Sarah Fielke Christmas TreeSkirt Pattern // QuiltFolk Magazine Subscription // Seam Guide Ruler // The Geometry of Hand Sewing// Frixion Iron Erase Pens // CHI Iron // Tailors Clapper // Glass Pattern Weights // Sarah Hearts Labels // Clover Marking Pencils // Clover Point Turning Tool // Dritz Design Ruler Trio // Clover Heat Press Ruler // Clover White Marking Pen // Dritz Two Way Marking Pen // Dritz EZY Hem Ruler // Tilly and The Buttons Stretch Book // SewLine Glue Pen // Bohin Needles // Zipper By The Foot// Dritz Pressing Ham // Dritz Seam Roll // Precision Fuse Mats // Sleeve Ironing Board // Honeysew Strap Turners // SewFix Seam Ripper // Modern American Vintage Clapper // Fiskars Seam Gauge // Dritz Beeswax Thread Conditioner // The Sewing Book // Sew Your Own Wardrobe Book // The Shop Company Dressform // Thimble Bee’s Gift Card // OttLite Magnifying Glass // Pinking Shears // Guggenhein 9″ Professional Shears // Olfa 28mm Rotary Cutter // Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter // Fiskars Spring Action Thread Snips // Olfa Precision Scissors // Gingher Fabric Shears // Joann Fabric Gift Card // Folded Star Pin Cushion Pattern // Connecting Threads Collection // Clover Flat Head Pins // Clover Glass Head Quilting Pins // Elna Experience 530

Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift for the sewist in your life, this curated collection of my tried-and-true favorites has something special for every level of seamstress. From the best marking tools to the essentials for pressing, I’ve gathered the very tools that I personally can’t live without in my sewing studio. Every item has been chosen with care to bring joy, ease, and quality to your sewing projects. You’ll find everything from beginner-friendly gadgets to those pro-level tools that make a big difference. So grab a cup of tea, browse through these treasures, and let’s make your sewing experience even sweeter!

Sewing Machines & Equipment

Brother CP100x ($200): My top choice for true beginners! This machine has a speed control, pressure foot sensor (meaning it won’t sew if you forget to lower the presser foot), and quick-load bobbin. Perfect for learning the basics without overspending.

Elna Experience 530 ($500): A step up for intermediate sewists, offering Swiss precision and versatility for more intricate projects.

Elna Excellence 680+ ($1500): The ultimate investment for serious sewists, featuring a spacious workspace, heavy-duty stitching, and advanced precision.

The Shop Company Dressform: The 3/4 body design is super practical—especially for working on pants since it has partial legs. The shoulders are removable too, which is really handy when you’re working on something fitted, and the magnetic shoulder cap system makes it so easy to adjust. The linen cover is nice and sturdy—holds up well to all the pinning I do, and the heavy-duty cast iron base makes sure it doesn’t tip over while I’m working. It’s honestly been such a game-changer for me when it comes to getting the fit just right. Shipping is free!

OttLite LED 2-in-1 Sewing Machine Light: If you’re tired of squinting while threading your needle, the OttLite LED 2-in-1 Sewing Machine Light and interchangeable 3X magnifying glass is a lifesaver.

Books & Patterns

QuiltFolk Magazine: If you’re a lover of quilts, or just appreciate the art of storytelling through fabric, Quiltfolk Magazine is a must-have for your collection. Each issue beautifully captures the rich history, craftsmanship, and culture behind quilting, taking you on a journey through different regions and the quilters who call them home. From stunning photography to inspiring stories, Quiltfolk immerses you in the world of quilting, making it the perfect addition to any sewing enthusiast’s bookshelf. Trust me, once you dive in, you’ll be hooked on its unique blend of artistry and inspiration!

The Sewing Book by Alison Smith: If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to everything sewing, The Sewing Book by Alison Smith is a must-have! Packed with over 300 pages of expert tips, step-by-step instructions, and beautiful illustrations, this book covers everything from the basics to more advanced techniques.

