If sewing isn’t a hobby you know much about, sewing notions might sound like a cute name for a new sewing project or a fabric store. But in fact, sewing notions might also be aptly called sewing essentials, since no one working on a sewing project can get by without these items.

Sewing notions are traditionally defined as the objects sewn onto a garment, such as a zipper, though most sewing supply stores have broadened this definition to include all the small items needed to complete a sewing project. Most of the things that you’ll find in a sewing box are in fact sewing notions. Just a small overview will make it apparent how essential these little notions are to any sewing project.

Sewing Tools

The most basic of sewing items, the needle, falls under the category of sewing notions according to some fabric stores; that’s how essential this class of item is to the world of sewing. Other useful items that anyone who’s been to a tailor or has even a passing knowledge of sewing includes pins, for holding cloth in place prior to sewing, thimbles, even pincushions are considered to be sewing notions. It’s good to have plenty of these little, useful tools in your sewing kit at home.

Traditional Notions

In the most traditional sense of the term, sewing notions refer more to buttons, snaps, zippers, and other such items than to the tools used to do the actual sewing. However, that doesn’t make these items any less essential. Many pieces of clothing, barring t-shirts and turtlenecks, require something to hold them closed. Buttons, in fact, are one of the oldest sewing notions, dating back to ancient Roman times and even earlier. Another useful notion is the zipper, which makes opening and closing bags convenient. In this category includes a recent invention as well, Velcro tape, which was invented in 1941. All of these items are useful when used properly in creating garments, bags, even wallets.

Not all of these notions are useful, though most of them are. Trimming, which includes ribbons, lace, and other embellishments that help beautify garments and items, are also notions. Just a little of these, sparingly applied, will enhance a piece of clothing. Or, in the case of fringe, such as on vests and the like, they may help create a look that inspires admiration in fans of Western wear and amusement in those who don’t.

One common notion that is often seen is the little rivets near the pockets of jeans. Whether their purpose is as essential as having a needle to do your sewing with or the purpose is just to enhance the way a garment looks, you will agree that sewing notions are useful little things to have in your sewing kit. If you’re a sewing fan, now might be a great time to start collecting some of these little items so you have a variety of these essential things to help your sewing projects.