What’s the Project? So you’re ready to get started learning to sew but you don’t know what sewing supplies, notions, and equipment you need in order to get going. This list will help!
You’ve got that machine and you are ready to get started sewing. You know you’re going to need some sewing supplies in order to get going, but what do you need? There are SO many gadgets and notions-bobbins and seam rippers, measuring tapes and chalk pencils, scissors, pins and so much more. And that’s not to mention all of the fabric!
So how do you know what to get? It can be intimidating when you don’t know what you are doing as you get started sewing, but it doesn’t have to be hard. There are a handful of sewing supplies that you will want to have on hand before you get started. Then you can build up other accessories as you go.
Before you get too stressed out, let me walk you through the supplies you want to grab before you get started.
Sewing Supplies Needed for Beginning Sewing:
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Scissors:
A great pair of scissors is a must have when sewing. These will need to be fabric only scissors, meaning you don’t use them for anything else. This will keep them sharp and will be perfect for cutting your fabric. These are the sewing scissors I recommend. They’re pink (hello perfection!) and they cut great!
Pins:
Another very basic supply that you will need are some pins. Actually, lots of pins. I really like them to have large heads on them so that they are easy to grab like these ones. And you will want a pin cushion of some sort to keep them on. I love a magnetic one because it’s easy to grab them and put them back without too much effort.
Seam Ripper:
As much as you don’t want to, you’re going to be using a seam ripper when you sew, and probably frequently. I’ve been sewing for years and years and still use mine on just about every project that I sew. I love this one because it’s large enough for your hands to comfortably hold and the top is designed to help you grab the little threads and get them out of there.
Bobbins:
Bobbins are the part of your thread that comes up from the bottom. You will always need one in your machine, but the truth is, it’s a pain to wind new bobbin every time, so you will want a pack of bobbins so that you can keep them in all the colors of your thread and not have to wind new ones with each project. Every machine uses a different type-some metal and some plastic. So double check your users manual before you order. But these are my favorites.
Thread:
And speaking of thread, you’re going to need some. You will always want thread in the color of what you are sewing, so it can be a little bit tricky to get all the colors you will eventually want. Start with white and black for sure and maybe get a handful of other colors to get you going. Then as you buy fabric for new projects, make sure that you grab matching thread. I recommend Coats and Clark thread if you can get it.
Measuring Tape:
It will be very handy to have a measuring tape on hand when you sew, so you might as well grab one now. It’s a cheap addition to your sewing supplies stash and will come in handy all the time! Here’s the one I love to use.
Fabric:
The fun part! Obviously, you are going to need fabric in order to get started sewing right? But where to even begin!? Don’t worry, over time you will build up your fabric stash-probably so that you have more fabric than you can possibly use. Because buying fabric is fun. If you need help on how to buy fabric, I cover that in this tutorial here.
Sewing Machine Needles:
You might want to keep a few extra sewing machine needles handy because they WILL break occasionally and it’s a pain if you have to run out to the store to get new ones all the time. Check which kind your machine needs, but these are likely to work.
Other Sewing Supplies:
Those are the basics that I’ve already covered. Those are things that you really need to get in order to get started sewing.
There’s a handful of other things you might want to have on hand. These are less crucial from the get-go, but if you’re looking to stock up, grab some of these things.
- Elastic
- Zippers
- Bias Tape
- Chalk pencils
- Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
- Velcro
Hopefully, this list of sewing supplies helps you get going on your journey to learn to sew!
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Mercedes says
Thank you for this! I can’t tell you how exciting it is to look at these projects and have you believe that I’ll be able to make them. I also have a baby girl and I’ve been dying to learn how to sew her cute little skirts. Thank you! 😀
Katie Howard says
I love this…”and have you believe that I’ll be able to make them.” I feel the same way!! Haha!
VickiT says
This is great to have now during all the sales. Thank you very much.
I only see one thing that could be a possible problem for me. I do not do Pinterest and am not going to start. I do not need yet another thing to keep me away from my sewing. All the awesome blogs I follow (and message boards and Facebook, and the embroidery yahoo groups and the blogs that go with machine embroidery etc etc etc) is far too much drawing me from my machine as it is. LOL Is this going to be a problem for me since I’m seeing you mention Pinterest quite a bit?
Tiffany says
Where do you get your cute fabric?
Amber says
Did you see the link to The Ribbon Retreat with the 15% off discount? That’s where a lot of that fabric came from.
