Londa's Favorite Notions

Having sewing for over 42 years: as a custom dressmaker, instructor at my fabric store, retail storefront and web sales, I have put together the following recommendations for sewing notions.  Each product is an actual link to the specifics for that item here at my website.   

If you're at an Intermediate Level, pretty serious about sewing as a hobby, or just want to see 'what it takes' to have the tools you SHOULD have to sew...Items in RED are on the 'Starter' List

• Seam Ripper - I like this one for the big, easy to grip handle. 
• Water Soluble Marker - select fine or thick point
• Chakoner - chalk wheel marker that ALWAYS works - in white - I always have at least 3 around!
• Simflex Ruler - to divide areas evenly - cause I hate math!  
• Thread Heaven - lubricant for thread to keep it from knotting and breaking
• Fusible Thread - in the bobbin or lower looper - makes lower side fusible sticking it down for stitching
• Chibi Needle - large eyed darning needle for 'tucking tails'
• Applique Sharp Needles - Black/Gold from Clover sizes 9-12 - perfect size here for most hand sewing uses
• Kuroha Clippers - save time by not having to get your fingers into holes of a scissors just to clip threads
• KAI 5135 scissors - small, but still large enough for quick clipping and trimming
• KAI 5220 Shears - my favorite for cutting garments - invest in these to last a lifetime!
• Pinking Shears - from KAI -especially if you don't have a serger - or until you invest in one!
• Point Turner - my absolute favorite, simple tool to safely push out corners once you turn something right side out
• Loop Turner - inexpensive, loop on one end for holding, hook on other...handy to hook onto elastic lost in a casing in addition to turning a tube!
• Ball Point Bodkin - another classic - ball of metal on one end, large eye on the other...just use it frequently for many things...
• Japanese Bodkin Set - from Clover for threading things through casings
• Protect & Go Thimble from Clover - my favorite new thimble! Select size...
• Double Needle Threader from Clover - one end fine, other side heavier
• Tweezers from Clover - perfect for grabbing loose threads, even stray eyebrow hairs!  I keep one in my make-up drawer
• Hot Iron Cleaner - if you use any fusibles, your iron is gonna need this!
• Ewesful Pincushion - sets flat, lubricates pins and needles at the same time.  Saves time grabbing instead of in a 'tin'
• Glass Head Pins from Clover - EZ to get hold of - won't melt with iron - perfect strength, yet fine enough for silks
• Topaz Jeans Stitch Thread from YLI - THE color and weight of thread most often used on jeans
• Rotary Cutter 45 mm from Dritz for KAI - safe because blade only exposed with pressure exerted during use!
• Rotary Ruler - versatile, strong edge along which to cut with rotary cutter
• Rotary Cutting Mat - 18" x 24" - large enough to 'get by' until you graduate to 40" x 72"!
• Quilt n' Sew Ruler - 1/4" marks both ways I HAVE to have for pattern alterations!
• Steam a Seam 2 - paper backed 1/2" wide fusible web - a 'strip' of glue that bonds 2 fabrics together
• Blunt Tracing Wheel from Clover - blunt points won't cut your pattern tissue
• Chacopy Tracing Paper from Clover - for transferring darts, markings, etc with tracing wheel
• Embroidery Hoop from  Clover - covered screw saves LOTS of frustration
• Stack n' Store Bobbin Tower from Clover - I'd get 3:  one for cool colors, one for warm, and one for neutrals and your basics
• Schmetz Needle Collection - Londa's favorite needles that will cover most any type of need based on fabric and threads