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Custom Gown Production Supplies
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items Specialty supplies I use specifically for gowns, corsets, embellishment, and finishing touches. These are the items that add structure, polish, and that “custom-made” look.
B7000 glue is my go-to mainly because of the precision tip — it gives you way more control, especially for detailed work. The hold is just as strong and reliable as E6000, but easier to apply cleanly without excess glue everywhere. I still keep E6000...
B7000 Glue
Scissors & Shears - Sewing
Horsehair braid is one of those materials I use often when I need structure and a clean finish in a hem. It’s great for adding shape and movement, especially on skirts and gowns, without making the fabric look stiff. Easy to sew in and makes a notice...
Horsehair Braid
I use curved needles to hand sew rhinestone bodices, especially when I’m working on fitted or structured pieces. The curve makes it so much easier to stitch on contoured areas without having to force a straight needle through. It gives me better cont...
Dritz Home 9020 Curved Upholstery Hand Needles, Size 3
I use wash-away tape to hold zippers or seams in place when I don’t want them sliding around while I sew. It keeps everything exactly where I want it without pins shifting or puckering the fabric. Then it washes right out, so there’s no residue left ...
Dritz 406 Wash Away Wonder Tape 1/4" x 10yds
I use these non-slip hangers for all my delicate and slippery fabrics — dresses, blouses, anything that tends to slide off regular hangers. They keep everything in place, save my pieces from getting wrinkled or falling on the floor, and make my close...
Amazon Basics Slim Velvet Non-Slip Hangers, 50
I use Groz-Beckert needles in my industrial sewing machine because they’re reliable and precise, which makes a huge difference when I’m working on heavy fabrics or intricate designs. They pierce smoothly, reduce skipped stitches, and hold up better t...
Groz-beckert
Best for marking on fabrics
OZXTYO Triangle Tailors Chalk,Sewing Fabric ...
I keep a pack of these yellow sewing pins in my kit — they’re a staple for any sewist. Bright, easy to see, and sharp enough to hold layers together without damaging fabric. I use them on everything from delicate silks to heavier fabrics, and they ma...
Yellow / Sewing Pins / Sewing Pins & Pincushions
I mostly use an industrial machine, but I turn to my Brother sewing machine for smaller projects or when I need a special stitch. It’s easy to use, reliable, and perfect for tasks that don’t require the heavy-duty power of my industrial machine.
Brother Sewing Machine
My most favorite machine. I use my Juki industrial sewing machine for all my heavy-duty and high-volume sewing projects. It handles thick fabrics, multiple layers, and detailed work without skipping stitches. It’s reliable, fast, and makes long hours...
Industrial and Commercial Sewing Machines
When I’m doing multiple grommets or thicker fabrics, I reach for my hand press. It takes the strain off your hands and gives a much cleaner, more consistent finish. You can switch out different sized heads depending on the hole size you need, and the...
Grommet Press Machine
I use grommet pliers for smaller projects and quick installs. They get the job done and are perfectly fine if you’re only setting a few grommets at a time. Easy to use and great to keep in your toolkit for lightweight work.
Grommet Pliers
This is the measuring tape I personally use when taking client measurements for custom gowns. I prefer a soft, flexible tape because it naturally follows the curves of the body without pulling or standing stiff. Accuracy is everything in custom work ...
Best Sewing Tape Measures
I use these constantly when marking fabric, drafting adjustments, and checking seam allowances. The transparency makes it easy to see exactly where your lines are landing, especially on delicate or detailed fabrics. I probably own about five of these...
See-Thru Accurate Positioning Marking Ruler 2x18in
I use a 45mm rotary cutter for most of my fabric cutting. It’s the perfect size for clean, precise cuts on straight lines and gentle curves without being bulky. I recommend it because it’s easy to handle, feels balanced in your hand, and works well o...
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Blades get dull, replacements will be needed.
Fiskars 45mm Rotary Cutter Blades 5-Pack
I use a self-healing cutting mat every time I’m working with a rotary cutter. It protects my surfaces and keeps blades sharper longer. The printed measurement guides and gridlines make it easy to align fabric, measure pattern pieces quickly, and cut ...
Self Healing Cutting Mat
There aren’t many sewing starter kits worth buying. It’s best to buy the individual items you actually need for your projects, rather than a pre-packaged kit. The problem with most kits is that the tools are often cheap, low-quality, or not the right...
Hand-selected individual items to create a beginner's sewing kit?
I keep a bobbin saver ring on every sewing table. It’s simple, but it makes life so much easier — I can store multiple bobbins in one place without them unraveling or getting tangled. For custom gowns, I often have several threads in use at once, and...
Bobbin Saver Ring
I always keep a good pin cushion nearby. It’s an easy way to store pins while keeping them accessible during fittings or sewing. I like the weighted ones that stay put on the table — no chasing pins across the floor, and everything stays organized. I...
Pincushions & Sewing Pins: Arts & Crafts
This is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you have it. I use a magnetic wand to quickly pick up pins and small metal scraps from my table or floor. It saves time and keeps my workspace clean, especially when I’m moving around layers...
Magnetic Pin Wand
I keep a magnetic pin holder right next to my sewing machine. It’s perfect for holding pins while I work and grabbing them quickly when I need them. I recommend it because it reduces the risk of dropping pins and makes it easy to keep track of multip...
Magnetic Pin Holder
A seam ripper is one of the most-used tools in my kit. I use it for everything from correcting stitches to carefully removing basting lines or unwanted seams. I like a seam ripper with a sharp point and comfortable handle — it makes precision work fa...
Seam Ripper
I always keep safety pins on hand for fittings. They’re great for securing fabric without damaging it, keeping adjustments in place, and preventing clients from getting poked. I also use them to hold alterations or corrections temporarily so clients ...
Safety Pins
I always keep a variety of home sewing machine needles on hand. Different fabrics and threads need different needles to sew cleanly without skipped stitches or snags. I like to have universal, ballpoint, and sharp needles ready so I can switch quickl...
Sewing Machine Needles
These videos are a great way to learn sewing basics and build confidence with practical, hands-on projects. Perfect for beginners, they guide you through each step so you can practice stitches, fabric handling, and simple techniques while creating re...
Beginner Sewing Projects
I keep thread nippers at every station. They’re small, sharp, and perfect for quickly trimming loose threads without disturbing your fabric. I use them constantly while sewing and finishing seams — they’re more precise and easier to handle than sciss...
Sewing Nippers
I use horsehair braid to give hems and edges a clean, structured finish, especially on gowns and skirts that need a bit of lift. It helps fabric hold shape without adding bulk and gives that polished, professional look. I keep several widths on hand ...
Horsehair For Sewing
I use boning to give structure and support to bodices, corsets, and fitted gowns. It helps the garment hold its shape, smooth curves, and stay in place while worn. I keep a few different types on hand — plastic for lighter garments and steel or spira...
50 Yards Wide Plastic Boning for Sewing
This is one of those behind-the-scenes supplies that makes a big difference in how professional your finished piece looks. I use this fusible interfacing when I need structure and stability without bulk. It adheres evenly, presses smoothly, and helps...
Fusible Interfacing
Hook-and-eyes are my go-to for discreet closures on gowns, corsets, and fitted bodices. They hold fabric securely while remaining invisible, making them perfect for finishing delicate or structured pieces. I always have a variety of sizes and shapes ...
Hook And Eye Closure