Shopping list for sewing beginners: When you start sewing, you often don't know yet which sewing accessories you really need. In this post, you'll find out which sewing notions are essential - and where you can get them.
The most important things at a glance
- It's not that easy at the beginning to get an overview of what is needed to start sewing
- In this post, I'll explain exactly what you need for sewing, what you can use it for and where you can get it
- In this post, you'll find a practical shopping list for sewing beginners to print out
- Even experienced sewing fans can surely discover one or two tips and tricks for themselves here
It's not that easy at the beginning of your sewing adventure to get an overview.
What is important? What do you absolutely need when you want to start sewing? And what can you do without at the beginning?
In this post, I'll explain exactly what you need and what you can use it for.
You can download a printable overview of the absolute basics HERE for free. Below you'll find the detailed shopping list with explanations.
Shopping list for sewing beginners: What you really need!
Below you'll find my shopping tips for sewing beginners. When creating the shopping list, I focused on what I would have absolutely needed as a sewing beginner back then (from today's perspective)!
Fabric scissors
A good pair of fabric scissors is half the battle. At least. Because scissors are not only extremely practical - they also provide the sensory pleasure of cutting fabric.
What should a good pair of scissors be like? Sharp to the tip. Smooth-running with a firm cut - and they must fit well in the hand.
For sewing beginners, I have been recommending the Fiskars Universal Scissors* for some time, which also handle multiple layers of fabric, jeans and other sturdy fabrics very well. With them, you can cut pretty much any fabric you come across.
They are really sturdy and fit well in the hand. Another advantage: At around 20 euros, they don't cost the world.
A slightly finer version: The fabric scissors* that you see in the picture. They come from the company Gingher. Classically crafted with a quiet cut and very precise handling.
I present both pairs of scissors (and more) in detail in my post Everything about scissors.
Embroidery scissors/thread scissors
A handy small pair of embroidery scissors is indispensable for trimming seam allowances and cutting threads. Often, their narrow tip is also excellent for shaping the corners of pockets.
An absolute winner in this category (and I have tried many embroidery scissors) is also a Fiskars here. There is the Easy Action* namely also in mini-mini. Very pointed, very sharp, very precise and smooth-running.
Pinking scissors
You need pinking scissors for trimming seam allowances (especially in the area of curves and rounded edges - a real insider tip!) and for trimming fabric edges (so they don't fray!).
Pinking scissors are not as smooth-running as scissors with smooth cutting blades due to their construction. My Prym pinking scissors* also offer this resistance when cutting, but are much more manageable than some other scissors I have tried.
For people who don't have much strength in their hands (which I definitely belong to), the Fiskars Easy Action Pinking Scissors* are highly recommended. Like pretty much all scissors from this brand.
With the special Easy Action technology, the blade is simply squeezed together. You can see what that looks like in the next picture.
Paper scissors
If you, like me, enjoy sewing from eBooks with cut-out patterns to print out yourself, then you absolutely need a proper pair of paper scissors. My new pattern scissors are from Fiskars*, which my blog reader Elke recommended to me. Elke is an occupational therapist and was so nice to explain to me why Fiskars is particularly joint-friendly.
You can read Elke's explanation of the (really practical and precise) scissors in this post: Everything about scissors for sewing.
Rotary cutter
Over time, you might buy rotary cutters in different sizes.
Remember: The larger the rotary cutter, the better it handles multiple layers of fabric or thick fabrics.
For starters, I recommend a rotary cutter with a diameter of 28mm.
It cuts well around curves, is handy - and the blades don't cost the world. This is important, because especially at the beginning you often ruin a rotary cutter blade by driving it into the ruler... ;)
My favorite part for many years is the completely unspectacular Olfa rotary cutter*.
There is also the 28-mm rotary cutter* in a version that I find especially recommended for beginners. The blade is secured by a simple clip mechanism. So no annoying screwing. I now exclusively use this easy version and also treated myself to the 45-mm version, because it has happened to me again and again that I turned the screw too tight or not tight enough.
Feel free to also check out my post about the 10 death traps for rotary cutters!
Patchwork ruler
Indispensable for large and small sewing projects: A good patchwork ruler. I still use my first one, which I bought many years ago. It now has a few dents, but is still in use almost every day.
Especially practical: Through the hole, you can hang the ruler really well. Just a nail in the wall and you're done.
The Prym patchwork ruler* has markings at different angles. They make it easy for you to mark corners or cut bias tape.
My tip: Take a larger ruler and if necessary another small flexible sewing ruler* or a tape measure* with it. That is all you need.
Trick marker or chalk pencil
Trick markers are not bad for starting sewing - but I think repurposed Frixon pens* are even better. They are not actually intended for sewing.
