Sewing For Beginners

To help get you started, here are some of the materials you need to get started. As we learn more difficult projects later on, there might be one or two more materials to add here or there.  I am a big online shopper, so I will try and find the best prices for each of these if you’re wanting to order them online to make it a bit cheaper (it can be a bit pricey to get this hobby up and running).  If you have someone who already has these materials-GREAT!!! Need to purchase the items below? No problem… I’ve added them to my Webstore so that you can purchase the items you need in one place. Check it out here.

• Sewing machine-self explanatory as to why you would need this!!!! Check out the first blog here if you missed it!
• pins and pincushion-you will need these for pinning EVERYTHING! I don’t worry about getting the glass or pearlized head pins (they’re more expensive and do the same job). I just use the regular color ball head pins.
• needles-you will need a basic pack of multi-length needles for the few hand sewing jobs you will need to do.
• basic threads-I started off by just getting a basic white and cream and few other colors. You can wait to see what type of first project you will be working on before you buy thread. You might want to get at least one while you’re learning how to use the machine and sew a straight line and such. An example of an all-purpose, basic thread can be seen here.
• seam ripper-Ah…your best friend!!! For all us newbies who are learning how to sew-this fabulous little tool rips all little imperfections out so you can start over!
• fabric scissors/dressmaker shears-these will look like regular scissors, but you will need a pair of these that are sharp–NEVER USE THESE ON PAPER! EVER! PAPER WILL DULL THESE SCISSORS!!! I keep a pair of fabric scissors and regular scissors for paper in my sewing bag.
• empty bobbins-you will need to make your own bobbins to match threads when we are sewing.
• iron and ironing board-you will need to make sure you have these to help press fabrics before sewing.
• sewing gauge-this is a nice little measuring tool with a helpful slider to help keep things even.
• rotary ruler-this is yet another measuring tool that is clear with lines printed throughout going in all directions to keep things straight and even.
• supply holder for bobbins and thread-this is a necessity to me…you will quickly get yourself in a mess with a zillion small little sewing supplies strewn all over creation. My bobbin holder and spool holder (less expensive option here) have been wonderful!
• pinking shears-you will need these to help keep your fabric from fraying so badly.

Optional Materials

• rotary cutter-this has been a new purchase for me lately, but it has proven to be really awesome so far! It is a VERY sharp cutting wheel that helps keep my lines straight and also helps me trim those really small areas.
• self-healing cutting mat-you just gotta have this if you are wanting to try out the rotary cutter! Otherwise you will end up slicing all through your table or counter!
• bias tape-this is a wonderful creation that I use to finish off ends of projects.
• ribbon-I keep boxes of ribbon around-but this isn’t really necessary until you need it for a project
• cloth/fabric for projects-totally depends on what project you’re working on
• safety pins-I usually have some of these sitting around the house; just another method of pinning.
• tape measure-I haven’t really had a need for an actual tape measure yet…I haven’t sewn any clothing or anything yet
• fabric markers/pencils-these can be good if you are needing to mark things on your actual fabric. These markers/pencils will wash and come right out of your projects.