The Best Sewing Supplies For Beginners

What to Look For

To find the right sewing supplies, you’ll have to ask yourself three questions: Do I plan on sewing by hand or with a machine? What kind of fabric do I think I’ll be working with? How much am I willing to spend? Folks who are looking to dabble in the art of sewing have a few great options to choose from, such as Singer’s heavy-duty needles and Gutermann’s top-quality thread. But if you’re ready to go for gold, we can’t recommend Brother’s RLX3817A sewing machine enough. Offered at a fantastic price, it’s an excellent entry-level machine that’s good for learning the craft. Finally, whether you sew by hand or with a machine, Gingher’s fabric shears deserve a place in your collection. Read on to learn why we feel so strongly about these sewing products.

Singer Heavy-Duty Household Hand Needles

Handy dandy

If you plan on learning to sew by hand, start with this trusted company's needle kit.

Best Overall

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Before anything else, you’re going to need a needle to start sewing. And very few companies offer heavy-duty hand-sewing needles as good as these ones from Singer. The set includes a wide variety of sizes, each suited for a different task. For example, one of the needles is perfect for canvas, while others are ideal for sewing through leather or carpet. The set even comes with two curved needles, which are pretty rare but very useful for repairing upholstery.

Pros:

• Since these are so affordable, you might decide to buy an extra pack so that you have backup needles available.
• What we appreciate most about this set is how many doors it opens to the beginner sewer. You’ll have the right needle for almost any job.

Cons:

• We wish this set came with a carry case.

Gutermann Sew-All Thread Set

The coolest of spools

This high-quality set of all-purpose thread will be great for just about any sewing project.

Best Sewing Thread

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So you have your needles and you’re ready to put them to use — what’s next? Really, the only thing you’ll need to start sewing your fabric is some good thread. This set of natural cotton thread from Gutermann is perfect for beginners because it contains a varied assortment of basic colors to fit most projects. It’s an all-purpose thread, too, so it’s suitable for all sorts of fabrics.

Pros:

• If you’re not crazy about the color variety offered here, you’ll be glad to know there are other options to choose from.
• This thread is about as good as it gets when it comes to quality. By choosing this thread, you’ll know you’re getting the best of the best from the start.

Cons:

• Some folks may prefer a smaller thread set to get started, but we think it’s worth having this much color variety.

Dritz Tomato Pin Cushion

Continue the tradition

A blast from the past, this cute tomato pin cushion looks just like the one your grandmother might've used.

Best Pin Cushion

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One of the most frustrating parts about sewing is how much time you can accidentally waste looking for your tools, especially those darned needles. That’s why a good pin cushion is such a crucial investment. When you’re done using your needles, simply stick them inside this pin cushion and set it aside until you’re ready to sew again. Thanks to the pin cushion’s dense interior, the needles will stay in place even if you move it from place to place.

Pros:

• We love that the pin cushion comes equipped with an emery on top. This allows you to sharpen your needles whenever you need to so that they pierce your fabric easily.
• The affordable price makes this a truly low-risk investment. Even if you don’t like it, you won’t be out much money.

Cons:

• The cushion is pretty small, so it won’t be able to hold many pins. But if you’re a beginner, you probably won’t have that many pins anyway.

Brother RLX3817A Sewing Machine (Renewed)

Whistle while you work

The perfect learner's sewing machine, this nifty contraption can simplify the craft of sewing.

Best Sewing Machine

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Brother’s sewing machines are up there with the best of them thanks to their construction quality and the company’s attention to detail. That being said, not all of Brother’s sewing machines are suitable for beginners. More simple than most, the RLX3817A is a great learning machine. Normally this unit would be far more expensive, but this one is offered from the Amazon Renewed store, so it’s sold at a great price.

Pros:

• We love the cute floral design overlay on the machine. Most sewing machines are plain and simple, so we appreciate this extra detail.
• Other color options are available as well, so you should be able to find one that you like.

Cons:

• Though it is a great beginner’s machine, you’ll still need plenty of patience and perhaps some guidance to learn to use it.

Gingher 8-Inch Knife-Edge Shears

A cut above the rest

When you need to snip your fabric, you'll want a sharp and reliable pair like this on hand.

Best Fabric Shears

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These aren’t your average scissors. Specially designed to cut through fabric, these shears are perfect for sewing projects of all stripes. Whether you’re quilting, tailoring clothes, or just experimenting with fabrics, these shears will come in clutch.

Pros:

• These are exceptionally high in quality. They can less for many years if they’re treated well.
• You’ll probably be impressed by how easily these cut through fabric — no more tugging and snipping through stubborn fabric.

Cons:

• They are a bit costly, but we must emphasize this again: these are some of the best shears out there. Plus, they can last for many, many years, so we think you’ll get your money’s worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m an adult who has never sewed before — is it too late to start?

Absolutely not. Many people don’t start sewing until adulthood. Though your eyesight might not be what it was when you were younger, that’s okay — we gain things with age. For example, with maturity, you may have developed a level of patience that is required to learn to sew well.

Ok, I’m ready to start sewing. Where should I begin?

The best option would be to learn from someone with experience, whether that means taking a class or having a loved one teach you. If you can’t do that, it’s okay — you can pick up some beginner’s techniques for sewing patterns through instructional videos and books. Once you’ve absorbed a little how-to knowledge, it’s time to put it into practice. Find the fabric you want to work with, gather your tools, and begin working on those patterns. Supplement your hands-on practice with more instructional materials as you go.

About the Author

If style and fashion tips are what you're after, Duddy is your man. He spent his formative years studying the works of artists, designers, stylists, and curators to learn what pleases the eye. But he isn't just interested in aesthetics — he also seeks out products that balance form with function. Thanks to his many years of reviewing products, he has a keen understanding of what makes a great buy.

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