In the essential sewing supplies list we will cover all the basic sewing supplies needed to get you off to a good start as you learn to sew.
Are you thinking about learning to sew? Or maybe a little overwhelmed with where to even begin? Then this sewing basics series is just for you, my friend. You see, sewing doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. So, let me help you get off to a successful start in learning to sew.
I love to sew. In fact, I started sewing when I was in elementary school. My mother was an amazing seamstress and I was beyond fascinated by her abilities to take a hand-me-down dress and turn it into clothes for my sister and me.
The roar and rumble of the machine.
That little needle working so swiftly and surely to bind pieces of fabric together.
Mesmerized. And I wanted to learn to sew “just like mom”. Fortunately, I was young, my mother could sew and she freely shared her love of sewing with me. I realize you may not have a seamstress mom who can sit with you and patiently teach you how to sew. So, from the comfort of my home and through The Birch Cottage blog, I hope to be able to help you on your sewing journey.
Don’t be afraid. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t be overwhelmed. We’ll walk through this together. I’m here to answer your questions, assist through my sewing basic lessons and videos, and, hopefully, provide you with some sewing inspiration.
“Sew”, let’s get started!
The Essential Sewing Supplies List
As I’m sure you know, there are 1,000’s of sewing supplies, notions, tools, accessories and even sewing machines on the market today. My advice is always, always, always – start with the basics. Start simple. Give yourself an opportunity to succeed and then move on in your sewing journey.
Besides purchasing a sewing machine (my two recommendations are here and here), there are some essential sewing supplies that you’ll also want to purchase. Seriously, these items are a must and will make your sewing “sew” much more enjoyable. Because when you have the right tools to do the job, it makes the job a breeze. If you don’t believe me, ask a carpenter or barber or plumber or…. you get the idea!
Essential Sewing Supplies
In this sewing basics series, we are taking a look at the list of basic sewing essentials that you will want to have on hand as you begin your sewing journey.
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine, 185 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 8 Included Feet
You can read all about the Brother HC1850 sewing machine here and why I recommend it. It's a great beginner sewing machine with extra features to grow into.
Black & Nu-White 2-Pack Bundle of Gutermann Sew-All Thread - 547 Yards Each
Good quality thread can make a big difference, especially when you're learning to sew. I highly recommend the Gutermann sew-all thread. It's my go-to everyday thread.
Brother Sewing and Embroidery Bobbins 10-Pack, SA156,Clear
You will want to have a supply of empty bobbins on hand that you can wind with thread to match your fabric. Bobbins come in different sizes, so be sure to check the manual for your sewing machine and purchase the recommended bobbins.
New brothread 144pcs Type L (SA155) Size White Prewound Bobbin Thread Plastic Side for Particular Embroidery and Sewing Machines - 90 Weight
For most sewing projects, the color of your bobbin thread doesn't really matter. In this case, there's nothing quite like have pre-wound bobbins already on hand. I have used this brand for a number of years and love the quality and convenience.
CLOVER 235 No. 3-9 Gold Eye Embroidery Needles, Pack of 16
Just because you have a sewing machine doesn't mean you won't need hand sewing needles. For example, if you're sewing a two-sided placemat, you may want to sew the opening closed by hand. Just be sure to keep a variety of needle sizes on hand.
CLOVER 4000 Threader 2/PKG, 70
You will inevitably need a needle threader. Although this threader is intended for hand sewing needles, it can also be used with your sewing machine.
Fiskars 94817797 Micro-Tip Scissors, 5 Inch, Orange
Having a small pair of scissors on hand and close to your sewing machine will be so helpful in trimming threads and clipping corners as you go.
Fiskars 01-005437 Heritage Seamstress Scissors, 8 Inch, Orange
You will definitely want to have a good pair of fabric scissors on hand. You'll also want to have a pair of paper scissors. You really don't ever want to use your fabric scissors for cutting anything other than fabric. If you do, be prepared to replace your scissors often and to be frustrated with the quality of the cutting. So, do yourself a favor and have a pair of scissors that you use only for cutting fabric. (And then threaten bodily harm to anyone who touches them! Just kidding. Sort of.)
