Scissors - I recommend Fiskars dressmakers scissors and small scissors for precision cutting.

Along with pinking sheers, which are not essential but so handy to have.

 Thimbles - I really think you should try a thimble if you don’t use one.

You may have to find the right one for you.

I use a tailors thimble which stays on my finger better than a dressmakers thimble.

Lots of my students use a leather one and even an adhesive one has been favoured.

Here are some choices to peruse.

 Tailors wax - Tailors wax is used to condition your thread for longevity, it won’t stop your thread from knotting.

But it certainly helps to get the knots out!

You can get it in beeswax or similar called Thread Magic.

 Tailor/ Dressmaker chalk - I have used both wax and regular chalk for marking out my kilts.

I would recommend the regular in white which you keep as sharp as possible.

There are sharpener’s available or use a craft blade/knife to do this job.

Please only use white chalk as the coloured chalk will leave a mark.

 Pins - I would highly recommend purchasing strong pins, normal pins will bend whilst trying to go through the canvas.

 Marking Pegs - I discovered these little quilting pegs and I simply love them for marking out a kilt.

I used to use house hold pegs, which do the same job, but are a little bulky to work with.

 Tape Measure - A normal tape measure is perfectly fine, but you can also purchase a longer one for the gentlemen with a paunch.

 Ruler - An 18” plastic ruler for marking your kilt is definitely a good buy.

For marking a plain cloth fabric a right angled ruler is essential, also very useful for marking out your lining.

 Pliers - A small set of pliers is so handy to have, especially for sewing on your leather straps.

This will save you hurting your fingers down the line.

 Daylight Light with magnifier - Having a good light to work under is definitely required.

Having the added magnifier is definitely a handy extra function.

 Snag needle - This little needle is a must for everyone!

If you pull a thread in your cloth , this little beauty will pull it to the other side.

But also so handy for snags in clothing also.

 Awl - You may want to purchase an awl for making holes in your leather straps.

Either the leather work prongs or an individual awl.

 Bone Awl/ Fid / Needle / Stiletto - These little tools are amazing for unpicking thread.

I do not have a supplier for these as it is a historical hand crafted item.

You can find them on Etsy or some reenactment craft makers.

They come in all different sizes , so around 3”- 4” is a comfortable size to work with.

The beauty about the bone is you can actually file done the point if it is either too sharp or too blunt.

You may have something similar around the house that you could also use.

 Iron - I have used a domestic Bosch iron for ever.

I love this brand and my students agree, particularly with the weight and functionality of this iron.

So I will recommend it, but obviously your own iron should be fine.

 Ironing Cloth / Teflon plate - You can get packets of synthetic or cotton ironing cloths, which ever you prefer. The Teflon plate works well, but please be aware to measure your iron as these come in different sizes.

 Tailor’s Clapper - These hardwood blocks are amazing to help with the ironing process.

I have only been using one for a few years and I absolutely love it.

I think every crafter or sewer should have one of these!

 Ironing Table - I have a really large ironing board and feel this is the best for ironing a kilt, in a domestic situation.

However I will be investing in a vacuum table very soon.

Having used these before they are especially good to iron a kilt and get those sharp lines.

This it is an investment.

 I hope you have found my recommendations useful to either purchase the items or guide you in the right direction.