Calling all sewing goddesses

Mrs.Donkey · December 2008

So... other than my actual machine, I have nada to sew with. I know there are some obvious essentials I will need (siccors, thread, needles, etc.), but what else to I really need to get started on some basic projects? I'm trying not to break the bank and I know if I ask the salespeople they will try to sell me the whole store.

smurfetteinred · December 2008

Mrs.Donkey:
I'm trying not to break the bank and I know if I ask the salespeople they will try to sell me the whole store.

You might be surprised. I know the ladies at the Hancock Fabrics that I frequent would do nothing of the sort - they're all old crafty ladies. Smile But let me think. Good scissors. Joannes and Hancocks are having sales on their Fiskars (decent brand) and Ghingers (excellent brand) Do not use these scissors for anything but cutting fabric. Pincushion, pins, needles for hand sewing (often project require a small amount of hand sewing), seam ripper (you WILL need this at some point) a couple basic spools of thread (black, white), I'd personally get a rotary cutter and a cheap matt because it makes cutting some projects a ton easier. . . . sewing basket or something to store all your little things in.

papagena · December 2008

You don't need much - for what I do (very basic projects, indeed) I just have my sissors, straight pins (get nicer ones - I went cheap and they bend when you look at them funny) a little packet of hand sewing needles, if you're going through anything thick, a thimble, one of those tiny slidy rulers for hems, a longer tape measure and of course thread & materials for your project.

At most of the craft/sewing stores I've been to, people are usually very helpful - they're generally crafters themselves, and I don't think I've ever had anyone push me in to something I really didn't need. I'm guessing your machine came with a few bobbins.

Mrs.Zip · December 2008

Look here:

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/8121921.aspx

smurfetteinred · December 2008

Addition - I'd get a fabric marker or chalk or something for marking your fabric. If you can find something that actually works well, I'm all ears.

thejennigirl · December 2008

JoAnn's has a starter kit, with basically everything you need to get started for $15-$20. I would go with that, and then upgrade to fit your needs as you go.

MrsD_111106 · December 2008

Oh, and when you buy pins, get the kind that have the ball at the end. It makes it much easier to get the pins out as you sew. I've found that those water soluble/disappearing ink pens work pretty well on most fabrics for marking. I also have tailor's chalk to mark on dark fabrics.

I think one of the best things I have other than a good pair of scissors is a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and a nice big quilting ruler. I couldn't have made decent blocks without them.