Needlespun work, which includes all needlecrafts, includes sewing. Thread and a hand sewing needle or a sewing machine are needed for sewing. Here at The Goodlife Centre, we offer workshops covering a wide range of sewing skills – more on those later! First, let's share some knowledge to boost your confidence. Popular sewing crafts include:

 Dressmaking

 Embroidery 

 Home sewing 

 Patchwork

 Quilting.

Tools for MeasurementThese tools are essential for measuring in sewing.

Tape Measure

Ruler

A tape measure is a vital tool in sewing, typically a thin one meter long strip of plastic coated fabric with markings in inches and centimeters. 

It is commonly used for measuring the body in dressmaking, fabric length in home furnishing sewing, and other tasks.

Straight edge: What a tape measure can't give you, a ruler can. If the edge is rigid and not flexible, it will work just fine. Length is preferable when cutting or marking long, straight lines.

Essential tools for cutting paper and fabric include:

 Fabric scissors

Paper scissors

A seam ripper

Snips. 

Sewing Equipment:

We have now reached the essential equipment that will assist you in producing the stitches required for sewing:

Presser feet

Sewing machine

Needles

Thimble

Thread.

Pressing Equipment:

Those with experience in sewing understand the importance of pressing for achieving a professional result. Therefore, it is essential to have a variety of pressing tools in your sewing kit to ensure a polished finish to your projects:-

 Clothes iron

 Ironing board

 Tailor's ham.

All of the aforementioned tools are highly recommended additions to your sewing kit, regardless of whether you are a novice or a seasoned seamstress. However, here is a compilation of other useful tools that you may find handy:

1. Bodkin: This tool is particularly useful for effortlessly pulling elastic through fabric channels or turning fabric strips inside out.

2. Fabric Marker: To transfer markings from a pattern onto fabric, you can opt for either a tailor's chalk or a disappearing pen. Alternatively, a tracing wheel with carbon paper can also serve the purpose.

3. Fabric Weights: While dedicated fabric weights are not necessary, you can make do with a can of baked beans or any other heavy object. These weights come in handy for securing a paper pattern in place while cutting fabric.

4. Measuring Gauge: Despite its simplicity, a measuring gauge is an indispensable tool. It proves helpful for adding seam allowances, positioning fabric for intricate seam techniques, measuring buttons, and much more.

5. Pins: Although some may argue that pins are unnecessary, they are incredibly useful for beginners. Pins securely hold two fabric pieces together, ensuring precise sewing. However, it is advisable to avoid pins with glass beads at one end, as they can cause damage to your sewing machine if not removed quickly enough.

6. Pin Cushion: While not essential, a pin cushion can be a convenient accessory for quick access to your pins whenever you need them urgently.