The Essential Tools For Tailoring, A Beginners Guide

Whether you’re embarking on your first tailoring journey or looking to refine your skills, having the right tools is key to success. Tailoring is an art that requires precision, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. To help you get started, here’s a guide to the essential tools every aspiring tailor needs in their toolkit.

Tailor's Shears

Your scissors are one of your most important tools, and not just any pair will do. Tailor’s shears are designed specifically for cutting fabric cleanly and accurately. Unlike regular scissors, tailor’s shears typically have one blade that’s heavier to help slice through thick fabric layers effortlessly. Investing in high-quality shears will ensure clean cuts and improve the overall quality of your work. Be sure to sharpen them regularly and avoid using them on paper or non-fabric materials to maintain their sharpness.

 

You cannot go wrong with the Earnest Wright heritage tailoring shear.  They are worth the investment but require some patience in receiving.  If your working on a budget, try a pair of Japanese Kai’s.  They will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Measuring Tape

Precision in measurements is the foundation of bespoke tailoring. A flexible measuring tape is indispensable for accurately measuring your clients or yourself.  Look for a tailors tape, which has a 3 inch brass end, is soft yet sturdy, and marked with both metric and imperial units for versatility. It’s crucial to measure everything from chest and waist to inseam and sleeve length, so having a reliable tape is essential for ensuring the perfect fit.

Tailor’s Chalk

Tailor’s chalk serves to assist in marking cloth without damaging it.  Whether you’re chalking your pattern, indicating seam allowances, darts, or pocket placements, tailor’s chalk allows you to make temporary markings that can be brushed off once the garment is complete. This helps maintain the integrity and cleanliness of the fabric.  

My personal favorite is Jinbutsu Chalk.  It maintains its shape, draws sharp thin lines when needed, and is easy removed.  You can find it at The Lining Company

Tailor's Thimble

While it may seem like an old-fashioned tool, the thimble is still a tailor’s best friend, especially during hand-sewing. A thimble protects your finger from the needle while giving you more control when pushing it through layers of fabric. For heavy-duty fabrics or intricate stitching, a thimble is a must-have to avoid strain and injury.  Look for a tailor’s thimble which has an open top.

Needle and Thread

Of course, no tailoring toolkit is complete without needles and thread. Depending on the fabric you’re working with, you’ll need a range of needles in different sizes. Finer needles work best for lightweight fabrics like silk, while thicker needles are necessary for denser fabrics like wool.

 

As for thread, polyester is durable and versatile, while cotton thread is ideal for natural fibers. Be sure to have a variety of colors on hand to match your fabrics. Quality thread ensures that your stitching is strong and long-lasting, while poor-quality thread can fray and break over time.

 

You cannot go wrong with John James needles called “Sharps” for basting and most hand sewing.  Available at The Lining Company

Seam Ripper (pick Stitch)

Even the most skilled tailor makes mistakes. A seam ripper allows you to easily undo stitches without damaging the fabric. This small but powerful tool is essential for removing unwanted seams, correcting errors, or adjusting fit during the fitting process. Look for one with a comfortable handle, as you’ll likely be using it often in the learning stages.

Tailor's Iron and Pressing tools

Believe it or not, tailors spend almost as much time pressing as they do tailoring.  So pressing your garment at various stages is crucial to  achieving a professional finish.  A high-quality tailor’s iron and pressing tools like a tailor’s ham (which we call a baby), and various tailor boards, will help ensure a beautifully pressed garment. 

 

At the academy we use the Silver Star AS 85AF available at Amazon.

Pattern Paper and Tools

Pattern-making is a core skill in tailoring, and having pattern paper as well as a variety of rulers, an awl, pattern puncher, and needle point tracer on hand will help you in creating custom designs. Pattern paper allows you to sketch, cut, and adjust your designs before cutting into your fabric, saving both time and material. The variety of rulers will assist you in ensuring your patterns are accurate and squared properly.   

 

At the academy we use a 36″ 75 lbs. pattern paper available through Uline.

Conclusion

Starting your tailoring journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By investing in high-quality tools from reliable sources, you’ll set yourself up for success. Whether you shop online or visit local craft stores, these essentials will help you craft beautiful garments that fit perfectly.

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