Bobbin
A small spool that holds the lower thread in a sewing machine. The bobbin thread interlocks with the upper needle thread to form a lockstitch. Bobbins must be wound evenly and inserted correctly for smooth sewing.
More in Tools
Rotary Cutter
A fabric-cutting tool with a circular rolling blade, similar to a pizza cutter. Rotary cutters make precise straight and curved cuts through multiple fabric layers and are used with a self-healing cutting mat.
Cutting Mat
A self-healing mat placed under fabric during rotary cutting to protect the work surface and extend blade life. Printed with grid lines and angle guides for accurate measuring and cutting.
Seam Ripper
A small, pointed tool used to cut and remove stitches when fixing mistakes or deconstructing seams. Every sewer's most-used tool and best friend, because mistakes are a normal part of the process.
Presser Foot
The part of a sewing machine that holds fabric flat against the feed dogs during stitching. Different presser feet are used for different tasks: a walking foot for thick layers, a zipper foot for close edges, and a Teflon foot for sticky fabrics.
Thimble
A small protective cap worn on the finger to push needles through heavy or layered fabric without injury. Essential for hand sewing through canvas, denim, and other thick materials.
Pinking Shears
Scissors with zigzag-shaped blades that cut fabric in a sawtooth pattern. The zigzag edge reduces fraying on woven fabrics by cutting across the threads at an angle rather than straight across.