Tools and Techniques to Sew Like a Pro

Increasing the quality of your homemade gear begins with your tools. Having the right tool for the job not only makes your end product look better, but it makes you more efficient in the building stage. Not all of these tools are necessary for every project, and there are usually work-arounds for accomplishing the task at hand. There may be other ways to use the tools listed here, just keep an open mind and try new things.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• The Sewing Tool Box
  • Sewing Table
  • Pattern Paper
  • Pens, Pencils, and other Marking Tools
  • Rulers and Measuring Tapes
  • Scissors
  • Razor, Box Cutter, and Cutting Mat
  • Seam Ripper
  • Nippers
  • Hot Knife & Cutting Surface
  • Pins and Pin Cushions
  • Pliers
  • Tube
  • Metal Bar
  • Hammer
  • Lighters and Torches
  • Pattern Weights
• Sewing Machines
  • Sewing Machine Attachments
  • Different foot attachments
  • Zipper foot
  • Invisible zipper foot
  • Edging foot
• Other machine modifications:
  • Pin cushions
  • Needle holder
  • Magnet and Razors
• Attachments For Industrials:
  • Hemmers
  • Folders
• Techniques
  • Marking Techniques
  • Marking Difficult Materials
• Cutting Techniques
  • Pattern Transferring
  • Proper cutting technique
  • Using Hot Knives
• Sewing Techniques
  • Practice, Practice, Practice
  • Failure is not and option - it's a requirement!
  • Sew Straighter With Speed
  • Focus On the Edge
  • Guides for straight stitching
  • Sub Assembly Process (Sew One Thing at a Time)
  • Begin and End with Backtacks
  • Better bartacks
  • Sewing Stretch Materials
  • Sewing Thin Fabrics
  • Sewing Slippery Materials
  • Topstitching
• Sewing Faster
  • Batch Processing
  • Save Time by Pre-winding Bobbins
  • Trim threads as you go
  • Use less pins
• Set Up Your Shop for Efficiency
  • Have the tools at hand
  • Trash can
  • Lighting
  • Ruler on table
• Techniques for using an Industrial Machine
• Small Steps...

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