I see a lot of top 5 this and top 5 that on other blogs and thought it might be a fun theme to try on our blog.


I am totally not a gadget person and don’t fall for a lot of the crazy notions out there one can purchase for sewing. There are sooooo many and if we tried them all we’d go broke. And more than half the time, there’s no need for the gadget because the job can be done just as well with something common place you already have. (I have never crocheted in my life, but you can find a huge assortment of crochet hooks in my studio because they make the best pokers when turning something skinny right side out!)

That said – there is still a nice collection of things we use regularly while making our many sewing projects and teaching others to stitch. Some would be just plain hard to live without. 


So here they are in no particular order: 

Number 5: 
Pellon Wonder Under 
Paper-backed fusible web that turns any fabric into a fusible fabric. Fuses fabric to fabric or to a porous surface such as wood or cardboard. This is the stuff you use when you have to applique fabric to anything! It can be tricky to use for beginners so here are some instructions I found from Ask the Crafter. 

1. PRESS & CUT
* Place rough side of Wonder-Under against wrong side of fabric. Press for 5-8 seconds with hot, dry iron. Let cool, draw desired shape onto paper backing, then cut
* Alternative method: Trace shape onto paper backing, cut to size, then press, rough side down, onto fabric. (Note: To avoid backward letters and numbers, draw on rough side of Wonder-Under with ballpoint pen. For dark fabrics, redraw shape on paper side.)
2. Step 2: PEEL & FUSE
* Gently peel off paper backing. Position fusible fabric, web side down, on the project. Cover with DAMP press cloth.
* With iron at wool setting, press FIRMLY for 10-15 seconds. (Heavier fabrics = more time.) Repeat, lifting and overlapping iron until all fabric is fused.
* Remove press cloth and iron fabric to eliminate excess moisture.
* Tip: Use your damp press cloth as a temperature and timing guide. After 10 seconds, press cloth should be dry. If not, raise iron temperature or hold iron in place a few seconds longer.
* Tips: With “fat/thin” or “heavy/light” fabric combinations, fuse from thinner or lighter side. If necessary, “baste” first by ironing on the right side.

Number 4: 
Omni Grid 6.5 x 24″ Ruler

Omnigrid Rulers are the number one selling quilting ruler in the world. They are preferred by professional quilters & teachers all over the world. They are guaranteed to last longer than other rulers. They are the only ruler to maintain +/- .002 inch accuracy. Omnigrid’s patented and trademarked (black and yellow) double sight line make for easy reading and measuring on light and dark fabrics. Markings make right or left handed use easy. Omnigrid Rulers have grid markings throughout. These rulers are made of heavy-duty, premium quality acrylic and laser cut for a smooth edge. Designed and manufactured in the USA. Love them! 

Thread Heaven – Protectant and Conditioner