Want to start sewing, but not sure what all you need? Below I a list of must-have tools for sewing that I use on a weekly basis. The first few are musts, then as the list goes on, are the “nice to have” items.

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I have been sewing for about 12 years now. Below I will review some must-have and nice-to-have sewing tools to get you started. As you sew more and more and are making lots of different things, the nice-to-have tools will really become must-have! I can’t sew without any of these tools, but then again, I am making 3-4 different items each week!

1 – Sewing Machine

I know, kind of obvious, but really, you can’t sew (not easily at least) without one! I have a Singer 7442 (hubs picked it out) and love it! It’s nothing fancy, but has what I need. Lots of stitch options to pick from, including button holes! I have had this one for 12 years and have had ZERO issues, actually haven’t even had it serviced (I know, not smart!). I don’t see where they sell mine anymore, but this one seems quite similar. There are 2 things I wish it had, an attachable table and the choice for the needle to stay down when you stop sewing!

2 – Scissors

You will need fabric and thread scissors. There are an array of scissors to buy, some really cheap and some really expensive. I have these Singer fabric scissors, they aren’t expensive and don’t hurt my hands when I use them a lot. Remember, fabric scissors are ONLY used for fabric. Use them on other items and they will dull quicker. You will need some small thread scissors too. I have some similar to these and after 12 years, they still work like they did the day I got them! I did recently buy these Fiskars small fabric scissors. These were purchased to help cut in tight corners (vinyl bag tags and ornaments). They are also spring loaded, so less work for you!

3 – Thread

You need a good, reliable thread. I like to use Sulky, but there are a TON of options. You will want something strong so that it doesn’t break while sewing. The Sulky thread I like is 40wt. I like the rayon, it just seems to slide through the machine without friction. I have a few colors in cotton thread, but we just don’t get along! I think some machines are picky, mine being one of them.

4 – Pins or Clips

You will need something to hold your fabric together when sewing. I like to use quilting pins, they are longer than normal ones. Just be careful ironing over these, the plastic ends can melt! You can buy glass ones, but I can never seem to find them in the store when I need them. Enough about pins, they do have their place, but these wonder clips are the best! First off, no poking yourself, second off they don’t leave those tiny holes. For cotton, holes aren’t a big deal, but certain fabrics do not recover from those holes. I use my wonder clips 95% of the time when sewing. My kids like them too, and a few have wondered off, so keep a close eye on them and hide them when not in use! Below is pictured my handy-dandy magnetic bowl. I purchased this for $2 at Harbour Freight!

5 – Seam Ripper

While you hope everything sews out correctly and beautifully, you will make mistakes, and many of them to begin with! While there are “fancy” seam rippers, I just have a generic pair. The ergonomic ones look nice and only cost a few dollars more, but they will take up more space. I keep mine in the front storage compartment of my sewing machine; I don’t think the ergo one would fit as nicely.

While the list above are the must-haves, below are the nice to haves! Some you will eventually need, but have time before you need to get them.

6 – Needles

Your machine comes with a few needles, but you will eventually need to get more. They do go dull or break (ouch, yes it happens)! Unlike my embroidery machine, I don’t change them that much on my sewing machine. I like to get multi-needle packs with different sizes. Below is what I have and it has come in handy! It had ball points (knits) and sharps, as well as the heavy-duty needles for thick fabric (denim, waxed canvas, etc.) My current box is Singer brand, but Schmetz is also a good brand to use.

7 – Spare Bobbins

Your machine probably came with a bobbin or two, but as you sew with different colors, you will probably want some spares. When buying bobbins, make sure to get the ones that your machine requires! There are lots of different sizes to pick from, but only one size will fit in your machine.

8 – Marking Tools

When sewing patterns, you might want a marking tool. I use my water soluble pen the most and have a few of these as back up. I also have a chalk pencil to use on dark fabrics and a hera for waxed canvas. Some times I even use the ultra-washable crayola thin-tip markers on items I know will be washed a lot (pillowcases).

9 – Storage

Whether it’s a small box or a drawer or a rolling cart, you will want something to put your sewing notions in. At first, all I had was a small box. I got it at a super discount because the front button was missing. Over the years I have added to my storage: bobbin case, thread box, and a rolling cart! I LOVE my rolling cart, it’s from Michael’s. I got it when it was 50% off. Recently I updated it with the topper that fits perfectly! I can sit my coffee (or wine) up there while I sew 🙂

10 – Cutting mat

I’m on my second cutting mat (first one bit the dust in a hot car). Now, these aren’t cheap, but I use mine almost every time I turn my sewing machine on. It’s just so easy to lay my fabric on top and pin/clip. Mine is a 24″ x 36″ by Fiskars (first one was 18″ x 24″) and it’s a great size. Sometimes I wish it were about 6 inches bigger in both directions, but I make it work. To store mine, I just slide it behind my dresser. They do make ones that fold, but I’ve read reviews where it doesn’t cut in the areas of the seams if using a rotary cutter. I think that would drive me crazy!

11 – Grid Ruler

To make measuring easier, it’s nice to have a grid ruler. My first one, and favorite one, is a Fiskars 6.5″ x 24.5″. It has a light pink shading on the edge (equals 1/2″) and the lines are thin and easy to line up fabric. This is by far the one I use the most! I have others, square ones for cutting quilt squares and a 3″ x 18″ that aren’t used as much. Also, the lines are thicker on these, which makes it harder to line up the fabric underneath!

12 – Rotary Cutter

Last, but not least, is a rotary cutter. To use this, you must have the previous two items! I use my rotary cutter a lot. So much that it’s good to have a spare laying around (my spare got caught up in the ruined mat incident). If you don’t want a spare cutter, at least buy a few spare blades (double check size) because they do get dull! Here’s a kit on Amazon where you can get a mat, grid, and cutter. Just check out the sizing of the mat, may not be the size you want.

So there you have it! Those are my 12 must-have sewing tools. Are there any sewing tools you have that you just can’t live without?