Must-Have Sewing Accessories That Make Life Easier
Jun 25, 2025
If you sew regularly — or want to start — the right accessories transform your projects. From cutting and marking to stitching and pressing, here’s a practical list of must-have sewing machine accessories (plus a few extras) that make all the difference.
1. Bobbins – Metal & Plastic
Know which type your machine takes; the wrong bobbin can cause tension issues. Keep several wound in your most-used thread colours so you can swap quickly mid-project.
2. Presser Feet – For Every Job
Foot | Why It’s Worth Having |
Walking Foot | Feeds thick, layered, or stretchy fabrics evenly (ideal for quilting or vinyl). |
Blind Hem Foot | Creates invisible hems on trousers, skirts, and curtains. |
Concealed-Zip Foot | Lets you sew an invisible zipper flush with the seam. |
Embroidery / Darning Foot | Perfect for free-motion quilting or decorative stitching. |
Over-Edge Foot | Gives a neat, serger-like finish that prevents fraying. |
3. Machine Needles – Assorted Packs
Keep universal, ballpoint, denim/jeans, and embroidery needles on hand. Switch to a fresh needle every 6–8 hours of sewing (or at the first sign of skipped stitches).
Using the right size and type of needle makes all the difference to your stitching. Below is a handy guide:
Needle Size | Fabric Type | Recommended Needle Type |
70/10 | Lightweight cotton, silk, tulle | Universal or Microtex |
80/12 | Quilting cotton, poplin, linen blends | Universal or Quilting |
90/14 | Medium denim, canvas, fleece | Denim or Universal |
100/16 | Thick denim, corduroy, soft vinyl | Jeans/Denim or Leather |
110/18 | Upholstery fabric, faux leather | Heavy Duty or Leather |
120/19 & 130/21 | Very heavy canvas, multiple layers, thick faux leather | Extra Heavy Duty or Topstitch |
4. Pins & Fabric Clips
Fine glass-head pins suit delicate fabrics; clips excel on bulky layers, faux leather, or vinyl. A magnetic pin dish keeps everything corralled.
5. Tape Measure
A flexible 150 cm / 60 in tape with both metric and imperial markings is indispensable for body measurements and pattern adjustments.
6. Seam Gauge
This small sliding ruler helps measure identical hems, pleats, and buttonhole placements with speed and accuracy.
7. Marking Aids
Tailor’s chalk or chalk pens
Air- or heat-erasable markers
Water-soluble pencils
Always test on a fabric scrap first!
8. Tracing Wheel & Carbon Paper
Still irreplaceable for transferring darts, pleats, or style lines to the wrong side of fabric without leaving permanent marks.
9. Rotary Cutter & Self-Healing Mat
Makes long, straight cuts effortless and precise—especially useful for quilting, bag-making, or cutting multiple layers at once. Replace blades when they start snagging.
10. Fabric Glue, Basting Glue & Double-Sided Sewing Tape
Non-permanent adhesives that hold layers, trims, zippers, or stubborn hems before stitching:
Fabric glue: Sets quickly for small repairs or tricky spots.
Basting glue: Water-soluble; washes out after sewing.
Double-sided tape: Leaves no pinholes—great for leather, vinyl, or matching plaids before you sew.
11. Small Steam Iron & Table-Top Pressing Board
A compact travel-size iron heats up fast, uses less space, and is easier to manoeuvre around seams or tight curves. Pair it with a table-top pressing board (or sleeve board) so you can press seams, darts, and small projects right beside your machine—no bulky ironing board needed.
Final Thoughts
Stocking these accessories will save time, improve stitch quality, and make sewing feel smooth and enjoyable whether you’re whipping up a tote bag or tailoring a dress
Absolutely! Including needle sizes (70–130) and their matching fabric types adds real value to your blog especially for beginners who may not know which needle to use when. Here’s the updated section on machine needles, ready to slot into your blog post: