One of my blogging friends, Linda at My 2 Crazy Curls, asked about what sewing supplies to get for someone new to sewing. In answer to her question, here is my list of 12 Basic Sewing Tools you need to get started sewing.
1. Sewing Machine
Of course, the very first thing you will need is a sewing machine. As someone who has been sewing for more than forty years, my advice to anyone who is just beginning to sew would be this: Get the best sewing machine you can afford. Generally, I don’t recommend buying a cheap machine from Wal-Mart. The reason for this is because it has been my experience that those machines are really only made for basic sewing tasks. Things like making repairs to ripped seams, hemming skirts and dress pants, and light crafts.
However, if you want to learn to sew to make garments for yourself and your family, you will need a better quality sewing machine. There is nothing, and I do mean NOTHING that is worse for someone new to sewing (or anyone for that matter) than to have to struggle and fight with your machine just to get it to do basic things.
My first sewing machine was a Kenmore from Sears, top of the line back in 1971. My father-in-law had bought it for his wife and she did not like it. For me, though, it was the perfect machine. It did everything I ever wanted in a sewing machine, including lots of fancy stitches and monograms. It was more machine than I needed when I first got it, but I used it until 2000, when I sold it to go traveling in an RV. The only reason I got rid of it is that it was not portable.
Make sure the machine is capable of sewing multiple layers of fabric, and that if you want to sew denim or hem jeans, you need a heavy duty machine. It needs to have at least a few basic and zig-zag stitches built in, as well as do buttonholes. If you are not sure what to buy, go to a store that sells sewing machines as a primary business. They can help you decide. Because, trust me, that cheap machine you get at Wal-Mart is NOT going to make you happy.
Now that I have given you my standard sewing machine lecture, here are 11 more things you will need to make you sewing hobby more pleasant:
2. Scissors
Just like with the sewing machine, you are going to need a good pair of scissors. Buy the best ones you can fit into your budget. Then when you get them home, show them to every member of the family, and tell them that if they touch them they will be shot. I mean it. The scissors you buy for your sewing room will not ever be used for anything else. Do not cut plastic, paper, cardboard, rubber bands, hair, groom your dog, or trim flowers with them. They are for one purpose only: To cut fabric. Once you use those scissors to cut anything else, they will not cut fabric smoothly.
When my children still lived at home, I put a colorful ribbon on the sewing scissors, and hung them on the wall in my sewing room when I was not using them. I had several other pairs of scissors in the house, stored in the kitchen, living room, laundry room, and bathroom. Anyone could use any of those other scissors for any reason. But, they knew better than to touch my sewing scissors.
Any brand of scissors will be fine, as long as they are made for cutting fabric. I like Fiskars, and that is the brand I have used for many years.
3. A Cutting Board
You can get several kinds of cutting boards. I have used the cardboard kind that fold up for storage, and this plastic kind. I like the plastic kind better. Using a cutting board will save your dining room from being scratched up by scissors and pins if that is the only place you have for cutting your fabric. They also have rulers printed on them with straight and bias lines, which helps you line up your fabric for cutting.
4. Hand Sewing Needles
Yes, even if you are sewing with a sewing machine, you will need the hand sewing needles for things like sewing on buttons, sewing hems and tacking facings. If you get them and keep them in your sewing kit, you won’t have to be running to the store for them at the last minute.
5. Extra Sewing Machine Needles
I can not tell you how many times when I first started sewing I ran out of needles for my machine. When you are learning, you do things like sew over pins, sew too fast, sew too many layers at a time, sew with improper tension, sew with the machine improperly threaded, etc. that will cause needles to break. If you have two or three packages of sewing machine needleson hand, you won’t get frustrated by running out of needles at a crucial point at two in the morning.
6. Fabric Marking Pens or Pencils
After cutting your fabric, you will need to mark dots, notches, and darts from the pattern onto the fabric. You will need some kind of marking pens that washes out with water for making the marks. This helps you match up seams and helps make your garments or crafts come out perfect.
