15 Essential Tools for Your Beginner Sewing Kit

Beginner Sewing Kit

People who have never been interested in sewing before or who only practiced sewing as a hobby in their younger years may wonder what it takes to get started or get back into sewing.  Many of these prospective sewists often wonder what are the essential sewing tools that would make up the perfect beginner sewing kit?  And what's the cost to stock up on these items to complete various projects?

Below is a list of tools that can be considered “essential” for the beginner sewing kit.  They are the tools you want to learn the name of, have in your sewing box and learn to use if you want to try various sewing projects to see what you like doing.

For your convenience only, each image links to the actual product on Amazon so you can check the price and compare it to your local alternatives.  You certainly don't need to buy these items here if you need them, but it won't cost you any more and it would certainly help us run the site;)

1. Bent Handle Shears

These shears can get really expensive. However, this is truly a case of getting what you pay for, and every expensive pair is well worth their price tag. The most important features for these shears include a sharp blade, a good fit for the way your hands are shaped, and a good weight to the pair. The shears should be kept for fabric only. They need to be sharpened once a year. This service is sometimes offered by a specialty store like Jo-Ann Fabrics for free. Watch for the ad. Also, watch for sales at Jo Ann's, since you can pick up a good pair of shears at a cheaper price during a sale.

2. Regular Straight Scissors

These scissors will be used for general tasks, like cutting patterns and paper. This means quality is not as much of an issue. It is important to remember not to cut plastic with these scissors. That can dull the blade quickly and make them hard to use when they are needed for a pattern.

3. Embroidery Scissors

Thanks to their small size, these scissors are great for snipping off threads that are left over after the project is completed on a sewing machine. They are good for when you start and finish a line of stitching as well. These scissors can be simple and cheap or very ornate and have a price tag to match. That is up to your preference – and your budget.

4. Pinking Shears

These scissors have blades that have notches cut into them. They come together and cut a zigzag pattern into the fabric. This method of cutting prevents fraying. A good use for pinking shears is to cut the already cut edges of the fabric before you wash it. This can cut down on a tangle of fraying threads when the material comes out of the washing machine.

Technique Tip: Cutting with pinking shears is slightly different than using other types of scissors. Hold the blades steady and bring them together on the fabric, allowing the cut to start with the second rear tooth. Release the scissors after the cut is made and move them along, lining that second rear tooth up with the last notch of the previous cut. For the best results, make sure to completely close the scissors on every cut you make. This ensures a full cut.

5. Straight Pins

It is almost impossible to get any project done without straight pins. They are put into the fabric to hold things in place as you cut and adjust to make sure the garment will fit correctly.

6. Pincushion

Since you need the straight pins, and the feeling of a pin sticking into your toe or the ball of your foot is not pleasant – this is another key item to have in your sewing kit. The pincushion gives you an easy place to store the pins and keeps them from falling onto the floor and becoming a hazard for your sensitive feet.

7. Needles

You will need two types of needles – those for your sewing machine and hand needles to complete project details that won't be manageable with a sewing machine. Universal needles are a good first investment. They fit into almost any machine and can be used on different fabrics and projects. For a situation where you will be working with thicker fabrics, needles made specifically for those fabrics or tougher fabric, in general, will come in handy.
Meanwhile, hand needles are sold in packs of 20. Some people note a preference for a specific brand, while others tend to purchase what is easily available in a local store. Either way, the needles are only good for about eight hours of use. After that, a new needle should be used.

8. Tape Measure

The one in your toolbox is not going to help here. You need a soft tape measure – one that will go around the body and take measurements of the human form. It is also a good idea to make sure you can read this tape measure easily.  Inaccurate measurement will mean a project that can not be worn.

9. Seam Gauge (Hem Guage or Sewing Gauge)


All three of these names apply to a ruler that has a special slider attached. This slider can be set to a specific measurement. The seam gauge has a hollow area that helps guide your tailor's chalk. Meanwhile, the slider is a good visual reference while pinning, pressing, sewing or attempting to keep darts even. These rulers are flexible, but after time and extended use, they can get bent. It is a good idea to get a replacement at that time.

10. Clear Ruler


Typically made of acrylic, these rulers come in different shapes and sizes. For a large one, check the quilting section. Meanwhile, you can use these to make new measurements while referencing a previous mark or cut. You can also sew the material while seeing where other areas are marked. These rulers improve accuracy while they cut down on the time spent on a project.

