basic sewing supplies for clothing

Having the right tools & notions on hand makes sewing projects
much easier. Here’s a list of basics for a well-stocked sewing basket.

blue, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and green thread side by side

assorted all-purpose thread

Polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester; strong with a bit of give; suitable for machine and hand-sewing projects.

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bent handled dressmaker’s shears

Great for cutting fabric, as the shape of the lower blade allows the fabric to lay flat while cutting.

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bias tape

Used to cover raw edges of fabric to keep it from fraying, bias tape is simply a strip of fabric that’s been cut on a 45º angle (bias) to give it a bit of stretch.

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bodkin

A sewing tool that acts like tweezers to draw elastic, cording and other materials through tubing and casings.

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chalk wheel or tailor’s chalk

Temporary marking to transfer quilting designs, seam allowances, embroidery designs or other craft markings. Marks can be brushed away or rubbed off with a damp cloth.

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blue and purple containers containing sewing supplies

container to hold supplies

It’s handy to have a storage system so supplies are neatly and safely stored when not in use.

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dress form

An easy solution for sewing dresses and tops to fit. Select a dress form with adjustment ranges according to your body measurements.

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erasable fabric marker

Used to transfer pattern markings. Some have extra fine points for detailed marking and are available in blue or purple ink. Not for use on dry clean-only fabrics.

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hand sewing needles

Needles made for use specifically by hand. Available in a range of sizes and types depending on fabric and thread type.

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pink and white iron on an ironing board with a blue shirt

iron & pressing surface

An area to press the fabric with heat before, during and after finishing the garment.

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liquid fray protector

A liquid seam sealant that keeps fabric from fraying and secures the ends. Withstands repeated laundering and dry cleaning.

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measuring tape

A flexible ruler to measure fabric and body measurements for patterns.

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paper scissors

Scissors for cutting patterns and other papers.

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patterns

Templates to make a fabric item. Apparel pattern sizes are based on body measurements and may not correspond to standard clothing sizes. It is best to have another person measure you with a tape measure and select a pattern size based on actual measurements.

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pin cushion

A small, stuffed cushion to store sewing pins or needles with sharp points down.

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pinking shears

Used to finish seams, raw edges and create decorative edges. Pinking shears have serrated or jagged edges that create a zigzag pattern on the fabric that is resistant to raveling.

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point turner

A pointed plastic tool to help push out the points of a sewn piece that is ready to be turned right side out. Also helps to create sharp creases on the fabric and unfasten basting stitches.

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rotary cutter

A tool with a round blade that looks like a pizza cutter. A rotary cutter can be used to cut through several layers of fabric at once. It is fast, easy to use and improves accuracy.

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One large gray rotary cutting map and one small green rotary cutting map laying on top of each other

rotary cutting mat

Helps the rotary cutter glide smoothly over the surface of fabric for easy, accurate cutting. Mats extend rotary blade life and protect the sewing surface from cuts or nicks. A self-healing surface makes cut marks disappear, allowing you to cut the fabric without leaving ridges for future work. Some mats have measuring lines to help align fabric perpendicular to the cutting tool and are available in a range of sizes.

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rotary cutting ruler

Plastic see-through rulers that help make rotary cutting fast, easy and accurate. Rulers come in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes for standard and more specialized patterns or techniques. Raised edges help guide the rotary cutter along. Rulers with non-skid surfaces or non-slip sandpaper feet prevent the ruler from sliding and causing inaccurate cuts. Easy-to-read numbers and gridlines that go all the way to the edges ensure precise measuring, and multiple-angle lines make it easy to pivot for 30°, 45° and 60° cuts. The double-sided lines, for left- and right-handed users, are easily visible on light or dark fabrics.

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two hands using a safety pin to secure fabric together

safety pins

A basic notion for securing fabrics. Available in several shapes, lengths and materials.

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seam gauge

A small, multi-purpose ruler with point turner and sliding right-angle marker that stays in place for multiple marks and measurements of hems, tucks, pleats and buttonholes.

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seam ripper

Designed to rip out stitches from seams without damaging fabric.

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sewing machine

Machines to make sewing quick and easy include mechanical, heavy duty, computerized, quilting & embroidery, and sergers.

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sewing machine needle with blue and gold top

sewing machine needles

Needles made specifically for use in a sewing machine. They come in a range of sizes and types depending on the fabric or thread.

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straight pin

A pin with a short, straight stiff piece of wire and pointed end to fasten pieces of cloth or paper together. Available with large, sometimes colored ball heads to make them easier to see and grip.

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thimbles

A protective covering for fingertips while hand quilting, applique and sewing binding. A thimble prevents accidental piercing and helps to push the needle through all layers of fabric and batting. Available in a variety of materials including metal, plastic, leather, glass and wood.

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pattern weights

Used to keep pattern pieces in place for easy cutting. Also helps avoid pin holes in fabrics.