Sewing Tools I’ve Used for 10 Years: What I’d Repurchase, Upgrade, and Skip

The whole 2016 to 2026 comparison is eye-opening. Ten years can change a lot.

Back in 2016, I was newly engaged, living on my own for the first time, and halfway through earning my degree in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design from Iowa State University. I had big dreams of working as a technical designer for a major fashion brand, starting a family, and enjoying city life.

Fast forward ten years and life looks very different, but in the best way.

Today, I’m running my own small business, happily married for almost eight years, navigating parenthood through the foster care system, and living in small-town Iowa. It’s not exactly what my 19-year-old self imagined… but I wouldn’t change a thing.

While my life has evolved, something surprising hasn’t changed much at all: my sewing tools.

Jumping on the 2016 trend on social media made me realize just how many of my sewing supplies I’ve been using for nearly a decade, and in some cases, even longer. Sewing can feel like a big investment upfront, but buying quality tools really can pay off long-term.

In this post, you’ll find a breakdown of:

• Tools I’d repurchase in a heartbeat
• Tools I plan to upgrade
• Tools I’d skip (even as a professional)

Tools I Swear By

My Serger

To this day, my serger is one of my favorite sewing purchases.

It makes finishing seams cleaner, sewing knits faster, and honestly cuts my sewing time in half. While a zig-zag stitch on a home sewing machine works, nothing beats the speed and finish of a serger for knit garments.

What’s even better? I’ve only replaced a few small parts over the years and haven’t spent more than $30 on maintenance since buying it. It’s also a beginner-level serger. It’s nothing fancy, which proves you don’t need the most expensive model to get professional results.

👉Shop the Brother 1034DX (affiliate link): This is a newer model than mine but still a great, affordable option.

👉Shop the Brother ST4031HD (affiliate link): This is a heavy duty model with a metal frame. It’s a bit more expensive but will handle thicker fabrics well.

High-Quality Fabric Scissors

Good scissors are non-negotiable.

I currently own three pairs, not because I needed multiples, but because I earned some through scholarships and received others as gifts. Over the years, I’ve had them sharpened a few times, and they still perform beautifully.

I genuinely don’t see myself needing to buy another pair for at least another decade. If you invest in one tool first, make it good scissors.

👉Gingher 8″ Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors (affiliate link): These are what I have, and I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better pair!

Acrylic Rulers

Acrylic rulers are one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you start using them regularly.

I use clear rectangular rulers constantly for hemming and measuring, and my 12” square rulers are absolute game changers for quilting. They’re also incredibly helpful when learning to use a rotary cutter, since they act as a cutting guide.

These tools last for years and are useful across so many types of projects.

👉Clear Sewing Graph Ruler (affiliate link): This is my go-to for pattern markings and measurements. It’s also flexible, which is an added bonus.

👉Fiskars Sewing Ruler (affiliate link): I have this one and love using it with my rotary cutter.

👉Quilting Rulers (affiliate link): These are a must-have if you’re a quilter!

Tools I’d Upgrade

My Iron

I’ve had my iron since graduating high school, which is impressive… but it’s time.

The soleplate has a dent from being dropped (more than once), and while it technically still works, upgrading would make pressing faster, easier, and more consistent. Considering how much pressing goes into garment sewing, this is one upgrade I know would immediately improve my workflow.

👉Hamilton Beach Steam Iron (affiliate link): This is the one I’ve had since 2014, so it’s a great investment.

👉Rowenta Access Steam Iron (affiliate link): This will most likely be my next sewing purchase! I’ve seen great reviews from other sewists on this one.

👉CHI Lava Infused Steam Iron (affiliate link): If money was no object, this is the iron I’d be purchasing.

My Cutting Mat

My cutting mat was a game changer when I got into quilting. It’s held up well over the years, but it’s simply too small for most apparel projects.

If I were starting fresh, I would invest in a much larger cutting mat to better accommodate garment pattern pieces and long cuts.

👉Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat (affiliate link): This has been with me since I was in high school, and I love it!

👉Larger Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat (affiliate link): This is what I’m upgrading to!

My Sewing Machine

I learned to sew on old Singer machines built into heavy tables with limited stitch options. When I needed something portable, I switched to a basic Walmart Singer under $100.

Once I got to college and started sewing constantly, that machine couldn’t keep up. It finally gave out on me late one night before a deadline, so I ran to the only store open at midnight and bought a replacement.

I’ve been using that same machine ever since. It’s not fancy. It’s not top-of-the-line. But it has helped me:

• Create hundreds of garments
• Sew professional prototypes
• Work with high-end fashion brands

You do not need the most expensive sewing machine to create high-quality clothing. Skill matters more than the price tag.

👉Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine (affiliate link): The one I have now has been discontinued (if that says anything about how old it is), but this is the newer version of what I currently have, and it’s been so reliable!

👉SINGER Heavy Duty 6800C Computerized Sewing Machine (affiliate link): I’ve had my eye on this machine for a while. When it comes time for me to upgrade, this is what I’m buying!

Tools I’d Skip (Or Think Twice About)

Expensive Thread

This one might surprise people.

Unless I need a very specific color match, I stick to all-purpose thread. I’ve never had issues with quality or durability. While specialty threads have their place, expensive thread is not a requirement for most garment sewing.

From a professional standpoint, it’s not where I’d spend extra money.

Pins (Yes, Really)

Don’t hate me, but pins are one of my least-used sewing tools.

In school, we weren’t allowed to use pins because they slow production, can damage machines, and aren’t used in factory settings. Instead, I rely heavily on pressing and fabric handling techniques.

That said, pins absolutely have their place:

• Matching stripes
• Aligning seams
• Teaching beginners

For me personally, this was a one-time purchase. I still use pins that belonged to my great grandmothers, which says a lot about how long good tools can last.

Coverstitch Machine

This one is tough to admit, because it was a big investment when I was on a college budget.

Unless you sew knits very frequently, I don’t recommend a coverstitch machine. A standard home sewing machine with a twin needle can achieve very similar results for hems.

While a coverstitch machine does speed things up, I’ve shifted away from heavy knit sewing recently and don’t find myself using it nearly as often as I once did.

It’s a luxury tool, not a necessity.

👉Brother Coverstitch Serger (affiliate link): If you sew with knits often, I would recommend this. This is the exact machine I have.

Final Thoughts: What 10 Years of Sewing Taught Me

Sewing has taught me that you don’t need the newest tools, the trendiest gadgets, or the most expensive equipment to create beautiful garments.

What you need is:

• Reliable tools
• Good habits
• Strong foundational skills

Buying quality once can truly save you money (and frustration) over time. And just like life, sewing setups evolve. What worked in 2016 might not be perfect now, and that’s okay.

Happy Sewing,

-Sarah Jo