Beginner’s Guide: Start Here!
You’ve decided to finally learn how to sew. Yay! Now what? Where do you start and what do you need? Look no further than this beginner’s guide. Keep reading for tips on supplies you’ll need, as well as terms that might be new and confusing.
Let’s get started.
• Sewing sharps - a fancy word for needles you use for hand stitching. You’ll need a pack of assorted sizes. • Thread in a neutral color. Medium gray, black or beige works with many fabrics. Look for regular use thread, not heavy duty.
• Sharp scissors dedicated to fabric. Fiskars makes an excellent beginner pair. Hide them from everyone else in your house!
• Straight pins or clips.
• A measuring tape. A plastic one that rolls up. Not one you use for measuring inside your house.
• Seam ripper. Your future BFF… mistakes are part of the process!
• Fabric marking tool. Chalk pencil or disappearing ink pen. Always make sure to test them on your fabric before committing to marking. Some of these claim they’ll erase but don’t.
Let’s start machine stitching!
You’ll want everything above plus:
• A sewing machine with a few extra stitches besides straight stitching. For kids, don’t waste your money on a kid’s sewing machine. They’re capable of learning on a regular machine that they can use for years to come.
• Extra bobbins. Double check to make sure you get the right ones. Bobbins are generally brand specific.
• Machine needles. Universal needles are a great place to start.
• Iron and ironing board or pressing mat. Ironing seems boring but trust us; it’s the key to elevating your creations.
Want to get even fancier?
• Rotary cutter + self-healing cutting mat.
• Magnetic pin cushion. You’ll be sewing so fast you can practically chuck your pins towards your pin cushion.
• Pattern weights. These help keep your fabric from sliding and help weigh down your pattern pieces to keep them from shifting.
• Basic sewing patterns. Pajama pants are a classic first win. Basic tops or skirts work too. Be sure to check the “notions” section of a sewing pattern to see what it needs for finishing. If it’s a zipper, you may want to avoid this until you feel comfortable with basic garment sewing.
Great beginner skills to master:
Threading a needle or machine
Knotting and securing your stitches
Straight stitch, by hand or on machine
Backstitch, to secure your stitching
Pressing seams flat with an iron
Cutting along a pattern or straight line
Using seam allowances
Sewing on a button
Every one of these is small. Combined? They make real projects.
Sewing & Needle Arts Glossary
Bobbin
Tiny spool that sits inside a sewing machine to feed bottom thread.
Presser foot
The piece that presses fabric flat while you sew with a machine.
Seam ripper
A sharp tool that unstitches mistakes quietly, no judgment.
Fabric shears
Scissors that should never touch anything but fabric unless you want chaos.
Pins/Clips
Hold fabric layers together so they don’t slide around like penguins on ice.
Thimble
Little fingertip cap to protect you while hand sewing through thicker layers.
Seam allowance
The space between the seam and the fabric edge. Patterns usually use ⅝ inch or 1.5 cm.
Gauge
How many stitches per inch. Controls size and fit.
Skein/Hank/Ball
Different ways yarn is bundled. Same yarn, different hairstyles.
We’d love to help you find your first or next project! Sign up for a sewing class, join us for open studio time to use our space and equipment, or stop by the shop to get your supplies. Let’s build something together!
