Make sure your sewing machine can at least do the following:

  • Sew a straight stitch that’s adjustable in length.

  • Sew a zigzag stitch (this is a stitch that’s made by the needle moving side to side as your  
    fabric moves forward). If you plan to do very basic sewing tasks (like mending), this stitch
    isn’t absolutely necessary. But it’s essential if you want to make machine buttonholes
    and sew certain seam finishes.

  • Sew in reverse. Also not absolutely necessary for very basic sewing, however, it’s useful
    for securing the ends of seams and for making certain decorative stitches.


    If you have an older machine, one you either purchased used or that was given to you:

  • You may want to have it serviced to make sure it’s in good working order if it’s a machine
    you’ve never used. It would be so disappointing to start your first project only to
    discover your machine isn’t working right.

  • If you don’t have the manual for your machine, try to get it. The manual will explain how
    to use the features of your machine and how to thread it correctly (which is very
    important). The manual may also caution you about safety issues. To find the manual for
    your machine, try visiting the manufacturer’s website. They often have old manuals
    available for download or purchase. There are also companies that sell old manuals
    online. You might also try Ebay.


Scissors
                                                                                  

    Look for scissors 8”-10” in length, labeled dressmaker’s shears or bent-handled scissors. The
    bent handle of these scissors allows the blades to lie flat against your surface as you’re
    cutting. To keep the blades nice and sharp, use these scissors only for sewing. (For more tips
    on keeping your sewing scissors in good shape, see 10 Tips for Caring for Your Sewing
    Scissors.)


Straight Pins
                                                                                   

    Look for pins 1½”-2”  in length, labeled thin, extra fine, or silk. Longer pins can be easier to
    work with than shorter pins and thinner pins are less likely to leave holes behind in finer,
    denser fabrics.

    You also have your choice of pin heads – metal, plastic, or glass, and in many shapes and sizes.
    You may prefer pins with colored heads because they’re more easily seen if dropped onto a
    carpet or the floor.

    And use pins that are nice and sharp – dull pins can damage fabric. Also, don’t use old pins that
    are rusted, nicked, or bent. They too can damage or stain fabric.


Flat Cutting Surface
                                                                                   

    You’ll need a flat surface to lay your fabric onto for cutting. Most sewers use a cutting board.
    The least expensive ones are made from cardboard, can be placed on the floor or a table top,
    and fold up for storage. There are also more expensive wooden cutting tables, some of which
    are meant to stay set up and others can be folded for storage.

    If you don’t have a cutting board, you can use a large table or the floor for laying
    out your fabric. However, make sure the surface can withstand the scratches it may get from
    pins and scissors. And note that a carpeted floor is not a good surface – your fabric needs to
    lay completely flat for cutting. Plus, you wouldn’t want to risk cutting your carpet.


Hand Sewing Needles
                                                                                   

    You’ll likely be doing some sewing by hand, perhaps sewing a hem or sewing on a button. So
    get a package of hand sewing needles in an assortment of sizes.


Machine Sewing Needles
                                                                                   

    Sewing machine needles become dull with use and need to be replaced. Plus, you’ll need to
    change the type and size of your needle depending on:

  • the fabric you’re working with
  • the thread you’re using
  • the stitches you’re making

    If you get a package of assorted needles, you’ll likely have what you need on hand for each
    sewing job.

    For more on choosing sewing machine needles, see Sewing Machine Needles – the Basics.


Seam Ripper
                                                                                   

    A seam ripper is a hand held tool that helps you take out stitching – something even the most
    experienced sewer needs to do from time to time. It has a hook-shaped tip with a point at one
    end and a blade in the “hook” area that cuts the  thread. Use caution when using a seam
    ripper because it can be easy to accidentally cut through your fabric.


Sewing Gauge
                                                                                   

    This is a small ruler that has a sliding, plastic marker on it. It’s handy for taking smaller
    measurements.


Yardstick
                                                                                   

    Usually made of wood or metal, this is a good tool for taking longer measurements, such as a
    length of fabric.


Tape Measure
                                                                                   

    If you’ll be making garments, you’ll need to determine your pattern size. So you’ll need a tape
    measure for taking your body measurements. Look for a tape measure made of fiberglass
    because it’ll be stretch-resistant. Test an older tape measure for accuracy by laying it against a
    yardstick to make sure the measurement markings match up.


Iron
                                                                                   

    Pressing is an essential part of sewing. Since you’ll be doing a lot of it, you’ll need a good
    steam iron with an adjustable temperature. (For more information on pressing as you sew, see
    How to Press. For information on other pressing tools, see Pressing Tools.)


Ironing Board
                                                                                   

    You’ll need a firm surface for pressing in order to produce crisp, professional-looking seams.


So, this is a list of the basics. But there are other tools you may want to add to your collection to
make certain sewing tasks easier and help you get more professional-looking results. See More
Helpful Sewing Tools for a list.







<<BACK                                                             NEXT: Learn to Sew Lesson #2: Choose Your Pattern>>
Sewing Information, Advice, How-to
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Before you can learn to sew, you first need to
gather all the necessary tools. This is a list of the
most essential tools a sewer needs. As your skills
and experience increase, you’ll likely find yourself
adding to this group over time.


Sewing Machine
                                                                          

    A sewing machine, of course, is the most
    essential sewing tool. If you don’t yet own a
    sewing machine and are looking to
    purchase one, you may find this article
    helpful: How to Buy a Sewing Machine.
Learn to Sew Lesson #1:
Gather Your Sewing Tools
Sewing How-To:
General Sources:
Buying Sources: