Beginner Sewing Kit Checklist: What You Need to Start Sewing
To start sewing you need surprisingly little: a pair of fabric shears, small snips, pins, hand needles, a seam ripper, a tape measure, a marking tool, all-purpose thread and access to an iron. If you are sewing by machine, add spare machine needles in the right size and a few extra bobbins. Everything else can wait until a project actually calls for it.
This checklist covers what each tool does, which ones beginners use every day, and the things that are easy to buy too early. If you have not chosen a machine yet, read our guide on how to choose a first sewing machine alongside this one.
The core beginner sewing kit
These are the tools you will reach for on almost every project, whether you sew by hand or by machine.
| Tool | What it is for | Beginner tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric shears (about 20–25 cm / 8–10 in) | Cutting out pattern pieces cleanly | Keep them for fabric only; paper blunts the blades |
| Small snips or embroidery scissors | Trimming threads and clipping curves | Keep a pair beside the machine |
| Dressmaking pins and pincushion | Holding layers together before stitching | Glass-head pins tolerate an iron; plastic heads can melt |
| Hand sewing needles (mixed pack) | Tacking, hemming, buttons, finishing | A pack of sharps covers most jobs |
| Seam ripper (unpicker) | Removing stitches without tearing fabric | You will use it more than you expect, and that is normal |
| Flexible tape measure (150 cm / 60 in) | Body measurements and fabric lengths | Choose one marked in centimetres and inches |
| Marking tool | Transferring darts, notches and lines | Tailor's chalk or a fabric pen; test on a scrap first |
| All-purpose thread | General seams on most fabrics | Match the colour, or go one shade darker |
| Iron and ironing board | Pressing seams as you go | Pressing is half of a neat finish |
You will find shears, pins, needles and thread in our sewing department, and scissors, cutting mats and rulers under craft tools and cutting. The catalogue is still being added, so ranges will grow over time.
Hand sewing needles: what the numbers mean
Hand needles are sold by type and number. With most common types, the higher the number, the finer and shorter the needle. In the published size tables from John James Needles' needle guide, a size 1 sharp is 48.5 mm long and 1.02 mm thick, while a size 12 sharp is 29.5 mm long and 0.41 mm thick.
- Sharps – general-purpose needles for dressmaking, hemming and sewing on buttons. A good first pack.
- Betweens (quilting) – shorter than sharps, so you can make small, even stitches quickly when hand quilting.
- Embroidery (crewel) – a longer eye for threading stranded cotton.
- Ball point – a rounded tip that slips between the loops of knitted fabrics rather than piercing them.
A mixed pack of sharps in sizes around 5–10 is a sensible start: the thicker needles for heavier fabric and buttons, the finer ones for lightweight cotton.
Extra items for machine sewing
A sewing machine usually comes with a few bobbins, a standard presser foot and some basic accessories. Beyond that, you will want:
- Spare machine needles. Home machines use the 130/705 H needle system. The number, such as 80/12, describes thickness: according to Schmetz's needle guide, a size 75 needle has a blade diameter of 0.75 mm. A pack of universal needles in 80/12 suits most medium-weight cottons; add a jersey or ball point pack if you plan to sew knits.
- Extra bobbins. Buy the type your machine's manual specifies. Bobbins that look similar can differ in height or shape and cause tension problems.
- A small screwdriver and lint brush. Usually supplied; used for changing the needle plate and clearing fluff from the bobbin area.
Change the machine needle at the start of a new project, or straight away if you notice the warning signs Schmetz lists for worn needles: broken or shredded thread, skipped or uneven stitches, puckered fabric or a popping sound as the needle goes through.
Useful but not essential: add these later
Once you have a few projects behind you, these tools speed things up:
- Rotary cutter, self-healing mat and quilting ruler – fast, accurate straight cuts, especially for patchwork. Beginners often start with a 45 mm cutter.
- Pattern weights – hold paper patterns down instead of pinning.
- Point turner – pushes out corners on collars, cushions and bags.
- Thimble – protects your finger when hand sewing thicker fabrics.
- Sewing clips – useful instead of pins for thick layers, vinyl or laminated cotton, where pin holes would show.
- Seam gauge – a short ruler with a slider for measuring hems and seam allowances.
What to skip at the start
- Huge pre-filled sewing boxes. They often include low-quality thread and scissors you will replace. Buying the core items individually usually gives better results.
- An overlocker (serger). It finishes seams neatly, but a zigzag stitch on a standard machine does the job while you learn.
- Every presser foot available. Wait until a project needs a specific foot, such as a zip foot for a cushion cover.
- Large fabric stashes. Buy fabric per project until you know what you enjoy sewing. Our guide to choosing fabric for sewing projects explains what to look for.
Safety with sharp tools and the iron
Sewing is a calm hobby, but a few habits prevent the common accidents:
- Close the rotary cutter blade every time you put it down. Cut away from your body and keep your fingers well back from the ruler edge.
- Keep pins in a pincushion or magnetic dish, not in your mouth or loose on the floor, and sweep up dropped pins straight away.
- Store shears and seam rippers out of reach of young children.
- Follow sensible iron safety. Electrical Safety First's advice on irons includes keeping irons unplugged when not in use, letting them cool away from flammable materials, checking cables for damage and keeping them away from small children and pets.
- Switch off the machine when threading or changing the needle, and keep fingers clear of the needle while sewing.
Your beginner sewing kit checklist
- Fabric shears, used only on fabric
- Small thread snips
- Glass-head pins and a pincushion
- A mixed pack of sharps hand needles
- Seam ripper
- Tape measure marked in cm and inches
- Tailor's chalk or a fabric marking pen
- All-purpose thread in your project colours
- Iron and ironing board
- For machine sewing: universal needles (80/12), spare bobbins for your model and the manual to hand
Start with this list, make a simple project such as a tote bag or cushion cover, and add tools only when you find yourself wishing you had one.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start sewing?
The essentials are fabric shears, small snips, pins, hand needles, a seam ripper, a tape measure, a marking tool, all-purpose thread and an iron. For machine sewing, add spare machine needles and bobbins that match your model.
Which hand sewing needles should a beginner buy?
A mixed pack of sharps, around sizes 5 to 10, covers most hand sewing. With most needle types, a higher number means a finer, shorter needle.
What size machine needle should I use?
A universal 80/12 needle suits most medium-weight woven cottons. Use a jersey or ball point needle for knitted fabrics, and change the needle at the start of each project or when stitches skip.
Can I use my fabric scissors on paper?
It is best not to. Paper blunts the blades, so keep one pair of shears for fabric only and use a separate pair for paper patterns.
Do I need a rotary cutter as a beginner?
Not at first. A rotary cutter, mat and ruler are useful for patchwork and straight cuts, but shears are enough to start; if you do use one, close the blade every time you put it down.