Beginners Guide for Sewing Supplies
Embarking on your sewing journey can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Whether you’ve been inspired by a recent class at Five B. Studio, a DIY project, a Pinterest board full of handmade wonders, or just a desire to create something with your own two hands, starting with the right supplies can make all the difference. As a beginner, knowing which tools and materials to invest in can save you time, frustration, and money.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential sewing supplies you need to kick off your new hobby with confidence. We’ll break down all the basic supplies (besides fabric and notions specific to your project), so you can start your sewing adventures equipped and ready to sew up a storm!
Everything linked below is from Amazon for accessibility, but all of the items (with the exception of the sewing machine) can also be found at your local sewing supply shop or fabric store!
Sewing Machine
Starting with the most essential tool in sewing your own clothes, A SEWING MACHINE! In the studio, we use this exact sewing machine which is beginner friendly and will last you years as you advance your sewing skills. A good sewing machine is worth the investment if you are serious about sewing. Investing $50 to $100 more on a quality machine now, will save you hundreds of dollars and hours of frustration in the future.
Bobbins, Threads, and Sewing Machine Notions
Bobbins
Your machine will likely come with bobbins, however, when changing thread colors, it is always nice to have some extra bobbins laying around (especially in black and white). Below is a set of 25 extra bobbins with a case so you can keep track of all your bobbins and which colors you have already spun.
Eoehro Plastic Bobbins with Case (25 bobbins & 1 Box Organizer)
Thread
When it comes to sewing thread, there are two major brands of sewing thread, Coats and Gütermann. To be honest, any sewing thread works, but over time higher quality sewing thread will result in clothes last longer. The only rule that I would suggest following is to match the sewing thread contents with your fabric. So for example, if you are sewing with 100% cotton, you should sew with cotton thread. If you are sewing with Polyester, you should sew with Polyester thread.
Gutermann Thread Set: Sew-All: 100m: Pack of 20, Assorted
6 Pack Bundle - (3 Black + 3 White) - Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread
Seam Rippers
We all make mistakes, right? Well in sewing, we make A LOT of mistakes, which is why you will need a seam ripper. Seam rippers help take out any stitches without potentially ripping or stretching your fabric. This is a must need accessory when learning (and continuing) to sew.
Seam Ripper (2 Pack) Small & Large
Sewing Snips
Every time you make a stitch you will need something to cut the threads from the sewing machine. You can just use basic craft scissors, or you can go a little fancy with some snips. These mini scissors are a sharp way to cut your threads close and leave a clean finish to any project you are working on.
Newness Thread Snips with Protective Plastic Sleeve
Cutting & Measuring: Pins, Pin Cushions, Scissors, Rulers and Marking Tools
Pins
Pins are essential to cutting and sewing a quality project. Pins allow you to pin your pattern (sewing template) to your fabric and align your pieces together before sewing. I like to buy quilting pins because they have plastic heads, which makes them easy to use and spot when taking them out of your fabric. Also, quilting pins are longer, making them useful for thick fabrics.
Dritz 3009 Quilting Pins, 1-3/4-Inch, Yellow (500-Count)
Magnetic Pin Cushions
Magnetic pin cushions are the best invention for sewing! Instead of having to place each pin in a pin cushion, these magnets will easily hold all your pins while you are pinning and sewing. I have included two below. One of which is larger and can hold the bulk of your pins, while the other is a magnetic wand, which will hold your pins as you take them out while sewing.
Magnetic Bingo Wands 7.5" Magnet Sticks
Scissors
Fabric Scissors are essential for easily cutting fabrics with smooth edges. In class, we sometimes use regular craft scissors to cut fabrics, but they need to be new & consistently sharpened, so if you are looking to sew for the long term, I recommend spending the $30 and buying Gingher Fabric Scissors.
Gingher Dressmaker's Fabric Scissors - 8" Stainless Steel Shears
Marking Tools
In sewing there are moments when you need to mark different points and lines on your fabric. This could be for sewing exact seam allowance, inserting pleats, or darts. When darawing on your fabric it is important that these markings will rub or wash off so they do not show on your final project. This is where chalk and washable markers come in handy! Below are two options; a Chaco Liner or Washable Fabric Marker.
A Chaco Liner is a tool that is filled with chalk dust and creates a very thin chalk line that can easily rub or iron off.
Clover Bundle Chaco Liners, 110, Multiple 3
Another option is a Washable Fabric Marker, which is essentially just a marker that can be ironed or washed out of fabric. These are useful on fabrics that the chalk does not show up on. The only downside is if you press too hard or draw onto a visible pat of your project, it is harder to erase than chalk.
Mr. Pen- Fabric Markers for Sewing, 5 Pack, Blue, Erasable, Water Soluble Fabric Marker
Clear Rulers
Clear rulers are not a must when beginning to sew, but they do help measure seam allowances and make pattern adjustments. They allow you to be exact to 1/8”. This set will provide you with more than enough to last you a lifetime.
4 Pieces Clear Plastic Ruler Grid Ruler
And that’s all! I hope this guide is informative and as always, if you have any questions or need any sewing tips, feel free to reach out to me with any questions at hello@fivebstudio.com! We are always here to help!