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Everyone who wants to sew needs supplies.  But what supplies will you actually need?  Here is my Top Ten list that beginners should include in their sewing room.

 

NUMBER 1

SEWING MACHINE

Duh, right?  But how do you choose the machine that is best for you. Walk into any machine store and you will be faced with a variety of options and prices.  I sewed for years on a very simple machine.  Until I started quilting, all I needed was a machine that would sew a straight line and zig-zag.  In fact, I made a few of my first quilts on that machine.

Lucky for me, when I retired my dear husband bought me a deluxe model.  The Bernina 550 Quilters Edition.  And I love it!! 

My recommendation when you are deciding what to buy is to determine what you are going to use the machine for?

• Will you be embroidering anything?
• Will you be quilting?
• Do you need the fancy buttonhole maker, or can you make them manually?

 

NUMBER 2

NEEDLES

You will not only need needles for your machine but you will need them for hand sewing as well. Yuck!  As much as you may hate hand sewing, there is not a project that I have worked on that didn’t require a little hand sewing somewhere.

There are many types and sizes of machine needles. Chooseyour needle size based on the type and weight of thread that is being used aswell as the fabric that is being sewn. For help on choosing your needles, checkout this handy chart.

For hand sewing, use a needle size that is small enough to stitch through the fabric without stretching it, but strong enough not to break or bend.  Select an eye size that is large enough for the thread you are using.  Most often, you can purchase a package of assorted needles.

 

NUMBER 3

SCISSORS

From small scissors to extra large shears, scissors are designed to make the job easier.  To begin, start with two pairs:  a small pair to use for clipping threads and a second for cutting out your fabric.

Invest in good quality scissors for cutting your fabric and keep them away from your husband and children. Your fabric scissors should be used only for that, fabric.  No paper please!!  

 

NUMBER 4

THREAD

Did you know there are different types of thread?  the main types of sewing thread are:

• Cotton threads is ideal for basic sewing.  As cotton has no “give” it is not recommended for stretch fabrics.  This thread is especially popular for quilting.
• Polyester thread may also be used for basic sewing.  This thread is suitable for fabrics with stretch in them and is especially good for woven synthetics, knits and stretch fabrics.
• Heavy Duty Thread is ideal for heavy duty fabrics, such as upholstery, vinyl, and coat fabrics. This can be made from polyester, cotton-wrapped polyester, or cotton.
• Nylon threads are suitable for using on light to medium weight synthetic fabrics.
• Silk is a fine thread that is  often reserved for embroidery work same for silk ribbon. This strong thread is ideal for sewing on silk and wool, and for for basting all fabrics. The benefit is that silk threads do not leave holes and it is very flexible.
• Wool threads are used for embroidery projects and for blankets. Wool works best with heavy fabrics, such as wool, or canvas.
• Metallic threads
• Designer threads (mixed threads made by combining different types of threads, e.g., cottons with rayon with silk, etc.)

 

NUMBER 5

BOBBINS, BOBBINS, and MORE BOBBINS

Can I stress it enough??  You are going to use bobbins – lots of bobbins.  I hate it when I need to wind another bobbin and they are all FULL!  Get bobbins – lots of bobbins.

NUMBER SIX

PINS

Stick pins are your friend.  You are going to use them all the time.  They will bend, they will become dull, and they will get lost.  I buy myself new pins at least once a year.

If you plan on sewing light-weight stretch knit or jersey fabric you may wish to invest in ballpoint pins.  Silk also requires a special silk pin.

NUMBER 7

IRON

Never thought I would like ironing, but when I sew it is a MUST.  I can’t stress enough the importance of pressing your seams.  You will consistently notice this throughout my posts – PRESS THOSE SEAMS!!

Once again, irons come in various sizes and prices and with lots of gadgets.  As a beginner, you will require a good budget priced iron.   The two most important things about your iron is that it h as a nice pointy tip that can get into those seams easily and produces a lot of steam to get the wrinkles out of  your fabrics.

And don’t forget the ironing board!!

NUMBER 8

FEET (OR FOOTS??)

Sewing machines come with a various types of feet.  At the very least you are going to need a universal foot and a zipper foot.  I sewed with only these two for years but there are many types of feet for many uses.

Other types that are available include buttonholing foot, darning foot, embroidery foot, hemming foot and many more! 

For basic sewing all you need is the universal foot.  

NUMBER 9

MEASURING TAPE

The old wise saying “Measure Twice, Cut Once” also applies to cutting of your fabric.  Be sure to obtain a quality , accurate measuring tape. Some tapes have more stretch than others.  Be sure not to stretch your tape when measuring.

Tapes come in two measurements – metric and imperial.  Most sewing patterns still use the imperial system for measurement.

NUMBER 10

ACCESSORIES

I couldn’t choose just one item to include as Number 10 as there are a number of accessories that you may want (but don’t require). 

• I have a wonderful tote to haul my machine around
• Chalk pencils make it easy to mark your fabric.
• Pin cushions come in all kinds of cute designs.  Better yet, make  your own!
• Other accessories you can make are a sewing machine cover, ironing board cover, scissor holders, baskets, etc.
• Thread holders, sewing baskets and storage containers of all types.

If you are beginning to quilt, there are more supplies you may want to check out.  See my post on additional supplies for quilting coming soon.

Where I buy my supplies?

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Can you think of any supply you can’t do without?