So, you’ve decided you want to learn how to sew. That’s fantastic! It’s a skill that lets you create and mend, and it’s deeply satisfying. But if you’re standing in a craft store feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Knowing what do You need to start sewing is the very first step. Let’s break it down into simple, manageable parts, just like planning a garden bed. You don’t need every tool on the shelf to begin—just a few essentials to get your first seeds, so to speak, into the ground.
Think of your sewing kit like a basic set of gardening tools. You need good soil (fabric), reliable seeds (thread), a trusty trowel (scissors), and some starter pots (patterns). We’ll walk through each category, focusing on quality basics that won’t break the bank. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear shopping list and the confidence to make your first stitch.
What do You Need to Start Sewing
This is your core toolkit. Gather these items, and you’ll be ready to tackle most beginner projects.
1. The Sewing Machine (Or Needle & Thread)
You can absolutely start sewing by hand! A simple needle and thread are the most basic tools. But for efficiency and strength, a sewing machine is key. You don’t need a fancy computerized model. Look for a basic, mechanical machine with straight and zigzag stitches. Brands like Brother, Singer, and Janome offer great beginner options. Check secondhand markets or ask family—often a reliable older machine is waiting for a new home.
2. Fabric Scissors & Snips
This is non-negotiable. You need a dedicated pair of sharp scissors only for cutting fabric. Using them on paper will dull them quickly. A 7-8 inch pair of dressmaker’s shears is perfect. Also, get a small pair of thread snips or embroidery scissors for clipping threads. Keep them in a safe place!
3. Pins and a Pincushion
Straight pins with glass or plastic heads are easiest to see and handle. You’ll use them to hold your fabric pieces together before sewing. A magnetic pin holder or a classic tomato pincushion keeps them organized and close by. A wrist pincushion can be super handy too.
4. Seam Ripper
Every sewer, from beginner to expert, uses this tool. It’s for carefully removing stitches when you make a mistake. Consider it your best friend, not a sign of failure. It happens to everyone, so don’t be afraid to use it.
5. Measuring Tools
A clear, flexible ruler and a soft measuring tape are essential. The tape measure is for taking body measurements and measuring curved areas. The ruler is for drawing straight lines and checking seam allowances on your machine.
6. Thread
All-purpose polyester thread is a great starter. It’s strong and has a little stretch. Match the thread color to your fabric as closely as possible for your first projects. Buy a few basic spools like black, white, grey, and beige.
7. Fabric for Beginners
Start simple. Avoid slippery, stretchy, or fussy fabrics like silk, satin, or thin knits. Instead, choose stable woven fabrics like:
* Cotton quilting fabric
* Muslin (inexpensive for practice)
* Poplin
* Linen or linen-blends
8. Hand Sewing Needles
Even with a machine, you’ll need hand needles for finishing touches like sewing on buttons or closing small openings. A multi-pack of “sharps” or “betweens” in assorted sizes covers most needs.
9. Iron and Ironing Board
Sewing is often said to be 50% pressing. An iron is crucial for flattening fabric before cutting, pressing seams open, and giving your project a professional finish. You don’t need a top-of-the-line model, but you do need to use it consistently.
Setting Up Your Sewing Space
You don’t need a dedicated studio. A corner of a table is fine. The key is organization and good lighting.
Find a stable table for your machine. It should be at a comfortable height so you don’t hunch over. Good, bright light is critical to avoid eye strain. A adjustable lamp is a great investment.
Keep your tools organized in a box, basket, or on a pegboard. This saves time and frustration. Having a trash bin or bowl nearby for fabric snippets keeps your area tidy.
Your First Project: A Simple Tote Bag
Let’s put your tools to work. A tote bag is a perfect first project. It uses straight seams, teaches you about seam allowances, and results in something useful.
Materials Needed:
* 1/2 yard of medium-weight cotton fabric
* Matching thread
* Basic sewing toolkit listed above
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Wash and Iron Your Fabric. This prevents shrinkage later. Iron it flat.