Fiskars Crafts 952301010 Rotary Sewing Cutting Set (3 Piece), Grey
For the first 30 years of my sewing journey, I did not use a rotary cutter and/or cutting mat. When I finally started using them, total game changer. If you will be cutting out fabric (no matter if you plan to do quilting or not), do yourself a BIG favor and purchase a cutting mat, rotary cutter and acrylic ruler.
Again, you may want to have two rotary cutters. One that you use only for fabric and one that you use for paper.
SINGER 00218 Tape Measure, 60-Inch
You can use a ruler (like the acrylic ruler above) for most of your sewing needs, but a tape measure comes in really handy for taking measurements. I also use it when aligning pattern pieces on fabric. Super handy!
CLOVER 9506 5 in 1 Sliding Gauge
I use my metal sliding gauge ruler all the time. Like when I want to check to make sure I've folded my fabric 1/4" or to mark 1" darts for my bowl cozies. I use it just about every time I sew.
Dritz NR-356 Tomato Pin Cushion, Each, Red
There are different types of pin cushions, but I have found that the cushions that allow me to stick the pins in and easily pull them out one at a time works the best for me. You can keep your pins in the nice little storage case they come in, but it's so much more convenient to use a pin cushion.
Clover Wonder Clips, Red, 50-Pack
I love, love, love my Wonder Clips. I use them to hold fabric pieces together for sewing as they are so much easier to remove as I sew than pins. They are also great for clipping together multiple layers of fabric, such as for quilting or binding. Just do yourself a favor and buy some Wonder Clips.
Clover White Ergonomic Seam Ripper
You will be ripping out seams - sometimes because that's what the pattern instructions call for and most of the time because, well, we all make mistakes. A seam ripper is your friend. You will use it a lot. A lot!
You can also view this entire list of favorite sewing supplies in my shop on Amazon.
Printable Essential Sewing Supplies Checklist
So now that I’ve shared with you my list of essential sewing supplies, I thought it might be helpful for you to have an essential sewing supplies checklist that you can print out and use to help identify sewing supplies to purchase.
Download the Checklist
To download the sewing supplies checklist, simply click on the below image of the checklist. Once you click on the below image, a new tab or window will open in your browser with the PDF printable checklist. You can then print it or save it for later.
Subscribers Resource Library
Although you can simply click on the above image to download the sewing supplies checklist, I will also place a copy of the PDF in the Subscribers Resource Library. What is the Subscribers Resource Library? Well, I’m glad to tell you! It is really a shared Google Drive folder and it contains all the free printables you’ll find here on The Birch Cottage blog.
Access to the Library of printables, SVG files, sewing and crochet patterns and so much more is available for FREE to subscribers. You must be a subscriber to gain access to this resource library; but, I promise you, you’ll be glad!
Remember, subscription is FREE and my newsletter is full of creative project ideas. Plus you’ll gain access to the entire library of free printables, patterns, SVG files and more.
More Sewing Ideas
If you liked this sewing essentials list and checklist from The Birch Cottage, you might also like these sewing ideas:
Sewing Basics
- Sewing Machine Buying Guide
- Sewing Basics: Anatomy of a Sewing Machine
- Top 20 Sewing Tips for Beginners
- All about the Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing Machine
- All about the Janome 8200QCP Sewing Machine
Beginner Sewing Projects
- Microwave Safe Bowl Cozy Pattern
- Sew a Pillow Case with Contrast Trim
- Sew a Reversible Placemat
- Easy to Sew Tissue Holder
I hope you found this checklist to be useful to you in your sewing journey. I will be sharing a series of sewing basic lessons, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter, join my Facebook group or tag me on social media with #thebirchcottage.
Til next time…
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Michelle
Tuesday 16th of February 2021
Thank you for this list! My goal this year is to learn to sew. I already have a lot of fabric for other projects and I also have my grandma's old sewing machine. Now I just want to start using it.
Pam
Tuesday 16th of February 2021
That is so exciting! I’m thrilled to be a part of your sewing journey.
Pam Baker The Birch Cottage