Beginner Sewers' Must-Have Essentials: Building Your Sewing Kit
Welcome! Are you interested in starting sewing? Are you looking to understand what tools you absolutely NEED to get started vs. what tools are nice to have? Girl, I got you! We’ll walk through what tools you need, why you need them, and a few options ranging in price. If you’re looking to start on a budget (like I was!), then I’ll share a few ideas to keep costs down. From the right sewing machine to thread and accessories, we've got you covered. Whether you dream of stitching your own clothes or creating beautiful crafts, let's dive in and discover the key elements of your beginner sewing kit.
Let's Do It!
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Let's Do It! 〰️
Preface: Before embarking on your sewing journey and purchasing the right tools to bring your projects to life, it's crucial to determine what you want to make. In our previous article, we helped you understand your sewing goals and reasons. If you've already read that article, grab your list and consult the supplies mentioned to see what you'll need. So, let's get started on discovering what you want to sew and the supplies you'll need to make it happen.
The Must-Haves:
Sewing Machine (Duh!)
This one should be obvious, and will most likely be your most exepensive purchase on this list. Sewing machine options vary widely in form and function, so be sure to understand what projects you want to sew (If you haven’t checked out our last article on how to curate this list, check it out here now!). Once you understand what you would like to sew, then you will understand what pressure feet, stitches, and functions your machine will need. Reference the worksheet we filled out in our last article to make sure the sewing machine you are going to purchase meets all of your needs.
Reasonably priced, good rated sewing machines
Why you might want a full price machine: A good quality sewing machine offers superior performance, versatility, and durability, making it suitable for complex sewing projects and professional-level results.
Budget Machines
Why you might want to go budget: Although they might not have all of the bells and whistles, budget friendly sewing machines are a great way to start. You can make mistakes and learn with a more expensive machine, then always upgrade later if you’d like!
Second Hand Machines
Why you might want one: Second hand machines can be extremely wallet friendly, and often can come with additional sewing supplies like thread, needles, and scrap fabric. Check out our article with tips for how to buy a sewing machine if you’re an absolute beginner!
Thread
Why You Need it: You’ll need thread to be able to hold your pieces of fabric together (of course). You will need matching thread for each progress, so you can start small with one to two spools of thread once you pick your project and your fabric. Thread is fairly cheap, so there aren’t a ton of savings no matter where you buy your thread, but here are a few options:
Local or Commercial Craft Store (Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, etc)
Thrift Store/ Facebook Marketplace
Pins
Why You Need Them: You’ll need pins to hold your pieces of fabric together while you sew. These are also fairly cheap, so there aren’t a ton of savings to be found, but here are a few options:
Local or Commercial Craft Store (Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, etc)
Thrift/ Facebook Marketplace
Bonus: I’ve also seen lots of folks use clips as well. They’re great for holding together more stretchy or silky fabric. I’ve also used paper and binder clips for this as well.
Measuring Tape
Why You Need Them: You’ll need various measuring tapes to be able to measure your body and assess your fit, as well as measure your fabric before cutting. You could really use any type of measure device (e.g. ruler, measuring tape, etc). Here are a few options to allow you for easier measurements:
Flexible measuring tape - Amazon has a lot of options. This type of measuring tape is easiest for taking body measurements.
Quilting Ruler - Jo Ann’s has tons. These rulers are great for marking out seam allowances, precise measurements, etc.
Curved Rulers - This pack from Jo Ann’s is a good start. If you’ll be drafting your own patterns, these can help make your drawings professional and body fitting.
Fabric
Why You Need it: This should also be obvious, but you’ll need fabric to begin your project. Here are a few online stores that have great options for every type of fabric you’ll ever need:
Etsy - One of the widest ranges available from niche boutiques, Etsy has tons of shops and options to explore.
Mood Fabrics - With a nice range of fabric, tools, and notions, mood fabrics has everything from beginner to advanced.
Fabric Mart - Great for sales and bulk orders, this online store has lots of great options for any budget!
Seam Ripper
Why You Need it: Beginning anything will come with mistakes, and your seam ripper will become your best friend when undoing those. These are also fairly cheap, and can be purchased at any craft or sewing store.
Local or Commercial Craft Store (Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, etc)
Thrift/ Facebook Marketplace
Bobbins
Why You Need Them: In order to have thread for the bottom half of your sewing stitch, you’ll need to thread and load a bobbin. These can be sewing machine specific, so I would wait to buy these until you have picked your sewing machine. Bobbins are fairly cheap, so there aren’t a ton of savings no matter where you want to buy them, but here are a few options:
Local or Commercial Craft Store (Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, etc)
Thrift/ Facebook Marketplace
Iron/ Ironing Board
Why You Need it: Ironing is CRITICAL for your sewing project success, and you will need an iron to press open seams, flatten your fabric, or create folds as needed. Any iron will do, but make sure you get one with steaming capabilities:
Hand Sewing Needles
Why You Need Them: When finishing various seams or adding a button, you’ll need a hand sewing needle to complete your projects. These are fairly cheap, so there aren’t a ton of savings no matter where you buy them, but here are a few options:
Local or Commercial Craft Store (Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, etc)
Thrift/ Facebook Marketplace
Scissors
Why You Need Them: You will need a good pair of scissors to create sharp and accurate cuts. Lots of sewists are VERY particular about the scissors they use, but to be honest I have used a very cheap pair since I’ve started. If you know you will be sewing lots of stretch or slippery fabric, you could also add a rotary cutter to your repertoire, although it isn’t absolutely necessary. The same goes for a thread snip which can make cutting loose threads more easy. For all of these, you can go high end to just using the scissors in your desk drawer - it’s really up to you!
By having a combination of high-end, mid-range, and budget-friendly options for each essential sewing item, you can choose the best option based on your budget, preferences, and sewing needs. Remember, investing in quality tools can enhance your sewing experience and provide long-term value, but there are also affordable alternatives available for those on a tighter budget. Happy sewing!
