Welcome to our beginner's guide to sewing equipment.
Finding the right equipment is not easy, especially if you don't know what you are looking for. Let me show you the must-have sewing tools for beginners.
Advertisement:
The must-have sewing tools for beginners are:
Below you can find a detailed explanation of each tool and images showing how to use them.
The Tools every seamstress and sewer should have are:
Tape Measurer
Ruler
Marking tools
Scissors
Rotary Cutter
Pins
Clips
Seam ripper
Iron
Threads
Measuring Devices:
Measuring is an essential part of sewing. I recommend you invest in measuring devices that are accurate and easy to use.
I recommend having two types of measuring devices, A ruler and measuring tape. The measuring tape is flexible, and it allows you to measure more freely than you can with a ruler.
I have two types of measuring tape. A retractable measuring tape that I use when I have simple projects doesn't require so many measurements. However, the retractable one is usually smaller, stiffer, and more challenging to work with.
The other measuring tape I recommend is not retractable, but it's softer and easier to handle. Both allow me to measure in centimeters and inches. I find, the 150 centimeters/ 90 inches measuring tape to the perfect length.
A Metal Hem Ruler is excellent to use for a small measure like a buttonhole or a hem.
I recommend a metal or steel ruler around 60 centimeters/24 inches.
These are the measuring devices I recommend:
Marking tools
Sewing patterns usually have markings and details that you have to follow for a perfect result. Some of these marking and details has to be transferred to the fabric. For that, I use a chalk pen or a special marker pen. The pen will dissolve in contact with water.
These are my favorite marking tools:
Advertisement:
Scissors and rotary cutters
A sharp sewing scissor is essential. Your sewing project will go a lot faster and give a much better result with good, sharp scissors. If you feel that using a scissor takes too much of your precious sewing time, I recommend that you buy a rotary cutter, it's much faster to use than a scissor.
The rotary cutter makes smooth fine edges while the fabric lies flat. You will also need a cutting mat and something heavy to lay on the fabric when cutting. I recommend that you buy the sewing mat as large as possible.
These are my favorite Cutters:
Pins and Clips
To keep the fabric in the right place, we need pins. But remember, when you are using an overlock serger, pins can destroy the knife if you accidentally sew them over. Clips will be a much better option when you are using a serger.
These are the pins and clips I recommend:
Advertisement:
Thread cutters/ Seam rippers
We have all made sewing mistakes. A tool you must have to fix these mistakes is a thread cutter/seam remover. This tool often comes with the sewing machine.
Irons
The Iron is an indispensable sewing tool. Use it to press finished seams and to fold the fabric into place. Remember to lay a pressing cloth over your fabric to protect it while ironing.
So these are the tools I recommend that you buy if you are a sewing beginner. All of the items on my list of the recommended tool brand and type is less than 100 USD. Remember that you don't have to buy all of them right away. Buy the ones that you think would be of most use to you first.
I hope this list was helpful! If you have any questions or have something to add, please use the comment section below.
Happy-Sewing!
Anna-Marie
Clothing and pattern designer
Comments