I love sewing for it's simplicity. Take fabric, cut it, sew it together and make something beautiful, but it's not without it's "stuff". We covered our sewing machine recommendation in a previous post, but you're going to need to fill the stocking (or the other 7 nights, or however you may celebrate the holidays!). Here are our go to recommendations for supplies. These are all items that we use in our class or in our own sewing.
The links below are Amazon Affiliate Links, but every item I recommend is because I wholeheartedly believe it's worth your money. I won't ever recommend something that I haven't personally tried out or own. I'm not compensated in any way by the makers of these products, just want you to have good stuff!
So first up... the scissors.
If you've ever taken one of my classes, you know how I feel about fabrics scissors. THEY ARE FOR FABRIC ONLY!!! No paper, no paper, no paper. For years I thought I could use whatever scissors I had laying around and wonder why it felt like I was hacking through the fabric. Fabric scissors are scissors for fabric, end of story. These Fiskars are excellent, inexpensive scissors. Write "Fabric" on them, tie a ribbon around the handle, lock them up-- do whatever it takes to keep these guys sharp. I'd take a photo of my own Fiskars, but somebody used them to cut something other than fabric and took a chunk out of the blade!
Now onto the other goodies.
1. Seam gauge- The most basic of measuring tools and perfect for seam allowances and hems.
2. Universal needles- I like the Schmetz brand and this variety pack will last awhile.
3. Bobbins- It's always good to have lots of bobbins for different threads. Keep in mind that bobbins are machine specific. These work with most machines, but not all.
4. Marking pen- This one water soluble.
5. Straight, glass headed pins- Get lots and lots.
6. Seam ripper- Many machines come with seam rippers, but if yours doesn't I suggest this one. It's nice and small but the padded grip gives you extra control.
7. Coats & Clark thread- It's not the fanciest threads, but it's all I use. There are hundreds of colors but a white, neutral and darker taupe or gray will get you far.
8. Pincushion- The classic tomato works every time!
Now for the next step up! If your sewist wants to take their sewing to the next level these are some (mostly) must haves!
8. Gingher scissors- These are the gold standard (to me) of scissors. It's like a hot knife through butter!
9. Self healing cutting mat- This smaller size is good for little projects and traveling but the 24" x 36" is more all-purpose.
10. Clear grid ruler- This is technically for quilting, but great for cutting anything "square" (ie a right angle). Not shown but get these little grippers for the bottom.
11. Ball point needles- You need these for sewing jersey and knit material.
12. 45mm rotary cutter- Use this with your new cutting mat and grid ruler. Perfectly straight cuts!
These will get you started!! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!
Happy Stitching!
Laura