My Recommended Sewing Supplies

Beginner sewing kit supplies laid out on a table

Want to start sewing but not sure what to buy? This is my go-to list of the supplies I actually use — everything a beginner needs to start their sewing journey, all in one place.

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Sewing Machines

  • Sewing Machine — the machine I use in all my tutorials. A basic machine with a straight stitch handles every project on this site.
  • Beginner Sewing Machines — browse top-rated starter machines if you want to compare options.

Fabric

  • Colorful Flower Cotton Fabric — my current favorite print. Cotton quilting fabric is ideal for beginners: it presses crisply and doesn’t slip under the needle.
  • Floral Cotton Fabric — another pretty quilting cotton, great for bags, aprons, and gifts.

Cutting Tools

  • Fabric Scissors — a sharp pair reserved only for fabric makes every cut cleaner. Never cut paper with them!
  • Rotary Cutter — faster and more precise than scissors for straight cuts.
  • Self-Healing Cutting Mat — protects your table and keeps your rotary blade sharp.

Measuring & Marking

Pins & Clips

  • Straight Pins — the classic. Get glass-head pins so you can iron over them.
  • Tomato Pincushion — keeps your pins exactly where you left them.
  • Sewing Clips — like tiny clothespins for fabric. Easier than pins on thick layers and vinyl.

Thread & Notions

  • All-Purpose Thread — start with a basic set in neutral colors; match your thread to your fabric.
  • Bobbins — check your machine’s manual for the right style (Class 15 is most common).
  • Seam Ripper — everyone makes mistakes. This little tool undoes them in seconds.
  • Large Safety Pins — the easiest way to thread ribbon or elastic through a casing.

Pressing

  • Steam Iron — pressing as you go is the secret to crisp, professional-looking seams. Any decent steam iron works.

Put Your Supplies to Use

Grab your kit and start with one of my beginner tutorials:

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