How to Start Sewing? Get the Right Equipment! In this article, I’ll list the essential tools you need to start sewing your clothes and accessories easily. This list comes from six years of sewing classes in Barcelona and online. The goal is not to clutter your space with useless gadgets but to put together an essential sewing kit that will help you create your first projects without frustration. This kit will accompany you as you progress, without the need to constantly upgrade your tools.

In this article, I’ll focus on permanent small equipement that will accompagny your sewing machine.

For my Mucha Fibra Pattern Making Students

This is a list of good quality items to start my pattern making class. They are all chosen to last (almost) a lifetime and will make your sewing journey 100% easier and more pleasurable than your average Amazon premade kit.

If cost is an issue, I would recommend buying less but of better quality. I added Amazon links to facilitate buying quickly but I would recommend buying directly form Mucha Fibra (specified below) or going to a physical mecería  in Barcelona if you can.

 

Basic Equipment for Beginner Sewists

⚠️ Warning: Sewing can quickly create a chaotic workspace! However, with the right tools, they will last you a lifetime. Before we dive into the list, here’s my philosophy regarding sewing equipment:

1️⃣ Start with a few but well-mastered tools – It’s tempting to buy the latest trendy gadget, but you don’t want to end up with tools you never use. Stick to the essentials and expand your kit as you learn.

2️⃣ Invest in quality or resell unused items – Like sewing machines, good tools last a lifetime if maintained properly. A good pair of fabric scissors, for example, is worth the investment. And if you make a mistake in a purchase, resell it!

3️⃣ Consider buying second-hand – Many sewing boxes are waiting to be reused! Check thrift stores or online marketplaces to cut costs and reduce waste.

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Your Goal: Sewing Your Own Clothes

Sewing tools can be expensive if you give up after a few weeks but highly cost-effective if you stick with it.

If your goal is to make or upcycle clothes, here’s what you’ll need, organized by the order you’ll use them in a project:

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1️⃣ Measuring

Measuring Tape – Essential for taking accurate body measurements. Avoid retractable tapes; opt for a classic 1.5m measuring tape that you can wear around your neck like a pro. You can also stick an adhesive measuring tape to your cutting table for convenience.

Measuring tape from French quality brand Bohin 

Budget option for measuring tape 

💰 Budget: €4-9
⭐ Usage: ****

Pro tip: Some tapes come with both inches and centimeters—handy if you use American sewing patterns.

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2️⃣ Drawing

Pencils, Erasers, Colored Pencils, Fashion Silhouette – Keeping your projects organized is crucial. Start every project with a project sheet, noting down all details and sketching a simple drawing.

Good quality color pen by Faber Castell

Budget option by BIC 

Eraser (2 to keep a clean one at hand) 

💰 Budget: €4-10
⭐ Usage: ***

 

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3️⃣ Marking & Tracing

Japanese Ruler – Flexible and transparent, perfect for tracing patterns and hems. Avoid worn-out metal rulers as they can lead to errors.

💰 Budget: €11
⭐ Usage: ***

Pro tip: If you use a rotary cutter, get a metal ruler as well—your Japanese ruler won’t last long otherwise!

Frixion Pen – A lifesaver for fabric marking. It disappears with heat and is super precise. Be careful with extremely white fabrics in very cold conditions, as markings might reappear.

💰 Budget: €3 (single), €15 (pack)
⭐ Usage: ****

Pro tip: Don’t buy it in a fabric store—it’s often three times more expensive than in a stationery shop!

Tailor’s Chalk – Useful for dark fabrics or materials where the Frixion pen doesn’t erase well. Handle with care—it breaks easily!

💰 Budget: €1-2
⭐ Usage: ***

Pro tip: Be careful! If it falls, it will shatter into tiny pieces, making it harder to use.

Cutting Table – Often overlooked but essential! A high table will save your back when cutting and tracing patterns. I recommend a foldable camping table that adjusts to 90cm height.

💰 Budget: €50-70
⭐ Usage: ***

Pro tip: This table’s price fluctuates by season. Buy it in winter when BBQ season is over!

Pattern Paper – Used for copying patterns before cutting fabric. A non-woven, non-adhesive stabilizer works best.

💰 Budget: €0.90-3.50/m
⭐ Usage: ***

Pro tip: Choose the cheapest per meter since you’re repurposing it—it shouldn’t cost more than €3–4/m.

French Curve (or Styling Ruler) – Useful for tracing smooth curves (armholes, necklines). Not essential at first but handy as you advance.

💰 Budget: €8-20
⭐ Usage: **

Pro tip: Choose one with multiple curve types for more versatility.

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4️⃣ Cutting

Tailor’s Scissors – The most important tool! Invest in a high-quality pair that fits comfortably in your hand. Test them in-store if possible. Only use them for fabric to extend their lifespan.

💰 Budget: €20-30
⭐ Usage: ****

Pro tip: If you’re left-handed, choose neutral-shaped scissors or specifically designed left-handed ones.

Rotary Cutter + Cutting Mat – A faster alternative to scissors, especially for lingerie or curved cuts. Requires a special self-healing cutting mat.

💰 Budget: €13-20
⭐ Usage: ***

Pro tip: Buy extra blades immediately—you don’t want to run out mid-project! Choose a cutter with a strong grip.

Paper Scissors – Keep a separate pair for paper and non-fabric materials to preserve your fabric scissors.

💰 Budget: Use your kitchen scissors
⭐ Usage: **

Pro tip: Sharpen them occasionally to maintain their cutting power.

Embroidery Scissors or Thread Snips – Small scissors for trimming threads and making small cuts.

💰 Budget: €13
⭐ Usage: ****

Pro tip: Avoid dropping them—the tip is fragile and can bend easily.

Seam Ripper – Your new best friend! Essential for undoing stitches, cutting buttonholes, and fixing mistakes.

💰 Budget: €5
⭐ Usage: ****

Pro tip: You’ll often find one in your sewing machine’s starter kit—perfect to start with! If you lose it, get an ergonomic version for better grip.

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5️⃣ Sewing

Pins – Choose fine glass-head or metal-head pins. Avoid plastic heads as they can melt under an iron. If working with delicate fabrics, opt for flower-head pins.

💰 Budget: €4-20+ (a small box is enough to start)
⭐ Usage: ****

Pro tip: Avoid cheap plastic-headed pins—they melt under an iron! Toss any rusty or bent pins.

Safety Pins – Keep a few on hand for threading elastic through casings.

💰 Budget: €3
⭐ Usage: **

Pro tip: Avoid flimsy metal pins that can bend open while inside the fabric tunnel.

Hand Sewing Needles, Thimble, Needle Threader – Essential for finishing touches. Choose an assortment of needle sizes and a well-fitting thimble.

💰 Budget: €10+ for a starter pack
⭐ Usage: ***

Pro tip: Keep a hand-sewing kit near your machine to avoid skipping necessary stitches out of laziness.

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This is just the beginning! This essential sewing kit will set you up for success while keeping your workspace organized. Start with the basics and gradually expand your collection as your skills grow! 😊 If you’re ready to start sewing, make sure you have these essentials to make your learning process smooth and enjoyable. Happy sewing! ✂️🎀