Sew and Tell Australia
Learn to Sew
Sewing Tools & Resources
Check out our top tools and notions for achieving better and faster sewing results!
Take a look into our sewing kit, books and resources we use.
Having the right sewing tools in your sewing kit can make a HUGE difference.
I have spent a lot of time trying and testing many different sewing tools to see which ones really help save time, money and effort.
I only recommend tools, resources and companies I love and use myself. Before we take a look however, an important disclosure:
Where possible, Sew & Tell Australia registers for affiliates for the patterns, tools and resources we love. Several links on this page are affiliate links. Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a commission, with no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop from my sewing kit below by clicking on the category you want to shop.
OR you can click on one of the other categories to shop for books, patterns and my fabric store recommendations.
Sewing Kit Essentials
Building a solid foundation for your sewing adventures starts with a well-stocked sewing kit. Choose a category below to dive into my hand picked recommendations.
Notions & Accessories:
Measuring Tape
It’s important to have a decent measuring tape and to check it is accurate yearly. They can stretch over time, which can mean you may get wrong measurements.
Wonder Clips
I find wonder clips much easier and better use on knits particularly. Definitely a must have in my sewing room!
Glass Head Pins
I like sharp pins and don’t hesitate to throw them out if they get blunt. Blunt pins can snag fabric and leave marks.
Wash Away Quilters Tape
This is my go to when sewing any zip in, a quick way to ‘baste’ without sewing and basically an all rounder in my sewing kit! I always have a roll or two of this handy and ready to use!
Cutting Tools:
Scissors
A good pair of dressmaking scissors is a must when making garments and cutting fabric. It is also VERY important to ONLY ever cut fabric with them.
Thread Snips
I have about 3 pairs of snips lying around as they are just so handy for cutting off those little threads and tangles. I also have a flamingo shaped pair!
Cutting Mat
A cutting matt is great for protecting surfaces when cutting out patterns. Self Healing matts are the best and I usually try for an A1 or above if you can get one. Store them under the bed!
45mm Rotary Cutter
A rotary cutter is a bit of a game changer when cutting out patterns. No sticking with pins, its just pop the pieces down, anchor and whiz around. So much quicker!
Needles & Thread:
Sewing Machines:
Baby Lock Acclaim Serger/Overlocker
Hands down the BEST overlocker/serger I have ever owned. The Automatic Thread Delivery is a GAME CHANGER! I absolutely adore my Acclaim and think it is well worth the investment in your sewing.
Baby Lock Euphoria Coverstitch
A close second to my Acclaim, my Euphoria makes hemming and coverstitching a BREEZE. A truly beautiful machine.
Baby Lock Accolade Serger/Overlocker Combo
Perfect for those who might be short on space or don’t have a need for 2 machines, the Accolade Combo is a Serger/Overlocker AND a coverstitch. Super easy to change over and beautiful to sew with.
Essential Sewing Equipment:
Ceiling Mount Projector
I don’t know where I would be without my projector. I use it every time I cut a pattern. No need to print, stick, trace. I just load up my pattern and go. A staple in my sewing room.
Braun Household CareStyle 5 Steam Station
A good iron can make a big difference in your sewing projects. Being able to steam with precision and not get nasty marks on your clothes is important. I also like that it has an auto switch off feature when its been left idle for a while.
SEWING BOOKS
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, these literary companions are here to inspire, educate, and elevate your stitching journey. Check out my top recommendations to add valuable insights and creativity to your sewing library!
Pattern Company Recommendation's
Building a solid foundation for your sewing adventures starts with a well-stocked sewing kit. Dive into my handpicked recommendations to elevate your sewing experience and make the most out of your essential tools!
Australian Company with mainly babies and kids patterns. One of my most used pattern companies.
Great women’s patterns with very flattering fits. My favourite pattern in the Iris Shorts. I’ve made about 6 pairs!
Based in the US, predominately Women’s patterns. Great size range and pre done Full bust Adjusted pieces. I am a proud Love Notions Ambassdor.
US based but another of my most used pattern companies. So many great kids options, especially for knit fabrics.
Australian based specialising in patterns for the whole family. Another of my most used companies.
Ellie and Mac have a HUGE range of patterns for the whole family and are really affordable. Keep an eye out for their Weekly $2USD sales.
Gorgeous kids patterns! I also do a lot of the tutorials for Brindille & Twig, so clearly I’m a fan.
Australian based with well designed patterns. Something for the whole family and huge range of womens patterns.
US based and the sister company of Made for Mermaids. Some brilliant patterns including the awesome FREE peg leg leggings pattern. See the store to get the free sew along with this pattern.
Sister Company to Patterns for Pirates and owned by a lady called Megan, Made for Mermaids have some really sweet patterns. I like their mens underwear and the colleen cardigan.
Great range of womens and kids patterns that I’ve tried. Am a huge fan of the Billie Bomber, Skye Tee and Rey Overalls.
Based in the Australia, predominately Women’s patterns. Great size range and mix of stretch and woven patterns. Well drafted and great size range.
Fabric & Accessory Friends
Below is a list of Fabric companies I use and highly recommend. Fabric is one of my FAVOURITE things to collect and use, so these stores are high on my web browser rotation.
I also highly recommend these Hardware Companies.
The Telarie
I make it no secret that I LOVE The Telarie (formerly Clover & Co.) Awesome range of in stock fabrics as well as a HUGE range of pre orders.
Wattle Hill Fabrics
Based in Qld, Wattle Hill Fabrics have an INCREDIBLE range of European imported fabrics as well as a fantastic knit basics range.
Rubyjam was some of the first online fabrics I ever bought. They have a great range of Cotton Lycra’s as well as Bamboo Lycra and sewing tools and notions.
Sew Unique Fabrics
Based in WA, SUF have an amazing Solids range, as well as a great catalogue of prints as well as their Sew Unique Ultimate rounds. Also have a look at their Sew Unique Plus subscription.
Lush Fabrics Australia
Another WA based fabric store specialising in knit fabrics. Great range of Double Brushed Polys and Modal fabrics.
Frankie Bear Fabrics
Love Frankie Bears range of gorgeous rib knit solids as well as quality Cotton Lycra’s prints. Some beautiful printed woven’s as well.
Dizzy Daisy Fabrics
Dizzy Daisy have some of my fave floral designs that are well worth checking out.
Dreamy Bag Hardware
One of my fave bag hardware shops that have a HUGE range of zippers and zip pulls. Also my go to to get separating zipper parts. Based in Tassie.
Affiliates
I am proudly associated with the companies listed below.
Babylock Australia
I am the proud Ambassador for Babylock Australia and am a HUGE lover of their Overlockers and Coverstitches. I love their quality and wholly believe they are the best on the market.
Schmetz Needles
Schmetz is universally known as a quality needle brand for domestic and industrial machines. It is understandably a leader in the domestic market and I am proud to be partnered with them.
Thrive Cart
I use ThriveCart as my webcart as well as the host for my courses and membership. It is so easy to use and a great platform.