My Real Weekly List
Everyone online has a list of "10 must-have embroidery essentials." The problem? You'll buy way more than 10 things once you actually start — and there's no single right way to build your toolkit! Below is the honest list of the tools I reach for every single week. Nothing fancy, just what works for me.
Cutting Tools
- Gingher curved scissors These are my go-to for applique projects. Small pairs of snips are also great to have on hand for quick cuts.
- Fabric shears - warn everyone in your house that these are NOT for paper!
- Rotary cutter and replacement blades
- Exacto knife
Why so many scissors?
I actually have 18 pairs of scissors and snips within reach of my desk right now. It's embarrassing, but essential! My recommendation is to use a heavy pair of metal shears for fabric cutting, a separate pair for stabilizer, and a third dedicated pair for cutting anything with a sticky layer on it! Mixing these will dull your scissors quickly.
Marking and Measuring Tools
- Fabric marking pens: heat soluble and water soluble
- Seam ripper — because mistakes happen
- Straight edges for cutting: square and rectangle — essential if, like me, you can't cut a straight line to save your life
- Rulers — ask me how many times I measure placement
Holding, Adhering, and Cutting-Surface Tools
- Pins, clamps, sew tites, and clips — I also use binder clips (from an office supply store) when I'm securing large quilts or bags!
- Adhesive Spray
- Self healing mat
- On the back of every piece of fabric I use - Heat and Bond Lite
Stabilizers
- Tearaway — general-purpose
- Sulky sticky — great for floating projects
- Water soluble — best for full-nap items (like towels)
- No-show cutaway polymesh sheets or polymesh roll — my go-to stabilizer for garments
Pressing Tools:
Finishing Touches:
- Ribbon for banners — ribbon holder and ribbon
- Banners! — I get asked daily where I source my banners for crests and frames! I have used dozens of these from Amazon (but you can get them at craft stores as well). Truthfully, now that I can make my own, I prefer that method!
- Lint roller — use one before photographing finished work. Trust me, whatever lint you don't see with your regular eyes, you'll see on the photos.
Favorite fabric suppliers:
Farmhouse Fabrics
Children's Corner
