweezers at each of my machines...helps pulling out straight pins as I sew in areas that my fingers don't fit & also guiding/easing fabric as I sew....couldn't be without them......

[@erikayuille4691]

Needle nosed tweezers and embroidery scissors are a God send! You probably have one in your supplies, a stiletto! That little tool, too skinny to be an awl. It will protect your fingers when sewing and serging tight areas or sewing super fast.

[@darshnarach8889]

@@erikayuille4691 absolutely. Full set of those in my at home and travel kit

[@OutlawDressmaker]

I am still really new to sewing, but I would say that so far, my big 'must have' tools are 1, my sewing machine, 2, a large table where I can lay my fabric out, 3, a good, high quality set of needles for hand sewing and 4, some cat toys to keep Miss Stripes occupied while I am working.

[@velvetstitching3631]

Love my Babylock Victory Serger! (so I bought a Babylock Acclaim and then the Euphoria too!

[@annbutler7461]

So pleased you are back with Penguin and Pear sewing. I really enjoy your sewing videos. I'm definitely getting those washable pens - great tip! Also the magnetic pin holder as they not too expensive and great for picking up pins you cant see. Take care x

[@helen3998.1]

I have added a galvanized sheet metal under my cutting mat. This made it magnetic. So now all I have to do is use magnets and it holds my material down as I cut out my patterns

[@Penguinandpear]

That’s inspired!

[@cherylphilabaum1721]

I use most only I don't have the heavy dice. did enjoy your video...I am from U.S.A. Florida

[@charityrochford2175]

I love my wonder clips! They’re a big help with keeping things together and not poking myself. They don’t work for every scenario, but they sure help a lot! Also, My thread organizer was completely unexpected to be a win! It’s a clear box with dividers on each side- we have one for holding my son’s hotwheels and and matchbox cars, and I use the same thing to organize my spoils of thread! It makes it so I can easily see the colors and I can keep the bobbin in the same section as the spool so I’m not searching. Love it!

[@Penguinandpear]

Wonder clips are pretty good. I like them a lot for bag making. Your thread organising sounds interesting, that’s something I haven’t mastered yet.

[@joanijackson3108]

I use interfacing to make patterns. If you buy the self adhesive you can iron on the pattern pieces. Much love from Joani in Australia 🤗🙏🏼💝🥰

[@hels1941]

Can’t believe I’ve just found your Chanel, I’m hooked. X

[@barbcnockaert5062]

Thank you very much. I enjoyed seeing your tools and will doing purchases. I use a chopstick for corners after I’ve turned something outside in. I also use an old dentist’s pick tool to keep fabrics feeding through the dogs. I went to an automotive store with my husband. They had a magnetic stainless steel dish. I picked up 3 for pins, clips etc. I have a metal cabinet beside my sewing machine so I attach my dishes to the side of it. Always ready. The store also had small magnets with handles. They are great for needles in tight spots. I’m enjoying the tips in the comments. I will be checking out your other videos for sure!

[@daxxydog5777]

I bought a Fiskars brand cheap scissor sharpener at Walmart. I sharpened every pair of scissors in my house and, wow, what a difference! Even the super cheap ones cut so much better. If you have shears that have serrated edges, it won’t work, but for the smooth edged, regular scissors, it worked great for me.

[@rrjohn5]

Serger!🎯 definitely a ride or die! Although, my sewing machine is also a ROD! 😊

[@zazmau]

Glue a magnet on the bottom of a pretty saucer or small decorative dish purchased at the thrift store for a magnetic pin dish. I buy a box of medical exam table paper rolls. On the rare occasion it isn't wide enough I tape a scrap on where I need it. Crayola washable pens are wonderful!!!! I have tested them with a hot iron and even the dark colors wash out!! I ordered a bunch oh those needle threaders from Temu for real cheap. Love your pattern weights! I have been known to use canned goods as pattern weights! I too love my extra long tape measure and to top it off it's PINK! Pink, the most beautiful color in the world!! LOL I was a late bloomer on buying a serger/coverstitch machine due to buying a lemon one years ago. My, how they have changed and buying a good quality brand helps too.

[@daleodberg6714]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@annemodistach3107]

These days I love my rotary cutter cant sew without it

[@judidavieswebb]

I only just found you and agree with you about everything, even the things you will not buy again. Thank you for your wonderful tips. I am in leicester.

