Sparrow Refashion: A Blog for Sewing Lovers and DIY Enthusiasts

In this post you learn what supplies you need to start sewing clothes.

Do you want to learn how to sew? Are you a beginner and feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of sewing supplies and tools out there? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the essential supplies and tools you need to get started on your sewing journey.

What does a beginner need from a sewing machine?

The first essential item you need to begin sewing is a sewing machine. This is the most important purchase you’ll make, so it’s important to do your research and find the best machine for your needs and budget. Consider features like the machine’s speed, stitch patterns, and the type of fabric you’ll be working with.

Iron and ironing board

Ironing is very important for sewing , as it can make a huge difference in the quality and appearance of your projects. Learn why it’s so important and how to make your own iron board or what to use instead for a successful sewing project with this step by step post.

Basic Sewing Kit Essentials

Next, you’ll need some basic supplies and tools. A pair of scissors : for paper and for fabric, a measuring tape, L-type ruler,thread snips, clips, chalk, seam ripper, loop turner and pins are all essential items to have on hand. 

What are pins and clips?

Pins and clips are two types of fasteners that can help you temporarily secure fabric pieces together while sewing. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, depending on their purpose and preference.

Pins are thin metal needles with a sharp point on one end and a head on the other. The head can be either flat or round, and made of metal or plastic. Pins are used to pierce through the fabric layers and keep them in place. Pins can also be used to mark certain points on the fabric, such as darts, notches, or pleats.

Clips are small plastic devices that have a spring mechanism that can be opened and closed. They have a flat side and a curved side, with markings for different seam allowances. Clips are used to clamp the fabric layers together without piercing them. Clips can also be used to hold trims, bindings, or zippers in place.They are must heave if it comes to sewing leather.

How to use pins and clips?

The general steps for using pins and clips are as follows:

• Cut out your fabric pieces according to your pattern instructions. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter for this step.
• Place the right sides of the fabric pieces together, matching the edges and any markings. If you are working with stretchy or slippery fabrics, you might want to use a stabilizer or interfacing to prevent them from shifting.
• Secure the fabric pieces with pins or clips along the seam line or the edge. Place them about 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric, perpendicular to the seam line. Space them evenly, about 2 to 3 inches apart. Make sure they are not too close to the edge, as they might interfere with the sewing machine foot or needle.
• Sew the fabric pieces together, following the seam line or the edge. Remove the pins or clips as you sew, before they reach the
  sewing machine foot or needle. Do not sew over them, as this might damage your machine or your fabric.
• Press the seam open or to one side with an iron,, depending on your pattern instructions.

What are loop turner, bobby pin and safety pin?

Loop turner, bobby pin and safety pin are tools that can help you turn thin fabric tubes or casings right side out. These tubes or casings are usually made of fabric cut on the bias, which means diagonally across the grain of the fabric. This gives the fabric some stretch and flexibility, which is ideal for making straps.

A loop turner is a thin metal rod with a circle on one end and a hook on the other. It is about 12 inches long. The hook is used to latch onto the fabric and the circle is used to hold on to and pull the fabric through the tube.

A bobby pin is a metal or plastic hairpin that has two prongs that can be separated and closed. It is usually about 2 inches long. The prongs are used to grip the fabric and pull it through the tube.

A safety pin is a metal pin that has a spring mechanism that can be opened and closed. It is usually about 1 inch long. The pointy end is used to pierce the fabric and pull it through the tube.

How to use loop turner, bobby pin and safety pin for turning straps right side out in sewing?

The general steps for using loop turner, bobby pin and safety pin for turning straps right side out in sewing are as follows:

• Cut out your fabric pieces for making the straps. You can cut the fabric pieces as a bias strip for getting slightly stretchy straps. If you do not want stretchy straps, cut the fabric on the straight grainline. Decide on the width and length of the straps you want and cut accordingly.
• Fold the fabric strip lengthwise with right sides together. Stitch along the long edge with a seam allowance that matches your desired strap width. For example, if you want a 1/4 inch wide strap, stitch with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance to 1/8 inch or less to reduce bulk.
• Choose one of the tools (loop turner, bobby pin or safety pin) to turn the strap right side out. Insert the tool inside the tube from one end until it reaches the other end. Attach or pierce the tool to the end of the fabric. Pull the tool gently back through the tube, turning the fabric right side out as you go. You may need to use your fingers to help push or pull the fabric along.
• Press the strap flat with an iron, making sure the seam is at one edge or at the center back of the strap.