Bridget says
There aren’t any little people in my house, but my friends have some! I’m excited to participate.
Kim H says
Thank you so much for this list! This helps me so much, and will keep me on-task each week. And I recruited a friend (possibly more) to join the journey to help keep me going too.
Lindsey says
Sounds great…can’t wait 🙂
Jourdan says
I am SOOOOOOOOO excited!!
Desi says
I can’t wait to begin!! Thank you, Thank you!!
Desi
steph zerbe says
Oh goody! I am very excited for these classes! Thanks for the supply lists.
I love that I HAVE TO hit the fabric store now! Happy Holidays!
Amber says
No kidding. Nothing better than the fabric store.
Sacha Visscher says
Hi Amber,
I live in the Netherlands and saw a message on Pinterest and was so excited. I have send you an email right away and can’t wait to start. The supplies list is very handy.
Amber says
Yay! Glad to have you!
Mariska says
Oeh yay, another one from Holland!
Amber says
Welcome welcome!
Elaine says
Would you mind providing more details on the cloth diapers you purchase? I was trying to find some on Target’s website and Amazon and wasn’t having much luck finding some with a similar price point (and anything close had awful reviews). I’d love to just grab the brand you’ve had success with! Super excited to get started with the series!
Amber says
Hmmm, I haven’t bought them for a while but I believe they were the Gerber cloth diapers. The reviews won’t matter too much since you aren’t actually using them for diapers, but for burp cloths. I will try to hit Target this week and then let you know for sure.
Darcy says
I work at Target (clothing dept. manager) & yep, they are Gerber brand 🙂 Should be on the bottom of the aisle down by the Gerber/Circo brand onesies.
Amber says
Very helpful-thanks!
Andra says
I live in Tennessee, and, my Target does not carry them. I found them at Babies ‘R Us (Toys ‘R Us).
Angela says
I got mine at walmart for $11
Kelly Reece says
I Cannot Wait!!! So excited…Thanks!
Patty says
Have been away from sewing for quite some time and just did the block of the month 2012 quilt in Craftsey.com, but need to sharpen my skills. So this will be a refresher for me. cacn’t wait to get started.
Darcy says
So, I FINALLY remembered to sit down at the computer & look at this so I could sign up for the emails & follow on facebook (too hard to try on my phone with the kidlets!) & after having 15 minutes to peruse all of your posts about the “Learning To Sew” series, I can hardly contain my excitement!! My mom gave me her old sewing machine & then bought me some “must have’s” to go with it for Christmas. She also gave me a few general lessons but I am so excited to learn more! I guess it’s time to give the machine a more permanent home!
Amber says
She’ll be so proud of you. 🙂
Susan Low says
Can I substitute to sew something like potholder, plate mats, napkins, or other household items as I have only grandsons? (age 4 to 12)
Amber says
Definitely. These project ideas are just to practice your skill so they are certainly optional and can be replaced with anything you want!
Ashley says
I am SO excited about this! I found your blog via pinterest and just got a new sewing machine for Christmas. The only time I’ve ever even used one was in my 7th grade Home Ec class… and when I made a throw pillow, some how it ended up with five sides (as opposed to the square shape). LOL oops! Thank you for doing this!
Amber says
Love it! Let’s home you can sew a 4 sided pillow when you are done. 🙂
Kate says
I am so excited about this! Do we just need 1 yards worth of fat quarters (4 pieces) or more than that for the burp cloth project?
Amber says
It really just depends on how many you want to make. You can make 2 or you can make 10. If you have 4 pieces I *think* you can make 8.
Angela says
What kind of ruffle do we get for week 6? I typed ruffle in at the ribbon retreat and it only gave a double ruffle ribbon, but it’s in different widths so I’m not sure if that is it or if there is a different type.
Amber says
Ya, I am not sure that ribbon retreat carries what you might need. At a store like hobby lobby they have premade ruffles that you can buy by the yard. That’s the kind I am talking about. Something that matches your skirt fabric.
Danielle says
What brand/type of thread do you typcially use. I was in the craft store yesterday and got overwhelmed with so many options!
Amber says
I just get the Dual Duty All Purpose or the Coats All Purpose.