7. Measuring Tape
I have several measuring tapes, and use them all the time when I am sewing. Whether I am making a quilt, a tote bag, a flower girl dress, or an apron, measuring twice before cutting, and then again before sewing, helps me keep the seams straight and even. Get at least one for your sewing kit. I also like to keep one in my purse.
8. Thread
If you are just starting out building your sewing kit, I would suggest getting two or three spools each of white, black, gray, and beige threads. Don’t buy the cheap stuff in the $1 bin. You will be sorry if you do. That stuff may be inexpensive, but it will break if you sew too fast, or if the tension on your machine is not just right. It will also pill up, and make little balls of lint next to your needle, so that sometimes it will even break your sewing machine needle.
There are many different manufacturers of thread, but most of the thread in my thread bin is Coats & Clark. I use either 37% cotton/67% polyester, or 100% polyester thread. It is smooth and doesn’t break as easily as 100% cotton. If in doubt about what to buy, ask the clerk in a fabric store what is the best thread to use for the project or type of fabric you are buying. You don’t want to mess up a fabulous project with the wrong thread.
9. A Magnetic Pin Dish and Pins Pins Pins
I like to use the pins that have the little plastic beads on the top. This makes them easier to find with your eyes when you drop them on the floor so that you don’t find them with your feet. Get lots of pins. More than you think you will ever use. Because you will use them. When I am showing someone new to sewing how to get started, I always tell them to PIN PIN PIN! The more pins you use when matching up seams and notches, the better, or straighter your seam will be. So, do yourself a favor and use those pins.
Also, go to Amazon and get a Magnetic Bowl – Tool / Nut / Bolt Holder. I have used mine since we started traveling in the RV in 2000. It holds pins magnetically so they don’t spill out everywhere. My pin bowl has traveled thousands of miles and never lost a pin. I have even used it in the cab of the truck to do hand sewing when we were traveling. Once you put those pins in that dish, they are NOT coming out until you pick them up. You are welcome.
10. Seam Ripper
The seam ripper will become your best friend if you take up sewing for a hobby. I have used mine more than I ever wanted to, more than I ever want to admit. The seam ripper comes in very very handy whenever you have made a mistake, and sewn the pants legs together at the bottom. Yes, I have done that on occasion. My seam ripper was also quite handy when I was making my niece’s flower girl dress. I thought I would never get that one thing sewn right. Besides taking out incorrectly sewn seams, a seam ripper will take off buttons you want to save, rip out zippers, and cut button holes open. Get one or two.
11. Extra Bobbins
Do yourself a great big favor, and buy a package or two of extra bobbins
for your machine. Then make a habbit to wind two bobbins of thread before you start your project. The first thing I do when I sit down to sew is to make sure I have two (or more if it is a big project) bobbins of matching thread. It is sooooo frustrating to run out of bobbin thread when you are in the middle of a seam. If you haven’t wound that second bobbin, you have to take the project out of the machine, unthread the machine, rewind the bobbin, rethread the machine, then start over where you ran out of bobbin thread. Save yourself the headache with just the minute it takes to wind the second bobbin. No one ever told me that when I started sewing.
12. Iron and Ironing Board
Even if you never iron another thing in your house, if you are going to sew, you will need an iron and an ironing board. From start to finish, you will be using these to press the fabric, press seams open, press hems, and on and on. I like a steam iron, as it helps set seams and creases in fabric. I also like a heavier iron as it doesn’t take as much effort when the iron has some weight to it. My ironing board is a small one that sits on top of my desk when I am using it. You can also lay a towel on a flat surface if you don’t have an ironing board. Don’t skip the pressing, get an iron.
I hope this list of basic sewing tools and equipment helps you some. Do you have any other sewing questions for me?
Linda B says
This totally helps! Thanks so much Karen! I guess I need to buy another sewing scissor because I didn’t know you aren’t supposed to use it for anything than fabrics. D-oh!
Henrietta says
This is the perfect list of things a person will need to get started sewing! I can’t tell you how many times I have unwound a partially filled bobbin because I didn’t have any empty ones and needed to change colors. I have since bought several packs of bobbins so that I always have empty ones on hand!
