The Only Tools You Really Need to Start Sewing

If you are dreaming of learning how to sew, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of tools on the market for sewing. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of these tools are great to have; however, if you just want to get your feet wet and see if sewing is the hobby for you, you may not want to have to buy a lot of expensive items. The good news is you really don’t need to. There are only a handful of things you must have in order to sew successfully. Here are the tools that are non-negotiable if you want to sew at home:

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1. Sewing Machine

A sewing machine is the cornerstone of any sewing project. This will be the most expensive item on your list if you want to start sewing, but there is no need to spend a ton of money. I sewed for years on a budget machine (they’ve discontinued my model, but it was a Brother machine very similar to this one), which I bought secondhand on Craigslist and it worked great. There are sewing machines on the market that are cheap(er) and will do what you need them to do in order to sew clothing.

*A note about secondhand/vintage machines- I bought my machine second hand from someone who had barely used it. It was clearly in pristine condition, so I felt confident in the purchase. I would advise against buying an older/vintage sewing machine as your first machine when you are learning to sew. Some sewists swear by them, but you need to know certain things (like how to adjust bobbin thread tension) in order to sew comfortably on them. A new machine will give you a more pleasant sewing experience.

2. Iron

You cannot sew well without an iron. When you are starting out, you may think it is an optional tool, but it’s really not. Irons make your seams look so much more professional, make hemming garments a breeze, and help with more advanced steps down the road, like turning a collar or pressing a button placket. Don’t skip this one. I’ve used this iron for years and have no complaints!

3. Fabric Scissors

Dedicated fabric scissors are a must-have. They should be sharp and used exclusively for cutting fabric to maintain their cutting edge (anyone else have residual trauma from using their mom’s fabric scissors to cut paper?). This doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase. I have used and loved these classic fabric scissors for many years.

4. Thread

Stock up on quality sewing threads in various colors to match your projects. Polyester or cotton threads are commonly used for general sewing. When you are just starting out you can buy thread as you go, one color at a time. Eventually you will build up quite the stash.

5. Pins or Clips

Pins or clips are essential for holding fabric layers together during sewing. I have always preferred clips (like these), though pins tend to be a bit more common. You don’t need a huge supply when you are starting out. It might be helpful to have a pincushion to put them in, but most pins will come with some kind of case.

6. Seam Ripper

Mistakes happen. A seam ripper is a must have for undoing stitches without damaging the fabric. Your machine may have come with one, but they are super easy to pick up at any sewing store.

7. Flexible Measuring Tape

You will need to know which size to choose. A measuring tape came with my machine. Sometimes you can find one bundled with thread or other tools. They are an easy and cheap tool to acquire.

8. Marking Tools

A necessary tool for marking notches on your fabric. Options include chalk, fabric pencils, or washable ink pens. You can even use Crayola washable markers in a fine tip (you may even have something you can use at home). Just don’t use permanent marker or pen or you will be stuck with it on your fabric. I have used these fabric markers for many years and never have issues with them not washing out.

9. Seam Gauge

Used for measuring hems and seam allowances, this little tool will make sure you are staying true to the measurements indicated in your sewing pattern. A basic one, like this, may come with your machine, but if not they are easy to find and very affordable.

That’s it! These are the only sewing tools you really need to get started on your sewing journey! If you are ready to learn how to sew, head over to Part 1 of our Sewing for Beginners series to get started.