Here are some tips on how to choose and use each tool effectively:

• Loop turner: Use a loop turner for thin and delicate fabrics, such as silk or rayon. Make sure that the hook is fastened securely and closed tightly on the fabric, otherwise it may come off in the middle of turning. Hold on to the circular ring and pull it gently through the casing. Do not force or twist it too much, as it may damage or break your fabric.
• Bobby pin: Use a bobby pin for medium-weight fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Pinch one end of the fabric with one prong of the bobby pin and close it with the other prong. Drop the bobby pin through the tube and work it down until it comes out the other end. Pull on both ends of the bobby pin to turn the tube inside out.
• Safety pin: Use a safety pin for thick or stiff fabrics, such as denim or canvas. Pierce one end of the fabric with one end of the safety pin and close it with the other end. Push the safety pin back through the opening you just pinned into. Turn the tube using the safety pin to pull it through.

Why we need chalk and marking pens in sewing ?

Chalk and marking pens are essential tools for sewing because they help us achieve accuracy and consistency in our sewing projects.

Some of the benefits of using them are:

• They make it easier to follow the sewing pattern instructions and create the desired shape and fit of our garment.
• They make it easier to align and match our fabric pieces correctly and sew our seams evenly.
• They make it easier to add details and embellishments to our garment, such as darts, pleats, buttonholes, etc.
• They make it easier to alter or repair our garment if needed by marking where we need to cut, stitch, or mend.
• They make it easier to customize and personalize our garment with our own style and flair by marking where we want to add appliques, embroidery, etc.

Why we need a magnetic sewing guide in sewing ?

You might wonder why you need a magnetic sewing guide in sewing when you can just use your eyes or other methods to sew straight seams. Well it’s not that easy especially at the beginning !

There are many benefits of using a magnetic sewing guide, here you can read about few of them:

• Improving accuracy and consistency: A magnetic sewing guide helps you sew straight and even seams with the exact seam allowance you need. This improves the accuracy and consistency of your sewing, which can make a big difference in the appearance, fit, and function of your projects. For example, if you are sewing a garment, having accurate seam allowances can ensure that the pieces fit together properly and that the garment fits you well. If you are sewing a quilt, having consistent seam allowances can ensure that the blocks match up correctly and that the quilt lays flat and square.
• Saving time and effort: A magnetic sewing guide saves you time and effort by eliminating the need to mark your fabric or measure your seam allowance every time you sew. You can just attach the guide to your machine and start sewing without worrying about making mistakes or redoing your seams. This can make your sewing faster and more efficient, especially if you are sewing long or multiple seams.
• Enhancing confidence and skill: A magnetic sewing guide enhances your confidence and skill by making sewing easier and more enjoyable. You can sew with more confidence knowing that you are getting perfect seams every time. You can also improve your skill by learning to sew with different seam allowances and different types of fabrics. Using a magnetic sewing guide can help you overcome any fear or frustration you might have with sewing straight seams and make you a better sewer.

It’s an item that I highly recommend, I still use it for my projects even I sew for so long.

What are ruler L type and measuring tape?

Ruler L type and measuring tape are two types of measuring tools that can help you measure fabric and patterns accurately and easily.

Ruler L type is a ruler that has an L shape, with two sides that are usually 24 inches and 14 inches long. It is also called an L-scale or a tailor’s square. It is made of metal, wood, or plastic, and has markings for both metric and imperial units. Ruler L type is used to mark fabric straight, check grainlines, measure angles, draw seam allowances, and more.

Measuring tape is a flexible tape that can measure curved or straight items. It is usually 60 inches long, but can be longer or shorter depending on the type. It is made of fiberglass or another synthetic material that won’t stretch over time. It has markings for both metric and imperial units on both sides. Measuring tape is used to measure body measurements, fabric lengths, pattern pieces, hems, and more.

How to use ruler L type and measuring tape?

The general steps for using ruler L type and measuring tape are as follows:

