Quick Guide: Basic Sewing Supplies

The first step to any successful project is having the right supplies. A sewing project is no exception to that rule. If you are just beginning to learn how to sew, you may be wondering what supplies you even need to get started. Or perhaps you're a seasoned seamstress wanting to cut your plethora of supplies down to just the basics. Below you'll find a quick guide on the supplies every sewing box should contain to keep you well-stocked and organized...

1. Pinking shears: These scissors leave a zig zag pattern instead of a straight cut. They are used to prevent fabric from fraying. I often use them to finish off my seams by cutting the seam with them and following up with a zig zag stitch along the edge.

2. A good pair of sewing scissors: My momma would never let us use her good sewing scissors on anything but fabric. Talk about getting fussed at...whew! Using them on other things like paper will dull the blade. This is a valuable tip that I’ve carried with me all these years.

3. Snipping scissors: I’m not sure that this is the technical name for them, but that’s what I use them for--snipping! They are handy to have by me when I need to quickly snip threads and other things.

4. Seam gauge: This is my daughter’s favorite “sewing toy.” She is always grabbing it and exclaiming, “Let me measure, mommy!"  What a smart little cookie because that’s just what it does. It’s a great tool to have for measuring hems and seam allowances.

5. An assortment of sewing notions: Depending on the projects you’ll be tackling, it’s nice to have a plentiful supply of trims, buttons, and other odds and ends.

6. Measuring tape: This is the other "sewing toy” that my kids just can’t get enough of. I think this tool is pretty self explanatory. They use it to measure anything and everything they can get their hands on. I use it to measure when I'm sewing.

7. Thread and bobbins: Make sure to use thread that coordinates nicely with your fabric. Can’t find an exact match? A good rule of thumb is that the thread will blend in better by going a shade darker.

8. Tracing paper and tracing wheel: These are used for marking your fabric and making patterns. Chalk pencils and fabric pens with washable ink are also great to have.

9. Seam ripper: This is perfect for those times when you need a redo because it’s inevitable that mistakes will happen. These are also necessary for making buttonholes.

10. Pincushion and pins: These are a must. Click here for a little tutorial on making your own pincushion from a baby food jar.

11. An assortment of needles: Sewing machine needles and regular needles are both essential. Make sure you are using the right sewing machine needles for the fabric you are sewing with. When in doubt, use a universal 75/11 or 80/12 needle.

12. Elastic: The need for this item may come up more than you think, so make sure to have a nice supply.

What are the essentials in your sewing box?

For my list of sewing tips, click on the picture below...

Happy sewing!

*A similar post was originally shared on Making the World Cuter.

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