After three years of professional garment sewing for my clients, I've narrowed down the tools that actually survive daily use. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first Brother machine or a pro needing high-carbon steel snips, this list conta...
Sections
6
Sewing machine recommendations and needles
Measuring tapes
scissors/cutting supplies
Chalk/markers
Rulers
Fabric and Notions
Sewing machine recommendations and needles
If you're a total beginner or new to sewing in general you need a sewing machine. I personally recommend singer since it's practical and has a lot of options, and when you get better at it you can get an industrial sewing machine like juki or jack it...
Jack model F5 is the one i currently have, for heavy duty garments and I've been loving it i can control the stitching speed.
Jack - Sewing Machines
These HAX1 needles are my go-to for cotton garments. I always keep a fresh pack because using a dull needle is the #1 cause of skipped stitches in my experience.
50 PCS Universal Sewing Machine Needles HAX1
the SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 is built to handle tough fabrics like denim, canvas, and leather. Its heavy-duty motor ensures professional-grade stitching.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 High-Speed Sewing Machine.
Juki is also a favourite of mine, heavy duty and for different materials
Industrial Sewing Machine Juki.
A serger is non-negotiable if you want your handmade clothes to have a clean, professional internal finish.
SINGER X5004-HD Metal Frame Serger & Overlock
Measuring tapes
Of course you need a measuring tape to take clients measurements and for pattern drafting
A measuring tape is a must you can't just cut into paper randomly. You need measurements to make patterns.
Colourful Measuring Tape
This adorable measuring tape is my favourite so compatible
Rifle Paper Co. Measuring Tape
scissors/cutting supplies
Thread Snips is so helpful when cutting very specific stitches on your garments or simply you made a mistake while sewing it's fast and very handy.
High-Carbon Steel Thread Snips 4.25in
Seam Rippers is non-negotiable i use it all the time it protects my garments while making some changes in my stitches.
FIVEIZERO Seam Rippers - 2 Big & 2 Small
Fabric Scissors scissors are a must of course you'll need something to cut your pattern on the fabric with.
9 Inch Heavy Duty Fabric Tailor Scissors
Rotary Cutter for Fabric, Cuts Through Multiple Layers, Easy and Safe Blade Change.
Fiskars 45mm Rotary Cutter for Fabric
Chalk/markers
Accurate marking is the secret to a perfect fit. These are the markers I use that actually wash out without staining.
also you can't just cut your fabric without clear lines of your patterns so use this chalk
Triangle Tailors Chalk 10Pcs for Sewing
Washable Sewing Chalk Marking Pens
Fabric Markers Sewing Chalk Pen White 1 Pack
Water Soluble Tailors Chalk Fabric Marking
6pcs Water Soluble Fabric Markers for Sewing
Rulers
Sewing rulers are essential, varied tools for precise fabric measurement, cutting, and pattern drafting, with common types including acrylic rulers for cutting, L-shaped, and French curve rulers for pattern shaping.
Clear Metric Sewing Ruler Set
Fashion Clear Metric Sewing Ruler Set 9pcs
Fashion Drawing Template Ruler Set
Fashion Drawing Template Ruler Set for Sewing
Fashion Design Ruler for Women Blouse
HONEYSEW 1:1 Fashion Design Ruler for Women
This set has all the simple must have rulers for pattern drafting
