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42% OffSewing is a rewarding and creative hobby that allows you to design and craft your clothes, home decor items, and more. With the right sewing gadgets and tools, you can take your sewing skills to the next level. As we enter 2024, there are some exciting new sewing gadgets on the market that every sewer should have in their craft room!
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best and most innovative sewing gadgets that have been released in 2024 or are rising in popularity this year. Whether you are a beginner sewer or a seasoned pro, these gadgets will help you sew faster, and easier and make your projects turn out perfect every time.
Sewing Machine Add-Ons and Accessories
Your sewing machine is the heart of your sewing room. Outfitting it with handy accessories can expand its functionality and capabilities. Here are some must-have sewing machine add-ons for 2024:
1. Quilting Extension Table
A quilting extension table provides an extra surface area around your sewing machine to support large projects like quilts or home decor items. Look for a quilting table that is made of durable materials and clamps securely to your existing sewing machine. Popular options include:
- Grace Company Quilting Frame and Extension Table – provides up to 10 feet of extended workspace. Comes with adjustable legs.
- Arrow 88-Inch Extension Table – fits most sewing machines and offers a large quilting surface.
- Kangaroo Kabinets Sew-N-Go Extension Table – portable table perfect for taking your sewing machine on the go.
2. Sewing Machine Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for precision sewing. Upgrade your sewing machine’s visibility with one of these lighting accessories:
- OttLite Natural Daylight Floor Lamp – provides full spectrum natural light from any angle. Flexible arm positions light where you need it.
- RNK Products LED Sewing Machine Light – clamps directly onto most sewing machines. Rechargeable and dimmable.
- Dritz LED Sewing Machine Light Strip – adheres directly to your machine to illuminate the needle and work area. USB powered.
3. Presser Feet
Specialized presser feet allow your sewing machine to handle multiple types of stitches, hemming, pleating, zippers and more. Build up your presser foot collection with these handy options:
- Walking Foot – prevents fabric from shifting while quilting or sewing slippery fabrics.
- Invisible Zipper Foot – makes inserting invisible zippers nearly effortless.
- Open Toe Foot – provides full visibility for topstitching and decorative work.
- Overcasting Foot – neatens seam edges to prevent fraying.
- Rolled Hem Foot – creates delicate miniature hems, great for silky scarves and projects.
4. Needle Threader
Prevent eyestrain and frustration with a handy needle threader. These small gadgets slip through the eye of the needle and allow you to easily thread it in seconds. Popular needle threaders that work on most machine models include the Dritz Screw-On Needle Threader and the Clover Needle Threader.
5. Speed Control Slider
A speed control slider allows you to limit the maximum speed of your sewing machine motor. This gives you more precise control when sewing delicate fabrics or doing detailed work like buttonholes. Check your sewing machine manual to see if it includes a speed control option or purchase a third party slider.
Cutting and Measuring Tools
Accuracy is key for professional-looking sewing results. These cutting and measuring tools will help perfect your precision:
6. Rotary Cutter and Mat
Rotary cutter and mat combos provide a smooth cutting surface and allow you to quickly cut through multiple layers of fabric with a simple rolling motion. Look for a 45mm or 60mm rotary cutter paired with a self-healing mat at least 18″ x 24″. The Fiskars Deluxe Rotary Cutting Set is a top choice.
7. Clear Quilting Rulers
Quilting rulers with etched measurements and guidelines help you cut fabric pieces, seam allowances and bias with exactness. Look for thick transparent acrylic rulers that won’t bend or warp. Popular options are the Creative Grids 6.5″ x 24″ ruler and the Omnigrid 4-1/2″ x 12″ quilting ruler.
8. Seam Gauge
A seam gauge is a small ruler used to accurately measure seam allowance width. Dritz and Collins make popular models marked in inches and centimeters that can clip onto your sewing project as you work.
9. Tailor’s Ham and Seam Roll
These two shaping tools are must-haves for both garment sewing and quilting. A tailor’s ham helps press curved seams, darts and tricky areas. A seam roll lets you press long seams or hems perfectly flat. Opt for a ham and roll set like those made by Dritz.
10. Point Turner
A point turner makes pulling fabric corners to the right side after sewing easy and perfect every time. Look for one with a tapered point and a hook on the end like the Clover Point Turner and Seam Fixer tool.
11. Seam Ripper
A must for flawless sewing! Use a seam ripper to quickly take out mistakes or stitching you want removed. The Clover Quick Unpick 3-Way Seam Ripper is a top choice for its sharp, precise blade.
