Beginner Sewing- What Equipment and Supplies Do You Need?

A Beginner for Beginners

By: Eldaka Terrell

When I first decided to start sewing again, my equipment and supplies consisted of a: sewing machine, scissors, hand needles, a couple of spools of thread, and, basic straight pens. I also had a seam ripper which I picked up at Dollar General. The Sewing 101 Guide from Jo-Ann Fabrics assisted me in gathering a few more supplies that I could use, which included a flexible measuring tape and marking pencil.

There's no point in buying supplies and equipment you really don't need therefore; I acquire tools as needed for new project. Today my stock includes additional supplies which have helped make sewing easier. This post includes a brief list of my tools which I plan to add, as my sewing needs increase, such as a tracing wheel and transfer paper. If you don’t happen to find this list helpful, there are other list links included in the resource section at the end of this post you may find informative.

My Beginner Sewing Tools and What they are used for:

Sewing Machine	I bought a Brother XL-2600i sewing machine, because of its reasonable price for an ambitious beginning sewer, that would be easy to use, and yet offered a few extra functions.
Sewing Machine Needles	In the Machine Needle Guide from Jo-Ann Fabrics it teaches about why different size sewing needles are needed. I keep this guide handy; this is especially important for heavier fabrics like denim.
Scissors	Buying a good pair of scissors is essential. I didn’t opt for the most expensive pair, however purchasing a medium priced set with various sizes was a great start.
Straight pins	I have two different types of straight pins, dressmaker pins and satin pins, fabric determines which ones to use.
Pin cushion	Pin cushions are great because they keep my pins together and I don’t have as many falling on the floor.
Hand needles	I always keep an assorted variety for hand needle work, such as simple clothing repair or hemming.
Needle threader	As I get older and my eyeglass strength increases this little tool is a necessity.
Seam ripper	I don’t know what I would do without my seam ripper. It’s great for my many mistakes and taking apart seams. (Other sharp tools may be used, but at your own risk of messing up the material.)
Iron	I use my iron for pressing seams, hems, pattern pieces and finished garments.
Marking pencils	I use these for making fabric and when using a pattern to mark darts and lines.
Measuring tape (pic below)	I have two different lengths; I prefer the longer one.
Sewing Gauge	When I first discovered this handy dandy tool, I always make sure it’s close by when sewing. It helps me keep to keep my seams consistent especially when hemming.