Five Basic Tools

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of nifty sewing gadgets out there.  Obviously, your sewing kit should include scissors, a tape measure, needles and pins.  But there are a few other basics that will help save you time, money, and frustration.

1. A seam gauge.  This 6-inch strip of metal with a sliding pointer is one of the handiest notions.  It will allow you to mark even hemlines, check your seam allowance accuracy, and add seam allowances to patterns with ease.  Best of all, they're very inexpensive.
2. A thimble.  Find one that's comfortable and learn how to use it.  Most people wear a cap-style thimble on the middle finger of their dominant hand.  
3. A seam ripper.  Don't rely on a cheap seam ripper.  Spring for one with a large, comfortable handle and a fine point.  A seam ripper is the best tool for cutting buttonholes.  Put a pin across one end of an uncut buttonhole.  Insert the seam ripper at the other end of the buttonhole, cut toward the pin in one stroke.  The pin will keep you from cutting through the bound edge.
4. A fine-leaded mechanical pencil.  Trace a pattern, mark a seamline, write quick notes on a pattern piece. 
5. Very sharp pointed small scissors.  Tie a long piece of ribbon in a bright color to one of the finger-holes. You'll be able to find your scissors quickly on the messiest work table.  Use these little wonders to rip a seam, clip threads as you sew, stiletto-style to help feed gathers under the presser foot.  Never use them for anything else but fabric.