The unsung heroes of dressmaker’s table

 If you came into my workroom, you might wonder about the presence of somewhat dangerous items seemingly unrelated to my trade and holding no decorative value. Those items are my tools as much as needles and scissors are. Let me tell you about some of them.

Clear nail polish. It can stop a run in the pantyhose, and if you want to save a grosgrain or satin ribbon’s edge from unraveling, apply the polish in careful brush dabs at the cut edges, just as you would Fray Check (TM) by Dritz, which is also found on my table. Caution: both are toxic.

Matches. Not only can they light a candle that could scorch-finish ribbon edges (do not try in combination with the nail polish!), a single unlit match can help producing a perfect button shank every time! Caution: flammable. 

An awl. From preparing holes for a hand stitch on stiff leather, to marking a paper pattern piece, to starting a cut for a butthole, this handy tool is irreplaceable, so I have 2! Caution: sharp.

Rubbing alcohol and/or hand sanitizer. It can clean gunk from scissors or needles, disinfect a work surface, remove many types of stains (ink, glue, machine oil — make sure you check the fabric first for the colorfast effect). Caution: toxic.

Cotton swabs. Often used for spot removing with the rubbing alcohol. I also clean small crevices of my sewing machine with them as well as the scissor blades. 

Dry remains of a used soap bar. A sliver of soap is much better than dressmaker’s chalk in marking any dark fabric for cutting, sewing or altering. It brushes off easily when the project is done and if a line is remaining, it can be erased with water (check fabric for water spotting before you try). Another use for this upcycled toiletry is to tame a stubborn zipper: rub the dry soap along the teeth of an unbroken zipper, then run the pull up and down a few times to insure it goes smoothly. 

A new toothbrush. To brush off those dry soap marks, to brisk up the nap at seams on any fur (natural or artificial), velvet or corduroy, to get the tiny stubborn fibers clogging the fabric-cutting scissors or accumulating on every horizontal surface. 

Glue stick and school glue. Surprisingly durable hold of these two makes them indispensable in leatherwork, accessory-making and repairs. As long as the finished product will not be washed in water.

Cardboard rectangles. When my sewing machine spool has not quite enough thread for a project, or I just need a different color or thickness of the tread, I wrap the leftover thread from it around a small rectangle of cardboard that comes from store-bought bias tape or trims. The saved thread is used later for sewing on buttons (snaps, hooks), mending or basting.