When you’re just starting out learning to sew it can be overwhelming to know what you need and don’t need. Here are the 10 most important sewing supplies to buy when you are learning to sew. These will make sewing more enjoyable. Except the seam ripper, but it is still necessary.
- Fabric shears: These are scissors but they are made for fabric. A sharp pair of shears will help you avoid wanting to quit before you even turn on your machine. These come in all price ranges. The cheaper Fiskars sheers will work just fine. If you fall in love with sewing you can upgrade later to a more expensive pair.
- Acrylic fabric ruler: A see through ruler that is made for cutting fabric will help you cut straight lines. I recommend a 6″ or 6.5″ wide by about 24″ long ruler. This will suit all of your needs.
- Seam ripper: It happens to everyone. Eventually you will need to take your stitches out because you messed up. A seam ripper will help you do that without ruining your fabric.
- Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter will help you cut straight lines when paired with your ruler and cutting mat. Or you can even cut our curvy lines if you roll slowly.
- Safety pins: You’ll use safety pins to thread elastic through a casing for an elastic waistband or to keep a quilt sandwiched together while you quilt.
- Straight pins: Look for the kind of pins with a colorful head. These are more noticeable while you are sewing and will help prevent accidentally sewing over a needle (or stepping on a stray one too).
- Pin cushion: You’ll store your pins here so they stay off your floor. Any type will do. This tomato cushion is a classic. The little strawberry on the side is for sharpening needles.
- Sewing machine needles: Universal needles will suit most of your needs. Use the 90/14 for slightly heavier fabric or the 80/12 for a bit lighter fabric. Most likely you won’t notice a difference now.
- Water soluble fabric marker: Make marks on your fabric and then just spray with water later and it will disappear. This is great for transferring pattern markings, tracing patterns right onto fabric or marking buttonholes.
- Self healing cutting mat: Use this cutting mat to protect your table/floor while cutting and preserve your rotary cutter. These aren’t just for quilters.
Honorable mention: Hand sewing needles
What would you add or subtract from this list?