5 Tools You NEED to Start Sewing

 5 Tools You NEED to Start Sewing

Let’s admit it. Getting started with a new hobby is hard, especially when it can have so many materials like sewing does. It can be overwhelming to determine what you actually need to get started. 

While certain projects are going to need different tools depending on the type of sewing you’re doing, you are going to need the obvious: a sewing machine. I didn’t include it in my list because I’m sure you already know that to be your first step. You might already have one laying around that you have yet to use, or know someone who’ll let you borrow theirs. If anything, you can get one second-hand, which I highly recommend if you’re just starting! I was using one my mom had given me around 10 years ago. I had only invested in a new one recently as it had some additional features that my previous one didn’t have (it’s also an embroidery machine)!

To make things easier for you as you begin your sewing journey, I thought of 5 other necessary tools you absolutely need to start sewing.

5. A Printer

You’re probably staring at your computer confused as to why I listed a printer as a necessary sewing tool. While it’s not your traditional tool, you will be happy that you have it. As you scroll through Pinterest or Instagram, looking for the perfect first project, you’ll find a lot of free patterns to pick from. Unfortunately, they aren’t mailed to you. You have to download them and print them out, hence, the printer. It makes the process a lot simpler than going to the library and having to print out the 30 pages you need. 

4. Ruler

If you asked me two years ago, what my top 5 tools for sewing would be, I would have said a tape measure before a ruler. They’re longer and more flexible for those tricky curves. I was able to use it to draw and pin the outline I needed for any size skirt (an item I was obsessed with making), but I can’t tell you how many times a ruler has saved my project from being a disaster. A measuring tape is fantastic, but it does make it hard to be as precise as I needed to be when it came to patterned fabric. With a ruler, I can reliably determine where to put the edge of my pattern, determine how straight my pins were in relation to each other, and mark where dart lines and button holes were on the fabric.

3. Chalk/ Fabric Pen

I refuse to sew without one of these items. Having these tools on hand to label and mark pattern pieces, outline your pattern, and to know where to alter your project is a must, especially sewing any type of clothing. The human body is not straight! It’s full of curves and sometimes we have to adjust the pattern to fit it. When you have chalk or a fabric pen, it makes it easier to determine where and how you need to adjust the pattern.

As you get further into sewing, you’ll notice how most patterns will have markings to symbolize what you either need to keep in mind or do to make your sewing experience with that pattern successful. Having a way to transfer those marks from your pattern to your fabric will save you time in the long run. For example, why go through the pain of figuring out where to place your buttons and buttonholes when the pattern already tells you where to place them?

2. Pins

I highly suggest you invest in good quality pins, because little will ruin your fabric faster than dull pins. Some fabrics like knit and cotton are more forgiving than others. This is why a lot of people go for clips. It takes out the risk of ruining your fabric while keeping them together. However, it doesn’t account for when you need to keep your pattern pieces in place to cut out your fabric. As a way to save money on this new hobby you’re starting, get pins. I find that quilting pins are sharp and last a little longer than some of the other options (and can be cheaper). 

1. Fabric Scissors

You absolutely, without a doubt, NEED to buy fabric scissors. This is one of the few things that every person who sews will agree with. Fabric scissors are completely different from regular household scissors. They are made with a harder metal and are a lot sharper. Cutting paper with them would dull them quickly due to how rough it is (which is why you should have other scissors to cut out your patterns as well as your fabric scissors). This will be one of your more expensive new hobby purchases, but it’s worth it. 

If you were to cut fabric with regular scissors, you would end up with jagged edges and it makes it hard to sew when you don’t have those clean, straight lines to follow. Regular scissors don’t cut where your intended lines is, but rather around it. This takes up a lot more time than necessary for you to cut your fabric. Rather than fighting with your scissors, you should make your life easier and get the fabric scissors.

I hope this helps as you get started on your sewing journey! Make sure to follow me on Instagram @littlestitchesblog and let me help you start your sewing journey!