Studio Tools
These are the essential tools we use to stock our studio. No need to bring any of these when you sign up for class, but in case you want to build out your very own home studio, these are our recommendations and affiliate links! Make sure you make it all the way down to the machine recommendations!
Scissors
Pin Magnet
Pin Magnet
Nothing is worse than a pair of dull fabric scissors. Fabric scissors should be used EXCLUSIVELY for fabric to keep them sharp! You need a high quality pair that will stay sharp for a long time. These are the ones in our studio, that we recommend: https://amzn.to/4hCN12t
Pin Magnet
Pin Magnet
Pin Magnet
We absolutely LOVE our pin magnets! They make clean up such a breeze, no individual pins pressed into pin cushions over here! These are the best on the market, and they even come with pins we like: https://amzn.to/4hgpQv8
Pins
Pin Magnet
Tracing Paper
Pins are essential for keeping fabric together while you're sewing, especially when you're working with curves. or gathered fabrics. We love these: https://amzn.to/4hgpQv8
Tracing Paper
Tracing Paper
Tracing Paper
We love to use this for coping the exact size pattern we need, so I don't have to cut up the original. A nice roll like this lasts a long time: https://amzn.to/4hgpQv8
Cutting Mat
Tracing Paper
Cutting Mat
A flat, smooth surface is essential for cutting fabric accurately. We love this cutting mat and use it for creating patterns too. The handy guidelines make it easy to accurately measure without a ruler. It's a good size, and folds up nicely to stow away: https://amzn.to/3CqM8v3
Seam Gauge
Tracing Paper
Cutting Mat
Accurate measurements make sewing so much easier! We like these seam gauges, but rulers work just as well: https://amzn.to/3CsFtR2
Seam Ripper
Ironing Board
Seam Ripper
AKA: Un-Picker. This is an essential tool--no one is perfect, we all make mistakes, and the seam ripper is here to help us out! They come big and small, but we find the small ones are easier to use, and more accurate: https://amzn.to/4ht3SEW
Iron
Ironing Board
Seam Ripper
One of the most underrated sewing tools, the iron makes crisp seams and accurate hems so easy. This is the one in our studio, but any iron is better than none! https://amzn.to/4gkdT6f
Ironing Board
Ironing Board
Ironing Board
Our ironing board stows away conveniently, and has a nice resting area for the iron to keep it out of the way. We also love that we can adjust the height for different students. This one is similar: https://amzn.to/4hhhx1Z
Sewing Machines
Look into getting a used machine, that way you can get a better quality machine for a good price. A great place to find working, used machines is at sewing machine repair shops! I usually go to Mark at Pal's Sew Vac off of El Toro Road. You can call and ask if he has any machines for sale. He also knows SO MUCH about all the different machines and models.
I learned on an old Viking machine and it's still my favorite machine to this day. Something probably similar that you can buy today would be the Viking Emerald.
I use these Bernina 325 machines for my class, because they are going to last FOREVER. They are more expensive for sure, but still very easy to use. Bernina has a more entry level line, the Bernette, which I've sewn with too, and it is great. It has the same threading pattern as the machines I use in class. Also, very sleek looking!
I've had students who have bought this Brother machine, and they love it. It has more stitching options than the Bernette which is so much fun.
The main thing you want to look for in a machine for a beginner is the foot control speed. If possible, go to an actual store and try the floor models! If it's easy to control the speed of the machine, it's going to make your experience that much better.
