Top 12 Sewing Tools for Beginners: Your Ultimate Starter Kit

The New Year is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, and what better hobby than sewing? It’s creative, relaxing, and, if you love the idea of whipping up your own wardrobe, there’s no better skill to have under your belt.

But, before sewing your first pair of PJs or a cosy winter jumper, there are a few things you need in your sewing toolkit. This, of course, includes your basics (fabric, a sewing machine, and some thread for starters), but here at Good Fabric, we know that a few more essentials can open the door to a world of sewing possibilities.

Not every ‘essential’ is a must for new sewists, though. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 12 sewing tools for beginners that our team at Good Fabric actually use for (almost) every project we work on. From neat hems to comfy waistbands, they’re our go-to items that never let us down.

P.S. – Just a quick note before we get into our sewing tools; we recommend buying the best you can afford. Cheap sewing tools are cheap for a reason and – while we’re always budget-conscious – investing your money in higher-quality items will be well worth it.

Choosing a Sewing Machine

With a million to choose from, where do you start?

In our experience, it’s best to go for a classic digital sewing machine. Choose a reputable brand known for producing reliable, no-frills machines, like Janome, Pfaff and Husqvarna - and opt for a second-hand model if you’re on a budget.

You can splash the cash on a model that does a million different stitches, but how often will you use them?

Get to Grips With an Overlocker

It’s controversial, but we wouldn’t be without one.

Not everyone will say that overlockers are a beginner essential, but if you want to sew comfy, stretchy clothing using Jersey fabrics, you’ll need one.

These aren’t the scary, noisy machines they’re made out to be either (they can be a faff to re-thread, but that’s all). For creating professional seams, attaching elastic, and neatening edges, get yourself an overlocker!

Super Snippy Sewing Scissors

Sharp sewing scissors will change your life. No exaggeration.

Beginner sewists should never struggle with blunt scissors. Give your creative journey a smooth start and choose a pair of sharp sewing scissors that’ll cut through your fabric like butter.

These don’t need to have all the bells and whistles, either. A standard pair from a reputable brand like Fiskars will get the job done - just remember not to use them for anything other than fabric!

rpet gutermann recycled polyester threads

Eco-friendly Sewing Threads

Sew the colours of the rainbow, sustainably.

The RPET recycled polyester threads from Gutermann are a top-tier sewing essential. Made from recycled plastic bottles, they make it simple to build a more eco-friendly sewing toolkit while sticking to your budget.

For your overlocker, we recommend Moon Coat Thread, which is only 99p per reel making it a certified bargain. If you want to stock up on threads but aren’t sure about colours, start with neutrals as a go-to base (think grey, khaki, pink, and caramel).

A Standard Iron

It’s not the most exciting sewing tool for beginners, but it’s a must.

Sewing is about 50% ironing. Okay, so that might be an exaggeration, but you’ll use yours constantly! From removing creases to prepping hems, a good iron is one of our essential sewing tools for beginners.

Choose one that’s lightweight, comes with a steam option, and has a sharp, thin point so that you can get into all those hard-to-reach areas.

Vilene Iron-on Seam Tape

A sneaky hack for effortless hems.

Our biggest wish? That somebody had told us about iron-on seam tape when we started sewing. This handy tape makes it sooo much easier to sew neat, straight hems.

To use, gently press it into place using a hot iron (see essential #5) and you’ll never struggle with wonky, creased hems ever again.

Seam Ripper

Nobody wants to use a seam ripper, but we all need one.

Every beginner sewist makes mistakes, and when you do you’ll need a seam ripper by your side. A lot of sewing machines actually come with an in-built seam ripper but we always find it useful to have a handheld option nearby.

Try the Prym Love Ergonomic Stitch Ripper for a reliable option that doesn’t break the bank.

Needles, Needles, and More Needles!

Stock up on jersey, denim, and twin needles.

When it comes to sewing tools for beginners, don’t forget to keep plenty of spare needles for your machine. They always snap at the wrong moment, and using an incorrect needle can cause your fabric to bunch or skip stitches, so always be prepared with a handy stash.

We adore Schmetz Needles for their super-duper high quality and affordable prices.

model wearing floaty dress with hands up

Indie Sewing Patterns

Indie pattern designers are a beginner sewist’s BFF.

Small, indie brands tend to add plenty of useful advice to their sewing patterns, making them far easier to follow for beginners. From step-by-step video tutorials to tips posted on their social media profiles, they’re a hive of sewing inspiration.

You can also reach out directly to smaller designers, and 9 out of 10 times they’ll be happy to lend a hand with your questions.

Elastics You Can Rely On

Give your undies and loungewear a comfy waistband.

Cheap, poor-quality elastics will pinch in all the wrong places and lose their shape quickly, and they’re absolutely not worth your time. Choose well, though, and you’ll have stretchy cuffs and perfectly fitting waistbands for life.

Take a peek at our range of Organic Cotton Elastics for our team’s go-to options.

Don’t Forget About Interfacing

We’re not being dramatic, but this can make or break your sewing.

Interfacing is a sewing tool for beginners that’s often overlooked - but absolutely shouldn’t be. It adds shapes and structure to key areas, like collars and cuffs, and gives your sewing a polished finish.

We recommend choosing iron-on interfacing and pairing woven fabrics with woven interfacing (like Vilene G710), and jersey fabrics with knit interfacing (like Vilene H609).

Sustainable Fabrics

Putting fabrics at #12 is our equivalent of saving the best until last.

Creating a sustainable haberdashery full of wonderful fabrics is the most fun part of starting to sew. From a stretchy and soft Bamboo Jersey to a sturdy and reliable Corduroy, there are just so many options!

Browse through patterns and colours, too, to bring your sewing dreams to life. One note before we go; steer clear of polyester. It’s neither nice to sew with nor nice to wear.

Kickstart Your Journey With the Right Sewing Tools

The fun has only just begun! After securing your sewing tools for beginners, there’s plenty more to explore with the Good Fabric community. Get started by taking a look at our Sewing Bits & Bobs page, where you can find information on online classes, how to print your indie PDF sewing patterns, and advice for creating your own sew-in labels.

Our last sewing tip? Remember to take your time. Patience and practice are essential when learning to sew, and the more mistakes you make, the better a sewist you’ll become. For a little giggle along the way, try our Sewing Bingo and see how many common mishaps you manage to tick off.