11. Tailor's Chalk


During a project, material needs to be marked. The most common and long-trusted tool for that is tailor's chalk. It is smart to buy two colors – typically white and blue. That way, you have a color to use on light fabric and one to use on dark fabric.

Many people prefer the tailor's chalk since it shows up clearly during the project, is easy to apply and easy to remove. If you prefer the idea of water-soluble pencils or pens (or the air soluble variety), make sure to test them on an area of the fabric that won't be seen in case they won't come off.

12. Thread


Other than the needle, the most important tool to have for sewing is the thread. Once you start working on various projects, you will have multiple colors of thread. To start, buy a large spool of black and one of white. From there, you can buy colors as needed. Thread is labeled for different uses, such as hand sewing, machine sewing, etc.. Stick to the recommended uses. Also, it pays to note the brand of thread and whether it works well with your machine or is a brand you like to use and want to buy again. Some people develop a brand preference and only work with one brand of thread.
Remember: You will go through a lot of threads in the course of a single sewing project.

13. Seam Ripper


Mistakes happen. For that reason, it is wise to keep that seam ripper handy. If you recently purchased your sewing machine new, you most likely received one as an accessory with the machine. if not, they are cheap enough to purchase.

14. Iron and Ironing Board


It is not necessary to buy expensive iron to use for sewing projects. It is important to make sure the iron has a steam feature and can be used for various fabrics. Most garments made during a sewing project will need room to be spread out, so invest in the ironing board as well. A tabletop iron is not going to be able to accurately handle most projects.

15. Muslin


Muslin is a cheap material that can be purchased and used to test patterns. This saves you money on expensive fabrics. The fabric does not have to be muslin; it only has to be cheap and usable for various projects. If you happen about a good sale where fabric is cheap, stock up with the intention of using it for testing patterns.

Once you have these tools in your sewing kit, you are ready to sew.  For the more experienced sewists out there, if we missed anything you think is essential, please let us know in the comments below.

Good luck and happy sewing!


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Demetria Santillan
Demetria Santillan

I think an “essential” tool list depends on the person and the type of sewing they do. For me having a cutting mat and rotary cutter are 2 tools that are essential for my sewing.

Shane Crawford
Shane Crawford

I would suggest a “neddle threader” as some of us can’t see the eye and some treads won’t go through the eye. Solid plastic (tough) tape measure as above both inches and centimetres too!

Karen Boyd
Karen Boyd

Many people have sewn beautiful things with only needle thread, fabric and something to cut with. However, I have all of these things and many more in my sewing area and there are very few I want to give up. Almost all of them are essential to me.
One hint is this, it is good to have a test fabric for sewing garments. How ever, muslin is not always the most frugal choice. First your test fabric should be similar to your final fabric. I try to find a very inexpensive fabric that hopefully is not ugle, to make my test on. Usually it is something on a deep discount that is less expensive than muslin. If things go well I have an extra garment. If they don’t my loss is not big.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Karen Boyd

I do share your opinion.

Cherie B Swaters
Cherie B Swaters

Have to disagree on a couple of these. I’ve been sewing for myself and others for 60+ years. I’ve sewn formals, wedding dresses, special occasion outfits, as well as everyday. Have never had pinking shears, never had a straight scissors in my sewing area, nor have I ever had a straight ruler other than my 6″ hem gauge. So while those things might be nice to have, essential? No.

Demetria Santillan
Demetria Santillan

I have to disagree with you. It actually depends on the type of sewing a person does. Garment sewing wouldn’t need a large straight ruler however sewing quilts and other types of sewing do need various sizes of rulers and other tools.

Cherie
Cherie

Tailor’s chalk link takes you to an “out of stock” at amazon with no restocking date. Also shows a picture of an insecticide on this article and at amazon.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Cherie

Wasn’t that weird? I have updated the link thank you for letting me know.

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

How about a perfect organizer? Better Beauty Case perfectly organizes my sewing kit. The cases come in different sizes and holds all my sewing notions in 4 clear zippered pouches that are held by velcro into a roll out case. I can unroll it and see everything I have!!! No more searching my craft room high and low every time I need something. I love it and I have the option to remove each zippered case and toss one it into my travel bag if needed for on-the go.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Jacqueline

Love it! I must make one!

