10 Must-Have Sewing Machine Accessories and What They Do

There's more to a great sewing experience than just a sewing machine. While the model of sewing machine you have is the most critical element of any crafting space, the right accessories can greatly improve your experience. In fact, you can improve your space with these elements to such a degree that you may be able to stave off your next  sewing machine upgrade until you can afford your dream machine.

In this article, you'll learn about 10 of the most essential sewing machine accessories. Each of these accessories adds greater functionality, organization or ease to your sewing space. Once you've upgraded your setup with these accessories, we're confident that you won't want to go a day without them!

Before we dig into our favorite accessories, let's take a look at why having the right sewing machine accessories is so important.

Why the Right Accessories are So Important

Much like you need to have the right machine for the type of project you want to do, you need the right accessories to fully unlock the capabilities of a great machine. Beyond maximizing machine capabilities, the right accessories cut down on the amount of work you have to perform manually.

Some accessories even help you stay more organized while you work on a project. These items help reduce stress and ensure that everything stays in its proper place. This is particularly useful when projects call for you to switch between different types of thread or use multiple presser feet throughout the project.

While you can technically sew without many of the accessories we are about to explore, you'll find that sewing becomes a much more pleasurable experience with the right tools on hand. So without further ado, here are 10 must-have accessories and an explanation of what makes them essential.

• Seam Measuring Gauge
  
• Sewing Machine Cover
• Bobbin Organizers
• Pin Cushions
• Multiple Presser Feet
• Foot Controls
• Extension Tables
• Machine Totes
• Dress Forms
• Thread Storage

Seam Measuring Gauge

A seam measuring gauge is a short ruler, often made of metal, which has a sliding pointer and both imperial and metric measurement markings. Some measuring gauges are shaped like a square with four legs of varying length and width shooting off of it. Both types of gauges serve the same function, though the square gauge is slightly more compact and portable.

This accessory is used to make precise measurements that sewers then use for creating or altering hems. It is also used to mark out other clothing elements such as buttonhole length and pleat intervals. This tool is essential for anyone who plans to use their sewing machine to make or alter items of clothing, as it ensures accurate and consistent measurements for seams and hems.

Sewing Machine Cover

Even the busiest of sewers aren't always using their machine. When your machine is resting in its place, you should always keep it covered with a sewing machine cover.

A cover does more than just keep your machine clean when not in use. By preventing dust from accumulating on the machine, a cover actually helps prevent breakdowns and other issues. Because there are so many small parts in a sewing machine that are adversely affected by dust buildup, a sewing machine cover is one of the first accessories you should purchase.

Bobbin Organizer

Bobbin organizers are typically boxes that have several square slots in which you can place your bobbins. These useful organizers are often inexpensive, but they significantly reduce the clutter of your work space. Many sewers choose to preload several bobbins with different thread colors and types before they place them in the box. With your preloaded bobbins organized in the box, you can locate and swap out different threads with ease.

Pin Cushions

Pin cushions are exactly what they sound like. These firm cushions are sometimes filled with a stuffing but are most often made of foam and covered with a canvas or satin-like material. While they may seem like a trivial accessory, they're a sewing essential necessary for keeping track of the dozens of needles you'll be using for a project.

Most importantly, a pin cushion dramatically reduces the risk of painful needle stabs. If you leave your needles scattered around your work space, you run the risk of poking yourself while working or creating a hazard with sharp pins and needles falling to the floor. A pin cushion should always be one of the first things you purchase after acquiring a sewing machine.

Multiple Presser Feet

Presser feet attach to the sewing machine just above the needle plate and are used to make different stitch designs. No matter what sewing pursuit you specialize in, you'll need multiple different presser feet. This is especially important as stitches perform different functions beyond just appearance.

The only thing you have to be careful of when purchasing presser feet is that you buy feet that are designed to work with your machine. Thankfully, most machines come with at least a few different feet to ensure that you can start sewing right out of the box.

Foot Controls

Sewing machines have a habit of keeping your hands occupied. A foot control attachment helps you more easily manage speed so that you can keep your hands where they're most needed, on your project.

A majority of sewing machines come with foot controls already in the box. Even still, it's never a bad idea to add foot controls to a machine that lacks them or to have a backup in case your foot pedal stops operating.

Extension Tables

An extension table adds more work space onto a machine to enable you to accomplish larger projects with ease. Even if you don't often work on large projects, having an extension table at your disposal gives you greater freedom to shake up your usual routine and try something different. Plus, having more workspace improves the experience of sewing for just about every project.

Machine Totes

If you're a frequent traveler and an avid sewer, then a machine tote is an absolute must. Machine totes are either handheld bags or small rolling suitcases that are specially designed to carry sewing machines. It's the perfect thing to help keep your sewing machine safe and available for projects on the go.

Dress Forms

A dress form is essential for anyone who is serious about making clothes. The mannequins are used for fabric draping and pinning to see how clothes would look when worn by a person. Without a dress form, it's difficult to get a clear picture of how clothes you create will fit and look when worn around.

Thread Storage

Much like keeping bobbins organized, keeping your thread well stored and organized helps make sewing easier and more enjoyable. Most thread storage options are similar to bobbin organizer boxes, though you can also get a spool rack to organize your threads.

Find Essential Accessories and More at Premier Stitching

Now that you know about the many accessories that you can use to improve your sewing situation, all you have to do is purchase the ones you need. Premier Stitching carries all of these accessories and more for a price you're sure to love. Head to our accessories page to find all of these items and more!