Sew Your Own Wardrobe by Alison Smith: Ready to create your own stylish wardrobe? Sew Your Own Wardrobe by Alison Smith is the ultimate guide to sewing your own clothes, from basics to trendy pieces.

Tilly and the Buttons STRETCH by Tilly Walnes: If you’re ready to dive into the world of stretch fabrics, Tilly and the Buttons STRETCH is your perfect guide! Written by the talented Tilly Walnes, this book is all about sewing with knit and stretch fabrics—think cozy tees, comfy dresses, and stylish activewear.

The Geometry of Hand Sewing by Natalie Chanin: This beautifully designed book is all about the art and technique of hand stitching, combining craftsmanship with modern design. Natalie walks you through the basics, from simple stitches to intricate patterns, while also sharing her philosophy on creating slow, intentional, and meaningful garments.

Merry and Bright Treeskirt Pattern and Video by Sarah Fielke: This has been a work-in-progress project for me over the past few years, and I absolutely love it! The Merry and Bright Tree Skirt Pattern and Video by Sarah Fielke is the perfect blend of festive fun and beautiful, detailed design. Sarah’s style is so unique—her use of color, appliqué, and quilting techniques really bring this project to life.

Folded Star Pin Cushion Pattern by Plum Easy Patterns: We have several of these adorable pin cushions around the studio, all handmade by our former instructor, Mrs. Marty, from when we first opened in 2014. While we don’t sell the pattern, it’s a wonderful project if you’re looking to create something special for your own sewing space. If you love unique, handmade touches like this, be sure to check out the pattern!

Sarah Hearts Labels: Add a personal touch to every project with Sarah Hearts Labels—the perfect way to mark your creations with style! You can also find Sarah’s full collection of labels on her website, here.

Cutting Essentials

The Guggenhein 9″ Professional Fabric Shears are by far the smoothest shears I’ve used. The large 9-inch blades make them perfect for longer cuts, especially when working on bigger projects. They glide through fabric like butter!

The Gingher 8″ Fabric Shears are classic, reliable, and just plain good at what they do!

Olfa Precision Scissors: Every sewing kit should have a pair of precision scissors for those small, intricate cuts. My top picks are the precision scissors by Beaditive and this pair by Olfa. Both feature a serrated blade that grips the fabric as you cut.

Fiskars Spring Action Thread Snips: I’m picky about thread snips— I want them to be quick and easy to grab and snip. These are perfect for that. The spring-action handles make them easy to use, so you’re not wasting time fiddling with them. They’re also the right size—not too small, so you can get a comfortable grip every time.

Fiskars Pinking Shears: Don’t overlook a good pair of pinking shears. After sewing your seams, you’ll want to finish those raw edges, and pinking shears are one of the easiest ways to do it. They help reduce fraying on unfinished edges, giving your projects a cleaner, more professional finish.

Olfa 28mm Rotary Cutter: Rotary cutters make precise cutting so much easier, especially when working with slippery or stretchy apparel fabrics. It’s a good idea to have both a 28mm and a 45mm on hand. The smaller 28mm blade is perfect for cutting freehand, while the 45mm is great for using with quilting rulers.

Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter: This one’s a quilting must-have! The 45mm blade is just the right size for using with quilting rulers, making it super easy to get those precise cuts through multiple layers of fabric. If you’re doing any serious quilting, you’ll want this one in your toolkit!

Black and White Self Healing Mat 24″ x 36″: This 24″ x 36″ Self-Healing Mat is the perfect size for all your cutting needs. While smaller mats are great for quick cuts by your machine, the larger size gives you the space you need to cut multiple pieces for your projects with ease. Ideal for use with a rotary cutter, it protects your tabletop and helps prolong the life of your blades. A must-have for any sewist!

Seam-Fix Seam Ripper: Did you know you should replace your seam ripper regularly? I didn’t either until I realized I’d been struggling with a dull one for way too long! The Seam-Fix Seam Ripper is always my go-to. It stays sharp longer, making it easier to remove stitches quickly. Plus, I love the rubber grips on the ends—perfect for pulling out those tiny threads after you’re done.

