• Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • START HERE
  • Tops
    • Butterick
    • Simplicity
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Dresses
    • Butterick
    • McCall’s
    • Vintage Vogue
    • Simplicity
    • Colette Patterns
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Skirts
    • Tribe Patterns
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Outerwear
    • Butterick
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Papercut
    • View All
  • Lingerie
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Vintage Pattern Selector
    • View All
  • Accessories
    • McCall’s
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Bust Adjustments
    • Darts
    • Gathers
    • Princess Seams
    • View All
  • Techniques & Tips
    • Pattern Drafting
    • Machine Techniques
    • Hand Sewing
    • Other Tips
    • Resource Lists
    • Tools
    • View All

Vintage on Tap

  • START HERE
  • Tops
    • Butterick
    • Simplicity
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Dresses
    • Butterick
    • McCall’s
    • Vintage Vogue
    • Simplicity
    • Colette Patterns
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Skirts
    • Tribe Patterns
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Outerwear
    • Butterick
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Papercut
    • View All
  • Lingerie
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Vintage Pattern Selector
    • View All
  • Accessories
    • McCall’s
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Bust Adjustments
    • Darts
    • Gathers
    • Princess Seams
    • View All
  • Techniques & Tips
    • Pattern Drafting
    • Machine Techniques
    • Hand Sewing
    • Other Tips
    • Resource Lists
    • Tools
    • View All
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Invest in These Sewing Tools for Better Projects

March 20, 2021

There is so much to spend your money on when starting out sewing that it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of buying everything. Or… buying a lot of cheap stuff. Do you know what sewing tools to invest in?

Do you know what sewing tools you bought on a budget… but deserve an UPGRADE?

This post is written for people interested in upgrading their sewing tools, breaking down which ones should be upgraded first!

BIG DISCLAIMER! You can get very VERY far using budget tools. But if you have the opportunity to invest in sewing tools in this list, they make a difference. 

Sewing Tools to Invest In -- you don't have to spend a lot to start sewing, but where should you invest your money?

You don’t have to spend money on All The Things when it comes to sewing supplies.

Investing in the right tools can support you in creating a garment that’s sturdy and well constructed. Time and time again.

Invest in this Sewing Tool: Your Sewing Machine

Question tile asking, What's the. most pricey (dollar sign) sewing tool you own?

When I asked Vintagettes what was the sewing tool they invested in, over 95% of them said their Sewing Machine! It goes to show that this one is a biggie- you can’t get around it.

Prices range from extremely cheap ($25 machine) to extremely expensive ($3,000+!) It’s easy to get lost on this tool alone. 

Keep in mind that for budget sewing machines:

  • They tend to be mostly plastic, which weigh too little. This means they tend to bounce around more often, which affects their timing and internal alignments
  • Cheap machines also tend to have limited settings (or worse) too many novelty settings. These tend to be rarely used for garment sewing, taking away from having more SOLID basic stitches
  • Cheap machines also tend to lack attachments or tools which you might need. Or they’re made of cheap materials which will fall apart easily.

What makes a sewing machine more valuable?

  • Pricier machines tend to be heavier, which don’t bounce on your table (think of them like a tank)
  • They have more robust basic stitches. The straight stitch, zig zag, etc tend to have less issues over time, maintaining proper length, etc., and not skipping
  • Attachments are almost always included and don’t generally have to be replaced since they’re a lot more built for time

If you’re looking to upgrade from an entry level or cheaper machine and don’t want to break the bank…

  • Consider the budget (obviously)
  • Think about what you actually use, day to day. For example, I tend to ONLY use a straight stitch, zig zag, and back stitch.
  • Think of what’s a nice to have versus a MUST
    • Must have a buttonhole foot
    • The machine must have all the attachments so I don’t have to buy them one at a time
    • Be easy to fix with a local repair person (or not)

Invest in this Sewing Tool: Steam Iron

Bianca holding a steam iron, discussing why it's a sewing tool to invest in.