Marking and Measurement Tools
Marking and measuring fabric before cutting and sewing is an important step most sewers overlook. Proper marks ensure your cut fabric will line up correctly and your seams, darts, pleats and details end up in just the right spots.
12. Marking Chalk and Pens
Chalk and pens designed specifically for fabric marking wash out quickly but leave bright visible lines. Look for options like Dritz Mark B Gone marking pens and Clover Chacopy tracing chalk.
13. Washable Fabric Glue Stick
Use a washable fabric glue stick to temporarily adhere fabric pieces before sewing. The Prym-Dritz Decor Bond Temporary Adhesive Wash Away Fabric Glue Stick quickly dries, won’t gum up needles and washes away after sewing.
14. Pattern Weights
Pattern weights hold paper patterns firmly in place on fabric while cutting to ensure proper alignment. Opt for heavy metal weights that will withstand being moved frequently.
15. Embroidery Transfer Paper
Transfer paper allows you to trace embroidery designs onto fabric – super handy for stitching perfect lettering! Look for transfer papers like Sullivan’s Heat Transfer Pencil and Paper which work for hand and machine embroidery.
16. Sewing Edge and Hem Gauge
Take the guess work out of measuring and marking seam allowances, hems and more with tools like the Dritz Stitch-N-Save sewing edge. One side has common seam allowance measurements while the other marks evenly spaced hems.
17. Thread Snips
Tiny embroidery scissors like Gingher’s Knife Edge Shears allow for precise trimming of threads while working on projects.
Sewing Machine Needles
Did you know using the wrong sewing machine needle can ruin your project and even damage your machine? Investing in quality needles for your fabric type is a must.
18. Stretch Needles
Ballpoint needles glide easily through knits and stretch fabrics without snagging or creating runs. Schmetz and Organ stretch needles are top choices.
19. Denim/Jeans Needles
Heavier and sharper than standard needles, denim needles can pierce multiple layers of sturdy fabrics like denim. Opt for thick, dense options like Schmetz Jean and Denim machine needles.
20. Leather Needles
Wedge shaped leather needles feature a razor point and cutting blade that slices neatly through leather and suede. Try needles like the Organ Titanium-coated Leather Hand Sewing Needles.
21. Embroidery Needles
Embroidery projects and decorative stitching call for sharp, thin needles that won’t shred delicate threads. Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles offer durability and precision.
22. Microtex/Sharp Needles
The microscopically sharp point on microtex needles neatly pierces woven fabrics. Great for straight, perfect stitching on apparel. Schmetz Microtex Sharp Needles are some of the best around.
23. Metallic Needles
Specially coated metallic needles easily sew fabrics with metallic threads woven in without shredding or breaking. Try titanium coated needles like those made by Superior Threads.
Sewing Machine Feet
We’ve already covered some essential specialty presser feet. Here are a few more top options that give your machine extra skills:
24. Ruffling Foot
Easily gather and attach ruffles in a single step! Great for decorative edges on home decor or children’s clothing. Look for ruffler feet like the Brother Ruffler Foot VLK-R.
25. Stabilizer/Free-Motion Foot
Want to get into free-motion embroidery, quilting or stippling? This foot provides extra clearance for thick batting and stabilizer materials. Brother, Janome and Bernina sewing machines offer their own version.
26. Straight Stitch Foot
The thin shape of straight stitch feet provides support for basic straight stitch sewing, giving your fabric extra stability. Useful for piping, trims and perfection on any type of fabric.
27. Edge Joining Foot
Take the frustration out of sewing binding edges perfectly even with this specialty foot. It allows you to fold the edge over the fabric and seam in one motion. Available as an optional foot for most leading sewing machine brands.
28. Hemmer Foot
Sew a professional narrow hem in one easy step! Hemmer feet attach as you sew a folded hem edge. Models like the Janome Hemmer Foot work with multiple fabric weights.
Hand Sewing Tools
Don’t forget your hand sewing kit! While your sewing machine does most of the work, these tools are essential for finishing touches.
29. Thimble
Protect your fingertips from needle pricks when hand sewing delicate work. Try sizes in steel, plastic and rubber to find your fit. Coats and Clover both make smooth, comfortable thimbles.
30. Needle Threader
Just like your sewing machine, hand needles can be tricky to thread. Make it simple with a wire needle threader or silicone needle threading device. Popular options are sold by Dritz and Clover.
