Basic equipment for sewing
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Sewing is a first-class hobby that is becoming more and more popular. While some people sew just “for fun”, others make it their business to make really wearable garments with the sewing machine. No matter which group you belong to – the basic equipment is always the same.
Handwork is back in
After being more or less forgotten for a long time, sewing is now enjoying a real boom. More and more women – and men too – are discovering their love of sewing and realising that this hobby offers many opportunities for creative expression.
Another advantage of sewing and other handicrafts is the social component. More and more often people come together to create something together and to exchange ideas. Of course, at such meetings people are always busy chatting out of the sewing box. But what actually belongs in there (apart from the latest gossip)?
Needle, yarn and more
This article will deal with the basic equipment for sewing. You will soon notice that your hobby leads to a real passion for collecting. Here a beautiful fabric, there great buttons and there a fancy yarn colour – the temptations are huge. So that you know what really matters, you will find an overview of the most important utensils that are indispensable when you want to sew.
sewing needles
Nothing works without sewing needles. These needles are made to make a few stitches by hand. It is important that you buy sewing needles in different sizes. These differ not only in length but also in the size of the eye.
Sewing machine needles
Sewing machine needles are also available in different designs. Here it is particularly important that they adapt the needle to the fabric to be processed. Otherwise it can happen, for example, that the needle becomes crooked or even breaks off. Some of the most important needles for the sewing machine
Universal needles à for general work and various fabrics
Top stitch needle à for topstitching seams and strong thread
Stretch needle à for the processing of elastic fabrics
Twin needle à for decorative seams
Jeans needle à for processing of jeans fabric
Pins and needles
In contrast to sewing and sewing machine needles, pins do not have an eye, but a coloured head. This allows the needles to be gripped more easily. Pins are used to fix and pin down fabrics. They are an indispensable aid.
Pincushion
The needle cushion is the place where you can collect and sort all your (different) needles. It is extremely practical and also reduces the risk of injury when sewing. Needle cushions are available in countless shapes and designs.
A do it yourself needle cushion is a great project for all beginners in sewing.
Magnet
After sewing is often before cleaning up. It is not uncommon for a little chaos to arise during the manual work, which has to be dealt with first. An indispensable aid here is a small magnet. With this you can pick up needles lying around without pricking yourself.
Sewing thread
Like the needle, sewing thread is indispensable when you want to sew something. The basic equipment of your sewing box includes white and black thread as well as various basic colours such as red, blue and yellow.
Special colours can be added over time.
Threading aid
Threading the sewing thread into the eye of the needle can be a real test of patience. If you want to shorten this task effectively, then a threading aid should also be part of your basic equipment.
basting thread
Stitching thread is used to bind fabrics together for a short time or to fix them in place. The thread can then be cut again with little effort.
thimble
The thimble is one of the classic utensils that no sewing box should be without. It protects the finger against stitches through the needle. Since the thimble is often perceived as a nuisance, many sewing fans do without this aid. However, once you have got the knack, you will hardly notice that the little hat sits on your finger.
Fabric scissors
Fabric scissors are indispensable when cutting fabric frequently. These special scissors are more recommendable than conventional household scissors for various reasons:
They cut the fabric better…
The blades are longer (fewer cuts are needed)
They are designed so that the lower edge lies flat on the table during cutting (better handling)
The blade pressure can be adjusted to the fabric thanks to an adjusting screw
Important: fabric scissors must not be used for cutting paper and other materials, as this will make the blades dull.
Fabric Chalk
Fabric chalk is perfect for transferring patterns onto the fabric. The chalk can then be removed so that no lines are visible on the fabric.
Get a white fabric circle for dark fabrics and a coloured fabric chalk for light fabrics.
Measuring tape
The measuring tape helps you to measure fabrics and to place the cut in the right place. When choosing a measuring tape, it is important that it is flexible but not stretchy. Otherwise, you may cut your fabric incorrectly.
Ruler
With the ruler you can determine – similar to a measuring tape – where to cut through a fabric. It is also helpful when you want to draw a straight line on the fabric.
An additional geo triangle helps you to determine right angles (for example for curtains or pillowcases).
Buttons
The buttons are like sewing thread: over time you will accumulate an amazing amount of it. At the beginning it’s enough to start with a few standard models in black and white as well as various snap fasteners. Coloured and eye-catching buttons can then be added later.
Tip: Sort your buttons by shape and/or colour, then you won’t have to search so long for the right models later.
Seam separator
A seam breaker is a versatile helper that should not be missing in any sewing box. It is primarily used to cut seams (such as
If you call these utensils and helpers your own, then nothing stands in the way of the sewing pleasure.
Tip! Take a regular “inventory” and check whether your basic equipment is still complete.
Advantages and disadvantages of basic sewing equipment
- there are special storage boxes for sewing accessories
- can be purchased cheaply in online shops
- also available as a set
- the basic equipment is initially expensive
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