• Cut out your fabric pieces according to your pattern instructions. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter for this step.
• Place the right sides of the fabric pieces together, matching the edges and any markings. If you are working with stretchy or slippery fabrics, you might want to use a stabilizer or interfacing to prevent them from shifting.
• Secure the fabric pieces with pins or clips along the seam line or the edge. Place them about 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric, perpendicular to the seam line. Space them evenly, about 2 to 3 inches apart. Make sure they are not too close to the edge, as they might interfere with the sewing machine foot or needle.
• Use ruler L type to mark fabric straight, check grainlines, measure angles, draw seam allowances, and more. To mark fabric straight, place the ruler on the fabric and align one side against the edge of the fabric. Use a marking tool such as a chalk or a pencil to draw a line along the other side of the ruler. To check grainlines, place the ruler on the fabric and align one side with the selvage or the fold of the fabric. The other side should be parallel to the crosswise grain of the fabric. To measure angles, place the ruler on the fabric and align one side with one edge of the angle. Use a protractor or another ruler to measure the angle between the two sides of the ruler. To draw seam allowances, place the ruler on the fabric and align one side with the seam line. Use a marking tool to draw a line along the other side of the ruler at the desired seam allowance width.
• Use measuring tape to measure body measurements, fabric lengths, pattern pieces, hems, and more. To measure body measurements, wrap the tape around the body part you want to measure, such as bust, waist, hips, etc. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight, and parallel to the floor. Read off the measurement on the tape and record it. To measure fabric lengths, lay out the fabric on a flat surface and extend the tape along the length of the fabric. Read off the measurement on the tape and record it. To measure pattern pieces, lay out the pattern piece on a flat surface and extend the tape along the edge of the pattern piece. Read off the measurement on the tape and record it. To measure hems, fold the hem to the desired length and pin or press it in place. Extend the tape along the hemline and read off the measurement on the tape and record it.

How to use scissors for paper and fabric separately in sewing ?

The first thing you need to know is that you should never use the same pair of scissors for both paper and fabric. This is because paper and fabric have different properties and require different cutting techniques.

Why we need scissors for paper and fabric separately in sewing

You might wonder why you need separate scissors for paper and fabric in sewing. After all, they both seem to do the same job of cutting things, right? Well, not exactly. There are several reasons why you need different types of scissors for different types of materials in sewing:

• To preserve the quality of your materials: Using separate scissors for paper and fabric can help you avoid damaging your materials by cutting them with the wrong tools. As we mentioned earlier, paper can dull your fabric scissors faster than fabric, and fabric can damage your paper scissors by causing frayed edges or snags. By using separate scissors for each material, you can ensure that your cuts are clean, smooth, and accurate.
• To improve your efficiency and accuracy: Using separate scissors for paper and fabric can also help you improve your efficiency and accuracy in sewing. Paper scissors are designed to cut through thin and flat materials with ease, while fabric scissors are designed to cut through thick and flexible materials with precision. By using the right type of scissors for each material, you can save time and effort by cutting faster and more accurately.
• To extend the life of your scissors: Using separate scissors for paper and fabric can also help you extend the life of your scissors by preventing them from wearing out faster than they should. Paper can dull your fabric scissors faster than fabric, which means that you will need to sharpen them more often or replace them sooner. Fabric can damage your paper scissors by causing nicks or bends in the blades, which means that they will not cut as well or as safely as they should. By using separate scissors for each material, you can reduce the need for sharpening or replacing your scissors.

How to Use and Why We Need a Seam Ripper in Sewing ?

A seam ripper is a small handheld tool with a handle and a sharp hook that is used to cut through stitches in a seam. The tip of the hook often has a small red ball on the end which makes it easy to see as you cut stitches

But do you know how to use it properly and why it is such a useful tool? I will explain what a seam ripper is, how to use it correctly and safely, and what are some of the reasons you might need to use it in your sewing projects.

How to use a seam ripper correctly

Check out my detailed video tutorial on how to use seam ripper here.

Why we need a seam ripper in sewing ?

You might think that using a seam ripper means that you made a mistake or that you are not good at sewing. But that is not true at all! Using a seam ripper is actually a sign of being a careful and skilled sewist who cares about quality and accuracy.

There are many reasons why you might need to use a seam ripper in your sewing projects, such as:

• Fixing errors: Sometimes we make mistakes while sewing, such as sewing with the wrong thread color, using the wrong size or shape of fabric piece, sewing with incorrect tension or stitch length, or sewing a block or piece in the wrong direction or orientation. These mistakes can affect the appearance, fit, or function of our projects, so we need to correct them by removing and redoing the stitches. 
• Alterations and repairs: Seam rippers are also useful for altering garments or repairing damage, such as removing seams to replace a zipper or adjust a hem, or removing stitches to mend a tear or hole. 
• Creative purposes: Seam rippers are not only for fixing problems, but also for creating new possibilities. We can use seam rippers to add embellishments, such as buttons, beads, appliques, or embroidery, by removing some stitches and inserting the new elements. We can also use seam rippers to create decorative effects, such as fraying, distressing, or slashing, by cutting some threads and exposing the fabric layers or edges. 

And finally you’ll also need threads, fabric, and any additional notions like buttons, zippers, and rivets. Learn from this post all about threads.

You have everything you need to start sewing now. Choose an easy project like a pillowcase or a simple top to begin with, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

Sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby, so don’t be intimidated by the supplies and tools. With the right equipment and knowledge, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful projects in no time!.

In this post you learned what a beginner need to start sewing.

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