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beginner sewing and quilting essentials: what you actually need to begin

18 items

Maya Roberts

Starting your sewing journey can feel a little overwhelming, but the right tools make all the difference. This beginner-friendly list features essential sewing items that are easy to use, affordable, and perfect for building confidence with every sti...

FOR FABRIC: I often go to the thrift store and pick up bedsheets, curtains, pillow cases, and skirts to use for fabric! it is so much cheaper per yard compared to a big box fabric store, and it is sustainable !

Sections

sewing machine tools/supplies

quilting supplies

fabric ideas

sewing machine tools/supplies

treat your sewing machine like gold! it is your best friend in sewing and quilting. this section features supplies that will keep your machine running nicely and smoothly, without breaking the bank.

i broke two sewing machine needles on my first project. these allowed me to keep going with my project instead of relying on only the needle that comes with the machine.

Schmetz Universal Sewing Machine Needles 80/12

i use this all the time! i like the ergonomic design since it doesn't hurt my hand or wrists.

Needle and Thread Seam Ripper for Sewing

my husband uses this basic sewing kit for basic repairs. it is nice to have in your collection for sewing machine tools as it comes with scissors, a measuring tap, thread, etc for a reasonable price! you don't need anything fancy to begin!

Amazon Basics Portable Travel Sewing Kit - Black

i use these to hold my fabric together while i sew! when the clips get near the sewing machine foot, I take them off because otherwise the fabric doesn't move through the foot

Multipurpose Sewing Clips 30 Pcs - Assorted Colors

i use this iron for my sewing and quiliting products! it is reliable, heats up quickly, and has a good edge for pressing seams

BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron 1200W

this pack is really nice for thread as it comes with bobbins that match the thread spools! makes your job easier!

72 PCS 36 Color Sewing Thread & Bobbins

this is the only fancy brand of thread that I know of, i've used it and it is good quality! it doesn't break when you pull the threaded project from the machine or when you try to rethread the machine

Gutermann Spool Box 26 Cotton Thread Set

i use these to mark my fabric for cutting if I am cutting from a very big piece of fabric, or to trace a shape I want to cut out of fabric. the ink is machine washable, so when you wash your quilt before giving it away, it all goes away !

Mr. Pen Washable Fabric Markers, 5 Pack

i am a mess when i craft haha oops! so the magnetic pin holder saves me as I have definitely knocked pins off the kitchen table by accident! i don't want my dog to step on them or eat them, so i feel better using this magnetic holder

Sizobi Magnetic Pin Holder with 100 Pins

quilting supplies

i got into sewing mainly so I could quilt! i love the creativity and expression that comes with quilting, and feel very accomplished when i create a beautiful quilt block!

some quilting books contain pattern drawings, and i use these to help me trace them to then transfer the patterns on the fabric to cut out the shapes.

LOUPELLER 8.5x11 Tracing Paper Pad 75 Sheets

i use these to press my fabrics right on my kitchen table! i don't have a craft room yet, so i have to work in the space that i have. in quiliting, it is important to press your seems, and i find these very helpful

Wool Pressing Mat Set Deluxe 2 Pack NZ Wool

i was told in my quilting class to not use the water feature in the iron, and rather spray the fabric with a water bottle. thus here is this product! its a small size so it isn't too heavy

10oz Plastic Spray Bottle Adjustable Head

i was in need of a bigger ruler to cut bigger swatches of fabric before then cutting it down to smaller sizes! i often get sheets or pillow cases from the thrift store to use for fabric, so I have lots of big pieces of fabric to cut down! i find this...

Fiskars® Sewing Ruler, 6" x 24" | Michaels

i chose this rotary cutter as it is very easy to remember to CLOSE the blade when I am finished, otherwise it sticks out! I often cut fabric on my kitchen table and my dog is my main supervisor, so I am always careful to close the blade after I finis...

Fiskars® 45mm Loop Rotary Cutter - Michaels

this is a nice size to use as I cut fabric on my kitchen table! then I don't cut too much fabric at a time to handle. i find it has been very sturdy and the rotary blades don't make big cuts in the mat

Fiskars® Double-Sided Rotary Cutting Mat - Michaels

i use the 3.5 x 3.5 ruler the most ! it makes a good sized square and triangles to use for quilting projects :)

Quilting Rulers 4 Square Acrylic Templates

fabric ideas

i normally thrift for my fabric, but if i need specific types of fabric, this is what I go for!

solids are not always fun to pick out for quilting or sewing, but they really do tie a piece together and make them look cohesive!

Aubliss 50pcs 100% Cotton 10x10 Floral Fabric

this jelly roll has pretty fabric patterns! i love flower prints myself :)

Gentler Times 2.5" Strip Roll (Jelly Roll / Rolie Polie) by Lori Holt for ...