What are the essential sewing supplies? 7 important basics
If you're thinking about starting to sew , you're probably wondering: What are the basic sewing supplies ? The good news is, you surprisingly don't need much to get started! While professionals have entire cupboards full of sewing accessories, as a beginner you can get by with just seven basic items. In this article, I'll show you exactly which sewing supplies are truly essential and what you should look for when buying them.
The 7 most important basics for your sewing kit
Before you go on a shopping spree: These seven things should be in every sewing basket and are perfectly sufficient to get started:
1. A high-quality pair of fabric scissors
Fabric scissors are essential for sewing and should be part of your basic sewing kit. Important: Use them only for fabric! They will quickly become dull if you use them to cut paper or other materials.
When buying, pay attention to the following features:
- Medium-sized, pointed tailor's scissors with ergonomic handle
- Connection via screw (not riveted) so that it can be sharpened later.
- Slightly heavier than normal craft scissors
A good pair of fabric scissors is an investment for life. With them, you can cut precisely and without damaging the fabric.
2. Pins and/or fabric clips
To hold fabric pieces in place before sewing, you'll need either pins or fabric clips. Both have their advantages:
- Pins: Classic pins with a fine head made of glass or plastic, ideal for thin fabrics
- Fabric clips: Perfect for thicker fabrics, jersey or leather, as they do not leave holes.
When choosing pins, pay attention to quality and sharpness. Dull pins can damage the fabric. A magnetic pin holder or pin magnet will also help you store the pins safely.
3. Quality sewing thread
Good sewing thread is crucial for clean, durable seams. Don't skimp on this! Cheap thread from discount stores breaks easily and leads to frustration while sewing.
To get started, I recommend:
- Polyester all-purpose yarn in neutral colors (black, white, beige)
- Brand quality from Gütermann, Mettler or comparable manufacturers
- Fewer colors, but of better quality.
4. An iron
"Well ironed is half sewn" - this old tailor's saying is actually true! An iron is an essential part of any sewing kit. You need it for:
- Smoothing the fabric before cutting
- Pressing seam allowances open
- Securing hems and edges
It doesn't have to be an expensive steam ironing station, but the iron should have different temperature settings for different types of fabric. A steam function is particularly useful when sewing garments.
5. Chalk pen or fabric marker
To mark cutting lines and markings on the fabric, you need a chalk pencil or fabric marker. These markings will disappear later – either by brushing or ironing.
Recommended are:
- A simple chalk pencil for basic markings
- A fabric marker with disappearing ink for finer work.
6. Measuring tape and transparent ruler
For precise measuring and drawing straight lines, a tape measure and a transparent ruler are essential. The ruler allows you to perfectly mark seam allowances and straight cutting lines, while the tape measure is flexible enough for body measurements and curves.
A transparent tailor's ruler is particularly practical because you can see the fabric through it and work precisely.
7. Sewing needles (hand and machine needles)
Even if you'll mainly be sewing by machine, you won't be able to avoid some hand sewing. You will need:
- Hand sewing needles: A set with different sizes for different fabrics
- Machine needles: Universal needles in size 70-90 for beginners.
Over time, you will expand your supply of machine needles to include special needles for jersey, jeans, or other specialty fabrics.
Useful accessories for greater sewing comfort
Once you've mastered the basics, these tools will make sewing even more enjoyable:
- Seam ripper: Indispensable when a seam goes wrong
- Sewing weights: An alternative to pins, especially for delicate fabrics.
- Height compensation: Helps when sewing over thick seams
- Schneider angle: For precise drawing of curves and long straight lines
Basic equipment for various sewing projects
Depending on what you want to sew, you may need specific additions to your basic equipment:
For clothing
- Various presser feet (e.g. zipper foot)
- Copy wheel and carbon paper
- Iron-on interfacing for stabilization
For home textiles
- Stronger machine needles
- More robust yarn
- Perhaps a patchwork ruler
A helpful reference book
Even though the internet is full of sewing tips, a classic reference book can be invaluable. A good basic sewing book explains techniques clearly and is readily available next to the sewing machine.
Alternatively, you can print out important sewing basics and collect them in a folder so you always have them at hand without having to use your mobile phone or computer.
Where do you get your basic sewing supplies?
You can buy your sewing supplies in various stores:
- Haberdashery shops: Often offer good advice for beginners.
- Online shops: Large selection, sometimes lower prices
- Department stores: Usually have a basic selection of sewing supplies
A tip for beginners: There are also starter sets with basic equipment. These are practical, but sometimes contain things you don't really need.
Conclusion: Successful sewing with the right basic equipment.
Basic sewing equipment doesn't have to be expensive or extensive. The seven basics presented here—fabric scissors, pins, thread, iron, fabric marker, tape measure with ruler, and sewing needles—are perfectly sufficient to begin sewing. It's better to invest in quality rather than quantity and expand your collection gradually as you realize what you really need.
Sewing is a wonderful hobby that can be started with relatively little effort. With each new technique and project, you'll gain more experience and know exactly which additional tools are useful for you. Simply start with the basics and enjoy your first self-sewn creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I absolutely need a sewing machine as a beginner?
Yes, a sewing machine is necessary for most sewing projects. It doesn't have to be an expensive one, though—a simple model with basic functions is often sufficient for beginners. You could theoretically sew some very simple projects like fabric bags or pillowcases by hand, but that's very time-consuming.
How much should I spend on my basic sewing equipment?
With around 80-150 euros, you can get a solid basic set of sewing equipment (excluding a sewing machine). Invest primarily in a good pair of scissors (around 25-40 euros) and high-quality thread. You can save on other supplies initially and upgrade later if you find you want to continue sewing long-term.
Where can I find easy sewing projects for beginners?
There are numerous free tutorials online, on sewing blogs and platforms like Pinterest. You can also find many video tutorials for beginners on YouTube. Good beginner projects include simple bags, pillowcases, or straight skirts with an elastic waistband.