A lot of people who wants to start learning how to sew asked "There are so many stuff out there, what do I need to get?"Yes, it's true, there are so many stuff out there, it could really be both intimidating and overwhelming a lot of times for starters. They have sewing kits for beginners and tons of sewing items that cost from a few cents to hundreds of dollars.
I can't really recommend any specific item, but I'd just like to share this article based on my experience. As a start, I would get a basic sewing machine first. If you could afford it, go to dealerships that specialize in selling sewing machines. They will show you so many sewing machines and what they can do. It could be overwhelming, but try not to, just take it as you go. And I do not recommend buying one right on the spot. Try to do a research over the internet, read the reviews over specific machine that you are interested in. I know a lot of sewing experts do not recommend getting those machines that you see in sears or walmart. But if you were like me and couldn't afford the one in the dealerships, don't be afraid and get one in sears or walmart. Just plain basic sewing machine that has straight, zig zag, and button hole stitches. These machines are ample enough for a starter, and then you can always upgrade when you feel more confident in your sewing. I found that Kenmore is more reliable than Singer. I know a lot of people relate good sewing machines and Singer, I did too, but after buying 2 of them, I must conclude that their quality is not as good as they used to. No matter what you decide to get, the hundreds of dollars model or the cheaper one, I can't say this enough, research, research, research!
Now, what about those walls and walls of little sewing stuff you see in your craft store? I would get a decent scissors (invest in a $20 or above kind of scissors, trust me they're worth it), yard stick, a quilter's ruler, quilter's pins (I have no patience whatsoever with small pins, so quilter's pins, the one with the yellow head, is the way to go for me), bobbins, hand needles, sewing machine needles, oh and freezer paper from your grocery store (I will tell you why you need this in my next article). If I missed anything, feel free to add them in the comment section.
Go to the patterns section, choose the one you like, read the back of the envelope, and it will tell you what you need to make that specific item, and get them, this will help you build your sewing supplies little by little.
Your supplies really depends on what you want to sew. I sew a lot of bridal dresses, so I have to maintain sharp needles to work with the delicate bridal fabrics, and because of that I can never have enough needles, all kind of needles, from hand needles, sewing machine's, and quilter's pins. I also can't get enough muslin, bobbins, invisible zippers, boning, white thread, silk organza for interfacing, tulle, and netting. Some who sew for children would probably need a lot of elastic, cute buttons, etc. Those who sew craft items, they might need to keep a lot of felts, ribbons, embroidery floss, laces, and so on.
You will find the sewing supplies you can't live with when you start sewing. So don't worry, your stash will grow as the time goes. But no matter what your sewing must haves are, one thing I know what we all seamstresses have in common, we can NEVER have enough fabrics.
