When it comes creating and stocking your sewing room, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. There are endless supplies and gadgets to choose from - and a sewing machine is just the beginning. You will gather many of these items over time but to start, you just need the essentials. Every sewing room consists of a range of fundamental items, from storage to marking tools. In this post, we will give you a sewing essentials list - so you know exactly what you need to get your sewing room up and running.
Sewing Machine
With that being said - let's start the list with a sewing machine. We won't labour this point, but it couldn’t be left off the list. If you're just starting, you can start with a beginner sewing machine. However, if you're at the point of having a sewing room, you'll like to want a more complex machine like an advanced Singer sewing machine. You can find plenty of advanced models at a great price, and you can make extra saving with refurbished sewing machines.
Storage
Before we tell you all the other sewing essentials, you're going to need somewhere to put them all, which is why, after a sewing machine, you're going to want to equip your sewing room with storage. Keeping things organised, tracking your “inventory” and adequately taking care of your fabrics is near impossible without at least some storage. From bobbin boxes and spool holders to drawers and shelving for your materials, the storage needs of a sewist can be significant.
Mirrors
Whilst not necessary for everyone, if you do garment work, then mirrors are essential. Ideally, you should choose a three-piece full-length fold-out mirror which can be arranged so that the wearer can see the back of the garment. A two-piece or single mirror is still better than no mirror though.
Cutting Table
Whilst technically you could cut on the floor or a kitchen table, we don’t recommend either. Cutting on the floor increases the risk of damaging the fabric and puts a strain on your back whilst using a kitchen table is simply a bother. If you’re committing to sewing for the long run, a sturdy cutting table will prove an invaluable investment.
Marking Tools
Marking tools like tailor’s chalk, fabric markers, and a marking wheel are going to become staples in your sewing process. The list of tools you’ll use as a sewer can grow to be fairly extensive. Adjusting a pattern may mean using anything from a pencil sharpener to a French curve. When it comes to the essentials, however, merely stocking your sewing room up with the necessary marking tools is enough.
Scissors
Scissors are a non-negotiable must-have for all sewists. Whilst simply saying “scissors” meets our promise of giving you the list of sewing essentials, we will go a little further and suggest having at least one pair of non-fabric scissors. If you’ve decided to treat your fabric right and get a pair of fabric scissors, we also recommend making sure you have regular scissors. Almost every sewist has felt the guilt of using fabric scissors on non-fabric because they were the only thing to hand.
Whether you’re a seasoned sewist whose sewing room has already blossomed into a cave of wonders, or you are a beginner who is yet to amass the many tools and materials of the trade - one thing is for sure; you’ll always need the essentials. As a sewist, there is a lot to master beyond the sewing machine, and you’ll learn all of it in time. However, it all starts with the essentials – the reliable materials and equipment you're sure to need time and again.