Filling a Sewing Box for a New Sewist
When someone is new to sewing, those around them often want to give them the tools to start, so here is what I would consider essential for sewing kit for a beginner.
Container - Anything with a couple compartments and a lid/closure that is big enough to hold a ruler and a scissors is usually good.
Pins/Clips - Glass head pins are pricy, but can be ironed over, which is really handy. A lot of people are switching over to fabric clips, but I think it’s nice to have both options.
Safety Pins - useful for putting elastic in waistbands.
Pin Cushion - A lot of sewists like the magnetic ones, but I think it’s fun to make them.
Tape Measure - always needed!
Ruler - very useful for marking easy projects.
Black and White Thread - a lot of projects can be sewn in one of these colors without needing exact matching thread.
Marking Pen/Chalk - Chalk is nice, because it shows up on darker colors, but I love my water soluble pen…
Scissors - Remember, all scissors are sharp when you purchase them! I don’t recommend investing in an expensive pair right away, that can wait until later, but a full size pair is definitely needed.
Hand Needles - I like to keep an assorted pack around for sewing on buttons and finishing projects.
Seam Ripper - Absolute necessity! Look for one with a fine tip for easier picking.
Gift Certificate - The best gift of all? Freedom to choose what you can use yourself!
Honorable Mentions:
Thimble - I do have one, but I use it mostly on crafting projects, so I wouldn’t deem it a necessity for a new sewist.
Fabric Glue - I use it quite frequently, but definitely not on most projects.
Fray Check - I use mine occasionally, but it’s nice to have around when it’s needed!
Seam Guide - I’ve never used one, but a lot of sewists seem to swear by one.
Nippers - I’ve seen a lot of sewists keep a nippers or small scissors by their machine for clipping threads. I just use my big scissors, but a little one would probably be useful too.
Pinking Shears - Can be handy for working with fabrics that fray easily.
Iron/Ironing Board - Obviously these won’t fit in a sewing box, and probably (hopefully?!) everyone already owns one, but I would consider these to items absolute necessities for sewing. I cannot think of a single project I could make without an iron (or that wouldn’t be drastically improved by ironing)!
Silk Organza Pressing Cloth - I LOVE my silk organza pressing cloth! Not only does it work well, but I can see what I’m doing through it. I made mine, but you can also buy them.
Pattern Weights - Maybe not necessary, since pins will do the job, but a good option and fun to make.
Things I would not be quick to buy include:
Fabric - Completely dependent on personal taste and the project choice. Let sewists pick their own so they can get the right amount if the correct kind they like!
Interfacing - See above.
Zippers, buttons, bobbins, thread - These are all project, personal preference and/or machine dependent. Not worth buying as gifts (unless the buttons are really cute and more for fun… then go ahead 😜).
Machine Accessories - Vary too much machine to machine, and also sewing preferences. One sewist might use their rolled hem foot all the time, and another never have a need for it.
Rotary cutting tools - While pricy and often useful, not everyone needs or even wants these tools. Can they make your project easier or maybe look a little neater? Sure. But I sewed for years without ever needing them.
(Note: I made the tote and pin cushion pictured above. The pin cushion I designed myself and was really fun to make; the tote was a mashup of a couple ideas I saw on Pinterest and ended up cute, but a lot of finagling.)
