5 Fashion Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed

Manpreet Kour
Jul 3
3 min read

It’s Not Just About Scissors and Fabric

If you’re just starting your journey in fashion designing, your first instinct might be to grab a sewing machine and a pair of scissors and jump right in. But ask any seasoned designer or tailor, and they’ll tell you: the right tools make all the difference.

There are a few tools that beginners often overlook, tools that don’t just make sewing easier, but also faster, more precise, and a lot more enjoyable.

Let’s dive into the top 5 fashion tools you didn’t know you needed, but absolutely should have in your kit.

Things needed in your fashion journey!

Tailor’s Chalk — Your Temporary Blueprint

Tailor’s chalk is one of those tools that looks simple, but saves hours of confusion and error. It allows you to mark cutting lines, seam allowances, pleats, and darts on the fabric.

You can draw directly on the fabric before cutting or stitching, and later brush or wash off the markings once you’re done.

Why You Need It:

Helps in precise cutting and sewing
Avoids measurement mistakes
Completely removable, no damage to fabric

Seam Ripper — Your Secret Fixing Weapon

We all make mistakes, even experienced designers stitch the wrong side or insert the zip upside down. That’s where the seam ripper comes in.

It’s a small, sharp tool with a pointed tip and a curved blade that lets you remove unwanted stitches without damaging your fabric.

Why You Need It:

Saves garments from being ruined
Helps with clean and easy alterations
Essential for learning and unlearning!

Measuring Tape (with cm on both sides)

Measuring tapes are a no-brainer, but beginners often pick the wrong type. A tailor’s measuring tape with centimeters on both sides ensures clarity and quick usage, especially when drafting patterns or measuring body parts.

Why You Need It:

Helps with perfect garment fitting
Used in cutting, stitching, and checking proportions
Double-sided metric scale reduces confusion

Pattern Notcher — For Perfect Alignment

Ever wonder how designers create flawless sleeves or collars that match perfectly on both sides? They use a pattern notcher, a small tool that punches notches (tiny marks) on the edges of paper patterns.

These notches act like guides for aligning two fabric pieces correctly during stitching.

Why You Need It:

Ensures perfect alignment while sewing
Saves time and confusion during garment construction
Creates clean, professional-level patterns

Loop Turner — Small Tool, Big Magic

A loop turner is a long, thin stick (often with a hook) that helps you turn fabric tubes inside out, for straps, belts, drawstrings, or button loops.

Without this, turning thin fabric tubes is time-consuming and frustrating. With it, you get a polished, neat result in seconds.

Why You Need It:

Perfect for adding professional details to garments
Essential for corsets, kurtis, or dresses with drawstrings
Saves time and gives clean finish

Get These Tools in Your Skillinabox Kit

At Skillinabox, we don’t just teach fashion, we equip you with everything you need to succeed from home.

That’s why our kits include all these tools (and more), carefully curated by industry experts. Whether you’re making your first frock or mastering corset construction, these tools will become your go-to companions.