5 Unusual But Essential Sewing Tools I Swear By
Hi there sewing friends !
A beginner friendly guide to sewing tools you didn’t know you needed—until now!
It’s been a little while since I sat down to write, and that’s because I was off visiting my parents (cue: cups of tea, countryside walks, and a break from my sewing machine!). But now that I’m back in the studio—nails freshly done (green and blue combo, if you're curious!)—I’m jumping straight back into sewing life and today, I want to share a few of the sewing tools that have genuinely changed my stitching game.
But first—happy Me Made May! 🧵
If you’re new to the sewing world, Me Made May is a beautiful global challenge where sewists wear their handmade garments throughout the month of May. Some do a full 31 days, others wear one or two handmade pieces a week—there are no strict rules, just a celebration of what we’ve lovingly made with our own hands.
As I’ve been participating, I’ve realized just how much I rely on a few key tools that don’t often get the spotlight. These aren’t your sewing machine, your trusty scissors, or your iron. These are the under-the-radar tools that quietly (but powerfully) support your sewing journey—and once you start using them, you’ll never look back.
The Magnetic Wrist Pin Cushion
Best for: Fast pin access, sewing speed, and safer habits
I used to keep all my pins in a small blue-and-green tin, which was cute… until I started misplacing them or holding them between my lips (don’t do it—guilty as charged!).
Then, back at university, I spotted one of my classmates using a magnetic wrist pin cushion. I was sold immediately. It snaps on like a bracelet and holds all your pins securely, right there on your wrist. Since I started using it, I’ve noticed I pin more precisely and spend less time stopping and starting. It’s one of those “how did I ever sew without this?” tools.
✨ Bonus: It looks chic. Mine is gold and black—so glam!
✨ Beginner Tip: This is a great tool if you’re trying to break the habit of mouth-pinning!
The Measuring Gauge (aka Hem Ruler) 📏
Best for: Even hems, consistent seam allowances, buttonhole spacing
This little tool might look basic, but it is a powerhouse for precision. I’ve used mine so much the markings have practically disappeared—but I still use it every single time I hem. It’s called a measuring gauge or sometimes a hemline gauge.
You slide the red marker to your desired measurement (say, 2cm), fold your hem, and check your work against the gauge. It ensures consistency across your entire hemline—which makes your finished garments look so much more professional.
💡 Pro Tip: I’ve even used this to help mark buttonholes evenly or measure seam allowances quickly instead of pulling out a bulky ruler.
Extra-Long Tweezers (Yes, Really!) 🔧
Best for: Turning fabric, threading overlockers, pulling elastic through casings
Okay, hear me out. These tweezers were never meant for sewing—they came from a university printing supply box. But they have become one of the most used tools in my entire sewing room.
I use them for:
Turning out corners on small projects (like my little fabric whales 🐋)
Pulling elastic through waistbands
Re-threading my overlocker when a thread snaps
Scrunching straps inside themselves to turn them out
The key is to find a pair that’s long, strong, and grippy. Look for tweezers with a “valley and mountain” tip that interlocks for extra grip.
🔁 Compared to standard tweezers, these are more durable, easier to handle, and can grab fabric from deep corners without fumbling.
Hole Punch + Binder Rings = Pattern Storage Magic ✂️
Best for: Organizing PDF sewing patterns and keeping your sewing space tidy
Once upon a time, I used to shove my patterns into drawers or stash them behind books. And while that “creative chaos” has a certain charm, I always ended up with wrinkled, curling patterns that were hard to find.
Now? I use a simple hole punch + metal binder ring system. I punch holes in the corners of each pattern sheet, clip them together with a ring, and hang them up using S-hooks on a rail in my sewing room.
🎯 Result? No more curling, tearing, or frantic digging through stacks of paper.
🪄 It’s a space-saver AND a time-saver—and perfect if you’re working with limited studio space.
The Bias Binding Maker 💫
Best for: Folding bias tape quickly and evenly—especially on curved edges
Bias binding can be tricky. It’s cut on the diagonal (the bias) so that it curves around edges beautifully—but folding it by hand? Not my idea of fun. That’s why I love my bias binding folder. You feed your strip through one side, pull it out the other, and it folds the edges in perfectly as you go.
Place it on your ironing board, pull the fabric through slowly, and press it as it emerges. Voila—beautifully folded bias tape, ready to finish off necklines, hems, or armholes.
✨ Different sizes are available—mine range from 8mm to 25mm.
✨ Be sure to cut your fabric strip on a 45-degree angle so it feeds through smoothly!
Wrapping It Up 🎀
These tools might not be the stars of the sewing world, but they’ve earned their place in my daily routine. From saving time to improving accuracy, they help me create garments I love—and that I’m proud to wear during Me Made May (and beyond!).