You’ve mastered mending hems and sewing on buttons. It’s time to tuck a few more tricks up your (raglan, butterfly, or dolman) sleeve with these tried-and-true tools for sewing by hand.

Needle Threader

No more squinting! Easily insert regular, embroidery, or heavy-duty thread through the eye of a needle with this three-way threader from DMC.
To Buy: $1.30, www.createforless.com.

Thimble

A thimble isn’t just for protecting not-so-dexterous thumbs from pricks: It also helps you force a needle or a pin through heavy fabric.
To Buy: About $1.50, at sewing stores.

Needles

An assortment of 30 needles (embroidery, tapestry, sharps) in a dial-a-size dispenser will facilitate all kinds of stitch work.
To Buy: $2.50, www.joann.com.

Snap Pliers

Dritz’s tool makes adding or replacing snaps and grommets a...well, you know. Just position the snap or the grommet in the pliers and squeeze.
To Buy: $20, www.joann.com.

Buttons

Keep a mix of styles on hand for emergency repairs. Small white shirt buttons; large, dark ones for coats; and medium-size trouser buttons are good bets.
To Buy: About $2, at sewing stores.

Seam Ripper

The Dritz Deluxe seam ripper is the sewing world’s eraser. If you accidentally sew a sleeve together or want to remove some trim, this is your tool.
To Buy: $1.70, www.createforless.com.

Seam Gauge

Use a six-inch seam gauge to ensure the hem you’re adjusting is even all the way around as you pin it in place.
To Buy: $3, www.joann.com.

Thread

If you buy only four spools, pick up a black, a gray, a cream, and a denim-stitch gold. Add other colors according to your wardrobe.
To Buy: $2 each, www.joann.com.