Simply Sewing FRESH IDEAS WITH FABRIC THE GUIDE

SEAM RIPPER

This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches.

PINKING SHEARS

These cut a zigzag edge on fabric to neaten.

SHEARS

Keep a pair of sharp shears just for cutting out your fabric.

SMALL SCISSORS

Use for snipping threads and cutting notches.

FABRIC WEIGHTS

Use instead of pins to hold your pattern in place.

THIMBLE

Wear to protect your fingers when handstitching.

TAILOR’S CHALKS

Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away.

FABRIC CLIPS

Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics.

BOBBINS

This forms the underside of the machine stitch.

TAPE MEASURE

A flexible fabric tape measure will take accurate measurements.

MARKING PENCIL

Choose a colour that shows up on your fabric.

PINS

Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best.

THREAD

This forms the top side of the machine stitch.

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY

ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside.

Measure yourself in your underwear