There's a whole world of beautiful sewing tools (notions) out there, but if you're just getting started, only the basics are necessary.
Here are some suggestions of tools needed for embarking on your very first sewing projects. As your skills grow and you learn your preferences, you can add to your collection of notions.
Fabric scissors
A pair of sharp fabric scissors (shears) will make cutting so much easier. Struggling with dull scissors might be enough to put you off sewing before you've even finished cutting the fabric! Sharp scissors will result in more precise cuts, which in turn results in more precise sewing.
Quality scissors can be sharpened again and again for longevity, but it's fine to get started with less expensive scissors.
Do not use your fabric scissors for cutting paper (it will dull the blades). Pro tip - mark your fabric scissors (for example, by tying a ribbon around the handle) so you know to only use them on fabric.
Iron for pressing
Pressing is an important part of the sewing process - I guarantee your projects will look 100% better if you take the time to press. You'll use your iron to smooth your fabric after pre-washing and before cutting, then to press your seams as you sew. In our pattern tutorials, you'll notice that pressing is included right in the step-by-step instructions - it's that important!
Your iron doesn't have to be fancy, but it should have a steam setting and the sole plate should be clean. I like to keep a spray bottle filled with water close by as well - dampening the fabric a bit first can help get wrinkles out.
Seam ripper
Everyone - beginner or expert sewist alike - uses a seam ripper from time to time. A seam ripper will help you to fix inevitable mistakes, making it much simpler to pick out stitches. It will also come in handy for picking seams apart if you're interested in upcycling textiles or making alterations to existing garments.
Pro tip - the little curved cutting blade on the seam ripper can get dull over time, just like scissors. If it isn't cutting the threads cleanly, it may be time for a new seam ripper.
Pins
Look for good quality straight pins that are sharp and pierce the fabric easily. Use pins to secure layers of fabric together so they don't shift while sewing. I prefer glass head pins to plastic, since they won't melt if pressed with the iron.
A pincushion or small dish are useful for storing pins and providing easy access while sewing. If you use a classic tomato pincushion (like the one pictured on the left), here's a fun fact - the little dangly strawberry contains emery powder, which can be used to sharpen your pins and needles.
Needles - hand sewing
Hand sewing needles of various sizes will come in handy, even if most of the sewing you're planning to do is with a machine. There are often little tasks, like closing up turning holes, that need to be stitched by hand. There are many different types of needles, but look for a pack of general purpose sewing needles (sometimes called 'sharps') to get started.
A needle book is a very handy way to store your sewing needles - there's a pattern for making one in the Making eBook if you'd like to give it a go.
Marking tools
A fabric marking tool is used to transfer markings, like notches or placement marks, from the pattern onto your fabric. There are many types available - water-soluble pens, heat erasable pens, fabric pencils, tailor's chalk.
Marking tools don't have to be high tech - my grandma kept little slivers of and soap to use for marking fabric, and it's still one of my favourite methods because it washes right out.
Measuring tape
If you're sewing garments, a measuring tape is a must - choosing the correct size is the first step in achieving a good result. Take your measurements properly before choosing which size(s) to print and cut. Learn more about taking your measurements here.
Find our entire Learn to Sew series here. A comprehensive collection of resources for beginner sewists.