Beeb says
What a great list! I sew by hand but I don’t really know how to use a machine properly. I used to sew a lot when I was younger but I don’t do much outside darning up pants or buttons these days with everything going on. I want to make curtains soon and will be enlisting a friend’s help/machine because there is no way I could do that by hand. LOL!
Sally in WA says
Great list, Karen. I just picked up a 4″ magnetic pin bowl at Northern Tools to use by my long arm machine. I know it will come in handy!
Kim L says
This is great list. I have a singer sewing machine but have only really used it to sew hems and make baby blankets. I really would like to develop better sewing skills. You’ve really motivated me to start doing more sewing.
Kathleen says
It is amazing how little you need to really get started. My mom is a fantastic sewer like you and make a lot of our clothes growing up. I always say I want to learn, but just need to sit down to do it.
leah says
Thank you for this! I have a sewing machine, but I have no clue what to do to get started. This post is very helpful!
Dianna @ oyveyaday says
Great, great tips! I have always wanted to learn to sew. Maybe I will borrow my mom’s sewing machine and give it a try.
Oh, but despite not knowing how to sew, I have cut a lot of fabric in my day… and it really is amazing what a difference a good pair of scissors makes!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
I love this! My grandma used to sew and I was always amazed at her little arsenal of tools. I recognize all of these 🙂
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I love this! Thank you! I have a sewing machine in my closet gathering dust! I think I’m going to start with curtains!
Crystal says
Oh I SO needed this! I just commented on another site about learning to sew and then I see this! Thanks Karen for this post. I am bookmarking and will be taking up a new hobby soon!
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} says
I want to sew a travel quilt but just can’t bring myself to get started. I know my family would love it once it’s completed, it’s just getting started.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
These are such helpful tips! My grandma loves to sew and is so protective of her scissors that I thought it was just her. I’d love to make my daughter dresses at some point.
Mandy says
This makes me wish, wish, wish I had paid more attention to sewing in Home Ec! This is a great list! Gonna share it! 🙂
Samantha john says
Lol sounds like me but I am great at sewing on hand getting a machine next week can’t wait
Stephanie Person says
From someone who has NEVER sewed in my life, this is definitely helpful to get me started! Awesome post 🙂
Robin says
I am right there with you! Starting from absolutely zero and this info has given me a really great starting place.
Libby's Library says
I’m going to send this link to one of my daughters. Sadly, I never taught my kids to sew. I was just so darn busy cooking and washing dishes (we have 10 kids), that I never seemed to find much time for much else.
Nicole Robinson @TheBookWormMama says
Thanks for the list. I’ve tried sewing a few times, but never really made a go of it. Maybe it’s time to work on something more advanced than a throw pillow.
Ragula says
Thanks alot Karen..Hoping this will help me alot,as iam planning to take up tailoring as a livlihood option.
Rosie says
I still use my machine I got in ’72, a Singer gear drive. I could use a new one now, ever since it went in for a tune up and came back messed up. I did teach myself to sew in grade school, I guess you can get the things you need a little at a time. I’ve taught kids to sew, most don’t have the patience to stick with it. I hated sewing in home ec, so if you had a bad experience trying to learn in school, you might find it really fun if you can find someone to help you learn!
Caterina says
Thank you for the list! Michaels craft store was not nearly as helpful as this! I recently inherited my grandfathers kenmore from sears, and this list has helped get me started. If you happen to see this, send me an email, i would love to show you a picture, as it was kept beautifully, and its built into a table that folds out with measurements and everything!
Pam says
this post is 3 years old, but timeless in how helpful this is 🙂
MarÃa says
Thanks! I just bought a sewing machine after years of wanting to do so. Now i unos exactly what else i need.
Melinda says
Thanks! I bought a Singer Touch n sew 600E model from an Auction for $10.00 and am excited to learn to sew. Thanks again for all your help!
