Beginners Sewing Kit

Top 10 Sewing Kit for Beginners Dressmakers Guide

When learning how to sew, start with just 10 essentials in your sewing kit:

  • Fabric Scissors
  • Tape Measure
  • Pin Cushion
  • Tailors Chalk
  • Dressmaking Pins
  • Paper Scissors
  • Sewing Needles
  • Sewing Threads
  • Thread Un-picker
  • Bodkin

You can sew most sewing projects using the tools listed above. See top picks below, to ensure you buy only quality sewing items for your kit.

Beginners Tips – 10 Sewing Kit Essentials

Learn about the different types of sewing tools below and where to buy:

  • Dressmaking Scissors – Buy quality dressmaking scissors and only use to cut fabric. Scissors are easier to use then cutting wheels.

Highly recommended tailoring scissors with free snips under £20. Shop now Milward Dressmakers Scissors Amazon.

  • Snips – Buy snips to unpick sewing, they can take a little practice to use. Avoid un-pickers, they can rip your fabric.
  • Threads – Buy quality thread that won’t snap easily, brand such as Coats and Gutermann. Get a selection of colours, including black and white.

Highly Recommended Gutermann threads starter box under £15. Shop now Value Pack Gutermann Thread Amazon.

  • Tailors Chalk – Buy simple triangular tailors chalk in white and one colour. Other options are chalk pencils, yet they snap easily and dissolving pens can take a few days to fade.
  • Tape Measure – For measuring bodies, fabrics, elastic and other things when sewing.
  • Dressmaking, Tailoring Pins – Simple metal pins are fine. Avoid decorative pins with large heads, they can get caught in the sewing machine.
  • Pin Cushion – For storing all your pins when sewing, to keep your sewing space tidy.
  • Paper scissors – Use to cut dressmaking patterns. Never use fabric scissors to cut paper it will blunt them.
  • Spares for Machine – Keep spares for your sewing machine, including spare needles and light-bulbs.
  • Bodkin – This tool is for pulling elastic and cord through a garment. Great for making pyjamas and drawstring bags.

Top Tip

  • Many dressmakers use rotary cutters, for cutting fabric. They can slip easily when cutting, so fabric scissors maybe better for beginners.

Where to Buy Sewing Kits?

Sewing kits are available in many online sewing stores including:

Also see “40 of the Best Sewing Kits for Beginners”, for more sewing advice.

For more top sewing tips: