Sewing Tools & Accessories
Seam Ripper
A pointed tool with a curved metal cutting blade and a protective cap used for cutting and removing unwanted stitches. Use it to open seams, slash buttonholes and pick out threads.
Tip: to prevent cutting through end of a buttonhole, insert straight pin though inside edge of bar tack.
Slip-Stop Thimble
A favourite of sewers and quilters for many years. The safety ridge on top of the thimble keeps the need from slipping. This thimble comes in three sizes; 17mm, 18mm and 19mm. Look for the special diecut hole in the card to help customers select the correct size.
Point Turner and Button Gauge
A combination tool. Use one end to push out points on collars, lapels, cuffs, pockets and belts. The other end is a button gauge that slips under the button as you sew to form a shank. A thread shank allows the button to move easily in and out of the buttonhole and raises the button – allowing space for the layers of fabric to fit smoothly. Use the smaller gauge for lightweight fabrics and the large one of heavier fabrics.
Marking Tools
Depending on the fabric, project or personal preference, we have the marking tool for you.
Tracing Wheel
Used with transfer paper to transfer pattern markings to fabric. The serrated edge wheel makes a dotted line and will mark fabrics from light to heavy weight all the way through to firmly woven fabric.
Tape Measure
Most of our tape measures are made from fibreglass to prevent stretching and fraying but will keep their flexibility enough to curve for taking bodily measurements. Tape Measures come in a range of colours, lengths in either metric (cm) or impurial (inch) or both.
Button Hole Space
Metal ruler with an attached right angle ruler used to determine the size and spacing of buttonholes. Both rulers are marked in metric and imperial.
Machine Accessories
Machine Needles
Birch offers an assortment of machine needles. Machine needles vary according to the type of point and size or thickness of needle. Needles are selected for the type and weight of the fabric being sewn. The type of thread being used also needs to be considered.
Pressing Equipment
Rajah Cloth
Protects fabric while pressing. Prevents shine on the right side of fabric and must be used when fusing interfacing. Suited to most fabric types. Ideal for pressing pleats.
Tailors Ham
A firmly filled ‘ham’ shaped cushion used to press and mould darts, sleeve caps and curved seams. Contoured shape helps to mould and shape fabric when pressing.
Seam Roll
A firmly packed, cylindrical shaped cushion used to press sleeves, pants, long seams and hard to reach areas. The roll prevents seam imprints from forming on the right side of the fabric and creases in tubular areas.
Pressing Mit
This thick padded pressing mitt protects the hand from heat, even when using a high heat setting, allowing for spot pressing and moulding curves in difficult to reach areas.
Dressmaking Shears
Ideal for cutting out patterns and home decorating products. These ####### shears have a bent handle that allows the pattern and fabric to lie flat on the cutting surface for greater accuracy. We recommend ### as a quality scissor.
Loop Turner
This handy tool turns fabric tubes right side out. Ideal when making narrow shoulder straps, button loops, frog closures and Chinese ball buttons. The wire turner slides through the bias tubing, and the latch hook is used to catch the end of the fabric and pull it through the tube.
Transfer Paper
This paper is ‘wax free’ and not affected by the heat of an iron. Marks can be made on the right or wrong side of fabrics. Use to transfer pattern markings and needlecraft designs. Marks can be removed with a fabric eraser, brush, damp cloth or by washing. A test piece of fabric should be used to ensure marks can be removed.
Fabric Marking Pencil
These pens are formulated with special ink. The water soluble marking pen makes ink marks that can be removed with plain water. The disappearing ink pen makes marks that disappear within 2-14 hours or they can be removed with a damp cloth. Marks must be removed prior to laundering and ironing – particularly steam irons as some detergents may ‘set’ marks. Use on washable fabrics only.
Chalk Wheel
An easy way to mark extra fine chalk lines. Marks can be brushed or rubbed off.
Marking Pencils
For marking construction details such as darts, pleats and buttonholes. Ideal to mark trim placement and fitting alterations. Marks can be removed with the brush on the end of the pencil. A test piece should be used to make sure marks rub off.
Invisible Zip Footer
Fits most domestic sewing machines (some machines require a conversion shank). This foot enables you to insert an invisible zipper perfectly. The roller foot uncurls the zipper coil as you sew. Only on of the four blue parts is required and is determined by the machine type.
Machine Needle Inserter with Lint Brush
Place a machine needle into the small hole on the handle, this allows you to insert the needle easily into a sewing machine or overlocker. The lint brush is handy to keep your sewing machine clean and free of lint build up.
Magnetic Seam Guide
Attaches to metal throat plate on sewing machine to ensure uniform seam width. Adjusts to any width, removes easily. Do not use on computerised machines.
