Beginners Guide to Sewing – Equipment

Sewing is a rewarding and interesting hobby. Not only can you create personalised textiles for yourself/ your friends and family but with a few sewing skills under your belt you’ll be able to perform quick repairs on clothing garments and home textiles too! As you develop your sewing skills you may even decide you want to sell some of the things you’ve made. This is also a great way to earn a little extra cash and show off your talent!

If you’re interested in delving into the world of sewing, there are a few things you’ll need to know before taking on your first project. In this article series we will go through the basics of sewing, staring with equipment. Once you get to grips with the basics of sewing the rest is easy, and you’ll be creating beautiful textile items in no time!
What equipment will I need?

Sewing Machine

Unless you plan on sewing everything you make by hand (and we don’t recommend this) you’ll need a sewing machine. However, this doesn’t mean you need to head out and buy the latest all-singing all-dancing, professional style machine. Instead, ask around your friends and family first. If someone close to you owns a sewing machine, they may be kind enough to let you borrow it. Learning the basics on a borrowed machine is a great way to get started. That way you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for when it comes to buying your own. If you aren’t fortunate to know someone with a sewing machine, you may be able to rent one from your local college or school.

Fabric Scissors

Whilst it is possible to cut fabric with a pair of standard domestic scissors, fabric scissors are actually designed to cut fabric. Not only does this make the fabric cutting process easier, but it allows the tailor to achieve a more precise cut and helps prevent fraying. Remember not to cut anything but fabric with your fabric scissors, otherwise you may dull them!

Fabric Pencil or Tailor’s chalk

When following a sewing pattern you’ll usually be required to mark your fabric. You’ll need a suitable marking tool to do this. Most commonly used are fabric pencils and tailor’s chalk.

Ruler/Tape Measure/Pattern Making Ruler

If you’re planning on making your own sewing patterns you will need a specialty ruler. A pattern making ruler is a nifty little tool which allows precise measurement when making patterns from scratch. This type of ruler comes in many shapes and sizes but usually has both a flat and curved edge. If you are planning on following a shop bought pattern a standard, ruler/tape measure will do.

Fabric Pins

Pins are an essential to virtually any sewing project. Make sure you have a bountiful supply!

Seam Ripper

Mistakes are a given when learning a new skill, and it’s likely you’ll make quite a few as you continue with your sewing hobby. That’s where this little tool comes in handy; seam rippers will neatly but effectively remove any set of unwanted stitches in your garment.