Tips & Techniques - The Basic Tools

In my opinion, there are 3 basic tools you need to have when you're doing any type of needle work....a good pair of small sewing scissors, a needle threader and some sort of needle case.

Below is a picture of the ones I have.  Mine are just the basic/generic ones you can get at any craft store.  I've had all of them for years & years.  In fact, I think some of my tools are probably older than my 20-year-old son, lol!

Scissors - you want to have a small pair with a fine point end that is great for snipping those threads really close to your ground (fabric, canvas, whatever).  My main pair are Fiskars.  I also have a pair of the ever popular "stork" scissors, that I keep in my stitching bag that travels with me.  A scissor fob is completely optional.  The one attached to my scissors was a gift from a fellow stitcher several years ago.  It's definitely been helpful for me on the times I've left my scissors on my lap, instead of putting them back on the table, and they have slid down into the couch/recliner.  Admit it, we've all done it.  :)

Needle Threader- it's a great tool to prevent you from licking the end of your floss so you can get it through the eye of the needle.  I use a generic DMC one that has 3 different sizes, as I do stitch many different types of projects that all have different needle sizes and different thicknesses in fibers.

Needle Case - You'll need a needle case to keep all of your needles in.  I like to have one with a magnetic strip on it so I have someplace to sit my needle while I'm grabbing my next strand of floss, etc. I personally never leave a needle in the fabric of my piece when I'm not working on it.  Having the magnet also helps eliminate the worry of a needle falling on the floor and someone stepping on it.

Now if you like to have "fancier" tools, there are all sorts of options for them.  I personally love all the products my friend Tommye over at TJB Designs has in her shop.  Follow the link above to stop by and check them out.  Oh, and she offers gift certificates too, which are always a great idea for our significant others to get for us stitchers.