Are you an aspiring seamstress? If you have never sewn a garment before, you might feel surprised when you realize how many things you need to complete your project. However, with the right tools, you can make customized dresses that no one can match.
What will you need to stock your dream sewing room? The eleven supplies below are must-haves for your project.
1. A Sewing Machine
This purchase is the priciest on your list. Don’t automatically opt for the least-expensive model. Consider the features you want. While it’s true that you only need a machine capable of a straight and zigzag stitch, options like a needle threader can save you considerable time and frustration.
If you have a larger budget, you can now find computerized machines that offer superior stitches every time, but they do require routine maintenance by a technician.
2. Pins and a Pincushion
Fortunately, these little gems won’t cost you too much of your cold, hard cash. Plus, you can DIY the most adorable pincushions if you can’t find one you like in craft stores. You can have nearly as much fun selecting your pins. Opt for those with colorful toppers or those designed to look like hearts or stars.
3. Various Needles
You’ll need two types of needles for your sewing project — sewing machine needles and hand needles. As these also cost relatively little, spring for a variety of eyelet sizes. You can even invest in a pair of knitting needles if you’d like to try your hand at that craft later.
- Sewing Machine: You’ll need a variety of needles to suit the types of fabrics you purchase. These come in American and European sizes, so consult a chart before you head to the supply store. Changing the needles on your sewing machine is easy but here is one of the best walkthroughs on how to change the needles and really easy to follow.
- Hand Needles: Many simple sewing kits come with several sizes of needles and eyelets. However, if you have arthritis or any other condition that makes your motor skills problematic, you can find pre-threaded needle kits. While you may pay more, you’ll spare yourself tons of frustration.
4. Tape Measures
What’s the best part about sewing garments yourself? You get to custom fit them to fit your body like a glove. To do this, though, you’ll need a supply of tape measures. It pays to invest in a few larger ones, even if you have a slight frame. As you gain prowess, you can make clothing for others who might come in big or tall sizes.
You’ll also need a tape measure or 25-inch string if you’re going to get the correct measurements for hats.
5. Rotary Cutter and Mat
While scissors work when you handle single fabrics, a rotary cutter slices through multiple layers without lifting the stack off the table. This convenience is invaluable when you need to cut patterns.
The mat keeps the device from leaving ugly gashes in your furniture — and growing blunt in the process.
6. Pinking Shears
Pinking keeps your garments from fraying at the seams — you don’t want your creation to fall apart after one washing. They make triangular cuts along the bias to prevent the threads of your fabric from making a run off the border.
While you can get by without these, you should invest in them if you hope to create items that stand the test of time.
7. Fabric
Now, you’re getting to the exciting part — selecting your fabric.
Keep in mind that heavier blends might work best for your first couple of projects. Sheer fabrics look elegant, but they highlight any stitching mistakes due to their thin nature.
8. Thread
You can buy thread reasonably inexpensively, so invest in a collection in various hues. That way, you’ll never have to run to the craft store to find the right color to match a hem.
9. Tailor’s Chalk
Once you measure your fabric, how do you mark it without leaving a visible stain? Tailor’s chalk allows you to make temporary guidelines without damaging the material or causing discoloration.
You can then use a fabric eraser or a vinegar solution to remove the mark from your completed garment.
10. An Iron
If you sew wrinkly fabric, you’ll have uneven seams, and your clothing won’t hang properly. These items are also slightly costly, but you do want to invest in a quality model.
You can find several varieties for less than $100 in retail and online stores. It’s wise to pick up a board, too, unless you want to risk scorching your dining room table.
11. A Supplies Organizer
Finally, with all the tiny pins and needles you’ll collect, you’ll need a place to store them all. You can find specialty cases at craft stores, but if you’re on a budget, now is the time to look for alternatives. Many back-to-school supplies, like pencil cases, can come in handy for holding your sewing kit in a pinch.
Get Your Sewing Game on Point With These 11 Essentials
With the eleven items above, you’ll have a well-stocked sewing room or corner. Now, create that elegant gown of your dreams.
Article written by Dylan Bartlett.
Dylan is part of Alejandra’s Life Family Team