[@TheEvie202]

I now can’t live without those frixon pens that disappear when you iron. I use them to trace darts, pattern markings and mark notches. I still to love the yellow waxy tailors chalk but hate sharpening.

[@jacquiventurini8844]

I love my clapper and ham! Gives me excellent crisp tailored seams. I do like your dice weights! I will have a look for something similar 😊

[@jacquelinesmith3450]

The washable markers was an excellent tip, so much so, that I’ll pick up a box tomorrow. Thanks

[@gbarnett9470]

I love light when I am sewing. Got a LED light strip that mounts under the upper arm or throat of sewing machine. i tap the on button and can see even black thread on black fabric. I have light plugged in to a electric surge outlet that also has my my old iron that does not not have auto off. If light is on then iron may be hot. My eyes are getting older and every bit of light helps. May need so cheat glasses too.

[@margaretdevries8090]

Love my serger! Had one dor 35 years just bought a new one gave old one to daughter ! I’m like you pick serger over sewing machine !

[@Askthedog12]

Love the longer tape measure idea 🎉

[@kathleengarness1660]

20 years or so ago I had to make 30 Christmas pageant costumes for our church. I bought a serger, and was able, in spite of just having surgery on my knee earlier that December, to make all those 30 costumes in less than two weeks (outside of my day job too). Each costume had at least three pieces - the head dress (which was usually just a simple rectangle of fabric held on by a band), a long-sleeved or 3/4 sleeved tunic, and a sleeveless vest. The serger sewed and overcast all the seams SO fast!! I batch-cut the costumes in three different sizes - adult, medium child, and kindergarten/preschool child - using a cutting mat and rotary cutter, and that saved time too, cutting two or three at a time.

[@dee4174]

I have a tremor too and poor eyesight and agree about the needle threader. They are do simple and haven't changed in decades, so you know they work!

[@torirochleau-rice8037]

Oh, I love that tape measure!

[@heatherstrom]

One of my favorite tools is a wrist pincushion. The wrist wrap wasn't a good fit and the edges hurt so I took it off and made my own using elastic. Another favorite is the command hook placed on my quilting ruler as a handle.

[@LYoung-op5ub]

Great on the weights I use grill press weights

[@marie9869]

Yes ! For me the easy threader is definitely the tool I have to buy. I broke the only one I had the first time I used it. 😅 As long as I don't sew in a regular way I won't buy the other tools because I'm not sure to use it. But I have to remember the list for when I'll sew more often. I dream of sewing everything I wear. 😊

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

I bought my first surger about the same time you did (Brother), around 2015 or 2016. I took it out of the box and, because it was intimidating, it just sat and collected dust. During the pandemic, I made it a priority to find a KZbin video on how to thread it and use it. It wasn't that hard at all! Gave me a sense of accomplishment and was fun learning to use it. My most used tool: My Baby Lock Crescendo sewing machine! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that machine! Beside my sewing machine, my favorite tool is my Fiskars dressmaker shears. They make cutting fabric for any project effortless because they are so sharp, even at the very tip.

[@theresapowell4226]

What a fun sewing buddy you are for me! Thank you for the realistic information and instructions. My favorite tool is my cutting mat. I can cut things on my bed or wherever I happen to be at the time and not damage things😬. You are very funny as well!

[@bonnieyoung3370]

Some really good tips . Thank you ❤ I’m going to definitely use some of your ideas.

[@Annpanz]

I glued washers together as my pattern weights xx loving the videos Thank you xx

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

I love your dice! Now I will look for unusual items for weights! My favorite tool in my sewing room appears to be small scissors! I have them everywhere for sewing, knitting, and hand embroidery work/cross stitching.

