10 SEWING KIT ESSENTIALS TO GET YOU GOING IN SEWING
Beg steal, borrow or buy, here's your essential kit list for starting out in sewing.
My top 10 essential recommendations and a check list perfect for beginners starting out and building their sewing equipment up.
1. Sewing machine
We've established that we're not hand sewing, although a little is always required. So you will need a sewing machine. Old or new doesn't matter but if it's an older model I would advise getting it serviced so that you know that you can succeed on the machine without unexplained mechanical problems occurring.
If you are looking for a new machine see HERE for my advise
2. Quality threads
The quality of your thread can affect not only the finish of your sewing but also how your machine behaves. Cheap fluffy thread can cause snapping, tangles and clog your machine, costing you more in time and money than the extra cost to get good thread.
Choose brands like Gutterman and Coats for reliable quality
3. Fabric
Light/medium weight cotton/woven fabric is best to use when starting out. Get yourself some cheap fat quarters (don't know what that is see here GLOSSARY) or a selection of cotton to play around on. Old pillow cases will do too.
4. Fabric shears + Paper scissors
(Not the same thing!)
Fabric scissors should never be used to cut paper, hide your fabric scissors from family and friends if you have to!
5. Thread snips
Small sharp little scissors for snipping loose thread ends and finishing your sewing. Sharp nail scissors work well too.
6. Stitch ripper (or 4)
For ripping stitches quickly and accurately when you inevitably make a mistake. May come with your machine, cheap to buy and you will always loose them so have multiple to hand.
7. Extra spools
When you fill a spool with coloured thread it is unlikely that you will use up all the thread so you will fill another for your next project. You will always need empties and will accumulate lots so possibly invest in a spool holder or peg board.
When buying new always try to get the same machine brand or choose universal which will work but may not fit quite as well.
8. Tape measure
Old fashioned tape that you can roll up are fine, retractable even better and I would also advise a meter rule stick which are very handy for measuring out fabric for dress making, curtains and blinds.
9. Pins or clips
Essential in every sewing project, sharp long bobble headed pins for fiddly bits and clips for holding edges together whilst you sew.
10. Pin cushion
Cushion, magnetic dish, wrist cushion or plain old jar to keep these sharp little weapons safe and to stop them dropping on the floor ouch!
See HERE for a simple stitch sampler pin cushion project that will help you get to know your machine AND provide you with the cutest pin cushion too.
And that's it these items will be your besties in sewing! Collect over time and don't buy cheap otherwise you'll buy twice.
The next article in this sewing series is about making friends with your SEWING MACHINE
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If you would like to discuss any part of the sewing process further don't hesitate to contact me. I can offer you 1:1 online lessons or constructive advice.
Good luck and HAPPY SEWING
