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Learn to Sew Lesson #1: Gather Your Sewing Tools

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.


    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.