[@joyceprovost380]

Me too,,,, l I love my little scissors for quick tasks,,,cutting threads, making collar points and trimming darts. Can't Iive without them 👍

[@KSMP]

I made a DIY magnetic pin dish with a small ceramic dish that I thrifted for cheap and glued a strong magnetic to the bottom and covered it with felt. Works like a charm! I also have a cardboard curve that I found a pattern for online. 😁

[@airfry-syn-it]

Well, that was endearing over a cuppa and a slice of cake😮 cake🍰 I know, but I had the best 30 mins or so watching your video, a newbie to your videos, thoroughly enjoyable, agree with others ie Crayola Pens. A tool I wouldn't be without? Guess that would be my chop sticks for pushing fabric through to corners. Worst mistake....Dining table cardboard cutting mat! The fold up type. See you again soon x

[@lorraine9057]

Another video chock full of useful information. The sewing tools you mentioned are essential in my book. A gridded cutting mat and sharp scissors were a game changer for me. I found that inexpensive scissors work great as long as they are sharp . . . and the bonus is that they are so easy to sharpen at home. Thank you, Claire, for another insightful video.

[@Penguinandpear]

Totally agree! I won a pair of shears that retail for £120. I also have a pair of £30 ginghers. I would say the expensive ones are better because they’re sharper and heavier and the blade is longer but the cheaper ones did me fine until I won the other shears. I love my cutting mat and and rotary blade but as I now have to put everything away after sewing I don’t tend to get them out. Glad you enjoyed.

[@johannecostello7688]

I love my cutting mat, rotary blade and large wide ruler. I use these every day. My least favorite and most used tool is my seam ripper.

[@DawnDavidson]

Hahaha. Agreed about the seam ripper being annoyingly and commonly used!

[@PibbleMom297]

I've seen a few of your videos, and I have to say they're delightful. I enjoy you're wit and your lively delivery. So what is my favorite sewing tool? When marking clothing fabric, I use tailor's chalk which looses it's crisp edge very quickly. So I have this fabulous little sharpener. It's difficult to describe - just a little rectangular plastic box, one side of which is open and it's cut inward in a "V"-shape with little rows of sharp v's all the way across. I just run the dull edge across it and it's sharp again! I love this tool, it saves lots of time and irritation. I've been sewing for almost 64 years, but I'm by no means an expert. I've made all sorts of things from doll clothes when I was little, to skirts, shorts and blouses, underwear, dresses, suits, prom gowns, wedding gowns (I've made 3 and will NEVER make another - too much work!), bathing suits, men's clothing, pants, wallets, handbags, and lots of other projects that I can't even remember. I love sewing and quilting. I'm not trying to toot my own horn here, I'm just saying I have a bit of experience where tools are concerned. And you are SO RIGHT! Like many others I'm sure, I have a lot of tools; many of which I don't use and should probably toss. But when you're a sewer/quilter, you tend to pick up quite a few bits here and there. I also have a bunch of different quilting rulers - but they come in handy for projects other that quilts too and I use them frequently. I like your favorites a lot! I have most of those too - the little ruler (very handy), the curved ruler, the Crayola washable markers - l love them for working on quilts, and a nice long measuring tape. The magnetic pin dish is a complete winner. I bought a tailor's ham 30-some years ago; I still have it and use it. I actually like washers for fabric weights. I buy handfuls of big heavy ones (I never seem to have enough 😁), hot-glue 4 or 5 together, cut a large round of pretty fabric which I draw up around the washers and stuff the excess down in the middle with hot glue; useful and pretty too. I don't trace my patterns, I cut a muslin toile first and fit it to my "me-sized" dress form that I made. (Ever heard of Bootstrapfashion.com? - they can make you a pattern for your own dress form - one that is shaped exactly like you). Lastly (don't hate me!) I don't much like sergers. Yep, you read that right. I have one and I know how to use it - it's easy, but I can't remember I last time I did - even for underwear or knits. I just don't like the seams they make. Serged seams don't look professional to me and they can be uncomfortable if pressed against sensitive skin. For knits, I like using my stretch stitches for seams and twin needles for hems; I like to have some seam allowance. And when I want a VERY neat seam, I sew French seams. But I cheat; I'm a collector of vintage sewing machines, so it's easy to have my main machine, a large quilting/sewing machine set for straight stitching (or whatever I wish) and I have some of my vintage machines set up for zig-zag, twin needles, overcasting, whatever. So I guess I'm spoiled and a bit of a snob, or maybe it's just that I'm old. But this is me and has no bearing on anyone else's likes, dislikes, or favorite tools. As you said in so many words, we all have our different needs, and that's the way it should be. I'll be watching more of your videos and I'm sure I'll be enjoying them very much - and I would be a fool if I didn't realize that I can always learn something new from a delightful "young-un" like you! Please keep making videos; I'm sure their are many who like them as much as I do.

