Learn the top essentials for beginner sewers. This list is super short and easily affordable.
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I get asked all the times all the time what the essential items are for a beginner sewer. They really are quite simple and can be lumped into one sentence. They also do not take up a lot of room.
This post is for all the people who have no idea what they need to begin sewing.
Basic Sewing Essentials Video
Shop the sewing essentials
Seam ripper
Brother sewing machine
Bobbins and tape measure
Straight pins
All purpose thread
Universal needles
Sewing scissors
Steam iron
Serger Embroidery machine Measuring Tape
Get the rest of the Simple Sewing Series in this playlist on Youtube.
Basic items every beginner sewer needs
Sewing Machine
I get asked all the time what sewing machine I own. The brother sewing machine we use for my shop was actually discontinued, but I would recommend this Sewing Machine for a beginner sewer. I actually use this Sewing Machine often because my employees are using the one upstairs, so I bought one similar like this one at Walmart.
Thread
I use a large spool of white thread because I sew a lot, so it takes me quite a while to go through this one thread. Just grab an all purpose thread. I sew nearly everything in white, but it would also be good to grab a black and navy blue. If I am sewing on a fabric that is very dark, like denim for example, I will reach for navy instead of my trusty white. I like the way a nicely stitched topstitch looks in white on a floral print, stripe patter or light fabric. It’s rare I actually switch out the colors.
Bobbins
You will also need a few empty bobbins to put in the lower part of the machine. Don’t worry I’ll show you how to actually wind them and load them into the machine in the next lesson.
Extra sewing machine needles
Having extra sewing machine needles around is super handy to have on hand if your sewing machine needle breaks. This happens especially when I am making something with many layers of thick fabric, like when I am putting piping into a handmade slipover.
Scissors
One of the most important things a beginner sewing needs to have in their sewing box is sewing scissors. As a sewer, I value a scissors that are sharp and can cut through thick fabric. If you buy the nice ones, you can sharpen them often, and keep them for the rest of your life. That is if your kids don’t steal them first!
Tape Measure
You will need a tape measure nearly every single time you sit down to start a project. Whether it is measuring your daughter to determine the length of a dress, cutting out the right width of fabric to cover a 20″ pillow form, or measuring your windows to find out the curtain size. Yep, a tape measure is important. Keep a few on hand, because I promise you those things disappear when you least expect it!
Pins
Pins are very important to help hold the fabric in place while sewing. I have several boxes of Pins because they seem to disappear around here like socks out of a drier. I also need a ton when I am doing a large project, like a custom slipcover.
Iron
You will need a steam iron to create hems in your projects. I also use an iron on occasion to press seams flat. Sewing is the only time I actually really use an iron, but I couldn’t be without one!
Potential Supplies for when your sewing skills advance
Serger
I am so happy that I own a serger. I actually own one because we use it in my farmhouse inspired soft goods shop to give a nice finish to our products. I find this serger is super handy to have around when I am sewing so that each of my sewing projects has a nice finish. Having a nice finishing stitch also helps the fabric fibers not to unwind in the washer and drier.
Embroidery machine
I absolutely love having a serger in my sewing room. Not only do we use this weekly in my shop, but my girls also use the Embroidery machine to monogram presents for friends. I also used it to monogram pillows for my girls room makeover.
And that’s it!
And that’s it! Were you expecting something else? Collecting these simple items is really quite easy.
Shop my recommended sewing essentials
Seam ripper
Brother sewing machine
Bobbins and tape measure
Straight pins
All purpose thread
Universal needles
Sewing scissors
Steam iron
Serger
Easy beginner sewing tutorials
How to make Fabric Bunting for Children’s Room
How to Sew a Tank Top Sewing Tutorial for Beginners
How to Make Muslin Swaddle Blankets
How to Make an Apron from IKEA Tea Towels
Simple DIY 20 inch Buffalo Check Pillow Covers
Super Simple DIY Pillows from IKEA Tea Towels
Other Simple Sewing Series Posts
How to Thread a Sewing Machine
How to Thread and Wind a Bobbin
How to Sew a Hem
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Jody says
Arrrghh!
My biggest trouble is a pedal that races. So I can’t seem to get that slow even sewing pace. Does it need adjusting or servicing or lubing? Very frustrating to constantly be ripping out seams.
Mary says
ZIPPERS and how to install them!! They are my nemesis!
Rochelle says
I just had my old sewing machine serviced a few months ago. This is perfect timing!!
Rachel says
Buttons! I’m getting back into sewing (I LOVED it as a kid) and my grandma taught me everything. I remember a lot, but for the life of me cannot remember how to sew nice button holes! Help!!!
Kay says
This article is perfect timing as I was thinking just the other day about getting a new sewing machine and making a mental note in my head to check here because I remember you recommending one you purchased at Walmart. What a great refresher on sewing! It’s been too long. 😊I have to sew something…anything…😂
judy says
Perfect Timing! Can you talk about tension. My thread always bunches up.
Megan says
It’s like you wrote this post for me! I’ve wanted to get into sewing but felt so intimidated.