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Machine Needles
A Ball-Point Needle is a finer tip needle that doesn’t break the fibers. Rather the needle point separates the fibers which is important for maintaining strength when sewing a knit fabric.
Click here to purchase Ball Point Needles from Etsy.
A Stretch Needle is also a finer tip needle just like a ball-point needle. It is great for knit fabric or elastic because it maintains the stretch of the fabric and elastic.
Click here to purchase Stretch Needles from Amazon.
Universal Needles are great for a variety of fabrics including knit fabrics and woven fabrics. You can use these needles while you are learning to sew lingerie. Once you feel more comfortable with your machine then take a look at Ball-Point and Stretch Needles.
Click here to purchase Universal Needles from Etsy.
Twin Needles: If you are looking for the look of a coverstitch machine while using your regular home sewing machine invest in a Twin Needle.
Click here to purchase a Twin Needle from Amazon.
Overlock/Serger Needles: These needles are replacement needles for your Overlock/Serger sewing machine. After some time your needles will dull and you will need to replace your needles to avoid skipped stitches and other stitch issues.
Click here to purchase replacement Overlock Machine Needles from Etsy.
Thread
When it comes to bra making and lingerie sewing a Polyester Thread is highly recommended. Polyester Thread is stronger than cotton. Cotton is likely to break as it cannot withstand the stretch necessary for bras and other lingerie. Stretch is a vital feature in all lingerie whether that be with your fabric or notions. Thread is no exception.
Pins & Clips
Pins come in a variety of lengths and sizes. You can likely get away with using what you have but keep in mind that your bra and lingerie fabrics are delicate and the wrong needle can cause damage pretty quickly. That is why an ultra-fin pin or silk pin it recommended. You can even use clips to avoid the holes all together!
Click here to purchase Ultra-Fine Glass Head Pins on Amazon.com.
Click here to purchase Silk Pins on Etsy.
Click here to purchase Fabric Clips from Lone Pine Supply on Etsy.
Cutting Tools
One of the best things that ever happened to my lingerie sewing toolkit was adding a rotary cutter. Those tedious twists and turns were conquered at last! As a home sewist I’m sure you already have a great pair of fabric shears (if you don’t please do yourself a favor and invest in pair right now!) but bras and lingerie are a little more high maintenance when it comes to cutting tools. Here is a list of what you need to cut out and clean up your pieces flawlessly.
These are the Fabric Shears I use and I absolutely love them! They are a little pricey but they are well worth it. I’ve been using mine for years and they are still in amazing shape.
Click here to purchase Gingher Fabric Shears from Etsy!
Duckbill Applique Scissors are a must-have to trim away excess fabric after sewing elastic onto your fabric. Using this applique scissor will help separate the elastic from the fabric without out cutting the elastic. Once you fold your elastic inward you will see that you have a clean finish on your lingerie.
Click here to purchase these Tula Pink Duckbill Applique Scissors on Etsy!
Applique Trimmers are a great addition to your sewing box. I always have a pair of trimmers next to my sewing machine. These are not only beautiful to look at but they are great for cutting thread and cleaning up your project as you go.
Click here to purchase Applique Trimmers on Amazon!
Make sure to get a nice quality paper scissor. You will need to keep this separate from your fabric scissor to keep the blade as sharp as possible.
Click here to purchase a Fabric Scissor on Amazon.
Every lingerie maker needs a Rotary Cutter. You will easily be able to cut out your knit fabric in a very precise manner. This is a must-have – I use this exact cutter and I love it. One of the best purchases I have made.
Click here to purchase a Fiskars Rotary Cutter from Amazon.com! Also pick up 28 mm replacement blades because you will use this a lot!
If you invest in a rotary cutter you will need a Self-Healing Cutting Mat so you don’t damage your cutting table.
Click here to purchase this Cutting Mat from Amazon.com!
We all make mistakes! That is what seam rippers are for so don’t forget to add this to your sewing tools!
Click here to purchase a Seam Ripper from Amazon.com.
Pressing
I don’t think I need to reiterate the need for an iron and ironing board for any kind of sewing. This is a must for all sewists but when it comes to bra making the next level of pressing gear, if you will, is a tailor’s ham, bust cup seam press and the knob. These all make pressing your cups just that much easier for a crisp, professional look and feel.
Click here to purchase an Iron from Amazon.com.
Click here to purchase this Pink Peony Ironing board from Amazon.com
Click here to purchase this beautiful Handmade Wooden Tailor’s Ham from Etsy.
Pattern Drafting
The tools listed below are not only necessary for those of you who want to start drafting your own bras and lingerie but they are very handy if you are making alterations to patterns. Instead of eyeballing how much needs to be taken in or let out you can rely on these tools to get you the fit you need. Who wants to wear a bra or lingerie that doesn’t fit correctly? Isn’t that the whole point of sewing your own anyway? My favorite of all the tools in the 18” clear ruler, hands down no questions asked.
Click here to purchase Medical Pattern Paper to use a drafting paper from Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase an 18″ Clear Ruler from Amazon.com. This is a must-have sewing tool regardless of what you are sewing. I have used this for well over a decade and have found it so valuable.
If you want to draft your own lingerie or make pattern adjustments it is wise to invest in a French Curve and Hip Curve ruler. This ruler has both curves in one ruler.
Click here to purchase this Styling Design Ruler from Amazon.com.
A tape measure is a must for every sewist. It is one of the most important tools needed to measure yourself when self-drafting or measuring another person. This is not a tool to overlook.
Click here to purchase a Tape Measure from Amazon.com.
If you have a straight ruler and a hip curve you can invest in a French Curve in addition. This is a very useful drafting tool for all those curves in lingerie design.
Click here to purchase a French Curve from Amazon.com.
Tailor’s chalk is absolutely necessary to transfer pattern markings to fabric without staining. This tailor’s chalk comes off easily and does not damage your fabric.
Click here to purchase this Tailor’s Chalk from Amazon.com.
An alternative to tailor’s chalk is a Heat Erasable Fabric Pen like Frixion. Some prefer this pen because depending on the fabric it is easier to see the markings and there is no chalky residue.
Click here to purchase Frixion Fabric Pens from Etsy.
Other tools and supplies:
Here are a few more tools to make your life a little easier when bra making and sewing lingerie.
Stay tape is great for keeping slippery fabrics together!
Click here to purchase Stay Tape from this crafting supply shop on Etsy.
Seam tape can be placed over cup seams instead of lining especially for those fabrics where lining is not necessary.
Click here to buy Seam Tape from this crafting supply shop on Etsy.
Pattern weights are needed for when you are cutting out your pattern. You don’t need to buy weights that are specific to patterns. You can use anything with weight around the house like a coaster, jar, or can for instance. But these donut weights are just too cute!
Click here to purchase these Handmade Donut Pattern Weights from Etsy!
Another good tool is a Tube Turner to make straps – it turns them inside out.
Click here to purchase a Tube Turner from Amazon.com
Another great way to keep those slippery fabrics together or keep your hook and eye closures in place while sewing is Adhesive Spray.
Click here to purchase Adhesive Spray from Amazon.com.