Time-Saving Sewing Machine Accessories Everyone Should Have

Sewing is a joyfully creative and rewarding hobby, but it sometimes feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day to tackle every project on your list. The good news is that plenty of handy sewing machine accessories are out there, designed to save you time and make your sewing experience smoother.

The accessory world is vast, filled with hundreds of clever gadgets that add a touch of ease to every stitch. In this guide, we’ll highlight some time-saving sewing machine accessories that everyone should have to streamline the sewing process and keep projects on track.

Automatic Needle Threader

Gone are the days of struggling to thread that tiny eye of the needle! An automatic needle threader makes this task simple, quick, and hassle-free. Many modern sewing machines come with built-in threaders, but if yours doesn’t, a stand-alone tool can save minutes of frustration.

This small yet mighty accessory guides the thread through the needle effortlessly, so you can spend less time squinting and more time sewing. This tool is also very helpful if you have less-than-perfect eyesight or shaky hands.

Walking Foot (Even Feed Foot)

A walking foot, also known as an even feed foot, is great for sewing enthusiasts tackling challenging projects. This specialized attachment helps multiple fabric layers glide evenly under the needle, preventing annoying shifting or puckering.

A walking foot is especially handy for quilters or anyone working with tricky fabrics such as knits, vinyl, or slippery silk. By keeping your fabric layers perfectly aligned, the walking foot saves you from the frustration of constantly readjusting or dealing with uneven seams. If you’re looking to step up your sewing game, this tool is worth adding to your kit!

Bobbin Winder

A bobbin winder is a small but mighty tool. It allows you to quickly wind thread onto your bobbins so you can avoid those irritating mid-project interruptions. While many sewing machines come with built-in bobbin winders, stand-alone options exist if your machine doesn’t have one. The latter saves even more time by letting you pre-wind multiple bobbins in advance.

Thread Cutter (Built-In or Stand-Alone)

A thread cutter, whether built into your sewing machine or as a handy stand-alone tool, is an absolute hero when it comes to keeping your sewing fuss-free. Instead of constantly reaching for scissors at every seam or thread, the tool enables you to simply snip threads in one swift motion.

Many sewing machines even come with automatic thread cutters that take care of this step for you—how convenient is that? It’s a small feature that makes a big difference, especially when you’re working on larger, more complex projects.

Extension Table

An extension table adds more workspace around your sewing machine, making it especially handy for tackling larger projects like quilts, curtains, or garments. This extra surface area supports the size, weight, and bulk of big fabrics, preventing them from dragging or slipping as you sew.

By reducing the time you spend constantly repositioning or wrestling with large pieces, an extension table allows you to focus fully on your stitching and creativity. Many sewing machines come with optional extension tables, but you can always purchase one separately that suits your specific needs.

Magnetic Seam Guide

A magnetic seam guide makes achieving perfectly straight seams a breeze. This clever little tool magnetically attaches to the plate of your sewing machine, creating a reliable edge to guide your fabric while you sew.

With this device, you never have to painstakingly measure seam allowances or anxiously correct uneven stitching mid-project. Simply attach the guide at your desired seam allowance, and it holds steady to ensure precise and consistent results every time. Small, simple, and incredibly effective, a magnetic seam guide is an essential addition to any sewist’s toolkit!

Fast-Loading Bobbins

Fast-loading bobbins, also known as top-drop bobbins, are the key to sewing efficiency. You can drop these bobbins directly into the bobbin case from the top. This feature not only simplifies the setup process but also saves valuable time.

Moreover, the clear cover on most machines with this feature allows you to keep an eye on your thread supply so that you’ll never run out mid-stitch! If your sewing machine is compatible with fast-loading bobbins, making the switch can really improve your sewing experience.

Quilting Bar Guide

For quilters, this handy accessory is very valuable. You can easily attach the quilting guide to your presser foot, and it helps you create consistent, evenly spaced rows of stitches with minimal effort. It’s especially useful if you enjoy quilting but want to skip the time-consuming task of measuring and marking the quilt top manually.

Adjusting the guide for your desired spacing is simple and ensures perfect alignment every time. Whether you’re working on straight lines or more intricate patterns, the quilting bar guide ensures precision and efficiency.

Knee Lifter

A knee lifter is another game changer for sewing enthusiasts. The device lets you use your knee to control the presser foot, leaving your hands free to guide fabric, adjust materials, or manage intricate details.

Not only does the knee lifter speed up your workflow, but it also reduces strain, making your sewing experience more enjoyable. Overall, it’s a small addition with a big impact.

Spool Stand

If you use larger thread cones or have multiple spools for your project, a spool stand is a must-have. This handy accessory keeps all your spools neatly organized and within easy reach, saving you time and frustration when you’re in the middle of a project. A spool stand ensures a smooth, steady thread flow, preventing pesky tangles or unexpected thread breaks that could interrupt your work. Plus, the stand makes switching between spools a breeze, so it is an essential tool for multi-thread projects or when working with specialty threads.

With the right time-saving sewing machine accessories by your side, even the most intricate sewing projects can feel like a breeze. If you’re ready to give your sewing space a boost, Inspired to Sew has everything you need on one easy-to-navigate website to help your projects come together more smoothly than ever!

With our vast collection of sewing machine accessories, you can truly customize your sewing experience and make every project uniquely yours. From quilt accessories and embroidery hoops to Serger accessories and so much more, we have the products that will take your sewing from good to great.