Sewing Tools

The following are useful sewing supplies and tools:

■ Straight pins—stainless steel or brass silk or dressmaker pins with sharp tapering points that do not rust and are safe for use on all fabrics.

■ Hand sewing needles—a long, thin steel shaft with an eye at one end. Needles are available in a variety of sizes and types. It is a good idea to purchase a packet of assorted needles. The following are some kinds of needles:

Sharp needles—these needles are available in sizes 5 through 10; they are all-purpose needles and can be used on sheer, fine, light-weight to heavy-weight fabrics.

Between needles — these needles are used to sew short, fine stitches for tailoring and hand work.

Crewel needles — these needles have long oval eyes and can accommodate multiple strands of thread.

■ Thimble — a lightweight metal (brass or nickel) device with a closed top that snugly fits the middle finger of your sewing hand. It protects the finger as it...