Sewing School Lesson 3: Sewing Supplies
7:35 PM |
| Tilly and the Buttons |
The cool thing about learning to sew is that you don't need a lot of supplies. While there are a ton of notions (sewing supplies) you can buy (we'll get into more of that in a future lesson), there are only a few very inexpensive items that you will actually need. You will find the below supplies at any sewing stores under the notion section. You can even find some of the below items at your local drug store or Target.
What You Will Need To Get Started
- A pair of really good scissors while you might not need a super nice pair or scissors to begin with this is the one item (next to a really good iron) I would suggest spending a little more cash on. Any sewing store will have a few good scissors to choose from. Make sure to get a pair that is all stainless steel and about 8 ". They typically are priced $25-$50. Now that you have a new good pair of scissors, repeat after me "I will not use my new scissors on anything but fabric". It will get dull quick if you do.
- 1-2 seam rippers I seriously use mine all the time. They are used to take out stitches. I would suggest getting a few, since they cheap, indispensable, and easy to lose.
- Pins (with heads) and a pin cushion
- Thread to match your first project fabric
- Needles (sewing machine standard size and hand sewing)
- Marking Tools there are to many different options to cover them all, but here are a few: tailor's chalk, washable markers, tracing paper and wheel. Really any one will work just use which one you feel comfortable with.
- Iron, an ironing board, and a press cloth. A good iron is very helpful. You don't need to go top of the line but I would not go with the cheapest iron you can find. I have a Chi Iron that I got at Target for $60. I just got it, and so far I really like it. Make sure that your iron has an option to shoot steam through the fabric. It is so worth the extra money. Other features that are plus but not essential are being able to use tap water (otherwise you need to use only distilled water so there are no mineral deposits on your iron), having a larger water tank (so you don't have to keep refilling it), more holes in the sole plate (more even distribution of steam), and a higher wattage (allows for higher temps).
- A press cloth is used to protect your iron from man made materials melting onto your iron or from fabric that has melted on your iron to your fabric while ironing. Any clean 100 % cotton fabric will do. I use an old hand towel for mine. You just place your press cloth between your iron and your fabric your ironing.
- Ironing board, you can buy a full size one or a table top ironing board.
- Tape Measure
Notions 101 Threads Magazine
Homework
- Your homework is to go shopping at your local sewing store and look at the notion section. So now you have an excuse to shop!
- Start or join a discussion on this page under comments about what your favorite sewing supplies are or ask any questions you still might have.
New to sewing school? Get caught up:
lesson 1: welcome and intro first,
lesson 2: Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine.
Next Lessons:
lesson 4: Getting to Know Your Machine
lesson 6: How to Sew Straight, Curved, and Corners
lesson 7: How to Sew a Basic Seam
lesson 8: Trouble Shooting your Machine
lesson 9: Basic Sewing Terms
lesson 10: How to Fix Tension on Your Sewing Machine
Lesson 11: How to Read a Sewing Pattern Envelope
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32 comments
Nice one.. Just to add some tips. Learn the sewing tools, equipment and materials that will be used. It is very difficult to make a garment if you don’t know what are the needed tools to create one it in the first place. Make sure you know what are the right tools and materials to use in making your clothes.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite supply is the seam ripper: I am just too in a hurry to do over the stitch that i feel the need to rip fast!
ReplyDeleteThe seam ripper is one of my favourites too Leanne. It is by far my most used sewing tool next to my scissors. I suggest buying at least 2 if not more, since they are so inexpensive and something you don't want to be without when working on a project.
DeleteMine would also be the seam ripper!
ReplyDeleteI agree a seam ripper is indispensable! I always tell me students to buy a few since they are inexpensive and you never want to be without one! I keep one in my sewing machine (in the hidden compartment) and one with my supplies.
DeletePins with brightly colored heads are a favorite because i tend to drop the pins and silver pins blend into my carpet
ReplyDeleteGood point Tieya! It's very important to make sure you are not dropping pins on the floor. I know I don't want to step on that! Nor would anyone else you live with or pets (assuming you don't live alone). I would suggest in addition to bright colored pins you make sure to always have a pin cushion nearby your sewing machine and to get into the habit to always put your pins into your pin cushion immediately. One good way to do this is to make a pincushion for your machine here is a tutorial for that http://icanfindthetime.blogspot.com/2010/07/sewing-machine-pin-cushion.html
DeleteHappy Sewing!
