Gifts for Sewers, Sewists, and Sewing Enthusiasts

Hey y’all – I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving (we did). I don’t know about you, but every year on Thanksgiving, family starts asking for our gift lists for Christmas. And every year, I’m unprepared. So while I was making my wish list, I thought I’d share my suggestions for gifts for sewers. This includes what I’m asking for as well as my favorite tools, books, splurge items and even fabric I’m lusting after. So, get ready to add things to your wish list, put them in your cart, or send this whole post to anyone buying gifts for you!

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Tools and Notions

At the top of my list is this Simplex Expanding Gauge (affiliate link). How genius is this for buttonhole markings? I want it in my stocking.

I also recommend this bodkin (affiliate link), which is the thing attached to the elastic and is used to pull elastic through a casing.

Also, if you don’t have a tube turner, I don’t know what took me so long to get one. There are a few types that I review here.

For twin needle stitching, I will only use Klasse Twin Ballpoint Needles (affililate link), I keep 2 packages on hand at all times.

And since I’m a little obsessed with handmade bias tape, I love these Clover Bias Tape Makers (affililate link).

Books

Winifred Aldrich’s books Metric Pattern Cutting for Children’s Wear and Babywear, Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear, and Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear (affililate links) are the some of the easiest drafting books to read. I just need the menswear one to complete my collection.

Sometimes you just need a general sewing reference. I own an older edition of The New Complete Guide to Sewing (affililate link) – so old the binding is falling off. This new version also has home dec sewing, which I don’t think mine includes, so bonus!

Once you sew your patterns, you’ll want a great book on fitting to get them just right. Joi Mahon released Create the Perfect Fit (affiliate link) this year, and it’s a great (and different) approach to fitting. You can read my complete review of the book here.

And just for fun? Keep track of all your design ideas in a Pocket Fashion Sketchpad. This book has body forms already drawn in for you to draw on top of, and the special ink they used means that when you scan or copy your drawings, their lines disappear leaving only yours to look at.

Splurge Items

Maybe you need a new machine? If so, make sure to check out my explanation of machine types and recommendations.