‘Sewing is not a hobby, it’s a way of life’
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It has taken me a few years to put together a kit that fits my personal sewing needs. While each kit will be customized to each person, there are some basic tools that will be needed. These are the ones I use on every single project. They are available in your local craft stores and online retailers. I have also included links to help your search.
Thread Clippers
Thread clippers are used for trimming loose threads off a garment during the sewing process. If you have worked with scissors to do this, they tend to be a little cumbersome to work with. I recommend snipping them as you put the garment together. I wouldn’t wait until it is completed, so you don’t accidentally leave hanging threads on a finished garment. Fiskars® Ultrasharp Thread Snips
Seam Ripper
During your sewing journey you will stitch and reopen seams many times. It is part of the learning process. The most efficient tool to use a seam ripper. They come in many different sizes and colors. I prefer ones that have a cover because I have stuck my hand more than a few times in my sewing box pricking my fingers. I also prefer a larger handle. I find it easier to grip it than the smaller ones. Dritz Large Deluxe Seam Ripper
Machine Needles
Machine needles vary in type and size. Those used for stretch and knit fabrics are known as ballpoint needles. They are designed not to break the knit fibers. Sharp needles are used to sew woven fabrics. Needle sizes are used for different fabric thickness or weights. Size 80/12 is the most used to sew light and medium weight fabrics. For heavier twill and denim fabrics suitable sizes are 100/16 and 110/18. The needles come in assorted packages so you can have a variety. SCHMETZ Universal Needles, Assorted 10 Pack
Hand Sewing Needles
You will need an assorted package of sewing needles. There will be times you will need to use hands needles to reinforce stitches or attach some buttons and hooks/eyes to your garments. Dritz 160 Hand Needle Compact & Needle Threader, Assorted Sizes & Styles (30-Count)
Sewing Thimble
I have pricked my fingers often while sewing. It is not completely avoidable, but using a thimble will help. The traditional thimble is made of metal. Metal thimbles do not fit my fingers very well, so I use the rubber or silicone types. Try them on and find one that works for you. Hand sewing does not need to be dangerous. Dritz Ergonomic Soft Comfort Thimble Size Large 1 piece
Sewing Pins
Many of my students buy stainless steel dressmaker pins. They are very affordable, and you can buy them in boxes of one thousand pieces at a time. However, I recommend longer pins with a glass bead or pearlized head. These are easier to use for beginners. They are easier to see when imbedded in the fabric and harder to leave in the garment when it has been completed. They are also easier to see when they fall on the floor. Loops & Threads™ Long Pearlized Pins
Pin Cushion
Your sewing pins and needles need a home. Storing them in a pin cushion will mean you do not lose as many of them as you normally would. You can make your own pin cushion or buy one. ChezMax Wooden Base Pin Cushions
Scissors
Scissors come in so many shapes and sizes according to their use. Here are the basic ones I have.
- Paper scissors: These are for cutting your patterns and any other paper you will use in your sewing practice.
- Fabric scissors: These are very sharp and need to remain that way. Using dull scissors will cause edges to fray. Avoid using them for anything else but fabric. Fiskars® RazorEdge™ Fabric Shears
- Pinking shears: Also known as zigzag scissors. They can be used to trim raw edges to prevent them from fraying. Fiskars Fashion Pinking Shears, 8″
Measuring Tape
Every sewer has a measuring tape. I have owned several of these over the years and the best one so far is a soft tape one. Avoid the plastic ones as they tend to be stiff and inflexible after long use. Loops & Threads™ Tape Measure, 120″
Tailors Chalk
This is a very useful tool to temporarily mark fabric. It is used to mark fabric for cutting, hemming and buttonholes and rubs off easily. It comes in a variety of colors. Professional Tailors Chalk Sewing
This list in no way provides for all the sewing tools that you will use as a sewer. It is merely a good place to start. It will grow as you expand your sewing skills and add other tools that you find enhance your overall experience. Click on the image below to find a bonus tool that I think you will love. I use it to measure while sewing.
bonzeyesewlab.com 