2. Cut Two Rectangles. Using your ruler, measure and cut two identical rectangles, each 14 inches wide by 16 inches tall. Use your fabric shears.
3. Pin the Fabric. Place the two pieces with their right sides (the printed or prettier sides) facing each other. Pin around three sides, leaving the top (one 14-inch side) completely open.
4. Sew the Seams. Set your machine to a straight stitch. Sew along the three pinned sides, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance (the distance from the fabric edge to your stitch line). Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the stitches.
5. Box the Corners. To create a flat bottom, turn the bag so a side seam is centered. Flatten a bottom corner so the side seam lines up with the bottom seam, forming a triangle. Measure 2 inches from the point and draw a line. Sew straight across this line. Repeat for the other corner. Trim the excess triangle.
6. Finish the Top Edge. Fold the top open edge down by 1/4 inch, press, then fold down another 1 inch and press again. This creates a clean hem. Pin it in place.
7. Topstitch the Hem. Sew close to the inner folded edge all the way around the top of the bag. This secures the hem.
8. Turn and Press. Turn your bag right side out through the top opening. Give it a final press with your iron. You’ve made a bag!
Essential Skills to Practice First
Before jumping into clothing, spend an afternoon practicing these fundamentals on scrap fabric.
Threading Your Machine. Follow your manual step-by-step. Practice until you can do it without thinking.
Winding the Bobbin. The bobbin holds the lower thread. Again, your manual is your guide. Make sure it winds evenly.
Sewing a Straight Seam. Draw straight lines on fabric with a washable marker and practice following them.
Understanding Seam Allowance. This is the most common beginner hurdle. Learn where the 1/2 inch mark is on your machine’s needle plate and practice sewing seams at that width consistently.
Pivoting at Corners. Sew to a corner, stop with the needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric, lower the foot, and continue sewing.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
We all make them! Knowing these ahead of time saves fabric and frustration.
* Skipping the Iron. Pressing seems tedious, but it makes a massive difference in your final result.
* Using Dull Scissors. They will chew your fabric instead of cutting it cleanly.
* Forgetting to Backstitch. This secures the ends of your seams so they don’t unravel.
* Ignoring the Grainline. Fabric has a direction. Your pattern pieces must be laid out following the grainline arrow, or your project may twist oddly.
* Starting with a Complex Pattern. Choose projects labeled “beginner” or “easy.” A simple pillowcase is better than a tailored jacket for your first try.
Building Your Skills Over Time
Once you’ve mastered the tote bag, you can slowly add new tools and techniques. Consider adding these items to your kit later:
* A rotary cutter, mat, and acrylic ruler for quilting or precise cutting.
* A walking foot for sewing multiple layers or slippery fabrics.
* Different presser feet for your machine, like a zipper foot.
* A wider variety of fabrics as you gain confidence.
Remember, progress is like watching a garden grow. Some days you’ll have breakthroughs, and other days you’ll just be pulling weeds (or picking out stitches). The important thing is to enjoy the process of making something with your own hands.
FAQ: Starting to Sew
How much money do I need to start sewing?
You can begin hand sewing for under $30 for needles, thread, scissors, and fabric. A basic new sewing machine starts around $150, but a good used one can be found for less.
Is it hard to learn to sew?
The basics are not hard. It requires patience and practice, much like learning any new hands-on skill. Start with simple projects to build confidence.
What is the best sewing machine for a absolute beginner?
Look for a mechanical (not computerized) machine from a reputable brand. It should have basic stitches: straight, zigzag, and a buttonhole function. Read reviews and, if possible, test one in a store.
Where can I find easy sewing patterns?
Many fabric stores carry patterns from companies like Simplicity, McCall’s, and Butterick, which have “Learn to Sew” lines. Also, look for free tutorials and patterns online for things like aprons, simple skirts, and bags.
How do I maintain my sewing machine?
Regularly clean out lint from the bobbin area with the small brush that came with your machine. Have it serviced professionally every year or two if you use it frequently. Always cover it when not in use to keep dust out.