Dee says
Thank you Mrs. Eidson! I just received my sewing machine and I am too excited to get to it this weekend. I was pulling my hair out as to where to start when it comes to the supplies. This is a great beginner’s list. Thanks again!
Bev says
A ton of thanks!!
Shirley says
Fab list. Now I can go supplies shopping confidently. Loved reading your post too, you write delightfully.
Stephanie says
I’ve never sewed in my life and is very intimidated by a sewing machine. Finally decided to get myself one because we are a petite family and I am in desperate need of a machine to hem our clothes. So excited and kinda nervous still. After seeing your list….I realize I just about need verything except for the seam ripper and measuring tape! Had no idea all those other things existed really. So appreciative of your sharing this list and experience/explanation for needing them. Thank you so much!
adebayo bimbo says
this really help me thanks a lot
Mary says
My mother, grandmother, 5 sisters and I have sewn our whole lives since we were old enough to learn. Recently my daughter-in-law said she had a portable sewing machine in the closet that someone gave her and wanted to learn to sew but had never, ever sewn a thing in her life. So for Xmas, I plan to get her a beginning sewing supply basket so she can get started. Even though I basically know what you need to sew, your list saved me time and effort from having to think of everything I should get for her kit. I am going to print your list and keep it in my sewing drawer for future reference for grand daughters or friends who show an interest in starting to sew!! Again, huge thanks!!
Chellee says
Thank you so much Karen!! 59 years old and just starting out so this list is most helpful!!
Maureen says
I am so in love with that metal dish for your pins!
Vera says
Amazing article, thank you so much for sharing all those useful tips and tricks. As a bonus, it also made me laugh quite a lot 🙂
Janna says
Cooking, baking, gardening, sewing … these are the lost arts that we need to re-learn.
Knowing how to sew means you are not dependent on what’s available in the shops, rather you can make your own, unique outfits, curtains, blankets, etc. for yourself, loved ones, or even to sell or give to those in need.
Having the right tools will make life easier and give you confidence and are worth the investment.
When you are first learning to sew, be patient and take your time. Don’t become frustrated if things are not going as planned, but persevere slowly and carefully and you will be rewarded in the end.
Jade Najjar says
I just had a sewing machine gifted to me (an older one that hadn’t been used in years), so it didn’t have all of the little accessories it might have had if bought new. This list is exactly what I needed to get me started on this self-taught sewing journey! Thank you!
Paula Jameson says
thanks so much for this concise, complete, easily understood list. I learned to sew in school in the 1960s and sewed a lot when I was younger (wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses etc) for myself and my mother and sisters. Now I have retired and want to start up again. Your article made me chuckle as you brought back memories of broken machine needles, running out of thread or bobbins at 2 am (always it was 2 am) and the time I sewed a pair of sleeves in upside down,
. As I have been looking to start sewing again, I have noticed that much of the technique has changed from the basic way we did it 50yrs ago. You dont mention the rotary cutter; do you recommend those or only scissors when cutting your pattern out?
Winnie says
This is awesome …thank you very much for sharing! With 3 girls that mean 3 prom dresses and special milestone birthday days … it will cost me more to have someone else to do it than me. My mom was seamstress and made clothes for us for special occasions. I am a jack of all trades and I should have been gotten started on sewing …. smh … nonetheless here I go … this list helps alot thanks! 😘
Adam Golightly says
My cousin has been thinking about starting to sew and experiment with some crafts that she can do with her hands. She would really like to get some help from a professional so that she can get the right supplies and it will be a sliver. I’ll be sure to tell her about how she should make sure that the more pins are used the straighter the seam will be.
Karen says
Thanks Fabgrandma! Your list is exactly what I needed, because i received a sewing machine that only came with a power cord. So grateful for all your tips, as you saved me a lot of time and frustration!
Thelma says
Thanks so much this is so helpful to me..
I’m a beginner 🤷😊
Chi says
This list is so detailed. I appreciate that you went ahead to explain why every item is important even with some personal experiences.
Jerimie DeLorie says
Thank you for your list. You are AWESOME! 🙂