Essential Tools for Every Beginner Sewist

Hello, Snazzie People!

Embarking on your sewing adventure is a journey filled with creativity, challenges, and countless opportunities to express your unique style. Whether you’re drawn to crafting your own fashion, making home décor, or simply looking to mend your favorite clothes, the first step toward sewing success begins with the right tools. This article is your guide to the essential tools every beginner sewist should start with. Think of these tools as your sewing companions, supporting you in your creative endeavors. Let’s dive in!

Sewing Machine 

The heart of any sewing project is the sewing machine. Unless, of course, you want to sew by hand. It certainly wouldn’t be my first choice but there are seasoned sewists who are embracing hand sewing as a way to slow down and challenge themselves.

A sewing machine is your trusted workhorse. The most basic sewing machine may only do a straight stitch and nothing more. My main machine is a Brother PQ1500SL. It’s larger, faster, and heavier than most home sewing machines but it only does straight stitches. I got this machine for my bag making but it’s usually my first go-to for any project.

Other helpful features on a sewing machine are a zig-zag stitch and a buttonhole maker. I have a Brother ST371HD that I usually pull out when I need to make button holes.

If you are just starting out, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know may already have a sewing machine lying around. Sometimes all they need is a cleaning and some oil. Make sure you follow the owner’s manual on how to maintain your machine. If you don’t have the owner’s manual you should be able to find an electronic, printable copy online by just searching for the sewing machine’s make and model number.

Sewing Machine Needles 

Sewing machine needles might seem like a small detail, but they play a crucial role in your sewing adventures. Make sure you have a selection of sewing machine needles suitable for different fabrics. For example, universal needles work for most woven fabrics, while ballpoint needles are ideal for knit fabrics. Starting with the right needle ensures your stitching is smooth and problem-free.

If you are finding that you are getting skipped stitches it could be that your needle is dull or you are just not using the correct needle. Sometimes the correct needle is all you need to ensure that your machine can sew through certain fabrics.

My needles of choice are the Microtex needles from Schmetz. I started using these needles for bag making but I find they are great for garment making as well, even for denim. The other type of needle I use regularly is ballpoint jersey needles for when I am sewing knit fabric.

Seam Ripper 

Mistakes happen, even to the most experienced sewists. A seam ripper is your trusty tool for undoing stitching errors. Whether you’re fixing a minor slip-up or adjusting a complex seam, a seam ripper is essential for maintaining your sewing sanity.

My advice for seam rippers is to buy a bunch of cheap ones instead of the fancier more expensive seam rippers. They get dull fast and although there are a few tips and how to sharpen them, I have found that these techniques really don’t work. I’m always amazed at the difference when I finally give in and start using a new seam ripper.

Thread 

Thread is the backbone of any sewing project, holding your creations together stitch by stitch. Ensure you have a variety of thread colors on hand to match your fabric and your creative vision. High-quality thread prevents breakage and ensures your projects stand the test of time.

A polyester thread is your best choice for most of your sewing projects. It’s stronger and comes in a variety of colors and is easy to find at your local sewing store. I like to wait for a sale and take scraps of fabric from my project to the store so I can color match. If you can’t quite get a match, it’s best to select a thread that is slightly darker than your fabric.

Another great place to find thread is thrift stores and garage or estate sales. One of my local thrift stores will sell bags of like items and sometimes I can get an entire bag of thread for around the same price as a single new spool.

Hand Sewing Needles 

Not everything can be accomplished with a sewing machine. Hand-sewing needles are essential for those delicate finishing touches, like sewing buttons, attaching labels, or adding intricate embellishments. A set of hand-sewing needles with different sizes and styles will serve you well.

Hand-sewing needles are also great for quick fixes and mending. I have even had to sew up a hole in a garment I was sewing when I accidentally nicked the fabric with scissors. There’s also always that possibility that you may want to peruse hand sewing. More power to you!

Fabric Marking Tools 

Accurate measurements and markings are key to creating precise and well-fitting garments. Invest in fabric marking tools such as tailor’s chalk, water-soluble pens, or disappearing ink markers to help you cut and sew with confidence.

Be careful because some of these marking tools can stain your fabric. I made a white linen blend blazer and used yellow tailor’s chalk for my markings and even after several washes, I could still see some yellow stains on the fabric.

Another way to make your fabric is to make a tailor’s tack using a needle and thread. Instead of using a marking tool, you sew a few loose stitches where the marks should be. If you are interested in learning more about tailors tacks there are plenty of tutorials online and you will probably find them in most sewing instruction books.

Cutting Tools 

Quality cutting tools make your projects more manageable and your results more professional. A pair of sharp fabric scissors, rotary cutters, and self-healing cutting mats are essential for achieving clean and precise cuts. These tools are especially vital when working with intricate patterns and fine fabrics.

Whether you are investing in some high-quality shears or just something more affordable to start, you want to make sure that these scissors are only used for cutting fabric, not paper or, heaven forbid, metal. There’s a reason why there are so many memes about using fabric scissors for cutting paper!

Rotary cutters are a great way to get a more precise clean cut. The downside is that the blades get dull quickly and if you nick a blade you will always have a miss cut in your fabric. Larger blades are great for quickly cutting long lines but if you need to go around curves or sharp corners you will want to have some smaller blades on hand. I’m pretty sure I have a rotary cutter for every size blade. Also, like scissors, it’s a good idea to have separate cutters for paper and fabric.

Pins and/or Clips 

Pins and clips are your third hand while sewing, holding fabric layers together as you stitch. They come in various styles, from traditional pins to clips that don’t pierce the fabric. Having both options ensures you’re prepared for any project.

For me, my ultimate goal is to be able to sew without either pins or clips. For now, I usually need a little extra help. I like to use clips for making bags. Sometimes the fabric in bag making is so heavy that it actually bends the pin and then there’s the fact that I always seem to get poked by the pins. I find pins to be easier to use in garment construction.

Iron with Steam 

Don’t underestimate the power of pressing your seams and fabric. An iron with steam capabilities is a must for setting seams, eliminating wrinkles, and achieving crisp edges in your projects. A well-pressed piece can make a world of difference in the final outcome.

If you don’t have a steam option on your iron or maybe you’re like me and have had several irons that leaked, no problem. You can always just use a spray bottle with water. Spray your seam and then press it. The hot iron will do its work as if you are using the steam setting.

As a budding sewist, your sewing journey is a blank canvas filled with exciting possibilities. Equipping yourself with these nine essential tools sets you on the path to success and creativity. From the hum of your sewing machine to the precision of your cutting tools, these items will be your companions, guiding you through each sewing adventure. So, grab your beginner’s sewing toolkit and let your creativity shine! Your sewing adventure awaits.

Do you already use any or all of these tools?

Are you planning on getting any new sewing tools?

What sewing tools do you find essential?

Are you planning to try hand sewing?

Let me know in the comments and happy sewing!

Kelly