Learning to sew is such an exciting journey! I remember being a little girl and wanting to create beautiful clothing for my dolls or myself. I loved all the beautiful fabrics especially the bright, sparkly and frilly ones. I dabbled in hand sewing trying to teach myself using the sewing kit in my home. It wasn’t until college where I pursued a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising that I learned to sew and all other things apparel related. In that time, I built up my sewing tool kit with all the sewing tools for a beginner. I have added quite a bit since then but I want to share the basics with you to get you started on this wonderful journey.
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What are the most needed sewing tools for beginners?
Regardless of what you plan on sewing, here is a quick list of sewing tools for beginners. I will go into more detail for each with some of my recommendations to get your started.
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Machine Needles
- Sewing Pins
- Pin Cushion
- Thread
- Fabric Shears
- Craft Shears
- Thread Snips
- Seam Ripper
- Measuring tape
- Seam Gauge
- Yardstick
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Fabric Chalk or Marking Pen
- Toolbox
Optional sewing tools for beginners:
- Rotary cutter
- Extra blades
- Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Related Link: Tools Every Bra-Maker Needs
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Sewing Machine
There are a lot of great sewing machine options available today. It is easy to purchase one from Amazon or Walmart. However, if you are going to invest in a sewing machine make sure that your criteria isn’t just to buy the cheapest one. Those machines tend to be a bit flimsy and will probably not last very long. I would suggest going a step up from those machines.
When evaluating your sewing machine options here are a couple things you will want to consider.
Does this machine come with multiple presser foots? If so, what type? All machines should come standard with an all-purpose presser foot. The all-purpose presser foot is the presser foot that should already be installed when you open up your machine. A few others that would be great to have on hand include a zipper, zigzag and buttonhole presser foots. These may also be referred to as “sewing feet” in certain descriptions.
Another consideration is the number and types of stitches. Most machines come standard with a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. These are the stitches you will use the most but maybe you intend on doing other types of sewing like embroidery and quilting. Be sure to look into what types of stitches would be needed for your specific needs. If you are not sure then having a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch should do you just fine.
Here are a couple recommendations:
Brother Sewing Machine, XM2701
Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, HC1850
Related Link: Best Sewing Machines for Lingerie Makers
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Sewing Machine Needles
Your sewing machine should have come with a universal needle. It probably came with a few extra needles as well. Those extras may be universal or they may be a different size. It is always a good idea to have extra universal needles on hand. If you are looking to sew knits or lace you might consider investing in a ball-point needle or a stretch needle. This is a finer tip needle that doesn’t break the fibers. Rather the needle point separates the fibers which is important for maintaining strength when sewing a knit fabric.
Singer Universal Regular Point Machine Needles
Schmetz 1714C Ball Point Jersey Machine Needle
Schmetz Stretch Machine Needles
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Bobbins
I always feel like I never have enough bobbins or I don’t have the right size bobbin. It really is a time saver when you can prep your bobbins before you start a project. Your sewing machine should come with a few extra bobbins but it will likely not be enough. Having extra bobbins is very useful and its helpful to have matching colors available with your thread.
25pcs Bobbins for Sewing Machine
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Sewing Pins
Sewing pins are a must when you are sewing. You will use these to hold fabric together as you are sewing. They will also be used to pin your pattern to your fabric to hold it in place while you are cutting out your fabric. Sewing pins come in a variety of sizes and types. For a beginner sewist, a glass head pin is a great option. They are sharp enough to poke through most fabrics and will not melt if you accidentally iron over one.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Pin Cushion
If you have pins you need a safe place to put them. In comes the pin cushion! Pin cushions are easy to find but if you are feeling adventurous and what to dive into a simple sewing project they are fairly easy to make too. If you would like to purchase one here are some recommendations to get you started:
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Thread
Good quality thread is a must for sewing. The last thing you want is your project falling apart while you are using it or wearing it. You also do not want low quality thread because it can get caught in your machine more easily. A high quality thread like Gutermann polyester thread is a great choice. Polyester thread is stronger than cotton as cotton is likely to break especially when sewing a project that will stretch.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Fabric Shears
Fabric Shears are an absolute must for every sewist. Be sure to label your fabric shears for fabric use only because once you cut paper with them they will never cut fabric the same. Investing in a high quality pair like the Gingher Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors is a good choice as it will be with you for a lifetime. Gingher offers free sharpening and repair services for their products so you really can’t go wrong.
Gingher Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Craft Shears
Craft shears are used for cutting paper such as your paper patterns. There are many instances where you will need to cut paper such as cutting out a paper pattern or cutting out a printed pattern. You may even begin pattern drafting yourself and will need to cut on regular pattern paper or heavy duty card-stock for your pattern blocks. Make sure to invest in a pair that is stainless steel with a comfortable grip.
