Want to try sewing as a hobby, or even turn it into a small business, but not sure where to begin? If you’re being held back by questions like “what sewing tools do I need to start sewing at home?” you’ll find the answers here.
Most homes have a basic sewing kit for quick fixes, like a loose button or small tear, but they won’t help you if you’re trying to begin a sewing project from scratch. There are countless guides and videos available to support sewing novices, but many of them recommend tools that are either too advanced or simply unnecessary for beginners. In all honesty, there are only a few essential sewing tools you’ll need to get started.
At Realm Wholesale, we want your first sewing project to be fun, affordable, and stress-free. That’s why we’ve made an easy guide on affordable sewing supplies for beginners. If you’re looking for the best quality needlework supplies in the UK, you’ll be happy to know that our team handpicks every product we sell, ensuring quality and affordability.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have sewing tools for beginners and explain why each one belongs in your kit.
Why Does Having the Right Sewing Tools Matter?
When you begin a new creative project, you don't want to feel overwhelmed or frustrated because you don't have the right tools. You're also more likely to feel discouraged about continuing the project if you don't have what you need. That’s why you need items that are reliable and simple to use.
What to Buy for Sewing Supplies?
If you have a vision you’re waiting to execute, you need to know exactly what tools you’ll require. Let’s explore some of the basic beginner sewing supplies that you should definitely have in your toolkit.
1. Needles, Pins, and Threads
A needle and thread are absolute must-haves in your toolkit. A pack of hand-sewing needles is all you need for basic stitching and finishing details. Realm Wholesale stocks them in a variety of sizes so you can find something to match the fabrics or threads you're working with.
Along with needles, pins are always useful for holding fabric together and marking places in some cases.
When it comes to thread, we recommend getting a few versatile colours and using polyester overlocking thread. This will work with most fabrics and can also be used with a sewing machine.
2. Fabric Scissors and Snips
When you’re building your first sewing toolkit, you’ll need a dedicated pair of fabric scissors. You might assume that regular scissors work just fine, but fabric scissors are much better because they’re designed to slice clearly through material without pulling or fraying.
Make sure you just use these scissors on cloth and not on paper or plastic, which will affect their sharpness.
If you’re working on detailed stitching or need to trim threads quickly, thread snips or small embroidery scissors are your best friend. You can find them on online stores like Amazon.
3. Measuring Tools
A measuring tape is a powerful tool that everyone needs in their sewing kits, especially if your project involves making clothes. It offers the easiest way to take body measurements and check hem lengths and seam allowances.
With a soft, flexible tape that has both metric and imperial measurements, you’ll never go wrong when you’re measuring up. There are also retractable soft tapes available if you want something fancy, but the original soft tape is just as reliable.
Need more advice about measuring tape or anything else? Get in touch with our team today, and they’ll help you choose the most essential sewing tools for your specific project.
4. Marking Tools That Make a Difference
You’ll need to mark your fabric before cutting or stitching for a fold line, dart, or button placement. For this, you either need fabric marking pencils or tailor’s chalk (if you want your markings to be clear but also easy to remove).
You should ideally use colours that contrast with your fabric so the markings stand out. It’s also smart to test the chalk on a scrap of cloth to make sure it brushes or washes away cleanly.
5. Seam Ripper
Mistakes are bound to happen, especially when completing your first few sewing projects. That’s why the best beginner sewing tools kit for adults should always include a seam ripper.
A seam ripper helps you to undo stitches cleanly without damaging your fabric. You can use it to open seams, correct errors, or remove basting stitches. Trust us, it’s much neater and easier than using scissors.
6. Pressing Tools for a Polished Finish
When you’re working on a sewing project, pressing is a major part of getting a clean and professional look. For this, you’ll need either a steam iron, pressing cloth, or even a tailor’s ham to help you press the seams open, shape the fabric, and finish garments properly.
Crisp edges and neat seams start with a good press. You can get them from the same place you order your scissors.
7. Bonus Tools Worth Considering as You Grow
Your beginner sewing supplies will help you with the first few projects. After you’ve become more comfortable with sewing, you can go for a few additional tools to expand your kit, like a cutting mat, pattern weights, bias tape makers, seam gauges or thread snips.
These tools will help you grow your skills and, at the same time, further protect your table and fingers from harm.
Tips for Building Your First Sewing Kit on a Budget
There are many essential sewing tools available, but you don’t need to buy everything for your first sewing project. Here are a few smart tips that’ll help you save a few pounds.
First, pick tools that have multiple uses, like a chalk colour that works on both light and dark fabrics.
We also strongly recommend investing in basic products, but, importantly, don’t skimp on quality. A high-quality product will work much longer than a badly-made one.
If you feel you need one or two speciality items for just one project, leave it for later. Get yourself well-acquainted with basic materials and tools first.
Shop Now with Realm Wholesale’s Online Haberdashery
If you’re sewing for the first time, we’re sure you’ll love it! Just remember, you don’t need a cupboard full of supplies to get started. A well-chosen few will be plenty enough to hit the ground running.
At Realm Wholesale, our expert team brings decades of combined experience and is happy to help you build the perfect starter kit. Whether you're sewing for fun or planning to launch a new business, we also offer trade discounts to support you along the way. Every item in our collection is handpicked for quality, so you can focus on creating with confidence.
Take a look at our sewing supplies today.