If you watched my Top Beginner Sewing Mistakes video, you’ve heard me say, “you should spend as much time worrying about your iron as you do with your sewing machine.“

While it seems like a basic tool, an iron has a lot of power in how you manipulate the fabric and fibers themselves. These details are ones that get skipped over by beginners. But in reality, they play one of the bigger factors in making something look professional and neat.

Click HERE to learn more about Top Sewing Problems (and how to work through them)!

What makes an iron more valuable?

  • Consistent control over temperature
  • Consistent control over steam output
  • They tend to weigh more and require less downward pressure to fuse interfacing

If you’re using an entry level iron and don’t want to break the bank, I would recommend considering…

  • The size of the water tank needed on the iron?
  • What granularity do you want in temperature control?
  • How much steam control is needed?
  • Retractable cable or wireless?
  • Is it just for sewing or for regular clothing as well?

Invest in this Sewing Tool: Cutting Implements

Collection of cutting implements, discussing why they're an important sewing tool to invest in. Snips to pinking shears are displayed.

This one is a tricky one, because everyone’s tolerance for a “nice version” of this can vary widely.

Some people like tools with better handles, some people like having decorative ones. Some like heavy scissors and cutting tools, some like lighter ones due for ease of use, especially for joint pain.

I have a wide range of cutting implements and each has a different purpose, collected over the years. None of these serve double purpose– they’re all very specific about what I need them to do.

At the end of the day, I’m looking for quality, sharp tools. Tools which hold their edge the longest and which can be sharpened.

Why? The main reason is around SAFETY. Also, cheap tools can damage fabric.

If you’re looking for new cutting tools, think about these things:

  • Is this going to be comfortable to hold for potentially HOURS of time?
  • What do I need this to actually cut through?
  • What are my sharpening options? 

Learning How to Invest in Sewing Tools takes time, but this list should get you up and running!

Bianca with her sewing machine, discussing why it as an investment.

Every tool is not only an investment, but it’s something you should be able to rely on again and again over the years.

You don’t have to break the bank. A lot of the items on this list can be bought at a discount, with coupons, or on heavy markdown. Keep an eye out on your local stores and be sure to save up for the equipment you would really want use.


Invest in these Sewing Tools to elevate your sewing! It's easy to get bogged down with cheap sewing tools, but the tools you invest in make a difference.

Filed Under: Other Tips, Resource Lists, Techniques & Tips, Tools Tagged With: sewing tool

You might also love

  • How to use a French Curve, tutorial | Vintage on TapHow to Use a French Curve, Video Tutorial!
  • How to Sew a Kickpleat, Completed Kickpleat| @vintageontapHow to Sew a Kickpleat
  • How to Walk a Sewing Pattern, video tutorial | Vintage on TapHow to Walk a Sewing Pattern, Video Tutorial
  • Bianca with her hands on the table, above a sewing pattern.Petite Pattern Adjustments for Fuller Figures
Spring Fabric You’ll be Excited to Sew With! »
« How to Read a Sewing Pattern Envelope

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

My name is Bianca, I'm 34 years old, and a California girl through and through 🏖

I inspire people to sew, to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, and am an avid lover of tiki culture and Vintage Style Not Vintage Values!

Discover More Vintage Sewing

Learning how to sew can be challenging. Learn what the most common problems you'll experience are and how to overcome them.
The Top 5 Sewing Beginner Problems
Fabric Swatch Book, Free Download | Vintage on Tap
How (and Why!) to Set Up a Fabric Swatch Book!
Organizing your sewing patterns, digitally and storing correctly | @vintageontap
Organizing your Sewing Patterns, How to Video

Anatomy of an FBA, How it works and how to perform the adjustment | Vintage on Tap, Pinup and Sewing Blog
How it Works: Anatomy of a Full Bust Adjustment
How to use a French Curve, tutorial | Vintage on Tap
How to Use a French Curve, Video Tutorial!
Collection of pattern designs, available from three new independent sewing pattern companies
PDF Pattern Companies to Try in 2021

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

POPULAR POSTS

This is the Colette Rue dress made with supplies purchased at Mood Fabrics | @vintageontap

