15 Essential Sewing Machine Accessories and Storage (Worth Buying)

So you’ve finally purchased your dream sewing machine? Now youre looking for great sewing machine accessories and storage to use with it?

Kudos to you! 

This that is in itself a huge milestone!  But there’s something that you need to know.

When you’re just getting started with sewing, it’s hard to know which of the different tools you will need.

Plus, if you want to sew a specific types of projects — a quilt for example — you may need to purchase specialized items for this project.

Or, perhaps you’re ready to create a “crafting space” in your home to store your sewing essentials – but aren’t sure how.

Either way, adding different sewing machine accessories and storage to your arsenal will come in handy for different tasks.  

Our Favorite List of Sewing Machine Accessories and Storage 

In this article, we are going to list for you the most essential sewing accessories that you cannot sew without.

These sewing and storage accessories will help save you time, energy, and make sewing extremely fun for you.  So let’s waste no time, and dive right into it!

#1:  Sewing Thread

It’s kinda difficult to start a sewing project without thread – right? Well folks, in the sewing world, thread is one of THE most important accessories that you will need in your arsenal.

Now:

Although there are tons of places to go and buy thread from, it’s generally not a good idea to go too cheap. 

Brother Sewing Thread Kit

Instead, opt for a high quality thread that works well with the type of project you’re sewing. For example, polyester thread works best for denim projects – whereas a UV resistant thread like this one works well with leather.

Oh and before we forget, by all means please try to avoid using older thread.  It can cause damage to your machine and issues with your sewing project.

#2:  A Sewing Tape Measure

Have you ever heard the phrase – measure twice, cut once?

Well if you haven’t this basically means that you should always double check your measurements for accuracy — before cutting.

Sewing Tape Measure for Fabric

To avoid this, one of the staples that you should have in your sewing kit is a tape measure. To be honest, we actually recommend having more than one tape measure in case one gets misplaced.

If you are just starting out and don’t know how to use a tape measure, here’s a tutorial that will come in handy.

#3:  Washable Marking Tools

When sewing, these are the tools used to mark fabric when creating designs or making alterations.

Washable Fabric Chalk

These accessories come in different forms such as tailor’s chalk, dressmaker pencils, crayons and tracing wheels. When choosing a marking tool, ensure that is easy to remove or washable and leaves clear marks on fabric.

These help ensure that youre not straining your eyes to see your marks and struggling to remember measurements.

#4:  Sewing Needles

Much like thread, sewing needles are essential items to have in your sewing kit.  What most people don’t know though is that sewing needles aren’t created equal.

What we mean is this:

You can’t use any old type of sewing machine needle for your sewing projects. Its best to use a good sewing machine needle — more specifically – one that works with the brand of machine that you purchased.

Schmetz Sewing Machine Needles

As an example, if you have a singer sewing machine, then its better to use a needle that pairs with it.  The same goes for Brother and Janome sewing machines as well. 

Additionally, certain sewing projects like quilting, embroidery and denim may require special needles. So before you sew these types of garments, you should familiarize yourself with the various needle types and functionalities.

#5:  Sewing Scissors

Dressmaker Shears

#6:  Sewing Pins

Do you find it hard keeping things in place for sewing projects? If you do, sewing pins are lifesavers. These little guys make sewing projects a breeze – especially on the organization front.

Sewing Pins with the Hard Ball Tip

As far as brands go, we absolutely love these sewing pins with the ball tips on the end. They are easy to use with sewing machines and add a little excitement to sewing projects.

#7:  Seam Rippers

Made a stitch that doesn’t inch any close to what you expected? Don’t beat yourself up.

 

When it comes to sewing , sometimes things dont always work the way you envision them. But thanks to accessories like the seam ripper, cutting and removing a poorly done stitch has never been easier.

Seam Ripper Example

 

Sewers also use them for opening buttonholes and seams and cutting threads, making these tools an integral part of a sewing tray.  To make this process fasther you could opt to use an electric seam ripper like this one.

 

#8:  Thimbles

Thimbles are an essential sewing accessory, especially if you want to prevent your fingers from getting sore.  Some projects may require a little bit of hand sewing.

 

When this happens, you will be using a specific finger for hand sewing, and it may get a little bit uncomfortable with time.  

To prevent this, thimbles act as covers when you are dealing with heavy fabrics such as leather. So be sure to add one to your sewing kit.

 

#9:  Tracing Wheel

This is another key sewing tool that you’ll need to consider- especially if youre planning to sew dresses. A trace wheel is a sewing device with a wooden or plastic handle and spiked wheel at its tail end.

Trace Wheel for Sewing and Fabric

 

It uses the spikes to accurately and beautifully transfer your pre-made patterns from the tracing paper onto the fabric. 

This is defintely a tool to add to your sewing arsenal at some point.

 

#10:  Dress Makers Carbon Sheet

Are you in love with designing patterns?

 

If yes, then this will be your all-time favorite accessory. A dressmakers tracing and carbon paper is used in tandem with a tracing wheel or tracer pen.

 

You will be using it to help preserve and make alterations to patterns, and to lift your pattern pieces onto your fabric.  This awesome sewing resource comes in multiple colors and makes tracing patterns easy peasy.

 

#11:  Thread Rack

Imagine having almost fifty spools of thread tucked away on one stand, making it easier for you to access.  This friends is what a thread rack can do. This accessory acts as a suitable storage for your spools of thread.

 

Usually, sewing projects like embroidery and quilting need different types and colors of thread . So, instead of throwing all your thread together, you can use this to organize them.

 

Not only will it save you time and storage space, but a thread rack will also help create a well-organized sewing space.

 

#12:  Quilter Ruler

Are you a serious quilter?

If so, then you probably have all the quilting accessories in your sewing bag, one of them were certain is a quilting ruler.  Even if youre just getting started with quilting, this is a tool to add to your sewing kit.

This sewing tool is an amazing resource for quilting projects. It has the ability to cut your fabric into small pieces called quilt blocks and ensures that they fit perfectly.  

So, if youre planning to make quilts, you’ll definitely need this.

#13:  Sewing Machine Feet

Most sewing machines come with a standard sized presser foot that you can use right away.

 

But, in case you arent aware sewing presser feet come in all different shapes and sizes. This is because some sewing machien presser feet are used for specific types of products.

Sewing Machine Presser Feet Kit for Brother, Singer and Janome

 

For instance, if youre planning to sew quilts, then its best to use a presser foot made specifically for quilting projects – rather than a regular one.  The best thing to do is to get a multi-functional presser foot kit.  

These kits have an assortment of different presser feet that work with various sewing machine brands. Other types of sewing presser feet are blind-hem foot, buttonhole foot and the darning foot.

 

#14:  Sewing Organizer (Drawers)

Need a place to keep all your sewing machine accessories and craft items?  If so, sewing machine drawer or rack system like the one pictured below has you covered.

Sewing Organizer and Storage Caddy

 

Sewing Machine Caddys and organizers keep all your sewing accessories and tools one centralized place. All you have to do is grab your organized along with a machine and youre off to the races.

 

If you struggle with organization, we highly recommend adding this resource to your crafting space.

 

#15:  Sewing Desk or (Small Sewing Table)

Do you have a room or space in your home to allocate to your sewing machine? If so, a table like the Sew Ready craft table can be the perfect addition to your space.  It is hands down one of the best sewing machine accessories and storage tools that you can have in your arsenal.

Sew Ready Comet Sewing Table

Here’s the best part:

This table doubles as a sewing table and desk — making it very versatile. It also has storage compartments that you can add your sewing accessories too. 

All in all, this table is a great investment for any beginning or even advanced sewists that needs a space in their home dedicated to crafting. 

Wrapping up the Post

As you can see, there are a lot of sewing machine accessories and storage ideas out there that any sewist can use. With the above listed accessories, you can be able to sew with ease, fun and convenience.

 

We hope that you enjoyed reading the post and are ready to start checking out some of the items featured in this post.

In the meantime, don’t forget to head over to check out our sewing machine reviews to get information on the top sewing machine brands in the marketplace today.

 

Happy Sewing!