JoAnn
JoAnn

You need to add the expandable button hole marker for button and snap placement. Also the ruler that you can iron on, it makes hemming so much easier.

lynnew929
lynnew929

Just started sewing, list seems to be right on the mark with maybe one exception. I have not found the need to have so many different types of scissors and I would add a rotary cutter and mat, both make make the cutting process easier!

Esitery
Esitery

I understand a lot of essential and I am willing to learn more especially about the hem gauge I like to sew it

Pat
Pat

Seam ripper should be number one 🙂

Judy Laing Brown
Judy Laing Brown
Reply to  Pat

A good quality seam ripper! Cheap ones are frustrating and can be destructive!

Laura Waterfield
Laura Waterfield

Actually, you will need several seam rippers as you are always searching for it. Smiles
Great suggestions.
Laura

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member

Indeed! I have attached one on a elastic to the handle of my sewing machine, It is there always. I wasted so much time looking around for one.

Jennifer H LaVail
Jennifer H LaVail

How about a good light source? It’s frustrating to be working on a dark cloth and need to do a little ripping.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member

True, so true! one that mimics daylight I find most helpful.

Barb Bishop
Barb Bishop

A “raja” cloth, also known as an ironing cloth. Stops ‘shine’ on black or dark pants, skirts, etc. Also good for use on fabrics that “stick” to your iron.

edel duffy
edel duffy

a few plastic bags, one for under the serger which collects the mess as you go,one near the sewing machine to drop threads into, an empty bucket under your cutting table to toss your scraps. i’ve an empty pot holder close to my ironing board to collect all the trimming bits. A lint roller to tidy up threads.

Sewfun2sew
Sewfun2sew
Reply to  edel duffy

How about making a “Thread Catcher” this is very convenient for tossing your scraps.

Jamie
Jamie

An eraser to clean up thread after you use your seam ripper. I recently read that somewhere and have been using it ever since. I always had a hard time getting all the threads up before.

Sewfun2sew
Sewfun2sew
Reply to  Jamie

An eraser to clean up threads? please clarify? Is it like a pencil eraser?

Rylie
Rylie
Reply to  Sewfun2sew

I’ve seen a video too where someone runs an eraser on the small thread bits stuck in the fabric after ripping seams so you don’t have to pick them out one by one if that gives any clarification.

Cherie
Cherie
Reply to  Sewfun2sew

Yes, a pencil eraser that you rub gently along the cut threads to collect them. Works great! Or there is a speciality one at https://amzn.to/2RevV0j

D. Joy Summers
Reply to  Sewfun2sew

I think she means like a chalk eraser.

Sue Hatliff
Sue Hatliff

A bias binder maker, in different sizes. An excellent post for the beginner. ?

Roch Caro
Roch Caro

On target! As diy-er, may consider purchasing a new gray sharpening stone for about $10. No oil, no water, and just sharpen your shears yourself with a few strokes. Very basic and simpe to do.

Gloria
Gloria

Skip the chalk and use a frixon pen, it disappears when ironed. Much better then then the pens that disappear with moisture.

Nancy
Nancy
Reply to  Gloria

Frixon pens can reappear in cold weather. Something that may or may not be a factor.

Joy
Joy
Reply to  Nancy

I heard that they don’t come back if the items is laundered.

Deborah Anne Atulomah
Deborah Anne Atulomah

Best tip I ever had- if you only have two thread colours-forget black and white and go for a very dark grey and a very light cream. These will blend in better with most fabrics.

Monica D.

Correct!

Peggy Flowers
Peggy Flowers

Great tip!

Judy Laing Brown
Judy Laing Brown

And don’t buy the bargain thread! It will lint up your machine and cause no end of problems.

Susan August

Me again..a few buttons black and white to keep it simple since it never fails someone just lost a button!!

Susan August

The only thing I would add is a thimble..pins are bad enough but needles WOW!!

Carolyn Newman

a Rotary Cutter…..invaluable. Straight blade, Pinking blade.

Debijt
Debijt
Reply to  Carolyn Newman

totally agree!!

Cathy Ray
Reply to  Carolyn Newman

And if you have a rotary cutter, you also need a cutting mat to use it with.

Jan
Jan

Very helpful post! Thanks so much for sharing your list.