I like these types of pins too. My problem isn't just in dropping them, but my 2 year old likes to be like her mommy and I often times will find her on my sewing table pulling the pins out of the cushion and putting them into fabric. The bright heads help me to make sure I don't leave any laying around on accident :)
DeleteI haven't done any sewing yet. Mainly because figuring out dimensions and stuff on my own is pretty intimidating to me. So my favorite would be store bought patterns or templates. I ordered some for a purse and waiting for it to come in as well as waiting on my machine.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Ariez. just bought my sewing machine online and i'm waiting for it to get here so i haven't use any tools yet. as a kid i use to love one of my dads old machines (even though i never really practiced much on it).
ReplyDeleteI would suggest first purchasing a seam ripper (if not 2), and pins and a pincushion, and thread. Often you can actually find all of the above mentioned supplies at your local non craft store, like Target or Walgreen’s. So no need to make a special trip to the store to get started. You will eventually need all the supplies mentioned in this post, but those are the most important ones you will always need to sew. Hope this helps Yanike, and thanks for your comment.
DeleteI also love the seam ripper...as I use it on EVERY project. This is going to be a challenge for me because it seems EVERYTHING I do is a challenge. lol
ReplyDeleteMy favorite notion is the rotary cutter
ReplyDeleteI myself have not used a rotary cutter, but they can be indispensable depending on what kind of project you are doing. If you do a lot of quilting, or for cutting straight lines for example. It could also be useful for making Tarn (yarn made out of t-shirts). Thanks for the comment Ava!
DeleteHello i am new to all of this! I was hoping that someone could help me figure out store would be best to purchase all of the essential tools i will nee to get started!! I am planning on learning how to sew and then going to school for Fashion Design!! If someone could send me a message through my facebook account my name is Hannah Kralik and my picture is of me and my daughter. Or email me at magicmaster0710@gmail.com. Thank you i am so excited to get started on this journey!!!
ReplyDeleteI also love the seam ripper! I am in hopes of making new sewing notion friends because Miss S. Ripper has been taking advantage of my weaknesses ( sewing )!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite notion is the seam ripper.
ReplyDeleteI always love getting to use the rotary blade. I love how nice and straight it cuts the fabric!
ReplyDeleteI like the pins with coloured heads, they are by far easier to see than the silver coloured heads.
ReplyDeleteHello my name is marian. I was hoping that someone can tell me about and online fabric store where i can purchase my fabric that has reasonable prices because the local stores don't have much of a selection.l plan on sharpening my skills so l can start sewing for other people.
ReplyDeleteI'm another fan of the seam ripper! I have stopped using all of my sewing tools over the past years with the exception of the seam ripper.
ReplyDeleterotary cutter and seam ripper
ReplyDeleteI just got a pair of heavy duty old pinking shears at a garage sale for $1. They feel so good in the hand and will last forever!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I don't have a favorite yet. Perhaps once I begin sewing a bit more, I might discover that I have a favorite.
ReplyDeletehello, i love the video about the supplies we need before sewing. please what do i do if there are no notion section in our local sewing shops
ReplyDeleteI would just ask someone at the store where to find what you are looking for.
DeleteWhat in the world is a portable bobbin winder and do I need one lol
ReplyDeleteA portable bobbin winder is a way to wind a bobbin without a machine. I bought one because my winder no longer works on my machine and it was cheaper to buy that then to have it fixed. It can help to have one so that you don't have to rethread your machine to wind a bobbin.
DeleteOh and what is that rotary cutter and do I need one of those? I always see them use one on project runway but after looking at them in the store, I'm really confused lol.
ReplyDeleteWatch the above video it talks about rotary cutters
DeleteI love the seam ripper... There isn't as much variety here in Malawi but I have got the basics. Am excited about the sewing lessons.
ReplyDeletei just got my machine and found the cutest cactus pin cushion, so that has to be my favorite item lol
ReplyDelete