Sewing Supplies
From LoveToKnow Crafts
The types of sewing supplies you will need will depend on the project you are undertaking and whether you are going to be sewing by hand, by machine or both. Still, there are many basic sewing supplies that every crafter should have on hand. Many of these items are useful in other crafts beyond sewing as well.
Sewing Supplies: Sewing machines
In my opinion, every household should have at least one sewing machine, and at least one person who knows how to use it.
There are some very inexpensive sewing machines on the market today, and these are find for simple projects like hemming a skirt, fixing a torn seam or even making basic pillows and other home furnishings.
Sewing machines can also be very expensive and perform all sorts of amazing tasks, from sewing zippers to making button holes, even sewing on buttons automatically. There are machines made specifically for quilters and a wide variety of sergers, which allow you to make lovely finished seams like you see on T-shirts and sweats.
Choosing a sewing machine can take a lot of research. It’s important to know what you want your machine to be able to do (sew denim? make a button hole automatically?) before you go shopping. Then visit a local sewing machine retailer and ask to see the machines that do what you want them to do.
Ask to sit down and use any machine you are thinking about buying. Ask lots of questions, and have the salesperson demonstrate how to thread the needle and bobbin. You can always shop online for the best deal on a machine you love (though it’s great to buy local) but it really helps to test drive your machine before you buy.
Sewing Supplies: Needles and Thread
Before there were sewing machines there were needles and thread. Everyone should have a good supply of sharp needles and a variety of thread colors on hand for replacing buttons and doing minor alteration work.
If you’re new to sewing and want to build up your collection of thread quickly, there are a variety of thread kits you can choose from.
If you aren’t a sewer, you should still have thread in the house that matches most of the clothing you wear, or at least black, brown and white for sewing emergencies.
Sewing thread is usually either cotton, rayon or polyester. You can also find silk thread for hand-sewing. Match the type of yarn to the type of fabric you are working with, or just keep a wide variety of cotton thread on hand. It works fine in most situations.
The kinds of needles you will need again will depend on the work you are doing, but most people get by just fine using sharps. You might also need yarn or tapestry needles if you use heavier thread.
Sewing Supplies: Scissors
When taking up sewing as a hobby, it is important to have a good pair of scissors. Fabric scissors come in all shapes and sizes.
This might be another time you’ll want to test drive your equipment at the local fabric or sewing machine store. Different grips are comfortable for different people. Find a pair of scissors that feels good to you, never use it on anything that isn’t fabric or thread, and your scissors will last a long time.
If you enjoy quilting, you’ll probably also want to invest in a rotary cutter, ruler and mat. This will help you make uniform squares, triangles and strips with ease.
Sewing Supplies: Notions
There are many other things that are helpful to sewers. Here’s a quick list of some more things you’ll probably want to purchase, if you don’t have them already:
- Flexible fabric or plastic tape measure
- Straight pins and a pin cushion
- Safety pins
- A variety of buttons, ribbons, rick-rack and other embellishments (great for Crazy Quilting and Scrapbooking, too)
- A thimble for hand-sewing
- A needle threader
- A seam ripper
- Chalk or fabric-save marking pens
- Tons of fabric for building your stash!
Related articles
This page has been accessed 1,694 times. This page was last modified 16:22, 5 January 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