They are simply pens that can be erased or react to heat by disappearing.
So if you have made a mark, you can simply blow it away after completing the sewing project. Cool, right?
Very good for marking jersey fabrics - especially when it comes to dark fabrics on which you cannot see the Frixon pen: Chalk pencils!
It is simply a thin chalk lead that is in a cartridge. By clicking, the lead appears.
A great invention, I think.
I brought the chalk pencil in the picture from the USA.
Here we can get the practical chalk cartridges* from the long-established company Hardmuth. Highly recommended!
The leads are available separately and really last a long time!
If you want to know more about textile markers and co., feel free to check out this post: Textile markers, fabric pens & chalk: Tips, tricks & test report.
Straight pins
When choosing straight pins, you should already roughly know what you like to sew.
If patchwork is your thing, I recommend long thin needles like those from Clover in the lower picture.
If you prefer sewing bags and clothes, the straight pins can also be a bit sturdier.
But I still recommend not necessarily resorting to the short needles.
Take longer ones, they also handle thick or fluffy fabrics well.
Personally, I really liked the straight pins with purple handles* and the straight pins from Taylor Seville*. They are very pleasant to handle, stay sharp for a long time and do not bend as easily because they are a bit thicker.
If you want to know more about straight pins, check out this large straight pin guide.
Fabric clips
For sewing projects with many layers or also with materials that do not like needle pricks, I like to use fabric clips. I find them especially practical when sewing with faux leather, softshell, vinyl or paper fabric. The clips are also perfect for cork or felt.
I also have really large fabric clips for particularly firm materials or very bulky projects such as patchwork blankets. Their little clip siblings are overwhelmed by patchwork fleece. :)
I bought the clips in different sizes one by one, but they are also available in a mixed assortment.
My mix is rounded off by clips with a narrow nose, which I like to use to fix zippers.
By the way, the little clips are also available in short and extra wide.
I recommend a mixed pack with two clip sizes* for starters. With this, you are perfectly equipped for most sewing projects. :)
By the way: There is also a nice clip mix* with fabric clips in 4 sizes, which I find really practical.
A note if you like working with fine fabrics: 
Cutting mat
Even if you are a sewing beginner: You should not even start with a mini mat. As soon as you want to sew a larger bag or clothes (also children's clothes!), it is worth working with a 60 x 90 cm cutting mat.
Since I have already tried (and worn out) several cutting mats in my "sewing career", I recommend two mats here that I really like.
The first one comes from Snaply and is supplied together with a patchwork ruler and an Olfa rotary cutter. Also included: a practical holder for the ruler.
You need the rotary cutter and the ruler for sewing anyway. It comes with various replacement blades, e.g. a zigzag blade.
The holder is nice to have.
*What I particularly like about the A1-Snaply-Mat*: It is very durable, quickly forgives cuts and protects rotary cutter blades. I also like the color. :)
The second recommendation goes to my secret all-time favorite. That is the cutting mat from Olfa/Prym. It is slightly thinner than standard cutting mats.
It has a soft, matte surface. This prevents the fabric from sliding back and forth when cutting. What I find extremely practical. Especially when cutting viscose, jersey or knitted fabrics, this property is worth its weight in gold.
The mat lasts forever, is easy to clean and has a clear scale - with a centimeter scale on the front and an inch scale on the back.
This is especially practical if you like sewing according to American patterns or patchwork instructions.
So: Clear recommendation for the Olfa cutting mat*.
Seam ripper
Don't underestimate it! A seam ripper is an important tool, especially at the beginning of your sewing adventure: And it will remain so! That is why it is worth buying a really good one. It doesn't have to be expensive.
In the picture you see one of my favorite seam rippers from SeamFix. It is really tiny, making it handy, and has a silicone cap at the back.
I find this particularly clever because you can use it to erase thread remnants from the fabric.
The SeamFix* also comes with a larger, very easy-to-hold handle, which I find super practical and comfortable.
Do you already know our large seam ripper test? No? Then you should definitely check it out here :)!
Iron & ironing board
The iron is as essential for getting started with sewing as the sewing machine itself.
You shouldn't even start without an iron. You need it to open seams, smooth fabrics, iron zippers before sewing them in (because they can shrink during the first wash!), mark seams, and so on.
By the way, a mini ironing board also does a very good job. You can park it right next to the sewing machine and always have it at hand.
Be sure to also read my blog post about how you can easily build a mini ironing board yourself in just a few steps.
TIP: Read more here about practical ironing aids!
