Think all tools are equal?...
The Answer Is… Absolutely Not.
Here’s The List To The Products That Are The Right Quality And Size To Set You Up For Efficiency, And Best Value For Your Buck.
The Basics
FINE PINS
Yes, any pin will usually do. However, investing on fine point pins is always our go-to choice. They can get through a variety of fabric weights, while leaving the smallest mark on delicate ones.
SAFETY PINS (2”)
The 2” kind is just the mostversatile not only for it’s size but also for the strength. 1.5” is too small to pin heavier/thicker fabrics and anything bigger will leave holes marks on the clothes.
TAILOR’S CHALK
Always stick to the ‘powder’ kind! It is easy to remove markings on garments and eliminates the risk of marking the garment permanently. (The wax kind will not come off when pressed on wool fabrics!)
TRIMMING SCISSORS
Trimming scissors don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be sharp and precise. Don’t be turned off by the low price and basic look. These are the ones you’ll see at sewing shops. These are our top choice.
FABRIC SCISSORS (10-inch)
Anything smaller, or less sharp won’t do you favors. This one is the most versatile size and tailor’s quality. Invest in a good pair of fabric shears and they will last you a lifetime!
SEAM RIPPER
Keep a heavy duty seam ripper handy at all times. They are inexpensive, so buy more than one. Hands down the #1 time saver!
CLEAR RULER (8” x 1”)
Very handy for measuring trims such as ribbons, elastics, etc. Very easy to carry around when sourcing at jobbers where they don’t properly label items.
CLEAR RULER (18” x 2” )
Not only useful for the obvious, but much needed for establishing your High Point Shoulder level when measuring garments!
MEASURING TAPE
THE one item always MIA when you need it. Also, tape measures do stretch over time and should be replaced regularly to ensure accuracy. So it’s best to get a pack.
Keeping your design room organized
HEAVY DUTY HANGERS
Not the best looking, but by far the best size, design (swivel top makes them easy to carry and also comes with hooks for straps or hanger loops) - and these are always the least breakable!
RACK DIVIDERS
Keep your samples organized and easy to find by creating sections on the rack. Not only it saves time, but also keeps visual track of your items. You’ll thank us later!
TAG GUN
Always make sure all your samples and fabrics are tagged with style numbers, vendor info, date, etc. Never, ever, ever, skip labeling.
PS: Get our sample tracking tags.
PATTERN HOOKS
Occasionally, Pattern Makers will hand you work hanging on a fabric scrap or a string.
Have these as your back up hooks, as you do want to ensure your patterns can be handled in the easiest and safest way to avoid rips and pieces falling off the set.
HEAVY DUTY GARMENT RACK
With so many more aesthetically pleasing options, it is easy to get carried away by looks!… However, as samples and patterns increase in quantity, what you need is a rack that can handle the load without falling apart - and that’s easy to roll around from one place to another (swivel wheels are a must). Extra points on this one for having the wheels exposed. Covers makes it hard to remove tangled threads.