When I started out exploring the sewing world 2 years ago, didn’t necessarily know where to start. Having faced that challenge, I want to share a few sewing essentials you need to get you started.

1. Sewing Machine

This is probably the first sewing essential unless you want to sew by hand, which I wouldn’t recommend unless you have to. You don’t need to get the most expensive machine for the start. My first machine was from Lidl for under 70 pounds which I upgraded later along my journey. Any machine should have basic functions. Also you don’t need an over-locker/ Serger, you can use the zig-zag stitch to clean off the raw edges and keep the fabric from fraying.

2. Fabric Scissors

Only use these for fabric, yes only fabric. It makes the cutting process easy and enjoyable when you scissors are sharp and snapping not onto your fabric.

3. Paper Scissors

You can use these for cutting out your commercial patterns and pattern cutting your designs.

4. Pins

Basically I like to use pins to attached fabric unto pattern paper pieces before cutting and equally to match your fabric pieces together.

5. Seam Ripper

I honestly have a love and hate relationship with this tiny tool, but you can not live without it. Mistakes are going to be made people, or maybe you sew something and don’t like how to comes out. Since I sew in the night most of the time, it has happened a couple of times that I sewed a garment on the wrong side of the fabric (insert crying emoji), then I had to unpick the seams.

6. Clear Ruler/ Pattern Master

These are good for making sure things are lining up correctly. Get a pattern master if you can, its great for defining those curves especially around the armhole and neckline.

7. Measuring Tape

I always have measuring tape around me my neck or within my reach. This comes in handy when taking your measurements and if you want to make alterations.

8. Iron/ Board

Everyone has a iron in their home. In the past I used to ignore using the iron when sewing until I came to understand how important it is to press the seams whilst sewing which makes your seams lay flat and gives the garment a polished look.

P.S: This blog post was drafted written in January, yes before Pandemic its been in “drafted”since then. I hope you are keeping well. Thank you for stopping by. If there is something you have been putting off for a while please just do it, you can not wait for that thing to be ready. You will learn and improve along the way. 

X  Leli