Those 10 Essential Sewing Tools

Sewing is a timeless craft that allows individuals to express their creativity and create functional and decorative items.

Whether you're interested in sewing clothing, home decor, or simple repairs, having the right tools is essential to ensure a successful and enjoyable sewing experience.

If you're a beginner looking to embark on your sewing journey, here are ten essential sewing tools you should have in your arsenal:

1. Sewing Machine

A good-quality sewing machine is the backbone of any sewing project. Invest in a beginner-friendly, reliable sewing machine that offers basic stitch options and is easy to thread and operate. As you progress, you can explore more advanced models.

If you're looking for a new machine and you're in Perth, The Perth Sewing Centre have many to choose from, including this fabulous machine. All machines come with sewing lessons for the life of the machine, how good is that?!

2. Scissors

A pair of sharp fabric scissors is a must-have for cutting fabrics accurately and cleanly. Never use your fabric scissors for other materials to keep them sharp and efficient.

3. Pins and Pin Cushion

Straight pins are indispensable for holding fabric layers together before sewing. A pin cushion keeps your pins organized and within reach during your sewing sessions.

4. Seam Ripper

Mistakes happen, even to experienced sewists. A seam ripper allows you to undo stitches and correct errors without damaging the fabric. They vary from a few dollars, to some really fabulous handmade unpickers.

5. Tape Measure

Accurate measurements are crucial in sewing. A flexible tape measure is perfect for taking body measurements or determining fabric dimensions.

6. Iron and Ironing Board

Pressing fabric is a vital step to achieve professional-looking results. An iron and ironing board help you create crisp seams and smooth out wrinkles. If you're mainly sewing knit fabrics, you can skip this unless you're adding interfacings.

7. Marking Tools

Chalk, fabric markers, or tailor's chalk pencils are used to mark pattern guidelines and important points on the fabric. Choose marking tools that are easily visible yet easy to remove.

8. Seam Gauge

This small ruler-like tool helps you measure seam allowances, hem depths, and small fabric details precisely.

9. Thread

Invest in good-quality all-purpose sewing thread in basic colors like black, white, and beige. Match the thread color to your fabric for a neater looking finish.

10. Needles

Having a variety of different machine needles will enable you to switch projects with ease. Universal needles are great for almost every kind, but you'll need ballpoint or jersey/stretch needles for knit fabrics and extra sharp for fine woven fabrics.

These ten essential sewing tools will get you started on your sewing journey. As you progress, you may want to explore additional tools and accessories to expand your skills and tackle more complex projects. Here are a few bonus tools you might consider:

11. Fabric Clips

These alternative to pins are ideal for delicate fabrics or materials that could be damaged by pinholes.

12. Thimble

Protect your fingers when hand-sewing with a thimble, especially if you're working with thicker fabrics or multiple layers.

13. Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat

Advanced sewists often use rotary cutters and cutting mats to cut fabric quickly and accurately, especially for quilting projects. Use in conjunction with pattern weights so you're not running over any pins!

14. Pattern Weights

Instead of pinning patterns to fabric, pattern weights keep the pattern in place during cutting. You can use in conjunction with the cutting mat and rotary cutter - changing the way you cut out your fabrics!

15. Bobbin and bobbin case

As you progress into the world of colour-matching, you'll need extra bobbins and a case to hold them in. Bobbins hold the thread underneath the fabric while sewing. Make sure you have a few extra bobbins pre-wound on hand before you start a project.

Remember, the quality of your tools can significantly impact your sewing experience and the final outcome of your projects. Invest in good-quality tools when possible, as they will last longer and provide better results.

Additionally, don't forget to maintain your sewing machine and tools regularly to ensure they remain in optimal condition.

As you continue to sew and gain experience, you'll likely discover new tools that suit your specific sewing style and projects.

Enjoy the process, experiment with various techniques, and let your creativity soar as you create beautiful and functional items through the art of sewing.

Kwaint Threads has everything you need to get you started and beyond! For sewing support, we also have a fabulous sewing community on Facebook!