Fiskars SoftGrip PowerCut Scissors
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Thread Snips
Thread snips are necessary for cutting loose threads. They are also needed to snip thread when you are sewing. Your sewing machine should have a blade you can use to easily cut the thread to separate your project from the machine. However, having thread snips are very useful for trimming any long threads which you will have many for any project.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is just that – it rips seams when you make a mistake. This is an incredibly useful tool as we all make mistakes when sewing. Sometimes your sewing machine will come with a small one. It is useful to have one with a comfortable grip and strong seam ripping hook. Either way this is a must have item for sewing. I have used mine many times and would never sew without one.
Dritz Large Ergonomic Soft Grip Seam Ripper
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Measuring tape
Measuring tape is great because it is flexible. There are curves, bumps and circumferences on the human body and therefore there are curves, bumps and circumferences on sewing patterns. Measuring tape is needed for an accurate fit. It is also nice that it rolls up tightly and you can easily put it to the side.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Seam Gauge
A seam gauge is used to mark and measure seam allowance, hems, buttonhole spacing and other decorative elements such as pleats and tucks. It is a small ruler with a sliding marker to accurately gauge spacing needed between the stitch and fabric. This ruler is meant for accuracy with the smaller details for a nice clean finished sewing project.
Dritz Sliding Marker Sewing Gauge
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Yardstick
Another ruler- yes you need a lot of rulers for sewing including a yardstick. One yard is 3 feet for imperial measuring. Whether you are sewing a quilt or a pair of pants a yardstick will come in handy for measuring fabric and for checking the accuracy of your measurements. This is one of those things that is always recommended for any sewing hobbyist or student from the beginning.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: 18” Clear Grid Ruler
This is my favorite ruler. I have used my clear 18” grid ruler for so many different projects especially for altering and drafting patterns. This is one of my rulers that I simply cannot live without. The accuracy is amazing and so easy to read and understand. If I had to choose between this ruler and the yardstick it would be this one hands down, every day.
Westcott 18” Clear Plastic Ruler
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Iron
An iron is another necessary tool for sewing. You will need it to smooth out your fabric (you do not want to sew with wrinkled fabric or your fit will be completely off). You will also need it to open seams, press hems and pleats, and smooth out armhole seams etc. The list goes on and on. An iron is just a part of sewing so make sure to get a good one.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Ironing Board
You can’t have an iron without a nice sturdy ironing board. You can buy an ironing pad or a table top board so you can maximize your space. Just make sure it is sturdy so you can get a good press on your project for better accuracy.
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Fabric Chalk or Marking Pen
Whether you are transferring a pattern to fabric, creating a new seam, or marking buttonholes using a specific writing tool for fabric is a must. When you are looking for fabric chalk or a marking pen you want to make sure it will not stain your fabric and that it is easy to use. There are a lot of different options out there but in my experience not all of them work well. I have never had any luck with marking pencils and I have to really press hard for fabric chalk. Some are great, some not so much.
Madam Sew Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pens
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Toolbox
Now that you have all these tools you will need a place to put them. Toolboxes are really fun because you can really express your personality with them. Just make sure to get one with lots of handy compartments that is pretty lightweight. Your tools are going to be a bit heavy once they are all together so it’s best to not add extra weight with your toolbox.
12” Three-Layer Multipurpose Storage Box
Sewing Tools for Beginners: Optional Supplies:
Rotary cutter
If you are working with a lot of slippery fabrics such as knits or silks, satins and lace a rotary cutter will save you so much time and frustration. It is one of my favorite and most used tools. It is much easier to cut out a pattern piece while maintaining the actual pattern shape with a rotary cutter than with a pair of fabric shears. It is also great to cut out more delicate pieces that you find often in lingerie sewing.
Extra blades
Don’t forget extra blades for your rotary cutter. Once you get the hang of it you’ll probably start using it a lot and you will need a blade replacement. This is a good thing to have on hand.
Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Last but not least is a self-healing cutting mat. This is a necessity when using a rotary cutter. You will need this to protect your cutting surface from getting sliced into by your rotary blade. Whether you use a cutting table, dining table or both you need to protect the surface.
Project Recommendations for Sewing Beginners
There are an abundance of projects for beginners from coasters to pajama pants. It is usually recommended that you start out with woven fabric as you are getting used to sewing. Here are a couple project ideas:
You can google these projects and you will find many free tutorials and patterns. Or you can click on the links to these articles.
How to Sew a Scrunchie from seekatesew.com
20 Free Headband Sewing Tutorials from swoodsonsays.com
How to Make a Pillowcase Burrito from blog.treasurie.com
Free Pajama Patterns from thesprucecrafts.com
Once you are ready to start out with knits you can sew Be Bashful Bikini. It is a super easy beginner pattern that will get you started with knits. Just subscribe to our email list and you will receive your free pattern.
More Sewing Tools Recommendations?
Check out my Fabric and Supplies Recommendations!
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