[@juliepowell5941]

What a lovely, interesting & informative comment, thank you!

[@daleodberg6714]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@patvanderwolf8300]

I’m with you with the magnetic pin holder .. if I drop pins on the floor, I just wave the holder over the area, and voila, the pins are in the holder. No bending down (I’m 77) and trying to pick them up. I also have one of those longer tape measures, they are terrific. I’m going to take on board your idea of the needle threader (eyes aren’t what they used to be). And I also love my overlocker (that’s what we call them in Australia). Also have that little ruler, what a gift it is. Doesn’t disappear onto the floor like tape measure does. I don’t draft my own patterns so do not have the paper and curve ruler .. but I can see how they would be a blessing to those who do. Many thanks for your video .. greatly enjoyed and appreciated.

[@Penguinandpear]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I don’t draft my own patterns either but I do trace patterns and make adaptations and the paper is really helpful with that process ❤️

[@monagallant9141]

smart lady! thanks

[@reneehessell2477]

❤ your channel! Just now found it and thoroughly enjoyed the countdown. I can attest to the helpfulness of each of your tools, except the serger. I have one; however, I have not yet used it. I've been ill for a bit now, so here's to one day soon. I, too, made my own ham 40+ years ago -- in my early 20s. I also bought an extra long tape measure, although mine is construction style. I am a household DIYer. I have 2 of the same pin holder, too. Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I cannot wait to catch your prior and upcoming videos. Your pleasant demeanor shows through. I have a hearty laugh and wish you could hear me when I measure myself with my monstrous carpenter tape measure. ...cackle cackle! 11:14

[@Penguinandpear]

Hey hey! Hello! I also a household diyer (up to a point as I am unwell). Check out my second channel @bellaclementine happy to have you here ❤️

[@pattiann8477]

I don't know if you have dollar stores where you are, but! here in Canada we have them and they carry all sorts of things for a couple of bucks....I bought a magnetic dish for my pins in the automotive section! Actually bought 2! A big one and a small one!

[@elsafischer3247]

I also love my serger

[@sandreawhite7534]

Excellent.

[@FollowHimSewing]

I use a simple pair of shears to cut my fabrics only and a small little dollar store cutter. Its handy for my embroidery,crocheting crocheting, knitting as well and it was super cheap as well.

[@dianecrews6130]

I totally agree on your must-haves sewing utensils including the serger . Just wanted to tell you how wonderful you look and that color you have on is awesome

[@rosemoore5364]

I am soooo happy you are back sewing. Thank you.

[@Cat-dw3wi]

I was wondering about the Crayola markers. I hate how the marking pens seem to be only blue or purple. Glad to see you back w sewjo and videojo

[@AngelaKindness]

You are awesome!!

[@maddiecedeno8989]

Hi there…I am new to your channel and love, love, love all your tips. Thank you so much for your generosity. I do love all the tools you mentioned and wanted to share one that is super cheap and it helps when ironing seams. I learned this from one of my favorite sewing teachers - Janine… it’s a piece of wood molding from the hardware store about 14” long…its flat on one side and round on the other. It helps me so much to set my seams after ironing. I also received as a gift from one of my sewing buddies a tool that has a magnet at the end and is extendable and could also clip on like a pen. How many times have I dropped a needle and had to bend causing pressure in my lower back (I suffered a serious car accident and have many herniated disks)…this tool has been a game changer. Many of your viewers also mentioned many great tools that I already have. Yes…my serger the Baby Lock Accolade is my favorite. It has air threading and I cannot live without it. I use to own an old Bernina Serger that I bought used for $300 and would have to take it in to my sewing mechanic all the time because I could NOT thread that darn thing right! The new serger changed my life…for me life is too short not to have an air threader…like the saying says “Eat the chocolate…I say buy the air threader 😂. Cheers 💋💨

[@luv2dancesalsa465]

