Are you a beginner sewist or just about to start your sewing journey? Congratulations! Seven out of ten Americans say they don’t know how to sew, so you’re already ahead of the curve. Sewing is a fantastic hobby, not just for creating your own clothes, but for repairing and adjusting existing garments, creating home decor, and much more. But before you get started, you need to gather some essential sewing tools that will help you get the job done. Here, we will list ten essential sewing tools that every beginner sewist needs to have in your toolkit.

1. Sewing Machine

First things first: You need to have sewing machines. Luckily, there are many budget-friendly sewing machines out there that are perfect for beginners. You don’t need a fancy machine to get started; all you need is a reliable machine that can do the basic stitches like straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and buttonholes. Sewing machines can range from mechanical to computerized models, so choose one that best suits your needs and budget.

🧵💻👕 A sewing machine with spools of thread and fabric

2. Scissors

Scissors are one of the most important tools in a sewist’s arsenal. You’ll use them to cut out your pattern pieces, trim your seams, and snip any loose threads. Since they’re so essential, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of fabric scissors. Fabric scissors should always be used for cutting fabric only, never paper or anything else that could dull the blades. You can also invest in a pair of small, sharp scissors for snipping threads.

✂️❤️ A pair of fabric scissors

3. Seam Ripper

Let’s face it, mistakes happen! Even for advanced sewists. That’s why a seam ripper is a crucial tool for beginners and pros alike. You’ll use it to undo any stitching mistakes or take apart seams when you need to fix something. You’ll be thankful you have a seam ripper when you’re fixing a mistake or tearing out a bad seam.

🪡💔 A seam ripper on a wooden surface

4. Tape Measure

A tape measure is another essential tool when it comes to sewing. It’s important to have accurate measurements, whether you’re measuring yourself or your fabric. There are many tape measures available, but one that’s at least 60 inches long is generally recommended.

📏👍 A tape measure on a table

5. Pins and Needles

Pins and needles are both essential sewing tools that are used to hold fabric together while you sew. You’ll want to invest in good quality straight pins and needles that won’t bend or break easily. Straight pins are used for holding fabric together, while needles are used for hand sewing. Be sure to have a variety of sizes on hand.

🧷🧵 Sewing needles and pins on a pincushion

6. Thread

Thread is the backbone of sewing. It’s used to hold everything together, and there are many different types of thread for various fabrics and projects. When you’re just starting out, it’s best to have basic colors on hand like white, black, and gray.

🧵🌈 Spools of colorful thread

7. Iron and Ironing Board

Ironing is an essential part of sewing that many beginners often overlook. An iron is used to press seams and fabric, which makes your sewing look more professional. An ironing board is also necessary, as it provides a flat surface for ironing.

🔥👕 📏 An iron and ironing board with a measuring tape

8. Fabric

Of course, you’ll need fabric for your sewing projects. When you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose fabric that’s easy to work with, such as cotton or cotton blends. You can find fabric at many different stores, including craft stores and online retailers.

👖👗 A pile of colorful fabric

9. Fabric Marking Tools

When working with fabric, you’ll need a way to mark your fabric for cutting and sewing. There are many different types of marking tools available, including fabric chalk, markers, and pens. Choose the type of marking tool that works best for your project.

🖊️🧵 Fabric marking tools on a white background

10. Bobbins

Bobbins are small spools that hold thread for your sewing machine. They’re an essential part of machine sewing, and you’ll need to make sure you have some on hand. Be sure to choose bobbins that are compatible with your sewing machine.

🧷🧵 Bobbins on a sewing machine

Congratulations! You’re now ready to start your sewing journey with these ten essential sewing tools. Remember that sewing is a process, and don’t get discouraged if your first projects don’t turn out exactly how you envisioned. Keep practicing, and you’ll be creating beautiful garments in no time.

🌟🧵✂️👗 An image of a sewing room with sewing materials all over the place