31. Clapper
A clapper is a simple hinged block of wood used to “clap” seams when pressing by hand. Clapping flattens seams and darts for a smoother finish. It’s a must-have basic for sewers and quilters doing lots of hand work.
32. Hand Sewing Needles
Don’t be caught without the right hand needle for the job! Stock up on needle assortments and kits covering all project types. Hand sewing needles come in sharp, ballpoint and more. Brands like Dritz and John James are sewing favorites.
Fabric Cutting Systems
Tired of shifting large fabric pieces around on your cutting table? A dedicated fabric cutting system keeps your workspace neat, organized and super efficient.
33. Self-Healing Cutting Mats
Self-healing mats provide a specially formulated surface that allows you to cut repeatedly without damaging the mat. Look for large sizes like the Fiskars 36″ x 24″ model and Olfa Splash 24″ x 36″ mat for big cutting jobs.
34. Rotating Cutting Mat
Circular rotating mats like those made by June Tailor and Darice swivel a full 360° below your fixed rotary cutter. The turning action brings the fabric to your blade instead of forcing you to move around a stationary mat.
35. Sliding Cutting Table
A sliding table like the Kangaroo Sewing Cabinet Sliding Table accessory fully supports large fabric for smooth, even cutting. The surface glides side to side to move your entire fabric piece under your cutter.
36. DIY Cutting Table
Maximize your cutting space by repurposing a table to create your own dedicated cutting station. Use options like a hollow core door placed across filing cabinets or other stable bases. Add a cutting mat on top and you have an instant extra-large cutting surface!
Pressing Tools
Proper pressing of seams, hems and fabric details gives your sewing projects a crisp, professional finish. Upgrade your pressing station with these handy gadgets:
37. Mini Iron + Iron Caddy
A mini iron is perfect for pressing areas a full size iron can’t easily reach. Look for adjustable temperature options; Rowenta and Panasonic make top-rated models. Store your mini iron in an iron caddy for safe portability between workspaces.
38. Seam Stick
Use this specialized curved tip tool to press tough-to-reach curved seams on sleeves, collars, cuffs and more. The wooden Seam Stick applies targeted pressure without damaging fabric.
39. Tailor’s Clapper
This simple lemon-shaped wooden tool helps flatten seams and edges with a simple clap motion. Tailor’s clappers are perfect for use after hand sewing hems and details.
40. Ironing Spray
Lightly mist fabric with ironing spray like Faultless Premium Starch before pressing to add crispness and structure that holds up to washing. Helpful for neatly pressing tricky synthetics, knits, cotton blends and more.
41. Iron Cleaner
Keep your iron’s soleplate free of sticky residue that can mar fabric with a regular cleaning treatment like Mary Ellen’s Best Press Iron Cleaner. Simply fill the base reservoir, steam and wipe away buildup.
Sewing Room Organization
An organized sewing room makes your creative process easier, faster and much more enjoyable. Get started with these storage and organizing essentials:
42. Pegboards + Accessories
Pegboard lets you customize tool storage exactly how you like it. Look for kits that include the board plus baskets, hooks and containers like those made by Plano Molding.
43. Clear Storage Bins
See your notions, patterns, projects and more at a glance with clear plastic storage bins and lidded totes. Labels or chalk markers make identifying bin contents quick. Stack bins vertically to maximize space.
44. Pattern Box/File
Does your pattern collection look like a cluttered mess? Neatly store tissue patterns in segmented expanding files designed for this purpose, like the Simplicity Deluxe Pattern Box with Folders.
45. Mobile Thread Rack
Small thread organizers with casters let you move your thread collection next to your machine as you sew. Options like Koala Studios’ Ark space-saving thread rack keep spools tidy and accessible.
46. Magnetic Pin Bowl
Tired of digging for stray pins? Magnetic pin dishes and bowls keep pins and needles safely wrangled in one spot. Look for versions with a non-slip bottom like the Singer Magnetic Pin Dish.
47. Pattern Weights
Prevent tissue and paper patterns from shifting while cutting by weighing them down. Pattern weights are an essential notion for any sewer! We like the Clover Mega Scale Pattern Weights set.
48. Garment Rack + Dust Covers
Display your in-progress or completed projects on an adjustable garment rack. Use dust covers to protect delicate fabrics and garments between sewing sessions.
