When I was just out of college, my mother wanted me to be able to start sewing. These are the essentials she gave me for Christmas.
Giving a Christmas gift designed to encourage me to start sewing may seem like a strange gift given I was just 23 years old. Sewing wasn’t even on my radar. Yet Mum had an uncanny instinct and she knew I would benefit from having these essential sewing tools on hand.
If you follow this blog, you may think of me as a lifelong sewist. Not so much! Mum often had her sewing machine out on the dining room table as I grew up. I would jump on and sew together some random scraps but nothing more than that. My sister, Patti, on the other hand, took to it from a young age.
My current love and addiction to sewing only began in the past five years. So why did my Mum give me a sewing machine and everything else I would need to start sewing when I was just out of college? Because she knew that sewing is a great way to save money.
Making throw pillows, curtains, placemats, and other nicknacks around my apartments and eventually home DID save money. Mum was a smart cookie!
I’ve given my oldest daughter, Sophie, my sewing machine, and serger. She hasn’t used them yet but I know she will for the same reason I did way back when. It’s called a necessity!
So if you have someone who is showing an interest in sewing or who you think can use a cost-effective way to get some Pinterest inspired home decor pieces on the cheap, then these are the essentials I suggest to help them on their journey as they start sewing.
Note, there is SOOOO much more that can be purchased, just ask any sewist!
These are truly the bare-bones essentials of what’s good to have on hand to start sewing.
More can be added as the need arises.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The Sewing Machine
The quality of the sewing machine makes a BIG difference. You know, “You get what you pay for” is true here as much as it is in many other situations. Buy the best sewing machine that your budget allows. This isn’t the place to skimp.
Since most occasional and newbie sewers are going to be making throw pillows and curtains, typically out of heavier material, I recommend a heavy-duty sewing machine. The machine I bought and have since given to my daughter, Sophie, worked very well for me as I was learning to sew. It’s a Singer Heavy Duty and be sure to add to it a case for storage.
The sewing machine essentials
I laugh at myself NOW but I never knew that there were different presser feet and needles that should be changed out depending on what is being sewn. Is that news to you? No worries, as I said, I never knew either.
That said, ignorance isn’t bliss and sewing is much easier with the right needles and presser feet. Get a basic selection of needles and a small kit of presser feet to get your newbie sewer ready to start sewing.
The cutting essentials
The days of the cardboard foldout cutting mat (I think I still have one) and basic scissors are gone. Yes, scissors are still used but most of us use a self-healing mat and rotary blade as much as we can. It’s just so much easier.
Here are the bare-bones must haves to get this person of yours ready to start sewing.
- Large scissors
- Small scissors
- Rotary cutter
- Self-healing Mat
- Quilters Ruler
Most of these come in kits to help with the cost.
the necessary ACCESSORIES
I admit that I have a list of about 50 absolute “necessities” when it comes to sewing accessories. The truth is that I’m spoiled. To get started, here is a shortlist:
One last thing, a case to hold all of these bits and pieces in comes in handy. Here are a couple you might like:
An inspiration
It’s one thing if you’ve been asked to pull together what is needed to start sewing. On the other hand, if this is a surprise for someone, you’ll need to defend your gift. This comes in the form of a book showing everything that can be made with a few basic sewing skills.
A gift card to JoAnn Fabric or your local fabric shop is a great idea too!
If you found this post helpful, let me know in the comments below. Here’s a PIN ready for one of your Pinterest Boards too! Yeah, I’m good like that.
Are you looking for inspiration
If you’re thinking about starting to sew, check out these posts for some easy projects:
- The Ultimate Beginner Quilter’s Guide of the 25 Best No-Nonsense Tools if You Want Sewing Bliss
- How to Finger Knit a Chunky Bolster Pillow
- How to Make a Drawstring Gift Bag
- How to Make a Winter Gnome
- How to Thrift Flip a Long Denim Maxi Skirt
- How to Start a Cricut Maker Obsession
Still, want to see more? I have your back. Check out ASC’s Pinterest Boards, where there are always new pins happening! In fact, better yet, follow ASC on Pinterest so you know when I add more to my boards (I find great pins!).
Be sure to also check out ASC on Facebook, Instagram, and LIKEtoKNOW.it for all of the content you can get!
Do you have a question or a suggestion? No problem! Email me with all of it and I’m happy to respond.
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Have a fantastic week! Namaste,
I’m pinning this because now you’ve gotten in my head and I might make sewing a new years resolution! Thanks for the great tips!
Shelley
You should! It’s the best feeling to see something turn from a piece of flat fabric into a three-dimensional project. Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions, Ali.