tools Archives | National Sewing Circle

The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer

June 17, 2018 By Jessica Giardino & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Looking to give a project a specific shape? Want to make sure that collar stays crisp? You’re in the market for interfacing or stabilizer. These layers rest behind the fabric and are a handy tool for every sewer to master. Achieving professional sewing results can be as easy as choosing the proper interfacing or stabilizer.…

Different Types of Sewing Adhesives and When to Use Them

March 28, 2017 By Jessica Giardino & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Whether you’re plotting an appliqué project, hemming a garment, or strengthening your stitches, sewing adhesives are definitely a helpful addition. It’s surprisingly easy to use spray adhesive, basting tape, and seam sealant in your sewing projects – you’ll soon learn that these tools belong in every sewing room! Spray Adhesive What it is: Usually found…

What You Need to Know About Seam Rippers

January 4, 2017 By Stacy Grissom & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Let’s face it, diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend; a seam ripper is. I keep one in my purse, one in my closet, and a few in my sewing room. Here are some essential tips to make sure you’re using your seam ripper/best friend correctly. When you do have to rip-rip-rip, make sure to tear…

Specialty Sewing Machine Feet Options

November 7, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When you purchase a new sewing machine, there are often several common presser feet that come standard with your machine. For those looking for more options though, there are a wide variety of more uncommon sewing machine presser feet that can be purchased separately and used for other specific tasks. If you do a lot…

How to Sharpen Seam Rippers

August 24, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert, Blog.

Hi! I just have a quick question about how to keep my sewing supplies in good working order. What’s the best way to go about sharpening a seam ripper? Submitted via YouTube Hi there! A seam ripper can be sharpened with steel wool or by using a tool called a bead reamer, which looks like…

Common Sewing Machine Feet and When to Use Them

August 9, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

If you’re new to sewing, you may have just started with the standard presser foot that comes on the machine and haven’t yet changed it out. Most machines come with several different presser feet that can make some aspects of sewing much easier. The standard presser foot that comes with most all sewing machines can…

Tips for Using Sewing Scissors and Snips

May 16, 2016 By Stacy Grissom & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When I first started sewing, I bought an inexpensive, colorful set that had three pairs of plastic-handled scissors in different sizes and a bonus pair of thread snips. I hated them immediately. They just weren’t very sharp or comfortable and the thread snips just would not cut thread easily. Then, I started taking sewing classes…

Must-Haves: Measuring Tapes and Rulers

April 14, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Whether you quilt, construct garments, or sew projects for the home, at some point you’re bound to need to take some measurements. Using the right tool for the job will help ensure accurate measurements on any project. Quilting Rulers When it comes to quilting, there are many different shapes and sizes of rulers to pick…

The Ins and Outs of Bias Tape

March 10, 2016 By Jessica Giardino & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Do you find yourself staring down the rows and rows of bias tape at the craft store? Not sure what to do with all those colorful packages but nonetheless drawn to them? There’s no need to hesitate when considering bias tape as an embellishment or seam finish. It’s a great way to add a personal…

Why You Need a Rotary Cutter

February 22, 2016 By Stacy Grissom & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

At first, the idea of a rotary cutter can be intimidating but it will soon become one of your favorite tools once you learn how to use it safely. While it is an investment initially, the cost is totally worth it. It will save both time and energy (and your hand won’t hurt like it…