Sewing accessories are the primary tools for getting the desired result from a sewing project. Simple as they may be, having the right one around can make a large difference to how quickly and how well a job gets done. Many of them also rescue a project in the challenging situations that come up so easily while sewing.
Many sewing machine accessories are on sale, but only a few are needed to get most of the stitching done. This post covers the machine accessories that matter most, the thread to keep on hand, and the cutting and marking tools that every sewing shop needs. For the machine itself, see how to choose the right sewing machine.
Machine Accessories: Needles and Presser Feet
The main accessories for a sewing machine are the right needles and the right presser feet. Get this combination right and you can get just about any sewing job done.
Needles
Keep plenty of needles on hand and change them so they are always sharp. Sharp needles make cleaner stitches. Changing the needle after every 3 to 4 bobbins of thread usually works well. Replace it sooner when working with thicker fabrics or multiple layers.
When working on a particularly delicate piece, start with a new needle. The stitches will be cleaner, with less risk of tearing the fabric.
The needles to keep in your store are:
- 90/14 Microtex (sharp) needles. These have a sharp point for straight stitches on delicate and microfiber fabrics.
- 100/16 denim (jeans) needles. Use these on heavy fabrics and thicker layers.
- Ballpoint needles. Use these on knit fabrics.
Needle sizes carry two numbers, the metric size first and the US size second, as in 90/14. Leather and topstitching have their own needles, so check which one suits the job before sewing canvas, leather or thick thread.
Presser Feet
Many kinds of presser foot are available, and each serves a different function. Get the ones that make your work easier. Three cover most sewing businesses.
- Zipper foot. For anyone who installs a lot of zippers, a zipper foot is a must. It lets you sew very close to the zipper without the danger of breaking a needle or losing sight of where the needle is.
- Standard foot. The machine already comes with one, and it can be used for most stitching work.
- Walking foot. This foot deserves a special mention because it makes many sewing jobs easier, yet many sewers do not consider buying one.
The walking foot helps you sew several layers together with ease. With a standard foot, the layers tend to slip against each other, which is a problem most sewers have run into. It is hard to make accurate stitches whenever there are more than two layers. A walking foot is a must whenever you sew multiple layers of fabric, batting or thick material, and quilters use it all the time. It also makes other jobs, such as topstitching, much easier. A walking foot reduces the overall strain on the sewing machine as well.
Thread
Always use good quality thread. It is essential for strong, clean stitches. You do not need many colors on hand. A spool of smoke grey or black works with all the dark shades, and white or cream thread works with the lighter shades of fabric.
A useful trick is transparent or invisible thread. The stitches are virtually invisible, but for the same reason the thread is hard to see and difficult to work with, so you will not want to use it all the time. In many situations it works very well.
Use polyester thread rather than nylon. Polyester thread does not harden or become brittle over time, and there is no chance of it melting during ironing.
Cutting Tools
You need a few pairs of scissors to begin with: a large pair used only for cutting fabric, and smaller ones for trimming and finishing. Buy the best scissors you can afford. Good scissors cut differently from cheap ones, and they are a long-term investment. With periodic sharpening, the same scissors can last several years.
The rotary cutter is another great tool for cutting fabric. Once you learn to use it, you may well use it for most of your cutting.
Other cutting tools to invest in are:
- Pinking shears for cutting edges with a zigzag finish.
- A seam ripper for undoing stitches.
- A self-healing cutting mat. Get the biggest one you can afford. A mat 24 by 36 inches is a good size to buy.
Other Tools
- Chopsticks for pushing out corners and seams without making holes.
- A measuring tape.
- Fabric marking tools such as chalk, pencils and pens. Air-erasable or water-soluble marking pens make more discreet marks.
Buying for a Sewing Business
Buy the best you can afford where quality shows in the result: scissors, needles and thread. Add other accessories as the work calls for them. A job that needs a particular foot or needle is a good reason to buy it, and a long list of accessories bought in advance is not.
For the full list of what a sewing business needs to start, including space and fabric, see what you need to start a sewing business. For all the posts in this section, see how to start a sewing business from home.
Sources
- SCHMETZ, Needle Guide, SCHMETZ Needles.
Thank you for the great information. I have been thinking of starting a home base sewing business and this information is helpful.