Glass Pattern Weights: Pattern weights are a game-changer when it comes to cutting. Instead of pinning your pattern pieces, which can be time-consuming and sometimes leave marks on your fabric, pattern weights hold everything in place securely. They give you more control, especially with slippery or delicate fabrics, and allow for smoother, more accurate cuts. Plus, they save you time and frustration—making your sewing process quicker and more enjoyable! If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out!

Marking Tools

As the owner of a sewing school, I get plenty of opportunities to try out alot of the marking tools on the market. Each of these tools shown below serves a different purpose, and I’ve picked the ones that offer the best accuracy and ease of use for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Whether you’re tracing patterns, marking fabric, or making temporary adjustments, these tools will make your sewing projects go smoother and more precise. They’re perfect additions to your sewing toolkit, and I wouldn’t recommend anything I didn’t personally love!

Clover Marking Pencils: Skip the knock-off brands—they just don’t get the job done like the Clover Marking Pencils. This set includes four colors—pink, yellow, white, and blue—giving you plenty of options for different fabrics. They’re water-soluble, so you can easily wash off the marks before ironing.

The Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen is still the queen of marking tools in my book! She’s trustworthy—you never have to worry about her staining your fabric.

Frixion Fineline Iron Erase Pens: Anyone who knows me knows I have an obsession with collecting colorful pens and markers, so if you share that love, here’s your excuse to grab a few more! These are a fantastic addition to your sewing kit. You can mark your fabric and then easily erase the lines with a quick pass of the iron. Just be sure to use them on the wrong side of your fabric, as they can leave a faint “ghost” line.

Pressing Tools

I can’t stress enough how important pressing is—it’s just as essential as stitching! You’ll want to correct tools to achieve those crispy seams, smooth hems, and that polished, professional finish. Here’s some tools you’ll want to begin adding to your sewing setup:

CHI Steam Iron: I recently purchased the Chi Steam Iron, and I’ve completely fallen in love with it! The steam output is incredible—it really gets the job done, and it heats up quickly. The size is perfect; it’s large enough to cover plenty of fabric but not bulky at all. Plus, the tapered point makes it super easy to get into those tight spaces and around seams. If you’re looking for a high-performance iron that’s both efficient and easy to maneuver, this one’s definitely worth checking out!

Padded Sleeve Board: If you’ve ever tried to press sleeves or get into those tricky spots like cuffs, you know how hard it can be with a regular ironing board. That’s where a sleeve board comes in handy! It’s small, narrow, and just the right size to fit into those tight areas you can’t reach easily. It’s perfect for pressing sleeves, collars, or any other part of your garment that needs a little extra attention.

Tailor’s Clapper: A tailor’s clapper with sharp, thin angles is a must-have for achieving crisp, professional-looking seams and creases. The thin edges make it especially great for working on tight seams, pleats, or any detail where precision is key. It’s a simple tool that makes a huge difference in getting your project looking sharp and polished!

Dritz Tailor’s Ham: This tool is perfect for pressing curved seams like darts, princess seams, and armholes—places where a flat ironing board just won’t cut it. The ham’s rounded shape allows you to press your fabric without losing the natural curves, giving your garment a smooth, structured finish.

The Dritz Seam Roll is a total game-changer for those tricky spots like sleeves and cuffs where a regular ironing board just can’t get to. Its cylindrical shape makes it super easy to press without messing with the fabric’s shape, so your seams come out crisp and clean every time.

Precision Fusing Mats are seriously one of my top favorite tools right now in the sewing studio, and I’m excited to share why! If you’re using glue-based products like interfacing, webbing, or Heat n’ Bond, this mat is a game-changer. The silicone mat protects your ironing board from getting sticky with glue, while the Teflon surface keeps your iron safe and clean. Bonus—I’ve noticed that the Teflon mat actually speeds up the fusing process! It must help lock in the heat, making it more efficient and faster. If you’ve been struggling with the mess and hassle of fusing, this mat will make your life so much easier.

