Simple Sewing Essentials Kit: What You Actually Need
As a beginner sewist, it may be overwhelming at what you need to first begin. I received my first sewing starter kit from my grandmother as a child. And we trust our grandmothers right?
I first learned how to sew on my grandmother’s sewing machine. After spending many weekends just sewing pieces of fabric together for fun, she bought me my first pattern: PJs, which I still have today (the pattern, not the PJs, unfortunately). Scroll down to see that.
After taking over her machine, she decided buying my own machine would be more beneficial to both of us. She bought me a machine & everything I needed to begin with & I’ve made a list of everything I can remember, even still have to this day.
Just a side note, my grandmother is a fantastic seamstress. She has 6 children, & made plenty of their clothes growing up. She made my mother & aunts prom dresses, all of the bridesmaids dresses for my parents & aunts weddings, and even more! Whenever family friends discover my grandmother taught me to sew, they always say “You had the best teacher!”
If you’re curious of some of the items my grandmother made, scroll down to see some of her work.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
Related blog posts: How to thread a sewing machine, How to make bias tape
Starter Sewing Kit
The first thing you obviously need is a sewing machine. But with so many machines on the market, how do you pick?
Sewing Machines for Beginners
As a beginner sewist, you do NOT need any fancy machine. In fact, if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t have picked the ‘high tech’ machine I currently have. There are so many functions that I don’t use on it, & I sew pretty frequently.
For a beginner, all you need is a machine that can do your basic stitch & a zigzag stitch. That’s it.
And please don’t get a super cheap, flimsy machine because I promise, it won’t be fun.
Either of these machines are great for beginner sewists.
I will say the best machines you can get your hands on are old vintage metal machines; they work the best.
For myself, I have only owned Singer machines (besides my grandmother’s vintage Kenmore machine), and I haven’t had any issues. One thing I have noticed with my most recent Singer machine is to ensure to get the Singer Bobbins as universal bobbins don’t fit properly in my machine & cause issues.
What Sewing Needle Do You Need In My Starter Kit?
There are multiple types of sewing needles available on the market.
Most machines will come with a pack of needles with multiple different sizes. It’s always good to have multiple sizes on hand. Different fabrics recommend different sizes of needles. Some that you should have on hand are:
Of course, having an assortment pack of needles is also great. I always have 2 packs on hand just in case a needle breaks or I need to change up the needle due to fabric.
It’s also good to have hand sewing needles on hand, not just needles for your sewing machine.
For hand needles, I’d recommend getting an assortment pack of hand sewing needles. These packs come with needles meant for embroidery, mending & more. If sewing by hand is something you’ll be doing plenty of, then ensuring you have a thimble for safety is also good to have.
Which Sewing Thread Do I Get?
The most common thread out there is polyester, which is an all-purpose thread great for all different types of fabrics. Great for garments & home decor pieces.
While I tend to purchase the same colour thread often as the fabric I am working with, when you are first starting off, having a basic white and/or black thread is the best to start with.
Here is a great assortment pack of thread to start off with, full of great neutrals for your sewing kit.
Do I Need Fabric Scissors?
Yes. There is no way around this, you NEED cutting shears (fabric scissors).
PLEASE do not use your regular kitchen scissors to cut the fabric. While you can do this if you don’t want to purchase cutting shears, they would have to be very sharp to do the job. When you use regular scissors, it can create a jagged line & fray the fabric.
When you’re first starting you don’t need any of the fancy scissors like pinking shears or a rotary knife.
My personal favourite is the singer cutting shears. One more cutting tool you’ll need is a seam ripper, which most machines come with. I own 3 seam rippers because they are my best friends.
Should I Get Pins Or Clips For Sewing?
It depends. Clips are more so used for quilting, whereas pins can be used universally.
There are some fabrics where you can’t puncture the fabric (like PUL) which if you plan on making reusable diapers, than yes clips are the way to go.
However, pins are just easier to use and don’t break nearly as quickly as clips.
If you do get pins, I highly recommend getting a tomato. I still own mine that my grandmother gifted to me all those years ago! You could also always make your own pin cushion which are also great options.
What Kind of Measuring Tape Should I Get?
If someone would have asked me this last year, I’d say get a retractable they are great!
Since then, I take that back.
Within the last year, I’ve had not 1 but 4 (Yes 4!!) break on me due to either kids, or them falling.
Because of this, I’m going back to my roots for and getting just a basic measuring tape.
Extra Helpful Sewing Kit Tools
Other helpful tools are:
- Sewing Basket – Storing all your supplies
- Seamstress chalk – Marking fabric, easily comes off
- Wax – For thread
- Bias tape OR Bias Tape Maker – Great for finishing raw edges. Having your own maker saves money.
- Buttons, zippers, & elastic – great to have on hand just in case.
Begin your sewing journey today & enjoy the craft of creating by hand.
Happy Sewing!