The 5 Unusual Things You Should Always Keep in Your Sewing Kit
Hi there sewing friends !
When it comes to sewing, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. We all know the essentials—scissors, pins, tape measure, and a trusty seam ripper—but what about the unexpected items that can make sewing even easier? If you love sewing or are just getting started with your sewing kit, here are five unusual but incredibly handy items you should always keep close by. These surprising tools will not only save time but also help you tackle sewing challenges like a pro.
Post-It Notes: Your Seam Allowance Secret Weapon
Yes, you read that right—those colorful sticky notes on your desk can become a game-changer in your sewing kit. Post-it notes are perfect for creating an extended seam allowance guide on your sewing machine. Simply stack a few notes along the seam guide line, and you’ll have a raised edge that helps you sew with more precision. Whether you're sewing straight seams or navigating curves, this simple trick ensures consistent seam allowances every time. Plus, when you're done, just peel the notes away—no mess, no fuss!
Cotton Wool: A Safety Essential You’ll (Hopefully) Never Need
While it might seem strange to include cotton wool in your sewing kit, it serves an important safety purpose. If, by accident, you swallow a pin (which is why you should never hold pins in your mouth), eating cotton wool can help encase the pin, reducing the risk of injury until you seek medical attention. While we hope you’ll never need this tip, it’s a simple precaution that could make a significant difference in an emergency.
Hair Straighteners: The Mini Iron You Didn’t Know You Had
Sometimes, you just need to press a small seam or flatten a stubborn edge—but what if your iron isn’t nearby? Enter hair straighteners. These handy tools, often used for styling hair, work perfectly as a mini iron when you’re in a pinch. Hair straighteners with adjustable heat settings are ideal for pressing bias tape, small seams, or tricky corners. Just be sure the plates are clean, and avoid using them on delicate fabrics like silk.
A Magnet: The Pin Finder's Best Friend
If you’ve ever dropped a pin or broken a sewing needle mid-project, you know the frustration of trying to locate those tiny metal pieces. Keeping a magnet in your sewing kit makes this task quick and easy. Simply glide the magnet over your workspace or sewing machine to pick up any stray metal fragments. This trick not only protects your fingers but also prevents pins from getting lost in carpeted floors.
Compressed Air: Clean Your Sewing Machine Like a Pro
Dust, lint, and stray threads can wreak havoc on your sewing machine’s internal mechanisms. That’s why a can of compressed air deserves a spot in your sewing kit. Regularly blowing out the lint from your bobbin case and feed dogs helps keep your machine running smoothly. Just remember to use short bursts of air and avoid blowing debris deeper into the machine.
Think Outside the Sewing Box
Your sewing kit doesn’t have to be limited to traditional tools. By adding these five unusual items—Post-it notes, cotton wool, hair straighteners, a magnet, and compressed air—you’ll be prepared for a wide range of sewing situations. These tools help make sewing more efficient, safer, and even a little more fun. So, next time you're organizing your sewing supplies, remember to think outside the sewing box—you might just discover your new favorite sewing hack.
Get "Setting Up Your Sewing Machine" Ebook
Sewing Machine Guide