Sew News Staff Picks: Favorite Sewing Products of 2020
In each issue of Sew News, our editors choose a selection of new, notable and adorable sewing products and notions from the sewiverse to share with our readers. Some issues, we might bring you to-die-for pattern weights and a cute mug. More recently, we’ve shared our favorite mask sewing templates and sewing-themed measuring spoons for all that at-home baking! Now we’re bringing you the very best of the best: our editors’ picks from the whole year of 2020.
Be sure to subscribe to Sew News in 2021 to see our staff picks in each issue!
Amanda’s Picks
We are sewists and we love pattern and color, so why settle for boring pattern weights? I love these Marble Pattern Weights by regular Sew News contributor Thanks I Made Them. Each 2” weight is laser cut/etched, hand-painted and sealed, then backed with adhesive felt. There are so many design options to choose from, including uploading your own custom design. I love supporting a small business AND bringing more excitement to my sewing space — total win/win!
I am loving that so many people are turning (back) to sewing this year. It’s a hobby I love and find endlessly satisfying, so I’m happy to share the love! For people getting started, it can be hard to know what tools you need. The Fashion Starter Kit from EverSewn has everything you need, including special tools like clips, water-soluble adhesive tape and a crease marker tool that are extra helpful.
Grab a set for yourself or recommend it to a friend who’s ready to jump into garment sewing!
Meg’s Picks
Since mask sewing looks like it’s not going away anytime soon, it’s nice to be able to bulk cut and sew them — and what makes it easier are these Face Mask Templates from Stitch Buzz.
They come in assorted sizes ranging from small to extra-large to fit everyone comfortably and safely with even a built-in filter pocket. The best part is, no pins are needed. You can simply place the template on your fabric and cut around it with a rotary cutter!
I’m such a sucker for anything with a sewing notion on it, that’s why I love these Measuring Spoons from Moda Fabrics + Supplies because they combine two of my favorite things: baking and sewing. A pinch of this, a dash of that — just like pattern drafting and sewing, baking needs exact measurements too, and it’s fun to bring a bit of sewing into the kitchen.
You may want to stock up on extras to give all your sewing and baking friends because once they lay eyes on your set, you may be missing that teaspoon measurement.
Kate’s Picks
I think we’ve all learned a little bit this year about how suddenly life can change into something almost unrecognizable. That’s why the “Life is Short, Buy the Fabric” Mug — which we featured at the beginning of the year — speaks to me even more so than it did before.
The mug holds a generous 15 ounces, is microwave and dishwasher safe, and comes in four colors. As a bonus, the design is also available on a stainless steel tumbler perfect for hot and cold drinks.
I only started using pattern weights a few years ago, and I’m never going back to pins. That’s why I positively drool over these gorgeous Nambu Ironware pattern weights. They’re made in Japan and have a traditional distinctly rough surface. They come in six colors (plus a limited edition sakura version), and I would like all of them, please.
If you liked these recommendations, be sure to subscribe to Sew News to get more next year! You can subscribe in print or digitally for a steady stream of sewing inspiration in all seasons.
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