Nicole Gray says
HI, I just found your website, If I work through your learn to sew tuts if I have any questions can I ask. I know you started this months ago but can do basic straight stitch and want to learn more
Amber says
Jump right in any time! 🙂
Julia says
I found your amazing site last night and can’t wait to get started! I would like to know if you still have the Burp Cloth project available? I have tried to access it via two computers and the link no longer works (or at least for my home & personal computers). If this doesn’t up load, is there another project you recommend for a first-ever sewing project?
Amber says
I just got that page fixed so it should be fine now.
Julia says
That was very kind of you, thank you for your help and generosity!
Erin lyon says
I was wondering if you are still doing the sewing class, my MIL bought me a Brother project runway sewing machine for Christmas & I havent touched a sewing machine in about 10 yrs, and that only did basic sewing unlike this one..I need to relearn how to sew with a machine..Thank you love your website looks like I will be learning alot & making lots of cute stuff for my littld nieces & nephews & maybe my own teens
Amber says
The lessons are on the blog for the long haul so that you can do them as needed. Or…watch Monday for more news that you might want to try. 🙂
Maria Padua says
Hi! Ive been accessing your website: crazylittleprojects.com for several times now to read and study the lessons. I’m preparing myself to start sewing in the next weeks.. Cant wait to run my sewing machine given by my hubby! I found your site so helpful and looking forward to learn more of your crazy little projects! =D
Rico says
I am an absolute beginner and find your site very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I was wondering if there is actually a list of supplies you will need to start sewing. I thought I was on the right page, but it just takes me to some projects that I am really excited to try in the future. I don’t know if it is just my computer or what, but if you do have a list like that, could you please send me in the right direction? I am definitely going to need all the help I can get, I can’t even thread a needle.
Amber says
I’d recommend the items on this list: http://crazylittleprojects.com/2014/05/may-sew-crazy-challenge-top-10-things-every-sewist-needs.html
Hope that helps!
Michelle says
Hi Amber, I just found your blog and will definitely start the projects as I always wanted to learn to sew, just 1 question, aside from the list we need for each project each week, can you send me a list with general stuff you need like scissor etc as I might forget something when I go to the store this weekend. Thanks so much, this is really saving me from a difficult time
Amber says
I have a post on that too. Here are some of the basics: http://crazylittleprojects.com/2014/05/may-sew-crazy-challenge-top-10-things-every-sewist-needs.html
Anita Carol Gambrell says
This is going to be a blast! Thank you for a pre need list!
Lisa says
Hi!
I’m very much looking forward to this series. I do have a question about the supplies though. You tell us the quantity of fabric we need, but not what type of fabric to buy. Do we need cotton, knit, flannel? Please advise
Thank you
Amber says
You will probably want cotton for most of them.
Sue says
I am a beginning sewer. My 13 y.o. wants to learn. We have just found your blog and are going to do the burp cloths together. (Target, here we come.) We are looking forward to being Grandma/aunt in the next 6 months! Your projects are perfect for us. Thank you!
Amber says
I love hearing that!
tandica hunte walters says
How can i get free sewing lesson please
lizzy says
I would like to join your sewing class, how do I go about it.
Amber says
Just jump right in! They are all on this site!
Alison says
Do you have recommendation(s) on a inexpensive/reasonably price seeing machine for an absolute beginner (truly a complete beginner)?
Your on-site is much appreciated!!!
Amber says
Yep-I’ve got a post about that right here: https://crazylittleprojects.com/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners/
Alison says
Thanks so much-very informative-thanx-saw a Brother™ Cs5055prw Project Runway™ Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine-ever hear of/know about/yea or nay? If no, I think I have my eyes on one of the brothers in your previous post & then get my beginner supplies & get to watching YouTube videos to start my education!
Linda says
Hi Amber, I’m making a tee shirt quilt and I’ve sewn three rows together but they are not straight, what am I doing wrong. I used iron on stabilizing paper and squared up the blocks. Thank you
Amber says
I’m not a quilter so I really don’t know! Sorry!
natasha says
thanks guys l can’t wait to try sew my on clothes and get my inspiration from u.loves this website.
Maureen says
Great list! I began sewing when I was a little girl. I love the brother machines, I have one now and it’s the best one I ever had.
long-skirt says
Hi Amber, I’m making a tee shirt quilt and I’ve sewn three rows together but they are not straight, what am I doing wrong. I used iron on stabilizing paper and squared up the blocks. Thank you
Amber says
Knit can be really hard to sew on! I haven’t done a t shirt quilt though so I don’t really know. Sorry!