Pattern making, tailoring, and sewing recommendations.
Sections
3
Pattern!
Cut!
Sew!
Pattern!
I used to be chronically penciI-less. Now, I always grab a pack of these for pattern making - available in different variations, exceptionally inexpensive, and come in a large quantity pack.
BIC Mechanical Pencils
Budget-friendly colored pencils - great for pattern corrections.
Prismacolor Scholar Art Pencil Sets
Clean erasing gentle enough for marking paper.
Mono Eraser
Precisely mark darts, zippers, etc. and punch holes while preserving the integrity of your patterns/measurements.
Tailor’s Awl
Conveniently available in different sizes, this lightweight and durable tracing wheel is a must have for pattern making.
Tracing Wheel
Quick and clean cuts. Create large holes in your patterns for storage.
Heavy-Duty Pattern Paper Punch - 3/4" - Rabbit
Neatly organize and store your patterns - keep plenty of these on hand at all times.
Pattern Hooks
A garment rack without wheels? Yes, thank you. Store your patterns and toiles on an aesthetically pleasing yet neutral rack - perfect for any studio.
TURBO Clothes rack, indoor/outdoor, black
Is it just me, or do these things come with a hidden pair of legs? Since mine always seem to quietly tiptoe out of my workspace , I purchase two or three at a time.
Remove the metal tip for more precise measurements.
Tape Measure
Versatile and simple to read, I also use these for illustration.
Graph Ruler by Artist's Loft
Extremely handy and comfortable to maneuver, use this ruler to quickly mark out seam allowances while maintaining accuracy.
Westcott® 8ths Clear Beveled Ruler, Size: 6
Again, another necessity. I also recommend purchasing a broad variety of curved rulers - absolutely mandatory for anyone executing adventurous or conceptual silhouettes.
Kearing® Transparent Vary Form Ruler
Sturdy and accurate, this hip curve doesn’t lie - a requirement for drafting and trueing waistlines, leg lines and more.
Kearing® 24" Hip Curve Ruler
This french curve is great since it comes with tick marks for measuring - these often come blank without any markings. Use to draft and true sleeves, armholes, etc.
Kearing® French Curve Ruler
Marking grain lines? Blocking fabric? This L-Square ruler is a pattern making requirement and is available in different sizes.
L-Square Ruler
Another pattern making essential, I recommend the grabbing 30” length.
T-Square Ruler
Sturdy and affordable, use to mark perfect circles etc.
Compass & Protractor
Eliminate errors before they’re created by notching your patterns generously - your seams will line up perfectly every single time.
WAWAK Pattern Notcher
Drafts, slopers, etc.- two non-negotiable workroom mainstays in one affordable combo pack.
Marking & Manila Pattern Paper
Cut!
Use to keep your pattern from shifting while cutting or use to tone your arms - a studio staple.
Sewing Weights
These little weights are nice to have for use on small pattern pieces. They can also be used with the larger weights to make sure every corner and edge is flat before cutting.
Dritz® Assorted Color Pattern Weights, 3ct.
I love Gingher scissors. They’re light, comfortable to use, and can handle most fabrics - definitely an essential.
Gingher® Knife-Edge Dressmaker Shears
Strong blades capable of handling stacks of fabrics, leather, denim, and more. Slightly heavy but still a workroom requirement.
Wiss W22N 12-1/2-Inch Inlaid Heavy Duty Industrial Shears 2-Pack
I use these for toiles, sew-bys, swatching, and anything other than a final garment - doing so keeps my good scissors razor sharp at all times.
Available in cute colors and prints.
WESTCOTT 8” Sewing Scissors
I like these because they’re cute, however they’re actually great for snipping in narrow spaces/ corners.
Bird Scissors
Slash and spread? That’s what she said. Dedicate these scissors to cutting paper only.
Fiskars® Everyday Titanium Scissors with SoftGrip® (8 in.)
These are great for your tracing/marking needs. Recently, I’ve been using these exclusively.
Clover Water Soluble Pencil
Use this tool to save time by tracing pattern pieces onto fabric FAST.
Dritz Chalk Wheel
Nice to use on delicate materials since that chalk wheel can be a menace on certain fabrics.
Tailor's Chalk By Loops & Threads™
Sew!
Used in nearly every blood, sweat, and tears factory I’ve ever worked in. Also, one of the best personal investments I’ve ever made. The work you make on it will speak for itself.
Juki Industrial Sewing Machine
My Viking machine has gotten me through many shifts during Fashion Week (thank you, buttonhole function) as well as taken care of my projects at home prior to purchasing my industrial machine. I believe the exact model I own is now obsolete, but this...
OPAL™ 670 Sewing Machine Husqvarna® Viking®
Beautiful and professional quality overlocked seams - one of my favorite machines to use 🤠
Juki Mo Industrial Overlock
Portable overlock
Juki MO-735 5-Thread Home Overlock
A nice assortment of needles, you will definitely use these at some point.
Dritz Pins & Needles
Hand-sew like a pro by coating your thread in beeswax - great for use on leather, silk, etc.
Cousin™ DIY Bees Wax
A mandatory purchase - required for your pressing sessions.
Dritz® Tailor's Ham
Press those seams as you sew - another must-have essential.
Dritz Seam Roll
Tap your leather seams or use to install certain hardware.
Rubber Mallet
Multi-use adhesive - I use this for the seams on leather pieces, but it has come in handy for jewelry and other accessories as well.
Master All Purpose Contact Cement
Keeper of spaghetti straps, protector of sanity - this loop turner pack comes with two different sizes.
Loop Turner
While I generally prefer to use my bird scissors, these or some other type of spring loaded nippers are necessary if you are on a tight schedule. Quick and easy to grab and nip as you sew, those extra seconds saved most definitely count when scrambli...
Sewing Snips
*big sigh* You can literally make a pin cushion. I never have; I always just purchase one of these.
Pin Cushion
Small diameter, delicate, and professional grade pins that won’t leave craters behind in your materials.
Straight Pins
Keep your pins from going astray in this nifty magnetic bay.
Magnetic Pin Cushion
This is the only thread that I use. Occasionally, I might find a nice top-stitching thread or something at a specialty shop. Other than that, I never budge when it comes to Gutermann thread.
