basic sewing supplies for clothing

bias tape
bias tape
Used to cover raw edges of fabric to keep it from fraying, bias tape is simply a strip of fabric that’s been cut on a 45º angle (bias) to give it a bit of stretch.
Used to cover raw edges of fabric to keep it from fraying, bias tape is simply a strip of fabric that’s been cut on a 45º angle (bias) to give it a bit of stretch.

chalk wheel or tailor’s chalk
chalk wheel or tailor’s chalk
Temporary marking to transfer quilting designs, seam allowances, embroidery designs or other craft markings. Marks can be brushed away or rubbed off with a damp cloth.
Temporary marking to transfer quilting designs, seam allowances, embroidery designs or other craft markings. Marks can be brushed away or rubbed off with a damp cloth.

erasable fabric marker
erasable fabric marker
Used to transfer pattern markings. Some have extra fine points for detailed marking and are available in blue or purple ink. Not for use on dry clean-only fabrics.
Used to transfer pattern markings. Some have extra fine points for detailed marking and are available in blue or purple ink. Not for use on dry clean-only fabrics.

patterns
patterns
Templates to make a fabric item. Apparel pattern sizes are based on body measurements and may not correspond to standard clothing sizes. It is best to have another person measure you with a tape measure and select a pattern size based on actual measurements.
Templates to make a fabric item. Apparel pattern sizes are based on body measurements and may not correspond to standard clothing sizes. It is best to have another person measure you with a tape measure and select a pattern size based on actual measurements.

pinking shears
pinking shears
Used to finish seams, raw edges and create decorative edges. Pinking shears have serrated or jagged edges that create a zigzag pattern on the fabric that is resistant to raveling.
Used to finish seams, raw edges and create decorative edges. Pinking shears have serrated or jagged edges that create a zigzag pattern on the fabric that is resistant to raveling.

point turner
point turner
A pointed plastic tool to help push out the points of a sewn piece that is ready to be turned right side out. Also helps to create sharp creases on the fabric and unfasten basting stitches.
A pointed plastic tool to help push out the points of a sewn piece that is ready to be turned right side out. Also helps to create sharp creases on the fabric and unfasten basting stitches.

rotary cutter
rotary cutter
A tool with a round blade that looks like a pizza cutter. A rotary cutter can be used to cut through several layers of fabric at once. It is fast, easy to use and improves accuracy.
A tool with a round blade that looks like a pizza cutter. A rotary cutter can be used to cut through several layers of fabric at once. It is fast, easy to use and improves accuracy.

rotary cutting mat
rotary cutting mat
Helps the rotary cutter glide smoothly over the surface of fabric for easy, accurate cutting. Mats extend rotary blade life and protect the sewing surface from cuts or nicks. A self-healing surface makes cut marks disappear, allowing you to cut the fabric without leaving ridges for future work. Some mats have measuring lines to help align fabric perpendicular to the cutting tool and are available in a range of sizes.
Helps the rotary cutter glide smoothly over the surface of fabric for easy, accurate cutting. Mats extend rotary blade life and protect the sewing surface from cuts or nicks. A self-healing surface makes cut marks disappear, allowing you to cut the fabric without leaving ridges for future work. Some mats have measuring lines to help align fabric perpendicular to the cutting tool and are available in a range of sizes.

rotary cutting ruler
rotary cutting ruler
Plastic see-through rulers that help make rotary cutting fast, easy and accurate. Rulers come in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes for standard and more specialized patterns or techniques. Raised edges help guide the rotary cutter along. Rulers with non-skid surfaces or non-slip sandpaper feet prevent the ruler from sliding and causing inaccurate cuts. Easy-to-read numbers and gridlines that go all the way to the edges ensure precise measuring, and multiple-angle lines make it easy to pivot for 30°, 45° and 60° cuts. The double-sided lines, for left- and right-handed users, are easily visible on light or dark fabrics.
Plastic see-through rulers that help make rotary cutting fast, easy and accurate. Rulers come in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes for standard and more specialized patterns or techniques. Raised edges help guide the rotary cutter along. Rulers with non-skid surfaces or non-slip sandpaper feet prevent the ruler from sliding and causing inaccurate cuts. Easy-to-read numbers and gridlines that go all the way to the edges ensure precise measuring, and multiple-angle lines make it easy to pivot for 30°, 45° and 60° cuts. The double-sided lines, for left- and right-handed users, are easily visible on light or dark fabrics.

seam gauge
seam gauge
A small, multi-purpose ruler with point turner and sliding right-angle marker that stays in place for multiple marks and measurements of hems, tucks, pleats and buttonholes.
A small, multi-purpose ruler with point turner and sliding right-angle marker that stays in place for multiple marks and measurements of hems, tucks, pleats and buttonholes.

sewing machine needles
sewing machine needles
Needles made specifically for use in a sewing machine. They come in a range of sizes and types depending on the fabric or thread.
Needles made specifically for use in a sewing machine. They come in a range of sizes and types depending on the fabric or thread.

straight pin
straight pin
A pin with a short, straight stiff piece of wire and pointed end to fasten pieces of cloth or paper together. Available with large, sometimes colored ball heads to make them easier to see and grip.
A pin with a short, straight stiff piece of wire and pointed end to fasten pieces of cloth or paper together. Available with large, sometimes colored ball heads to make them easier to see and grip.

thimbles
thimbles
A protective covering for fingertips while hand quilting, applique and sewing binding. A thimble prevents accidental piercing and helps to push the needle through all layers of fabric and batting. Available in a variety of materials including metal, plastic, leather, glass and wood.
A protective covering for fingertips while hand quilting, applique and sewing binding. A thimble prevents accidental piercing and helps to push the needle through all layers of fabric and batting. Available in a variety of materials including metal, plastic, leather, glass and wood.