Find everything you need to sew in one easy list with explanations and suggestions below.
(Please note some links or suggestions are linked to Amazon. I am participating in the Associate program and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.)
Sewing Machines: Janome New Home 311 series*. All metal body, very forgiving of beginner mistakes, does everything including stretch stitch, and comes in many fun colors.
Scissors: Any sharp scissors* (not universal or all purpose). I’ve linked the ones we actually use in class. As long as they are used for Fabric only they’ll remain sharp for a long time. Personally, I love my spring loaded Ginghers.*
Pins: Extra or Ultra fine glass headed pins* are the most versatile. They’ll pin a variety of fabrics and they can be ironed over (handy for hemming). Glass headed pins may also be found at Hobby Lobby or Walmart locally. Also useful are sewing clips* for thicker or hard to pin materials.
Marking Pens/Chalk: Avoid ultra thin chalk and frixion pens. Opt for Tailors chalk* or water soluble markers*.
Measuring Instruments: a good 6″ hem/seam ruler and 60″ soft tape.
Sewing Needles: Schmetz* for sewing machines, I’ve linked a set with multiple sizes-these may be cheaper at a local store. For hand sewing needles* choose sharps, sizes 5-10. (The eyes and length on size 5 are larger than size 10.)
Thread: Gutterman* or Coats and Clark. Choose All Purpose Thread. Hobby Lobby offers cheap thread however it is very linty and causes a lot of debris in the machine which means the machine will need to be cleaned more often. 100% cotton thread tends to break easier and is only for specific types of projects. Heavy duty and upholstery thread will cause jams for less experienced stitchers.
Fabric: (local) Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Walmart, Quiltique, Sew Yeah, Textiles Kingdom, and Heddy’s Fabric (for costume/couture). (online) Mood Fabrics, Fashion Wholesale Direct, Hancock’s Fabrics.
Patterns: Hobby Lobby, Heddy’s and Walmart have limited pattern offerings. Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, and Vogue may be ordered online. For printable patterns from independent groups, I like Ellie & Mac (mostly knits-so more advanced stitchers), Mood Sewciety (free!) and Rebecca Page. I do not have a lot of experience with other indie makers. However, I do see that Etsy is flooded with AI patterns that DO NOT MAKE SENSE or work. If in doubt, please ask me I don’t mind checking it out to let you know if it’s a real pattern.
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