You have decided to pick up sewing at last. What’s next? You’re probably wondering what tools you’ll need to begin. We are here to assist you in getting started with the essential sewing tools.
The basic sewing tools to get started include a sewing machine, thread, tape measure, scissors, seam ripper, pins, needles, thimble, iron, ironing board, marking tools, bobbins, pincushion, sewing gauge, pinking sheers, tracing wheel, presser foot, and rotary cutter.
In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guideline on the types of sewing tools you need to get started. If you haven’t bought a sewing machine yet and are unsure which one to purchase, check out our blog outlining the differences between a domestic and industrial sewing machine to help make the decision-making process a little easier.
Basic Sewing Tools You Need to Get Started
1. Scissors
Two types of scissors come in handy with sewing: fabric and paper. It’s highly likely that you already have paper scissors lying around the house and may only need to purchase an additional one, the fabric scissors. Scissors are great for precision cutting and make the work a lot easier when you’re starting.
2. Tape Measure
One of the most crucial components in your sewing kit is a soft tape measure. You may measure your body, seam allowances, hem lengths, and other things with this. Here, selecting the appropriate size is a wise recommendation. A shorter measuring tape will work fine if you plan to measure shorter lengths. A longer measuring tape will be more useful if you want to use it to measure greater lengths.
3. Needles
Needles are useful tools for hand sewing and modifications. Invest in a range of packs of needles of varying thicknesses and sizes. Having this on hand is ideal because it will prepare you for any sort of fabric or job and will facilitate a smooth sewing experience.
4. Pins
There are two sorts of pins: ball-head pins and dressmaker pins. Dressmaker pins, also known as flat-head pins and ball-head pins, are used to hold fabric together at the seam line before sewing. They help hold the cloth in place during attaching and cutting patterns, as well as stitching and ironing.
The difference is that dressmaker pins have a flat head that makes them difficult to see on some fabrics, whereas ball-head pins have round colored heads that are easier to see on all textiles.
5. Pincushion
These are great for storing and organizing your pins or needles. It’s a small, stuffed cushion you can use during sewing and makes finding, collecting and organizing these small items easy. These are great to keep on your work table and can easily be carried to another station. They come in a variety of designs, depending on your preference.
6. Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is one of the most common tools you will use as you learn to sew. They come in different sizes with various ripping tips to accommodate different preferences and needs. In the beginning, you will probably use this item the most, as you will find yourself ripping quite frequently. Getting the right one for your hand is important. For extra support, you may want to consider an ergonomic seam ripper.
7. Thread
Thread is used to bind garments together. These can be used with the sewing machine or with hand sewing. Thread is the thing that binds our garments together, so naturally choosing the right kind is important when it comes to the quality and longevity of what you’re making.
8. Thimbles
Thimbles are used to protect your fingers as you sew. The thimble’s metal surface provides a smooth, protective barrier between the needle and your finger, preventing painful pricks and allowing for extended sewing sessions with greater comfort. Simply place the thimble on the finger that you are most comfortable with using and use the finger with the thimble to push the needle through the fabric.
9. Pressing Tools
Lock in your designs with pressing tools like an iron, an ironing board and a press cloth. The press cloth protects your fabrics and garments from scorching, while the iron provides heat for ironing out wrinkles and creases. Hams and sleeve rolls are great for pressing seams and curves that are in a tube area without creasing other parts of the fabric or garment.
10. Fabric Marking Tools
Fabric marking tools are used to transfer guidelines, patterns, or notes onto fabric. These tools help you indicate where to cut, fold, sew, or place embellishments, ensuring precision and alignment in sewing projects. Common fabric marking tools include tailors chalk, chalk pencils, disappearing pens, washable markers, carbon paper, tracing wheels, and inkless/chalkless marking tools.
11. Sewing Gauges
Sewing gauges are hand tools for measuring hems, seams, and other small areas. They come in various forms including the commonly-used aluminium ruler with a slider. These are handy for all hand sewing, hemming, marking alterations, checking seam allowances, and other small measurements.
12. Fabric Rotary Cutter
Fabric rotary cutters offer smooth and accurate fabric cutting. You can easily use this tool to cut through layers of fabric with ease! These are best used with a cutting mat and a ruler. You may want to be extra careful with this tool, as it is quite sharp. Always ensure the cover is on when the cutter is not in use. Regularly check the blade for sharpness, as it can become dull after a while.
13. Bobbins
A bobbin is a small, cylindrical spool usually made of plastic or metal that holds the lower thread in a sewing machine. It sits in the bobbin case beneath the needle plate. Bobbins are essential for creating stitches in conjunction with the upper thread. Bobbins come in various sizes and materials, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and stitch quality of a sewing machine.
14. Pinking Sheers
Pinking shears are scissors with serrated blades that create a zigzag pattern along the edge of fabric when cut. This helps to prevent fraying by sealing the fabric edges, particularly on woven materials. They are commonly used in sewing and crafting to finish seams, create decorative edges, and prevent unraveling, especially on fabrics prone to fraying.
15. Tracing Wheel
It is used to transfer markings from sewing patterns onto fabric, either directly or with the aid of tracing paper. Tracing wheels are used to mark various elements such as buttonholes, darts, pleats, notches, hemlines, and stitching lines onto fabric. It is also used to trace patterns onto paper or carbon paper for preservation or duplication purposes.
16. Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is used to stitch fabric pieces together with thread. It consists of various components such as a needle, shuttle, and motor, which work together to create stitches quickly and efficiently. Sewing machines are used in a wide range of applications, including garment construction, quilting, embroidery, and upholstery. You get them in domestic and industrial types, suitable for your specific sewing needs.
17. Presser Foot
A presser foot is an attachment used in sewing machines to hold fabric flat as it is fed through the machine and stitched. It helps guide the fabric smoothly under the needle, ensuring even stitches and preventing material from shifting during sewing. Presser feet come in various types, each designed for specific sewing tasks.
18. Bodkins
A bodkin is a versatile sewing tool used for various tasks such as threading elastic, ribbon, cord, or fabric tubes through narrow channels or casings. It typically consists of a long, slender metal or plastic tool with a blunt end and a loop or eye at the other.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the 18 essential tools you need as you start your sewing journey. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on these tools, as they are available in affordable options with good quality. Before you go, we encourage you to read our blog about ways you can organize all your basic sewing supplies. Go get creative and have fun!