The Colette Rue Dress

Rago Shapewear Girdle, Pinup Weightloss as a Seamstress | @vintageontap

Weightloss as a Seamstress, Revisted

Organizing your sewing patterns, digitally and storing correctly | @vintageontap

Organizing your Sewing Patterns, How to Video

How to Sew a Kickpleat, Completed Kickpleat| @vintageontap

How to Sew a Kickpleat

Footer

Copyright © 2022 · LBD Pro V on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

It's important to take time off to give your brain It's important to take time off to give your brain time TO THINK and FIND INSPIRATION ✨⁠
⁠
From Old Trafford to Buckingham Palace, the V&A Museum to Bath... to Edinburgh! From a quick 5 minute visit to the Jane Austen Museum in Bath... to the ACTUAL Roman baths... and... even... Stonehenge- up close and personal 😱 (I actually cried there- it was so powerful and overwhelming.)⁠
⁠
While "wanderlust" and "omg take me back!" tend to encapsulate a lot of pop travel, I was instead left with the idea that... ⁠
⁠
WOW. It's really important to "shut off" regular life sometimes, to let your mind breathe and to allow new ideas to formulate. To reconnect with what actually makes you excited to get up in the morning. ⁠
⁠
I know this is a luxury for a lot of people-- actually, for most of us, with the grind of day-to-day life. But. When the opportunity arises, it's never a bad idea. ⁠
⁠
For me this sort of big trip is a rarity and my daily "shut off" moment is instead my coffee in the morning, with my journal and my tarot cards.⁠
⁠
What's yours? ⁠
⁠
#travelforthesoul #mentalhealth #sewinginspiration #uktravel⁠
⁠
Wait- has it already been TWO WEEKS since coming b Wait- has it already been TWO WEEKS since coming back from the UK? GET OUT 😱⁠
⁠
It was such a beautiful trip, being present for @luka1502 and @mr_mistta 's wedding! ⁠
⁠
Sharing a few photos of the Big Day that I really loved-- though more photos of the rest of the trip coming this week. ⁠
⁠
Super happy that we got to go- the ceremony was really magical 💍⁠
⁠
🥲⁠
⁠
#britishwedding #morningwear #vintageinspired #1950svintage
Not every project makes it onto the 'gram. Actuall Not every project makes it onto the 'gram. Actually, lately, it's been none of mine 😅⁠
⁠
Including this @jessssiemae beanie that I made back in November (!!) for my low-key chill wedding anniversary trip to Reno 😛⁠
⁠
Why? Just not wanting the pressure of having to dress up for a photo... sometimes it's just nice to wear what you've made without the stress of it all. ⁠
⁠
Any projects of yours flying under the radar? ⁠
⁠
I ended up pulling out this #puffypoufhat for my trip last weekend out to Vancouver and ya-- I was sooo glad I had it 🥶⁠
⁠
#millennialknitting #knitstagram #slowfashionmovement
Breaking the IG posting indecision, and posting a Breaking the IG posting indecision, and posting a smiling photo... just because 😝⁠
⁠
Actually, besides getting knocked on my butt with my booster shot these past couple days, things are going well over in my corner of the world. ⁠
⁠
Working on a few fun goals this quarter (NOT "resolutions") and they just ~feel right.~ Major shout out to @muchelleb / @lifemapcollective who shifted my perspective from BIG GOALS to... time bound, specific, actionable quarterly goals. I'd been starting to lean in that direction last year, and this year, it's been how I've been approaching my days. ⁠
⁠
🧵Most Important Goal: Developing a personal health regimen. This goes beyond "lose weight" and "work out" - but cultivating practices that energize me. It looks like... drinking lemon water first thing in the AM with my vitamins. Or getting back to my regular meditation practice. Ya, some workouts thrown in, but a more holistic approach. ⁠
⁠
🧵: Develop Creative Flow (again.) Y'all know I've struggled with this one in recent years-- between being distracted due to work, low energy (lol) or just generally self sabotaging due to excessive tech use. I can see this one being my ultimate focus for 2022, but for now, setting up those routines to celebrate and recognize what "creative flow" looks like in my life. Might be spending an hour winding yarn or cleaning my sewing tools and getting lost in the process... doesn't have to necessarily be producing an output. More options are on the table. ⁠
⁠
