Overview of sewing accessories and its selection

Accessories are what makes a thing more functional, and also what can decorate it well. For any seamstress, this is an important choice, because low-quality accessories can ruin the impression of a well-sewn thing. And it's definitely worth understanding it, understanding what types it is, what materials are most relevant for its creation and which manufacturers should be trusted.

Sewing accessories is a whole list of products that are actively used in sewing and repairing clothes, shoes and accessories. It can be an auxiliary element, or it can only be decorative. Accessories, in their task, should simplify the use of things: a simple example is a zipper on a jacket.

The history of tailoring is not less than 20 thousand years old, and accessories, in one form or another, also appeared then. The fibers of plants served as threads, they helped to fasten several parts of the used matter into one whole. And buttons, by the way, also appeared almost along with clothes.

Sewing accessories are evolving, new applied materials and devices appear, which turn out to be either more fashionable than their predecessors, or more functional. Fasteners, buttons, buttons, loops and hooks are probably the most famous representatives of this category.

It has a fairly broad classification, but it should be noted that there is an important division: mass or exclusive. And this does not mean that only luxury items or, for example, Beyoncé's stage outfit can be exclusive. Exclusive accessories are what is especially fashionable now, and this is dictated by the next wave of demand for handicraft. So, forget-me-not flowers, filled with epoxy resin and faceted with a special shape, can become exclusive buttons. Or you can make the loops with your own hands from wire for, for example, a personally knitted sweater.

It is believed that all accessories are divided into 3 large groups: basic, functional and decorative. The main one is needed precisely for sewing: these are needles (both manual and machine), all kinds of spare parts for sewing machines. Functional fittings are those that simplify the operation of sewn things, that is, different fasteners, zippers, buttons, buttons, etc.

Everything is simple here - it is superimposed on the object to increase its functionality. These are buttons, hooks, fasteners, zippers, locks, buttons and sliders. This is all that helps to wear the thing so that it does not fall off, it sits comfortably, while making the whole image look complete. Many people know that often the button on the blouse is something that will be remembered more than the color and style.

In fact, it has the same purpose as the fastener, only it is characterized by a more miniature appearance. It is used to join parts of underwear and make these fusions less noticeable.

Something without which you can't sew clothes. The simplest example is needles and pins, which can be handcrafted when assembling, fitting, etc. A separate huge layer is accessories for sewing machines, and these are not only needles, but also paws, for example. This will even include scissors for cutting fabrics.

Without these devices, it is difficult to imagine the appearance of curtains, tulle, any kind of curtains. Various ribbons and ribbons, hooks, Velcro and hangers - this is what belongs to the curtain accessories. These must be extremely durable products.

These fittings are needed to decorate the product - there is no functionality in it. These are beads, rhinestones, sequins, all kinds of stickers, ribbons, beads, lace, fringe, decorative stones, chains and other "embellishments". These products can be both cheap and very expensive, depending on the materials used and the manufacturer.

The most unexpected solutions may be encountered here, but nevertheless, most of the offered products in this regard are quite predictable.

There are three types of fittings.

• Plastic. This is the most purchased type because it is cheap. And they make both zippers and buttons from plastic. Plastic can also be different, and although it is not the most environmentally friendly material, its more preferred biodegradable types are also used.
• Metallic. It is easy to guess that such accessories are the most durable. Various alloys are used to make products that will last for decades. But they are not suitable for all types of clothing, which is why plastic competes so actively with metal.
• Textile. Once upon a time, literally all the accessories were like that. But now it is a huge list of special products: from fringes and lace to braids and cords.

There are many such companies on the market, among them are global manufacturers and domestic firms.

We will find out which companies are more popular than others.

• Wingsland. This is a Turkish supplier that sells threads, buttons, elastic bands, keeper tapes, button attachments.

• Orgalika. This Russian brand produces plexiglass products. Since new collections appear every 3 months, the company has the status of a fashion house. In their work, manufacturers use organic glass, jewelry glaze, rhinestones. This is a striking design, complex, original compositional solutions.In order for everything in the sewn thing to be luxurious, they choose just such accessories.

• ExtraFurnitura. The company sells sewing accessories and threads, various handicraft products. Everything from inlays and laces to zippers, buttons and braid can be found here.

• Moslents. The brand specializes in the sale of ribbon weaving accessories, mainly for the manufacture of children's clothing and underwear. Edging trims, fishnet elastic bands, shoulder straps and much more are sold here.

But the price, as a rule, is also high. They also buy goods from Israeli, Chinese, and Balinese brands.

One of the most famous manufacturers, which is definitely heard by the craftswomen, is TierraCast. This is an American company that enjoys great prestige, including because it clearly monitors the quality of products and, for example, the lead content in fittings. The production uses an alloy that is safe for human health. Items are covered with real silver, gold or copper. Can be used for plating and rhodium, brass, zinc. Also, the company does not use anti-corrosion coating for its products, because it does not trust the effectiveness of such measures. In particular, such fittings may age unattractively, stains may appear in some places, and it will be difficult to return the color to the product as a whole.

If you delve into the details, you can also find out how environmentally friendly the production of a particular company is, what modern technologies it uses. But it does not always come to such details - usually the accessories are chosen simply by their appearance.

Here are 10 important tips.

1. It is better to pick up a zipper, button or bead if you have a sample of fabric nearby for a future item or just itself. The selection "by eye" is often mistaken - you can not guess with the shade, size, tone, etc.
2. When choosing a zipper, you should always check whether it has a stopper against opening. Still, it is more functional than a decorative item, and if the zipper does not hold the fastener, then there is little sense in it.
3. Buttons are always chosen by diameter, number of holes (usually 2 or 4), color and transparency, material of manufacture. Plastic is more in demand, but some things require, for example, metal or semi-metal buttons, wooden.
4. When choosing a buckle, the main thing is to remember: it should not weigh down the product. Therefore, plastic is also more in demand. Wooden or leather buckles are also popular.
5. To install accessories of a certain type, you will need to purchase additional equipment, this is often not taken into account when buying such products by beginners. For example, buttons are installed using presses, and you may also need hole punches, punches, nozzles for holniten, etc.
6. Metal fittings are almost a win-win option for leather and jeans, but other fabrics often require plastic or wood.
7. Accessories for children's clothing should not have sharp corners, and allergenic materials (and dyes, too) cannot be used in their production.
8. For outerwear, bulk fittings are often used, and the lighter the fabric for an outfit or other product, the more airiness is expected from fasteners, zippers, buttons, etc.
9. The functionality depends on the purpose. For example, for a child's thing it is better to take zippers rather than buttons, and for shoes - Velcro rather than laces.
10. If several types of accessories are used on a product, they should be in harmony with each other - rivets with a zipper, buttons with buckles, etc.- by range (cold / warm), proportionality and materials.