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Sewing Supplies for Beginner

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Starting your own sewing journey? Whether you’ve been stitching at grandma’s house or just caught the creative bug, this list has everything you need to build your first sewing setup from scratch. It’s designed for absolute beginners. I understand th... For example, eventually you'll want to upgrade this seam ripper to a fancier one as you spend more time sewing but the one I included in this list is so much cheaper.  Every item on this list is beginner-approved.  Some tools (like fabric scissors) might be skippable if you already have a good pair—but if you're starting from nothing, this list covers it all. Perfect for anyone ready to stop borrowing supplies and start creating their own sewing space. Great as...

The bottom 2 rows include more optional things like storage bins, clothes iron.

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Jennifer Comstock profile picture
I bought the equivalent model of this sewing machine in 2004 and it's still working. This is the most basic sewing machine that Brother makes. It doesn't have a million features that you don't need yet but it will do everything you need and I think i...
VX1445 | HomeSewingEmbroidery | By Brother
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
I use this thing constantly!  It's called a sewing gauge – a little ruler with an adjustable marker.  It helps you make marks or cut things to a set length very quickly.  The best example is for hemming pants – use this gauge to ensure your left pant leg is the same length as the right
Sewing Gauge by Loops & Threads
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
A seam ripper – because one day you will accidentally sew a sleeve shut and on that day you will be thankful you have this.
Actually, you will use this a lot!
Loops & Threads™ Seam Ripper
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
A set of sewing needles when you need to sew by hand.  You definitely will need to for basting and finishing things off.
Loops & Threads™ Assorted Needles Set
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
Set of replacement needles for the sewing machine. New machine will come with a needle so you don't need it immediately but it's always good to have some spare around
SCHMETZ Universal Needles, Assorted 10 Pack
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
Coats & Clarks "Dual Duty" This is the brand you want. Get one spool of black and one spool of white.
Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP® General Purpose Thread ...
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
You really should get one of these cloth tape measures.  Essential for body measurements and pattern layouts. Rolls up small, but you’ll reach for it constantly.
Loops & Threads™ Tape Measure, 120
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
These pins have a large head.  They're easier to see when you drop them and less likely to work their way into your carpet.
Loops & Threads™ Long Pearlized Pins
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
The classic pin cushion.  Inexpensive, so it's good for a starter kit.  The same one many moms and grandmas used.  It's kind of nostalgic.  The little strawberry that hangs from the side is there to sharpen your pins!  It's filled with abrasive powder
Tomato Pin Cushion by Loops & Threads
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
You need a separate bobbin for every color of thread you use.
Loops & Threads™ Box of Bobbins
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
A full set of different types of scissors.
If you already have scissors, you can safely skip this item for a while.  Just make sure the ones you have aren't dirty.  Eventually you'll want to get more scissors because the different types have a purpose and they make cutting easier. The tiny ones are for clipping thread or for notching seams.  You'll see these different types of scissors in use often if you're following a tutorial video or even the directions in a sewing pattern.
Sewing Scissors Set by Loops & Threads
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
Iron for pressing seams.  Sewing with smooth fabric is so much easier.
Sunbeam 1200W Classic Steam Iron with Shot of Steam Feature
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
I prefer to have store supplies like these in clear bins.  This is a good medium size.  I also like plastic shoe box sized bins
IRIS USA 15 Qt Clear Storage Box, Plastic Stackable Bin ...
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
These are 12x12 project cases.  Use these for keeping various small tools together while you're working on a project.
12" x 12" Turquoise Storage Case by Simply Tidy
 
Jennifer Comstock profile picture
This sewing kit includes a few (but not all) of the supplies you'll need to get started.  The best part is that it comes in a storage case with a handle and a removable tray inside. It comes with a pair of scissors, tomato pin cushion, thimble, a seam ripper, cloth measuring tape, gauge, and a few other different hand sewing supplies and ...
Sew & Go Premium Sewing Kit in Caddy with Removable ...