Let’s Begin Sewing – Essential Sewing Tools Needed

Welcome to the first post of

Let’s Begin Sewing series

Sewing is one of those things i wish i had learned when i was young(er) lol but i was too busy wanting to be hip and cool. I remember my mother telling me “Come Mayya  let me teach you how to use a sewing machine. You know i wont always be there to fix your clothes!” So i did and we went as far as stitching straight lines and that was it! Who knew many years down the line sewing would become my passion.

Before we actually get down to the nity grity of actually sewing we need the proper supplies to ensure we get a beautiful finished item and yes it all starts at the beginning.

Your number one item on the list is a sewing machine

My advice is because you are just starting out dont go and buy yourself a machine just yet. Instead borrow one from a friend, a relative. Try it out first and see if you actually enjoy it. However if you cant find anyone who owns a machine then try and get a second hand one.

When i first started i was lucky that my mum owned a machine and i borrowed it from her and i named her Miss JD LOL i actually still have her and use her as backup when my sewing machine has gone in for some R&R

For those in Oman you can buy your  machines from Salman Stores who are the suppliers for Janome. They are located in Qurum next to CCC.

Once you’ve got your self a machine you will need some sewing supplies

1 Rotary Cutter I dont know how i used to cut fabric without it, this is just a life saver when cutting straight edges and a must for every sewist. I have the 45 mm however in order to use one you MUST have a self healing cutting mat and a rotary ruler.

2 Pins & Pincushion – straight pins are essential to hold your fabrics together think of them as extra fingers. A pincushion is a must to hold your pins in place and having several is a good idea i have one at my cutting table and the other by my sewing machine.

3 Needle & Thread - (forgot to take pics of the needle) Thread will not only be used on your machine but there are some things you might need to stitch by hand.

4 Thimble – these arent used that often these days but i find that when i hand stitch i like to know that my thimble is there to protect my finger tip as i push the needle through. Each time i use one it reminds me of my grandmother she used to always have one on while stitching

5 Sewing Gauge – i love this tool,  it is actually a small metal ruler with a sliding marker ideal for measuring seam allowances. When i need to press in a 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch i just slide the blue slide to the desired measurements and place it on the fabric to check that i got the correct width and iron.

Maree Pigdon shares the benefits of using a sewing gauge

6 Seam ripper – made a mistake? not to worry, just grab your seam ripper and remove the unwanted stitches. Dont know how to use one? I found this tutorial on Purl Bee

7 Fabric scissors -Invest in a good pair of fabric scissors buy them from a craft store because these type of scissors are made with very sharp blade specifically to cut fabric. In order for them to last longer you must only use them to cut fabrics NOTHING else. Make sure you label it and get other scissors for your other cutting projects.

8 Tape Measure – you will need one for taking measurements, plus it makes you look the part when it hangs around your neck LOL

Rotary Ruler – These rulers are to be used with a rotary cutter, DO NOT attempt to use a regular ruler trust me on this one!

Self Heating Mat - This mat will protect your surface when using the rotary cutter.

9 Fabric markers - the orange one is fabric chalk and the pencils are fabric pencils (i bought them in Lulu)

10 Bobbins – these will be used in your machine you will also need empty bobbins on hand because eventually you will need one for every thread colour you have.

11 Zippers – not a must as you start sewing but its good to have a couple with you so that when you decide to tackle the zippers then you have them

12 Pinking Shears – again not a must item but a handy tool to have never the less. Notice that these are not your regular scissors they give a zig zag sort of finishing and that helps when you dont have a serger as the fabric doesnt fray.

13 Safety pins – i use mine when i want to turn a tube/strap inside out, or when i am using elastics to hold them on one end while i pull the elastic through the other end.

14 Mini scissors – this is one of my favorite tools these are perfect for clipping the threads that hang after you’ve done sewing. I always keep mine by my sewing machine.

Last but not least you will need an iron

An iron is essential to any sewing project because this is the secret to achieving nice crisp finish that we all love.

So that concludes my list of sewing essentials i do hope that you found that useful.

For more essential sewing tools you have to check out

Getting starting supplies by Ruffles & Stuff

Sewing 101: Basic sewing tools and supplies by Simply Modern Mom

Sewing 101 with Anna, Supply Must Haves by Pickup Some Creativity

Have a question? something was not clear do let me know in the comments and i will reply back via comments so that everyone can benefit.

Come back next Monday

to be introduced to your soon to be Best Friend Forever (BFF)

your sewing machine