Walk into any tailoring shop in Chennai and you’ll find dozens of sewing accessories scattered around—bobbins, needles, feet, oil bottles, rulers, thread stands, and more. But if you’re a tailor, student, or home creator, you may wonder: Which accessories are actually necessary, and which ones are just “nice to have”?
Many people buy accessories they never use, while ignoring the ones that truly make stitching faster and easier. This guide breaks down the must-have sewing machine accessories that every tailor truly needs—no confusion, no technical jargon.
1. Extra Needles in Different Sizes
Sewing needles don’t last forever. They bend, dull out, or break when used on tough fabrics.
A tailor must always keep:
- 11/75 for light fabrics
- 14/90 for normal stitching
- 16/100 for denim or thick materials
Using the right needle prevents skipped stitches, fabric damage, and machine strain.
2. Metal Bobbins and Bobbin Cases
A sewing machine simply cannot function without a properly balanced bobbin. Tailors often switch between thread colors, so having multiple bobbins is a must.
Why it matters:
- Keeps stitching smooth
- Prevents thread tangling
- Reduces machine vibration
Always choose metal bobbins for industrial machines and plastic bobbins for domestic models (depending on the brand).
3. Presser Feet for Everyday Stitching
Apart from the standard foot, tailors need a few additional presser feet to make work easier and faster.
Most useful feet include:
- Zipper foot – for clean zipper attaching
- Buttonhole foot – for neat buttonholes
- Picot foot – decorative edges
- Overcasting foot – prevents fabric fraying
- Blind hem foot – invisible hemming
These feet help you achieve professional finishing without much effort.
4. Thread Stand (Two-Spool or Three-Spool)
Tailors in Chennai commonly stitch uniforms, blouses, and daily wear garments. A thread stand helps by:
- Holding large cones
- Preventing thread breakage
- Ensuring smooth thread flow
- Reducing tension issues
It is a small accessory but makes a big difference in stitch quality.
5. High-Quality Fabric Scissors
Tailors should never compromise on scissors. Cheap blades cause uneven cuts and damage fabric edges.
What every tailor needs:
- 8-inch or 9-inch steel scissors
- Separate scissors for fabric and paper
- Occasional sharpening for accuracy
A good pair of scissors can last years when used properly.
6. Sewing Machine Oil
Every tailor in Chennai knows one rule:
If your machine makes noise, oil it.
Regular oiling:
- Reduces wear and tear
- Keeps the machine smooth
- Prevents overheating
- Extends machine life
Industrial machines especially need frequent oiling due to high-speed usage.
7. Measuring Tape and Scale
Tailoring is all about precision. Even a small mistake of half an inch can spoil a blouse or pant fitting.
Keep:
- Measuring tape
- L-shaped scale
- Hip curve or armhole curve
These tools ensure accurate cutting and perfect fitting.
8. Seam Ripper
Mistakes happen—even to experienced tailors. A seam ripper helps quickly undo wrong stitches without damaging the fabric.
A tailor without a seam ripper works twice as slowly.
9. LED Sewing Machine Light
Many older machines don’t have built-in lights. Attaching an LED light makes stitching easier, especially when working with dark threads or evening jobs.
Benefits:
- Clear needle visibility
- Better accuracy
- Reduced eye strain
A small accessory with a huge impact.
10. Machine Cover
Dust is the biggest enemy of sewing machines in Chennai’s weather.
Using a simple cover keeps the machine protected when not in use.
Final Thoughts
A tailor doesn’t need dozens of fancy accessories. A small set of right, essential tools can dramatically improve stitch quality, speed, and comfort.
Whether you’re running a tailoring shop, a home-based business, or a training centre in Chennai, having the correct accessories ensures smoother work and better results.
And if you ever feel confused about which accessories suit your machine model, always check with an authorized dealer like Murthy Sewing Machines — they ensure compatibility, original parts, and long-lasting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sewing machine accessories are essential for everyday tailoring work?
The most essential accessories are extra needles, bobbins, presser feet, sewing machine oil, scissors, a thread stand, and a seam ripper. These are used daily and help keep your stitching smooth and consistent.
How often should I replace sewing machine needles?
If you stitch regularly, it’s best to replace the needle after every 8–10 hours of sewing. You should also change it immediately if it bends, skips stitches, or makes unusual noise.
Do I need different presser feet for different stitching tasks?
Yes. Each presser foot serves a specific purpose. A zipper foot helps attach zippers neatly, a buttonhole foot helps create uniform buttonholes, and a picot or decorative foot improves finishing. Using the right foot makes stitching easier and looks more professional.
Is sewing machine oil necessary for modern machines?
Absolutely. Even automatic or newer models need occasional oiling (unless the brand says otherwise). Oiling reduces friction, prevents noise, and increases the lifespan of the machine—especially for industrial models used continuously.
Are cheap accessories good enough for beginners or small tailoring shops?
It’s always better to choose good-quality accessories, even if you’re a beginner. Poor-quality needles, scissors, or presser feet can damage fabric, break easily, and affect stitch quality. A few good accessories will last longer and give far better results.
