Question 1

What exactly counts as a sewing notion?

Accepted Answer

Notions are the small functional supplies used to construct and finish a project, as opposed to the main fabric or decorative trims. This category covers bias tape, elastic, boning, fusible bonding tape, bobbins and spools, fabric clips, pins and needles, embroidery floss, pom pom makers, plus purse and shoe hardware. They are the in-between pieces - usually $3-$20 each - that a pattern lists once you have chosen your fabric.

Question 2

What width of elastic should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Match elastic width to the job: 1/4" for sleeve cuffs, necklines, and baby clothes; 3/8" to 1/2" for light waistbands and lingerie; and 3/4" to 2" for skirt and pajama waistbands or fold-over casings. Knit and braided elastic suit casings, while woven (non-roll) elastic resists curling when sewn directly to fabric. Most listings sell it by the yard or in 3-10 yard packs for $4-$15.

Question 3

How do I choose pins and needles for my fabric?

Accepted Answer

Use sharps or universal points on woven cotton and linen, ballpoint or stretch needles on knits and jersey to avoid skipped stitches, and leather or denim needles on heavy material. For pins, fine glass-head pins (0.5mm) mark wovens least, while quilting pins handle bulk. Hand needles range from size 5-10 sharps to long darners; pick by thread weight. Packs of pins or needles typically run $3-$12.

Question 4

What is boning and when do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Boning is a flexible strip sewn into seams or channels to add structure and hold a shape - essential for corsets, bustiers, structured bodices, bridal gowns, and stand-up bag panels. Spiral steel flexes in all directions for curved bodies, flat steel resists bending for straight front panels, and lightweight rigilene (polyester) suits costumes and gentle support. Expect $1-$3 per yard for rigilene and $2-$6 per pre-cut steel bone with tipped ends.

Question 5

Are pre-wound bobbins compatible with my machine?

Accepted Answer

Check the bobbin class before buying. Class 15 (A) bobbins fit most modern domestic machines like Brother and Janome, class L is common on industrial and some Singer models, and class M is for long-arm quilting machines. Listings should state the class and thread type. Pre-wound bobbins save time on production sewing and come in cardboard-side or all-thread styles; a pack of 20-50 usually costs $6-$18.

Question 6

How fast do independent makers ship notions, and what do they cost?

Accepted Answer

Most in-stock notions ship in 3-7 business days and cost $3-$20 - bias tape and elastic by the yard at the low end, fabric clip sets and hardware kits toward the top. Hand-dyed floss, custom-printed bias binding, and purse hardware bundles can take 1-3 weeks. Buying multipacks lowers per-unit cost for repeat projects or production sewing, and many shops bundle coordinating colors.

Sewing Notions: Bias Tape, Elastic, Pins & More

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