Clover Heat Press Ruler: If you love efficiency like I do, the Clover Heat Press Ruler is about to become your new best friend. It’s the perfect tool for measuring and pressing your hems in one smooth step—no more switching back and forth between rulers and irons! This larger 4″ x 14″ version includes markings for 1/4″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″, so you can get the exact measurement you need.

The Dritz EZY Heat Press Ruler is a must-have if you’re working with curved edges or hems! While it’s similar to the Clover Heat Press Ruler in that it helps you measure and press hems in one go, this one is designed specifically for those tricky, curved areas.

Pins and Needles

Clover Flat Head Straight Pins: Perfect for quilting, garment sewing, or any precision work, these pins will quickly become a favorite in your sewing kit – great length and sharpness!

Clover Quilting Pins: These pins are thin, sharp, and heat-resistant—perfect for working with multiple layers of fabric without leaving holes or distortions.

Bohin Needles Size 9: If you’re after smooth, clean stitching on those more delicate projects, these needles are definitely worth adding to your kit!

Dritz Beeswax Thread Conditioner: Simply run your thread through the beeswax before sewing, and it’ll glide through your fabric effortlessly. It helps prevent knots and tangles, so you can focus on your project instead of wrestling with your thread.

Magnetic Pin Block by Modern American Vintage: Gorgeous pieces by Modern American Vintage! Perfect for treating your favorite sewist (or yourself). Check out more gorgeous designs on their website!

Measuring Tools

Fiskars Seam Gauge: A sewing kit essential! Great for measuring seam allowances, hem allowances, and more!

Dritz Design Ruler Trio: Whether you’re altering sizes or working on fitting, this trio has you covered. It includes a French curve, hip curve, and a 12″ curved ruler – all designed to help you achieve those adjustments with ease.

Madam Sews Seam Guide Ruler: This little gem is a total lifesaver when it comes to keeping your seam allowances on point! It helps you place your seam guide at the perfect distance from the needle, so you get consistent, accurate seams every time. Super easy to use, and it takes all the guesswork out of measuring!

A Few More…

Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Bundles: Don’t give into the temptation to skimp on thread. Using a high-quality thread makes all the difference in your stitch quality and the final outcome of your project. You’re investing so much time, energy, and focus into creating something beautiful, so why not treat yourself to a thread that’s just as top-notch? One of my go-to brands is Connecting Threads. They offer a variety of thread bundles in beautiful colors and shades!

Zipper By The Foot: If you’re a fan of bag-making, these zippers are a game changer! They come in a range of colors for both the zipper tape and pulls, so you can totally customize the look. Plus, the zipper tape is just a bit wider than your standard zippers, making them easier to work with and apply.

SewLine Glue Pens: They’re perfect for temporary fabric bonding—whether you’re holding down a hem, applying trims, or just need to keep layers in place while you stitch. The glue is water-soluble, so it’s easy to remove once your project is finished. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat! Love using mine for basting in zippers!

Clover Point Turner and Hera Marker: This two in one tool is a game-changer for getting those sharp, crisp corners and precise fabric markings!

HoneySew’s Quick Turn Strap Turners: If you’ve ever struggled with turning narrow straps, you know how frustrating it can be. These handy tools make turning straps, ties, and small tubes so much easier—no more struggling to get everything the right way round. Saves lots of time and frustration! Comes in three sizes and includes a ball point bodkin.

Gift Cards

Thimble Bee’s Gift Card: Looking for the perfect gift for the sewist in your life? Give them the gift of creativity with a Thimble Bee’s Gift Card! Whether they’re just starting out with Learn to Sew I, ready to take on Learn to Sew II or III, excited to dive into Garment Fundamentals, or dreaming of quilting in our Learn to Quilt Series, our January lineup has something for everyone.

Joann’s Gift Card: Give the gift of fabric! A Joann’s Gift Card is the perfect way to let someone pick out exactly what they need for their next sewing project.

Wishing you happy stitching and thoughtful gifting!

Jen Taylor, Thimble Bee’s