Basic Sewing Supplies

So, you’re interested in sewing but aren’t sure where to begin? What do you need?

There are a few things that you will want to keep on hand. As you continue to sew you will add to your supplies, but this will get you started.

Hand needles – These are the needles with the eyes in the end to use for hand sewing. There are tons of brands of hand sewing needles, and they range from tiny, for very thin fabric, to large for yarn. For sewing, you just want to buy an assortment of hand sewing needles so you’ll have the size you need for whatever you’re doing. You can get these almost anywhere, and they usually come in a round package and will say hand needles on the cover. 

Scissors –I suggest buying a good pair of scissors, but they are only as good as the care they get. They need to be fabric only scissors. Don’t cut paper, plastic, or packaging. If you do, they will no longer cut your fabric. Tie a piece of ribbon on the handle or write something in a permanent marker to keep them distinctive from your other scissors.

Straight pins – I suggest the longer straight pins. I buy the 1½ inch pins. They come in a plastic containers and will have the length on the packaging. 

Pin cushion – Our pins go in your project or in your pin cushion. They do not go anywhere else. You can have any kind of pin cushion or cushions you want, but I think there is some unwritten rule that you have to have at least one tomato pin cushion.

Seam ripper – You will become good friends so invest the few extra dollars and get a good one.

Thimble – This handy dandy thing your grandma used is awesome. It is especially food for tougher to hand sew fabrics like leather and denim.

Thread – I prefer to use polyester thread. You can buy dual duty thread that is perfect for both, hand and machine sewing. Thread comes in every shade imaginable. I suggest you buy the basic colors to begin with and add to as your projects call for other colors.

Until next time…

Tami

Sew on and Sew Forth