🧵: Learn about and practice Digital Minimalism. I posted about this on my stories last week, but tldr, reducing and being more intentional about my tech usage. No, I'm not leaving IG 😅 But what I am doing is... only checking IG via desktop and only a handful accounts at a time, no phone in the bedroom at night, my phone is *always* on DND. And don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone. But this feeds that Creative Flow piece. I need the focus of uninterrupted time to get into my craft again. ⁠
⁠
Anyway, would love to hear from you if you have some quarterly goals set up this year or if you're also embarking on similar journeys! ⁠
⁠
#lifemapcollective #digitalminimalism
On my mind lately is... the struggle of getting in On my mind lately is... the struggle of getting into the creative flow 🌊 ⁠
⁠
Low key, high key, I've been struggling with this for a while lately but I've only just come to grips with it in the last couple months 🤨⁠
⁠
Luckily (ha!) I know I'm not the only one, so I've been binging on inspirational content and feeling a lot better about it, day by day. ⁠
⁠
Few things which are helping the process:⁠
⁠
🧵 @andyjpizza 's podcast, The Creative Pep Talk.⁠
🧵 Books, in the flesh. Art books, sewing books, physical books that take me away from the screen and into the basics of what inspired a creative lifestyle.⁠
🧵 Spending time with friends and with @josecarlosvivanco , focusing on being present, rather than self blaming myself for my lack of creative output.⁠
⁠
Healing? Absolutely. ⁠
⁠
I've been mostly succeeding in trying not to think about how a majority of what's in my closet right now is RTW. That I'm _physically_ uncomfortable in my clothes most of the time due to my current weight. And that the beautiful serger I got for my birthday in September is still sitting in its box. ⁠
⁠
But no pity party here. Just gratitude that I'm at peace with all of this and working my way back into flexing my creative muscles, my physical muscles at the gym (oh how I've missed it) and looking forward to the long holiday break because my mind needs rest. ⁠
⁠
Lots of love to all of you still following me here on Instagram 🙂 I miss our regular chats! ⁠
⁠
#VoT #stitchwitch
Two years married, eight together 💍. Still send Two years married, eight together 💍. Still sending each other @nytimes links, falling down YouTube rabbit holes (current binge: scamming-the-scammer prank videos) and generally getting into random creative adventures involving a sewing machine and a Black Magic camera.⁠
⁠
Love you, @josecarlosvivanco !! My life has never been the same since I met you at the Stef’s 😉 Here’s to the next one~
Small photo dump of St. Thomas adventures 😉⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Honestly, it was a trip extremely needed after everything that's happened 🧘⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Super thankful to the friends who I got to share this with. We did it: power outages, tropical storms, iguanas and all!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#VoTtravels
TAKE ME BACK ☀️🏖️! (Seriously thinking ab TAKE ME BACK ☀️🏖️! (Seriously thinking about my next Grand Escape haha)
Flashback Friday to one of my favorite nooks from Flashback Friday to one of my favorite nooks from The Castro 😎⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Saw it on my camera roll, got nostalgic, wanted to reshare 🌈⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Only 15 more days till Pride month, too, OMGGGGG!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#memade #vintageinspired #livingcolorfully #bisexualvisibility
Seriously 😉 ⁠ ⁠ The Big 4 is great and all Seriously 😉 ⁠
⁠
The Big 4 is great and all (...and my 1k pattern collection proves this!)-- but let's try out some new patterns, new designers, and fresh perspectives.⁠
⁠
Any new pattern designers you're excited about right now? Let me know down below!⁠
⁠
Looking for new design inspiration? Go watch my latest YouTube video (linked in bio) if you're looking to expand your sewing horizon!⁠
⁠
#sewingfun #sewinglife #sewingtips #sewingwithlove #sewingprojects #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcial #sewVoT

Copyright © 2022 · Vintage on Tap · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy