30 Household Items That Can Be Used as Sewing Tools – Beginner Sewing Projects

A bar of soap can be used to mark patterns on fabrics. White is particularly useful on dark fabrics, and it easily washes out.

Place a small pony tail holder around bobbins to keep the thread from unwinding when not in use. They come in a rainbow of colors to match your rainbow of thread.

Hemostats have a few uses for sewing. Use them to unclog thread from your sewing machine. If you have a thick fabric that needs hand sewing, use hemostat forceps to pull the needle through. They can also be used as a stiletto to push out corners and small pieces.

Use glue sticks to stick a seam in place instead of pins or clips. They are particularly helpful when doing applique as well. Glue down the piece, then stitch.

This hammer isn't listed to take out frustration when your sewing machine doesn't do what you would like it to. A hammer is great for flattening bulky seams, especially when working with denim.

Chopsticks work as a stiletto to gently turn fabrics and push corners into a point. You can also use them to feed small pieces through your sewing machine.

If you are a quilter, get yourself some gardening gloves with rubber palms. Wear them when free motion quilting to guide the fabric layers around your needle. The rubber gloves remove some tension from your wrists while protecting fabric from oil and sweat on your hands.

Magnetic bowls aren't just for mechanics. These handy items can collect straight pins, needles, and washers meant to be used as pattern weights (see below).

Place large washers on top of patterns to hold them down while marking or cutting. You can dress them up with fabric strips, washi tape, or paint too.

A drywall square is perfect for squaring up fabric before you cut it, squaring quilt blocks, and squaring entire quilt tops. The adjustable feature makes it handy for projects of all sizes.

Grab a nail file to remove threads and pilling from fabric. They don't risk cutting a hole like scissors do.

You will soon find yourself reaching for painters tape again and again. It is handy to mark seams to make them straight. Write notes on bits of tape to track pattern pieces and stick them to the fabric. Painters tape can also be used to mark lines for quilting.

Pipe cleaners, also known as chenille stems, are awesome for cleaning your sewing machine. Bend one end and reach it into he bobbin area to pull out lint and dirt. Works like a charm!

Hang a flannel backed table cloth to make an affordable design wall. Small pieces of fabric will stick to the flannel. Use pins for large pieces, then step back to see your work before sewing it all together. It is especially handy for piecing quilts.

Ready to sandwich your quilt layers? Grab some chip clips to hold them together. They work well for hand quilting or securing to a frame.

How on earth can eyebrow razors be used for sewing? Seam rippers! They are sharper than any seam ripper you can buy making the job super fast and easy.

Here's a clever idea: Use Press 'n Seal to cover cracks in your table or work surface. No more losing pins or small pieces!

Binder clips come in varying sizes. Use small clips to hold patterns down, or use them in place of straight pins. The larger clips are great for keeping all the pieces together for a single project to sew later.

Grab a Magic Eraser instead of a pin cushion. Every time a pin is inserted, it is cleaned and ready for the next project. This trick is especially nice for removing residue from manufacturing. Make sure it doesn't transfer to your expensive or delicate fabric!

If you have carpet in your sewing area, buy a clean toilet brush just for that area. Swipe it over the floor to grab threads. It will save your vacuum cleaner and sanity.

Fasten a shower handle to wide rulers with suction cups for safety. Hold onto the handle while cutting with a rotary cutter to keep your fingers out of harm's way.

Snap hair clips can be used instead of straight pins or wonder clips. Use them to hold seams in place before sewing. They won't leave holes in delicate fabrics like straight pins sometimes do.

Place a rectangle of rubber shelf liner under your sewing machine pedal. It prevents slipping, especially on smooth flooring.

Keep a file sorter in your sewing space to organize rulers. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can be neatly inserted in the organizer. Then the rulers are easy to find and grab when you need one.

Use a tote bag meant for gardening to hold sewing tools. Scissors, a seam ripper, thread snips, rotary cutter, etc. all fit in the pockets. Grab the bag to move it from your cutting space to sewing space, so your tools are always within reach. This is a great idea for attending sewing retreats as well.

Remove the back of a pad of sticky notes, and place it on your sewing machine's plate as a seam guide. You will sew a straight line exactly where it should be every time.

Smooth thread by running it across the top of beeswax lip balm before attempting to thread it through a needle. This trick will get the thread through the eye on the first try.

Grab some fishing line to take a break from sewing. Just kidding! Zig zag stitch over the fishing line, then pull the line to form a gather in your fabric.

Eyeglass cases are perfect for safely storing rotary cutters. Don't toss them in a drawer and risk getting cut. They're sharp!