10 essential tools in a crafter's life

10 essential tools in a crafter's life

Every crafter has a box or a drawer (or even several) at home with a supply of materials for when a good idea comes that has to be acted upon immediately. Tools are the extensions of our hands without which our wild ideas cannot be made into reality.

We have listed 10 of the most important tools that can be found in the home of any serious craftsman or crafty amateur, whatever their field.

If you are taking your first steps in the world of DIY, here is a good place to start to see what crafting tools you might need.

1.1. Glue gun and glue

You might not use this tool every day, but it is one of the indispensable tools for crafting with the kids, making decorations or for quick repairs.

Just make sure you always have a supply of glue sticks!

Sparkling glue is fit for more eye-catching work.

2. Scissors and rotary cutter

Really good tailor's scissors specifically for cutting fabric are an expensive property and are usually hidden from other family members. In addition to scissors for fabric or yarn, an extra pair is needed for cutting different materials.

Papercrafters use also zigzag scissors and embroiderers use special tiny embroidery scissors. Patchwork enthusiasts know that a rotary cutter is a good tool to use.

Left-handed people need to pay attention to whether the scissors are comfortable or they need to use scissors for left-handed people.

Keep your tools sharp so they will serve you for a long time.

3. Cutting mat

Once again, an indispensable tool for patchwork enthusiasts and other craftspeople, to protect the work surfaces and give you freedom when working.

As a bonus, your tools will stay sharp too!

4. Ruler and tape measure

Accuracy, 90-degree angles and the great feeling of a sewn dress fitting perfectly.

A crafter has at home for sure a number of rulers and measuring tapes that serve different functions.

It is a good idea to use a French curve to draw curved lines.

5. Safety pins

Even if you do not work with fabrics, safety pins are indispensable. You need them when you attach a reflector to a jacket or when you tuck a jacket cord back into the hood.

You ALWAYS need safety pins and they make life a little easier.

6. Pins and pincushions

A craftsman equipped with pins is always ready.

The pins are helpful for any seamstress when it comes to fixing or marking a seam. Particularly useful for stretch fabrics.

Keep them in a pincushion.

7. Sewing chalk

Also known as just chalk or garment marking chalk... And you will need a lot of it – good thing they are sold in sets.

It is recommended to remove the trace of chalk by brushing the fabric before ironing it.

8. Pliers

Pliers always come in handy. For example, they can be used to pull a needle through thick fabric.

Do you know what side cutter pliers are used for? End-cutting pliers? Flat-nose pliers?

Mostly for wirework and making jewellery, but craftsmen in other fields might want to have a few pairs also.

9. Sewing needles

Have you ever counted how many needles you have? Lots, anyway, and you will need them all.

Don't forget your thimble!

10. Adhesive band, glue and tape.

It is worth listing glues separately. You need to use the right glue to get a good adhesion and finish.

PVA glue is a universal adhesive suitable for porous materials (wood, paper, fabric). The slow-drying glue keeps the surface covered in glue so that the details could be repositioned. Use transparent drying glue and glue tape for gluing stones, silicone glue for paper crafts. In addition, for gluing appliqué and laces and ribbons on fabric, use fabric glue that is washable.

It is important to follow the safety advice for glues and check which materials they are suitable for before buying.