Helpful Sewing Apps and Software
Technology offers some cool tools that make sewing more interactive. Check out these apps and programs designed just for sewists:
49. Scanner App
Use your smartphone as a scanner to quickly save and digitize paper patterns. Scanner apps recognize the document edges, auto-crop and export crisp PDFs ready for printing again and again. Options like Adobe Scan and Scanner Pro work great.
50. Stitch Counter App
Lose track of your stitching rows? A handy stitch counter app lets you set row repeat numbers and tracks your progress to prevent mistakes. Try apps like Stitch Counter, Row Counter or Crochet & Knit Counter.
51. PatternMaker Software
Create your own professional digital sewing patterns with CAD (computer-aided design) programs like Wild Ginger’s PatternMaker Fabrics or Valentina. Draft custom designs, test sizing and print patterns ready to cut and sew!
52. Project Planner Apps
Map out your sewing queue and track project progress with a sewing planner app. Software like Sew Daily and Sew Planner help you estimate time requirements, material needs and task deadlines.
Creative Sewing Tools
Take your sewing talents to the next level with tools that open new creative possibilities:
53. Embroidery Machine
Unlock an endless array of decorative stitching options with a home embroidery machine. Entry-level models like the Brother SE625 sew and embroider with a library of built-in designs.
54. Sashiko Sewing Machine
Traditional Japanese sashiko stitching creates beautiful geometric and running stitch designs. Specialty sashiko machines have built-in patterns and walking foot feed ideal for this technique.
55. Interchangeable Dual Feed
Convert your existing sewing machine to a dual feed capable of sewing slippery fabrics and advanced quilting with attachments like those made by Janome and Brother.
56. Felting Machine
Felt wool and other specialty fibers faster using the power of vibration. Hand crank or electric models have needle beds that compress and agitate fibers into dense felt fabric or to fuse fibers for 3D needle felting sculpture.
57. Fabric Marking Pens
Special ink formulas disappear after sewing or washing but temporarily mark designs, stitching guides and cut lines on light and dark fabrics. Our top pick is the Clover Chacopy Blue Marking Pen.
58. Fabric Paint
Unleash your creativity with paints formulated especially for use on fabric and clothing. Sets from Tulip and Jacquard make it fun to add color and designs. Heat set for laundering durability.
59. Fabric Dye
Custom color all your projects and upcycle thrift store finds into rich jewel tones, pastels and more. Look for all-in-one dye kits from companies like Rit, iDye and Dylon with fixatives to ensure colorfast results.
Final Tips and Tricks
- Invest in quality needles, threads, fabrics, and notions – don’t let subpar materials ruin your projects! Stick to reputable brands.
- Read your machine’s manual cover to cover. Understanding its features and how to use them opens new creative avenues.
- Change your machine needles frequently, especially when switching between fabric types. Dull needles cause frustrating skipped stitches.
- Test new tools, glue, marking pens, etc. on fabric scraps before using them on a real project. Check for unwanted reactions.
- Start a swatch library of your favorite fabrics and findings to easily visualize options for future projects.
- Properly pressing along the way makes finished seams and hems look clean and professional. Don’t skip this step!
- Learn the lingo! Understanding common sewing terms for tools, techniques and measurements unlocks tutorials and resources.
- Practice, practice, practice new skills on simple projects before tackling more advanced sewing goals. Perfection comes only with experience.
- Make friends with other sewists! Fellow enthusiasts are invaluable for troubleshooting help, inspiration, pattern, and fabric suggestions.
- Don’t be afraid to take on challenging techniques that seem out of your comfort zone. The right tools and guidance can help any sewer succeed!
Key Takeaways
- Invest in a few specialized gadgets and tools suited to your sewing style to make projects faster, easier and more professional looking. Don’t rely solely on basic beginner tools forever!
- Quality needles, shears, rulers, marking tools and notions are worth the extra cost for the durability, precision, and frustration they will save you. Buy the best you can afford.
- Organization systems will save you time locating what you need when you need it. Neat storage also prevents damage and loss of expensive supplies.
- Apps, specialty machine feet, longarms, sublimation printers, and more open amazing new creative possibilities as you advance your sewing skills. Add capabilities over time.
- With the right sewing gadgets by your side, you can tackle any fabric, technique, or project and enjoy the journey! Finding solutions for sewing roadblocks is part of the fun.
We’ve covered over 100 of the most exciting, innovative, and must-have sewing gadgets for 2024 and beyond. Which ones top your wish list? Let us know in the comments!
