Tools and Supplies to Include in a Beginner Sewing Kit

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If you’re new to sewing, you’ll need a few tools and supplies to get started. These items are in addition to a sewing machine… I’d love to help you build a beginner sewing kit that includes everything you need.

Keep reading to find my sewing kit shopping list!

A sewing kit is a collection of tools you keep on hand when working on a sewing project. It should include marking tools, measuring tools, and cutting tools. When you sign up for a sewing class, you’re usually told to bring a basic sewing kit with you. I suggest you store all your sewing tools in a small basket or box for easy portability.

I’ve seen a lot of sewing kit checklists on the internet, but they all include items you don’t really need, especially as a beginner. I think you should create a basic sewing kit and then add to it as you learn new sewing skills. That’s why I created a beginner sewing kit checklist that only includes the essentials.

Here’s a list of 10 essential tools you need to get started sewing:

Sewing Scissors: Get a high-quality pair of dressmaker’s shears that you’ll only use for fabric and thread. (*Check out my favorite sewing scissors.)
Sewing Pins: You’ll need straight, glass head pins for most sewing projects and ballpoint pins for knit fabrics.
Pin Cushion: You can’t leave your pins laying around — you’ll need a place to store them. I recommend getting a magnetic pin cushion, but you can’t go wrong with an iconic tomato pin cushion.
Seam Ripper: Mistakes are going to happen. Your sewing kit won’t be complete without a seam ripper to remove unwanted stitches.
Seam Gauge: This handy ruler is used for making even hems and measuring small areas. I prefer the T-shaped seam gauge.
Measuring Tape: You’ll need a flexible measuring tape for taking body measurements.
Fabric Marking Pen/Chalk: It’s nice to have a water-soluble marking pen so you don’t ruin your fabric. You’ll need to mark darts, buttonholes, and topstitching designs before you sew.
Hand Sewing Needles: Sometimes you’ll need to attach buttons and secure threads without the use of a sewing machine. That’s why you’ll need a few hand sewing needles.
Safety Pins: You’ll need safety pins for all sorts of things, such as threading elastic through casings.
Sewing Basket: You’ll need somewhere to store all your sewing supplies and it’s nice to have a sewing basket or box to keep right next to your sewing machine.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the sewing tools you’ll ever need or want, but it is a good list to get you started.

If you don’t want to take the time to build a beginner sewing toolkit piece by piece, I recommend getting the EverSewn Ultimate Sewing Starter Kit. It has everything you need to get started and all of the included sewing tools are high quality. I’d avoid buying those cheap sewing kits that come with poor-quality spools of thread. They aren’t worth the money.

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