10 DIY Toolkit Essentials ...

Scissors are a must when it comes to DIY toolkit essentials. Choose a quality pair and make sure that the blades are sharp. To prevent blades from dulling, try setting aside different scissors for different crafts. Keep a pair strictly for fabric, another for paper, and another for everything else.

Craft glue is another DIY toolkit essential. Good craft glue can be used on anything from paper, fabric, wood, and metal. If you want to step it up, and are after something that has a strong hold and dries quickly, then you can always invest in a glue gun. They’re not that expensive and can be found at department and craft stores.

A lot of DIY projects require looking at measurements. Make sure you have a measuring tape at your disposal. While a ruler is fine, a measuring tape is much more flexible. You’re able to bend it around corners and curves for more accurate measurements and readings.

Retractable craft blades are great for going where scissors cannot. A sharp craft blade is ideal for making precision cuts. Use one to cut anything from paper, cardboard, and foam.

DIY projects often involve a lot of planning and rough drafts. You’ll need marking implements to help you mark up your designs. Chalk is great for projects, especially those involving fabric, since the chalk doesn’t permanently mark surfaces. Pencils are also good options for DIY projects involving wood and other sturdy materials

Keep a few paint brushes at the ready in case your DIY project involves a new coat of paint. For larger projects, like furniture restoration and room refurbishments, you might need a few bigger brushes and paint rollers at the ready.

Even if you’re not the best at sewing, it helps to have a basic sewing kit handy. The supplies you need may vary depending on the difficulty of your DIY project, but you’ll find that most projects only require the basics. Look out for small or travel-sized sewing kits that contain things like a needle, thread, threader, and pins.

If you’re sewing kit doesn’t include one then definitely get your hands on a seam ripper. They’re a must if you ever find yourself altering or taking apart clothing. Use these sharp, hooked tools for slicing through stitches and seams in a matter of seconds.

Protect your working surfaces with a cutting mat or board. Mats that feature grids and lines will also be able to do double duty acting as guides when you’re cutting.

Once you’ve got your tools together, you’ll need somewhere to store them. Keep your tools all in one place with a designated DIY toolbox. You could use anything from a tackle box to an empty shoe box to a designated desk drawer. The main thing is that your tools are organised and in a place that you’ll be able to get to whenever you need them.

These are the kinds of tools you’ll need to take on small fashion and craft DIY projects. For handyman-style projects you’ll need quite a different range of tools, which I can’t say I’m too familiar with. Are you a fan of DIY projects? What are your DIY toolkit essentials?