Every sewist has their sewing essentials, those trusty tools we return to project after project. I've compiled a list of my top 10 sewing notions that are sure to make your sewing easier (and maybe even more fun!) - and none of them will set you back more than $20. These are items that I use all the time, and that have made sewing so much easier for me. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, I think you'll find at least one thing on this list that you can't live without!
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 | Steam-A-Seam Lite Steam-a-Seam 2 offers a modern update to the traditional basting and pinning process to keep fabrics in place. This pressure sensitive double sided material is a temporary hold until fused with an iron for those permanent projects -a quick and easy solution for everyday hems and stitches without the hassle of pinning or ironing. Machinable, washable and dryable Steam-A-Seam makes crafting projects all that much easier so you can get back to focusing on the creative parts. |
​Wonder Tape The Dritz Quilting Wash-a-way Double-sided Wonder Tape is a wonder worker! This double sided adhesive holds fabrics securely in place while stitching - no more slipping and sliding! It can be stitched in place without gumming up needles and completely disappears after the first wash. So say goodbye to stress and struggle of pins and thread basting, wonder tape has got your back! My favorite was to use Wonder Tape is when hemming knits. It is the perfect way to hold up a precise knit hem while sewing, yet washes out to leave nice stretch afterwards. Can't get your Wonder Tape to stay in place? I had the same struggle at first, but here’s a tip that changed that. |  |
 | ​Magnetic Seam Guide A magnetic seam guide helps keep those seams straight every time! This handy tool attaches to any metal surface - like your machine bed or cutting table - and stays firmly in place as you stitch along its edges. The guide itself is adjustable so you can customize the width of your seam allowance as needed. |
​Frixion Pens Let your creativity soar worry-free with FriXion Erasable Pens by Pilot! Perfect for sewists, these revolutionary pens let you mark darts, pleats and tucks on fabric without leaving behind any residue behind after applying head with an iron. Don't just take my word for it: thanks to their unlimited do-overs feature, you can mark away fearlessly knowing that if something isn't quite right all you have to do is iron, erase then rewind—without damaging the fabric in question. Not only this but they come in a variety of colors and point sizes so no matter what type of material or project your working on there's always going be one perfect pen waiting for use! |  |
 | Duckbill Scissors Forget fiddling with bulky seams - just grab yourself a pair of Duckbill scissors! With their unique design, they make quick work of precisely trimming and grading multiple layers of thick fabric without damaging the material below – so you can enjoy those cleanly trimmed edges without any extra effort. And if applique is your thing? There's no better choice than the mighty duckbills that have got it all covered! Okay, I know that whole point of this post was notions under $20, but if you are looking to splurge a little these are my personal favorite. |
​Twin Needle A twin needle makes it easy to create beautiful double lines of stitching – perfect for hems, topstitching, decorative edging and more. Plus they come in a variety of sizes so you can find one that perfectly suits the project at hand! I use a twin needle on every knit hem I sew - they are the prefect way to hem knits on a sewing machine without sacrificing stretch. Be aware, thought, that twin needles come in sizes and specifications like typical sewing needles (stretch, topstitch, universal, etc.) |  |
 | ​Styling Design Ruler (French Curve) If accuracy is important then this tool should be in your arsenal! The french curve ruler helps create perfectly curved seams with ease – just trace along its edge to get the shape just right! |
​Elastic/Drawstring Threader A drawstring threader makes threading elastic through casings a breeze – no more struggling with tiny needles or sharp pins! Just attach one end of elastic onto the puller head and use it to easily feed through even tight casings without breaking a sweat (or strings!). |  |
 | ​Needle Holder One thing I always struggle with is keeping my needles organized – until I discovered needle holders! These little gadgets allow me to store all my needles safely in one place so I can easily find what I need when I need it most. And they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so there’s sure to be one that works best for you. |
​Thread Conditioner Thread Magic helps keep threads from tangling or knotting up during use – a must have if working with delicate materials like silk or satin where knots are especially difficult to remove! Simply run your thread through this conditioning wax before using it on your project and voila – problem solved! |  |
Now that I've gone over my top 10 must-have sewing notions I hope I've given you some ideas on how to make your life easier when tackling sewing projects - all without breaking the bank! With these items by your side, I guarantee any task will seem much simpler than before. Do you have any favorite notions I didn't share? If so, please share yours in the comments section below! Happy sewing!