I feel you! I bought a serger a month ago and I’m completely intimidated. I’m excited but nervous. So for now the projects I’m working on? Just the regular. Until I can actually finish one {damn} project without having to take out stitches I just can’t see myself cutting “excess fabric” because… well… see above! I love you said you’d die on that hill now. You’re an inspiration for me to press through the fear. I love all your tool suggestions! I have a friend with Essential Tremors (diagnosed age 9; 60 now). His therapy thru school was a shot of whiskey in the morning (mom had to give school a doctors note, of course, since teachers did easily notice the smell on his breath). And he’s not an alcoholic. Really. He had implants years ago to keep them under “control”. I can’t imagine trying to thread a needle so am happy you’ve found a solution. Thanks again for your important tools list. The magnetic pin cushion? Brilliant. My issue currently is I somehow ended up with a box of pins that aren’t actual metal. When they fall on the ground after missing my magnetic sweep, I leave them and throw them away. They’re not doing me any favors.

[@Penguinandpear]

I’ve noticed my tremors disappear with alcohol but it takes more than one shot. I have digestive disturbances so can’t tolerate alcohol any more. I have drank it for years. Check out my latest video it’s about sergers

[@jamesturner7102]

While this comment says it’s from James that is not the case. The writer is female, his wife. Lately most of my sewing has been devoted to making quilts but I’ve done many kinds. I liked your comment about not being afraid to try what looks like something difficult. In my early days of sewing I made slip covers for couches, drapes, kids clothes, dresses for myself, etc. I did most of this sewing because I could save money that way. Today with fabric being so expensive sewing clothing just doesn’t seem worth it since you can buy things cheaper than you can make them. That being said, I really like your channel! Hopefully you’ll inspire someone to push over the fear hump into feeling the joy that comes with home sewing!

[@Penguinandpear]

I agree sewing clothes is not cheap! You certainly wouldn’t sew clothes to save money unless upcycling. For me it means I can get the fit I need in the fabric I choose. The last year I didn’t sew and tried buying clothes and it was a horrible experience.

[@dianeh4864]

Love this list...agreed I couldn't sew with an overlocker and a magnetic pin tray also find tweezers invaluable 😊 x

[@annwhittaker3862]

Thank you for this fantastic video. I love the rulers, and magnetic pin catchers too! I like the blue floral dress material you are wearing, did you make it?

[@supie840]

Thank you for the tip about the Crayola washable markers! I'm so tired of paying for the expensive sewing ones that then dry out before I have used them 3 times. Quick tip for marking on dark fabrics- I use the last bits and slivers of my soap bars on darks. They mark great and go away with just a dab of water.

[@DawnDavidson]

Right with you about soap slivers on dark fabrics! Been doing that for decades. :)

[@shivsnorman]

What a great idea about using the slivers of soap. Many thanks from a sewing newby😊

[@EmmaWhitaker-gf3uc]

I mark my quilt tops with soap slivers and they're wonderful! On darker fabrics, that is. I'm still looking for a good way to mark lighter fabrics though. I think I'll give those Crayola Washable Markers a try.

[@patvanderwolf8300]

Hi .. thank you for your tip of the soap slithers. I’m definitely going to try it. 👍

[@erikayuille4691]

Consider metal straight edges (yard/meter) which are varying widths for cutting bias strips. There is a little white patch painted on the front of your presser foot bar, if you pull the eye of the needle in front of this white patch, you might find needle threading easier. Never get rid of your French curve, it useful for armholes and necklines. If you place your plain white paper down first, a piece of waxed based tracing paper next, wax side facing white paper, then your pattern, you can easily trace the desired pattern side with a tracing wheel. Be certain to only trace one time, to prevent multiple lines. A chalk based paper (Saral) could be used to trace the pattern directly to fabric. I watched the “50 things…” video. The beeswax is used to hand sew buttons, by running out a length of thread, run thread through wax and then press with a dry iron, you will strengthen the thread.

[@sunflowersammee1994]

My serger is the best investment, yet. But I have struggled with threading like everyone else.

[@silverluna8835]

Yay! Love you sewing videos!!!❤❤❤❤

[@ElizabethS-wv2ge]

Wooden Hera for marking, carefully use a metal fingernail file in a pinch, old wallpaper, glass paperweights, small shop clamps. I have a zillion gauges as my husband is always snitching them. So I took his cheap plastic calipers from him!

[@betteolivieri7644]

I really enjoyed this video. I have shaky hands too!

[@fionagill2171]

I have 3 magnetic pin holders, 1 each for the prep table, ironing board and sewing machine. Not on your list, my next most used tools are the LED lights trip I glued to my machine and the rechargeable neck light which let's me once again sew/knit/crochet black and dark items.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

I would add these: thread snips (that you can wear around your neck); eagle beak tweezers for fine work and threading; sewing stylus (awl); seam ripper (understanding that they do dull and are not a lifetime piece of equipment!). My approach to tools of any kind (sewing, cooking, carpentry) are to buy the best tools that you can afford as they will be an investment.d I still have my Olfa rotary cutter and mat from when I started sewing in the early 90's. I believe that the serger is everything that you say. I have had mine more than 33 years, Bernette 334DS (made by Juki). It still works fantastically. But one does have to invest the time to learn how to thread it and adjust for tension issues. So much of that stuff has been abated by technology (at a price).

[@KarenPope1123]

My favorite tool is my rotating cutting mat

[@Penguinandpear]

That sounds good!

[@malenejensen2995]

I have 2 of those magnetic pin holders. They are wonderful if you have some problems with your sight. I lack some depth in my vision, e.g. if I drop anything on the floor then it is difficult for me to see where it is. But now I don't need to see it. I can just hoover the magnetic pin holder over the area where I heard the pin hit the floor, and gets collected. Magic ❤

[@teresahaven9222]

I sew a lot by hand at the moment and i could NOT live without the needle threader. I also use it for my embroidery thread when i am doing that. I tend to break them somehow so i ended up buying a box of like 500 really cute plastic decorative ones for i think 2.99. I have given lots of them away. I also purchased a set of magnifying glasses with a light. Rechargeable. There are i think 5 different magnification pieces. Bought all of things off Amazon. I use both of those items for so much more than sewing. I have never before met anyone else with essential tremors. I'm not sure why that touched me so deep

[@shirleythomas2597]

I bought a magnetic dish from a men's tool supply shop it was only £1.75 for cheaper than a sewing shop one.

[@charlotteamodeo3031]

I love those crayola washable markers and they are perfect for marking fabrics.

[@beckypallmann3627]

This!!! Washable markers!!! Yes!!!

[@kathleenstoin671]

Magnetic pin holders are wonderful! So are French curve rulers. I bought one just a few years ago and I could have kicked myself for not having bought one many years ago. Same for hams and my seam roll. I use Frixion markers instead of washable markers. The marks iron out! The marks will return when it's about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but I'm never going to be in weather that cold ever again, so no worries for me! I can use them for marking sewing lines like darts, and it really has helped me make better darts. And finally, I agree that having a server has been a great addition to my sewing. Love it! Thanks for another lovely video! Now that I have those items, I wouldnt let anyone take them from me! And also I would add a good pair of scissors. That makes a big difference.

[@vezelaycinq7749]

Good tips. I swear by heat soluble Frixion marker pens, and the other kind of threader which has a needle inserter on the other end. Also love my thang!

[@revecarodriguez709]

I use card stock or any piece of white paper cut it up in slits ( lengthwise) then again to make little squares & use behind my machine & sewing needles to thread them! It enhances the hole of needle helping you thread it , I’ve used white tape you place on machine shank but that doesn’t work like the squares of white card stock ! When I finish using I keep it on any slit on machine , even thread holder or the place where you change your bulb ! You gotta try !

[@anaberguavilalta8797]

Thank you for sharing this tips ❤❤❤ I use to iron the paper before use the pattern, it helps me to fit it on the fabric

[@UtahGmaw99]

I used my left over tile for weights. It's thicker than most. It works for me. I am going to get some washable pens like you have. These are great tips. And I just wanted to let you know how much your advice is helping me get my sewing mojo back. I have been trying to get back into sewing for a long time and your advice has been tremendously helpful. Thank you SO much . Big hugs!

[@darshnarach8889]

Ohh tiles great idea

[@readermania906]

Thanks!

[@rosemoore5364]

I already left a comment. I LOVE my serger, Babylock Vibrant. It looks a lot like yours. I first purchased a Brother 1034 from Walmart. I took it out of the box and threading it was ridiculous. Returned it the same day and got the Vibrant from local dealer. It cost $50. more and the store is there to show you how to use it for as long as you own it. This is my best sewing purchase and will keep forever.