Sewing machine needles & sewing thread
In our Facebook group, people are always asking for recommendations for sewing machine needles. Even at the risk of repeating myself: In my opinion, the ones from Schmetz or Prym are simply the very best. And I say that as a buyer - even if they cost a little more.
Schmetz needles last much longer than cheap needles, stay sharp longer, don't break as easily and make very beautiful seams.
Together with Gütermann thread* for me, it is an absolute dream duo!
My tip: Get a set of universal needles* to start with. You can sew a lot with them!
My favorite thread is the Gütermann All-Purpose thread, which is also available in the beautiful large set*. I really use it for every sewing project. Super tear-resistant - and makes beautiful seams. I also really like the colors.
The same goes for my coverstitch and overlock seams. For those, I use the affordable Gütermann Toldi thread. My sewing machine whisperer once convinced me of it.
Before that, I was always switching back and forth between Madeira thread (which is very good but also very expensive) and the one from the discount store. Now I use the one from Toldi*, except for a few exceptions where I work with decorative thread or bulky yarn.
Pin cushion
Let's be honest: pin cushions shaped like mice, tomatoes, or turtles are cute. But impractical.
When sewing, it needs to be quick and practical. That is why my recommendation is: A magnetic pin cushion. Then you always have all your pins together - and you can always pick up fallen pins very quickly by holding the pin cushion over them.
I really like the magnetic pin cushion* from Prym, because it is more handy than my old oval one.
You can find a detailed magnetic pin cushion test here on the blog.
Tweezers
This thing is indispensable!
Of course, you might think: It doesn't have much to do with sewing itself. But it does.
Shall I tell you what I use it for, for example?
- Pulling thread remnants out of the fabric
- Aligning fabric edges flush when sewing
- Shaping corners
- Unfolding seam allowances
- Threading zippers
- Trimming bias tape
- Fixing fabric so that the start of the seam is successful
And surely a lot more. I always have the tweezers lying next to the sewing machine. And I use them for every single sewing project.
The whole thing is called anatomical tweezers* and is available for around 8 euros. An investment that is definitely worth it!
Seam gauge
They are available in metal or plastic.
My tip: Stay away from the plastic version when buying a seam gauge. Mine is made of metal and I use it to measure seam allowances - and then to iron them directly.
Plastic would melt, but the metal seam gauge* handles ironing without any problems.
Wondertape
An important tool to fix zippers and seams before sewing them in. Or to hold webbing and trim in place.
Whenever needles are not so popular, I use Wondertape*.
Before that, I had Style-Fix, but I didn't get along with it so well because it terribly glued my sewing machine needle. Also, Style-Fix does not dissolve after washing.
But Wondertape does. Therefore, it doesn't matter if you can still see a small edge of Wondertape on the zipper - wash it once, then it is gone.
Fabrics
Fabrics are of course indispensable when sewing.
Since I sew a lot of clothes myself, I pay attention to good quality. Because what is the point of all the effort if the beautiful shirt or the cool hoodie is distorted and washed out after the first wash?
I buy some fabrics at the fabric market or at trade fairs. What you need to pay attention to there, you will find out in my blog post The best tips for the fabric market.
But I usually order my fabrics* online at Stoffe Hemmers specifically for the respective planned project.
In my blog post Which fabric for what? you will find out everything about common fabrics and their uses.
Recommended sewing starter sets for beginners
There are countless sets on the market that contain some of the most important tools. Here too, in my experience, the rule applies: Who buys cheap, buys twice. Or more often. So it is worth looking closely here too and paying attention to quality.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the starter sets from the discount store from this point of view. And I have looked at many. Unfortunately, I am also disappointed with Prym in this regard, because the quality of some products did not convince me.
What I can recommend without reservation are the starter sets from Fiskars. At around 40 euros, they also have their price. But they are worth it.
The sets are composed differently, so it is worth thinking beforehand whether you are planning more decoration, clothing or quilting and patchwork projects. I really like the Basic-Set* and the cheaper pink Starter-Set with rotary cutter* (which is super rare as a single item and I have been eyeing it for a long time...great pun!) ;)
Whatever you decide: With the Fiskars stuff you already have a solid foundation for your future sewing projects. And you can be sure that the individual accessories will accompany you for a very, very long time. By the way: There is also a scissor sharpener specifically for Fiskars scissors.* Also highly recommended.
Did my tips for getting started with sewing help you? Then be sure to also check out my tips for buying a sewing machine! It is especially important for getting started to find a sewing machine that really makes sewing fun for you!
Get started and download your shopping list for sewing beginners directly!
Are you now really excited to start sewing? Great! You will find plenty of tips and suitable projects for getting started in my post Ideas for sewing beginners.
All the best for getting started with sewing and happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
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