10 Must-Have Linen Fabric Tools and Accessories for Sewist

If you are just getting started with your sewing, you need plenty of tools and accessories to familiarise yourself with. But trying to learn about all of them can make it more overwhelming and difficult to catch up. That's why focusing on just these 10 essential ones will get you from a novice to a beginner or an intermediate.

Linen Fabric Tools and Accessories That Every Seamstress Must Have

Here are the top ten tools and accessories that you must keep in your sewing kit:

1. Fabric Scissors

Cutting linen fabric is a seamstress's most important task in sewing. For that, you need a sharp, ergonomic pair of scissors specially made for cutting linen. It has to be purposely made of linen fabric to ensure your cuts are smooth and accurate and to prevent fraying. Sharp scissors also guarantee clean edges for a perfect sewing project.

2. Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat

Sewing is an art, and in art, there are plenty of shapes and patterns to deal with. A rotary cutter has a sharp circular blade that makes it easier to cut any shape into your linen fabric. Coupled with a self-healing cutting mat, you can make clean lines and precise shapes faster and more seamlessly

3. Seam Ripper

In your sewing adventure, you'll encounter instances where you need to make adjustments or correct errors in sewn stitches. A seam ripper is a small, pointed, hand-held tool that lets you remove seams and unpick stitches

4. Sewing Pins

These are the sharp pins with colourful heads used for holding linen layers together when sewing. Consider them your guardians, preventing shifting to ensure your stitch is accurate according to your project plan. The type of pin you use depends on the fabric type, but a standard dressmaking pin can still work with linens.

5. Measuring Tape

Your sewing arsenal can never be complete without a measuring tape. It's a flexible tape marked in centimetres and inches that lets you take precise fabric measurements. With this, you'll be taking body dimensions and other measurement requirements during a sewing project.

6. Iron and Ironing Board

A seamstress needs a steam iron to create crisp seams, flat hems, and sharp darts. These pressing tools come in handy for removing wrinkles to create professionally appealing garments.

7. Marking Tools

When you need to cut those patterns and shapes, you need to mark them. There are several markers that a seamstress needs to have in their tool kit: a tailor's chalk, chalk pencils, iron-off, and water-soluble markers. Each of these tools comes with its pros and cons. If you need a marker for heavy linen, a tailor's chalk is a good option.

8. Needle Threaders

Threading the needles is part of your sewing art. If doing it the traditional way is challenging, a needle threader makes it easier. These tools are handy for threading both the hand sewing and machine needles.

9. Thimble

Hand sewing can result in pricks or soreness on your thumb. A thimble is a protective cap that shields your thumb, making you more comfortable. It also gives you better control when working with heavy-duty needles and linen fabric.

10. Threads and Sewing Needles

Linen is best sewn with high-quality threads, matched against the fabric colour. Depending on the theme of your project, you may also need to choose a contrasting thread colour. A thread goes hand in hand with a needle, whether hand or machine sewing.

Summary

Every sewist needs a list of their most essential tools and accessories. This list of 10 tools and accessories is useful in most sewing projects. However, when starting, you don't need to get the best quality of these or any other tools you might need. Add them gradually as you find your area of specialty. After mastering your focus area, you can stock them as you please.