After picking out your machine, the next step would be creating a stunning sewing kit that will help you along your sewing journey.
Your Sewing Kit is the tools and supplies you will need to complete sewing projects. These items usually live in a sewing box, but they don't have to. They should however live in one spot somewhere close to your sewing machine, so they are easy to grab as you cut fabric and sew. You should always customize your sewing kit to what you plan on using your skill for. If you plan on traveling with your kit for jobs, as I do, you may need to look into getting a rolling suitcase for all your supplies. (It is always better to have everything and not need than to not have your supplies) If you are creating leather goods, you will need to focus on leather tools.
The Bare Sewing Essentials Kit:
(These are the first things I would invest in)
Thread: You can not make clothes without thread. There is a wide range of thread options to choose from. There are eco-friendly thread options that you could buy in bulk. When working on a new project, you can always get a thread that matches perfectly. I suggest getting an all-purpose thread set to begin sewing with.
Fabric Cutting Scissors: Cutting your fabric is a crucial step to sewing. They may not save the day, but investing in good fabric-cutting scissors can help tremendously.
Paper Cutting Scissors: Never use your fabric scissors on paper. You will need paper-cutting scissors for anything that is not fabric.
Seam Rippers: Everyone makes mistakes. Sewing isn't the exception. When I first learned how to sew, my professor said that seam rippers save lives and she was not wrong! I would advise buying a couple, sometimes they get up and walk away.
Tape Measure: A flexible tape measure is a deal breaker for any kit. Similar to a seam ripper, buy a couple of them and hide them around your studio as well as your kit.
Pins: There are 2 different sets of pins that you can get and test out: Quilter Pins and Dressmaker Pins. Quilter Pins have tiny colorful balls at the end. They are a little bigger, but not all machines can sew through them. Taking them out may slow you down. Dressmaker Pins are smaller. Depending on your machine, they don't have to be removed while sewing. The downside is that they are easy to lose.
Magnetic Pin Cushion and/or Wrist Pin Cushion: You need something accessible that holds your pins. The Magnetic Pin cushion allows you also have the magnet to pick up pins off the floor, but the wrist pin cushion gives you easy access during fabric cutting and if you plan on doing alterations.
Hand Sewing Needles: This goes without explaining. Hand sewing may not be a part of every project, but it needs to be in your kit for quick fixes.
Sewing Machine Needles: Machine Needles come in all sizes. Your needles should vary with the type of fabric you are sewing. If you are only able to get one pack, 80/12 and 90/14 size machine needles are classic, with 80/12 being the standard. Once you start to sew different fabrics, like leather or denim, you will need to explore different size needles.
Thread Clippers (or Baby Snips): Using your fabric scissors, isn't always best for small areas. You will need a good pair of baby scissors to get the job done. You will most likely use them while sewing to cut the ending threads.
Safety Pins: Like needles, these go without explaining. Safety Pins help hold layers of fabric or help when doing alterations.
Chalk Pencils or Tailors Chalk: Chalk Pencils are used to make thin accurate lines, while tailors chalk is used more universally to make marks on your fabric. Tailor chalk is not permanent and easily comes off. Some of the marks many seamstresses make range from cutting lines to sewing lines.
A Clear Ruler: You will need to get one ruler you can see through. This will come in handy for crafting or when marking flat fabric.
TIP: Utilize your clear ruler by using the grid to measure seam allowance or to mark your fabric.
Hooks & Eyes and/or Zippers: You need to always have closures within your kit. This can be something you purchase as you finish your project, but there will be a day when all the stores are closed and you need a quick zipper it is always good to have some on standby.
The Bare Essentials Sewing 2.0:
Rotary Cutter: Rotary Cutters are another tool to use. If you don't want to use fabric cutting scissors. They tend to work best with lightweight fabric.
Self-Healing Cutting Mat: If you are using a Rotary Cutter, you need to get a mat to use underneath the Rotary Cutter. A mat will give you a smooth surface to cut on.
Pinking Shears: These shears, or scissors, create a zigzag edge when cutting fabrics. They create a fray-resistant edge and can be excellent for finishing seams and raw edges.
Bias Tape: This finishing technique is used to bind edges together.
Thimble: This is a basic essential for a lot of seamstresses. However, if you don't have plans on doing a lot of hand sewing, you don't have to get it right away.
The Bare Essentials Pattern Making Sewing:
(If you plan on pattern making these tools need to be in your Sewing Studio)
There are a lot of different rulers you will use while drafting a pattern, but there are 2 that you need.
L Shape Ruler: You will need to make perfect right angles while pattern making. Store your rulers in a way that prevents bending.
Vary Curve Ruler: There are many variations of a curved ruler. The point is to get the perfect hip shape. If you are tight on money, I suggest getting an elongated French curve because, with the right finesse, you can create any curve from this ruler.
If you have extra money or want a wider range of pattern drafting ability, get a:
- French Curve Ruler
- Hip Curve Ruler
Pattern Paper: Pattern Paper has gridlines throughout to help you keep your lines straight. This paper will be a necessity for your pattern making. I usually buy 10 yards at a time
The Advanced Essentials Sewing Kit:
Tracing Wheel: This is important when marking the wrong side of the fabric with tracing paper. It may create holes in your fabrics, so I would suggest being careful when using unforgiving fabrics or sheer fabrics.
Fasteners Pilers: Use these special pliers to apply snaps, studs, and eyelets.
Awl: A sharp tool used to make round holes for eyelets.
A Sewing Kit is something you can grow as time goes on, but there are some bare essentials you need to get started. The last thing you will need for your kit is an everyday essential for everyone who wants to get started in sewing......Band-aids.
For more information on the tools above, check out my Youtube.