[@helenhamilton9473]

Hello - great choice of tools! But I use my unpicker a lot - unfortunately 😂😂. And I persevered with my Toyota overlocker for quite a few years before one day I just went out and bought a new one - so much easier to thread!

[@KataRina-r9e]

Thanks

[@carilynjurgeson6178]

My sewing machine, serger and cover stitch machines all get used a lot!! Sometimes I do quick repairs with a good old fashioned hand stitch with regular needle & thread. I also prefer my quilt binding to be finished off by hand. Couldn't do without a sharp scissors, rotary cutter and iron. Oh and those darn seam rippers...I keep multiples of those laying around!! As far as least used, I purchased an Industrial machine for leather and heavy duty denim and canvas jobs. While I do use it, I don't use it as much as my other machines That is the biggest investment I've made that I likely should have went with a used one. TFS

[@karolmolpus9536]

Excellent 👍

[@Joy-eq6qg]

Yep, your top sewing gadgets are necessary. I would add a selection of machine & hand sewing needles. My most used tools would be rulers, rotary cuter & mat & good fabric marking pen😊

[@batya7]

Seam ripper (unpicker?), Of course!😅

[@migdaliaurriola5804]

I also have essential tremors (hands) . thank you for understanding. I love my magnetic pin holders.

[@migdaliaurriola5804]

Thank you for the tools ttip

[@karenpettinger6592]

Just before I watched this, I ordered myself a 120” tape measure off Amazon! Swedish tracing paper is my paper of choice for tracing patterns. I have a magnetic pin CUP that I really love. I bought a Janome Coverpro 3000 a year ago, which I thing is really great for giving a professional finish to knit garments.

[@Penguinandpear]

I used to have a cover pro but barely used it so I sold it. I like Swedish tracing paper but find it expensive for what it is

[@eileenhaskins2710]

Interesting choices. I have had a little threader thing for many many years, we are talking over 50. I met the threader so long ago, I thought the little lady was the queen. Now they sell little plastic ones the shape of a guitar pick. I love your dice!! They are beautiful. I have some weights that were something to do with a gas range. I also have one lonely one that is a paper weight, plastic with a real cotton bole in it. I have a pin magnet, but since I got my new fancy sewing machine folks have been saying you should never put a magnet near the machine so I have been afraid to use it. As far as a favorite, I just love all gadgets, sewing or kitchen. Being fickle, I recently got a lovely huge pair of shears second hand which will be great for cutting denim etc.

[@littlepixieme1]

I think it's the computerized bits and sewing machines that make it not advised to use magnets around period so if you have an older machine or one that doesn't have computerized parts then it should still be fine. Not sure that that really applies to many sewing machines these days though!

[@CoralLee-qh9bq]

I love my seam ripper, threaded & walking foot for sewing Lace but you shouldn't use Magnetic items if you have a Pacemaker.

[@gailhancock6809]

I recently found fabric markers which are heat-erasable. The marks disappear like magic under the iron.

[@Penguinandpear]

If you go out in the cold the marks may come back. Put your fabric in the freezer for half an hour then check. I never use heat erasable any more for that reason.

[@hazelmacgregor4355]

What is the make of your serger, your favourite one, thank you x

[@itcouldbeanyone]

I have to agree with your top ten, the only difference with my collection is I don't have a magnetic pin holder (it broke and I haven't replaced it yet) but the magnet from it is still in use to hold stray pins. I also picked up a strong magnet, it looks like an old fashioned car aerial and it's brilliant for picking things up that I drop. Like my pins or scissors.

[@carlastaton4150]

Magnetic pin holders are only good for collecting pins, not storing them for use. The pins don't lie flat in them so when you try to pick a pin up you're likely to hurt your fingers. I use a telescopic magnet with a built-in light to retrieve lost pins/needles/small tool and transfer them to a pincushion.

[@Penguinandpear]

Mine stores mine just fine. I do sometimes get stabbed by pins but that’s due to tremors, it happens where ever I store them.

[@heatherstrom]

I agree about the magnetic pin holder. I don't like them for the same reason

[@carlastaton4150]

It's worth the trouble to store pins neatly.