Basic tools common to sewing and quilting will be covered in this post. If you are just testing the creative waters of sewing or quilting, I suggest you fill the list with mid-priced tools. They should do well while you are figuring out if this new hobby is for you. When you want to upgrade, buy the best you can afford.
basic tool list
- Sewing machine with manual and accessories.
- Scissors for cutting fabric
- Scissors for cutting everything else
- Snips or small scissors for cutting thread
- Pins with ball heads
- Pincushion
- Tape measure (60″)
- Assorted hand needles
- Universal sewing machine needles 90/14 (quality needles for your make of machine)
- Fabric non-permanent markers – chalk, water erase pens, air disappearing pen, carbon paper for fabric with tracing wheel, mechanical pencil for fine line marking
- Seam ripper
- Sewing machine oil, as recommended in your sewing machine manual
Optional Tools
- Long tweezers
- Clips
- Note pad and pen for jotting notes, ideas and labeling
- Rotary cutter, mat, ruler (6″x24″ I recommend for your first ruler – versatile and usable by sewists and quilters.)
explore the notions
Exploring the notions section in a sewing/quilting area of a store can be overwhelming. That is why I prepared a list to take with you shopping. Thread, zippers, bias tape, buttons, and ribbon are also notions. I’ve noticed notion aisles and displays are generally close to the cutting table. Don’t hesitate to ask an employee behind the cutting table to point you to the correct aisle where you can find a tool that you need. Shoppers in the general area may even be eager to help you. It is not hard to pick out the newbie shopper if the fabric store is a second home!
Save money with coupons! If you put apps on your smart phone for those stores you may frequent for purchasing tools and soon fabric and thread, you will be ready for any savings offered. Some stores even accept coupons from competitors, so don’t hesitate to ask. The more you save, the more you will have for your next shopping trip!