Today, I have Suzanne from Knicelely Sewn sharing her top 10 items every beginner seamstress needs to own. I think this is a great compilation list for anyone venturing into the sewing world! Thanks for stopping by Suzanne!
10 Items Every Beginner Seamstress Needs to Own
So you have purchased your sewing machine, fabric, pattern, and thread and are now ready to sew, right? There are always more tools of the trade that will make your project go smoothly and be more enjoyable. Below is a list of 10 items that every seamstress should own.
1. Invest in ‘fabric’ scissors. There are several options for fabric scissors out there and really it’s just based on your own preference. They can be somewhat expensive, however, JoAnn’s, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby typically always have a coupon you can use towards a pair. The most important thing is once you have a pair is to ensure that they remain ‘fabric’ ONLY scissors. Don’t use them on paper, plastic, etc—you will regret it because they will dull quickly and no longer cut fabric cleanly.
2. Since your fabric scissors are only allowed to do one job, you will need a pair of ‘regular’ scissors. These are the scissors you will use to cut patterns, open packages, etc. If need be, sharpie your scissors function on to the blades so everyone will know that each pair has a special purpose.
3. Buy a seam ripper and give it a name. It will be your new best friend. Mistakes will happen and having a good seam ripper will make the process of fixing them a little easier. Don’t be discouraged when they do happen, just talk to your new friend and try again!
4. Buy good straight pins and buy a lot of them. They will bend, break, and sometimes the heads will fly right off of them. You will lose them under your sewing desk and suck them up in the vacuum cleaner. I prefer pins that are an 1 1/2” long but it’s really your preference and what you are sewing.
5. Purchase a seam gauge. You will use this more than you would think. The great thing about using a seam gauge instead of a regular ruler is the fact that you can use the guide to set your specific measurement and don’t have to conitunally look for 5/8’, for example.
6. You will need some type of marking tool. There are tons of options to choose from including pencils, pens, markers, etc. I prefer to use a pencil (if I know that that the marks will not show.) The white dressmakers pencil is nice for use on dark fabrics and a disappearing marker is great on projects where the possibility of the ink showing can occur.
7. Hand sewing needles. A sewing machine can work wonders but inevitably there will be some finishing stitching you will need to do by hand. Just grab a pack that has several different sizes/lengths and you will be good to go.
8.Depending upon what you choose to sew, you will more than likely need a turning tool. Now, you can purchase several different versions of turning tools. Mine is a very high tech chopstick. I have never tried the loop turning tools that are sold in most of the major crafts stores because my method seems to work. However, you may find that purchasing the specific tool is worth spending a few dollars.
9. Extra machine needles are mandatory. You can buy multi-packs that include several different sizes and they are pretty economical. For most projects, you will need sizes 11—14. However, if you are going to be sewing through several layers, using denim or another heavy fabric, you may need a size 16 or 18. They larger the number—the larger the needle. The more you sew, the more you learn your machine and what size needle you really need. There are also lots of resources and charts available on the internet to help determine what would be best.
10. You will also want to purchase extra bobbins. Most machines come with a couple of bobbins but I have found that I like to have extras so I don’t have to waste time and thread by pulling the old thread off and threading a new bobbin. There are different types of bobbins for different machines but most craft stores carry bobbins for the more popular machine brands.
I know it may seems like you are going to purchase a lot, however, if you use your store coupons and watch for a sale you really won’t be making a huge investment. These 10 items will truly make your sewing experience easier and more enjoyable!
Hayley
Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
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good list. has a chuckle at “high tech chopstick” LOL
I had a chuckle about that too!
Great list! Looks like I am in good shape. I have all of them. 🙂
oh good! You are off to a good start 🙂
I love this list! Yes, as I sew, I find myself in need of precisely these things. Next on my to-buy list is the sewing guide.
Ledys
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