Sparrow Refashion: A Blog for Sewing Lovers and DIY Enthusiasts

In this post , you will learn on sewing essentials to create own DIY projects.

Do you love fashion and want to create your own unique and personalized garments and accessories? Do you want to save money, reduce waste, and express your creativity with sewing? If so, you might be interested in learning how to sew and start your own DIY fashion projects.

Sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby that can help you make beautiful and functional items for yourself and others. You can sew clothes, bags, pillows, quilts, masks, and more. You can also refashion your old clothes and give them a new life with some simple alterations and embellishments.

But before you dive into the world of sewing, you need to have some basic sewing essentials that will help you get started and make your sewing easier and more enjoyable. In this post, we will share with you some of the most important sewing supplies and tools that every beginner should have, as well as some tips and resources to help you learn and improve your sewing skills.

Basic SewingEssentials [Supplies and Tools]

Here are some of the basic sewing supplies and tools that you will need for your sewing projects:

Needles:

You will need different types and sizes of needles for sewing by hand or by machine. Hand sewing needles are used for stitching, embroidering, or mending by hand. They come in various lengths, thicknesses, and shapes of the eye and the point. You can use a needle threader to help you thread the needle easily. Machine sewing needles are used for sewing with a sewing machine. They also come in different types and sizes, depending on the fabric and the thread you are using. You can learn more about how to choose the right needle for your project from this guide.

Rulers:

An L-ruler is a tool that has a right angle and two arms of different lengths. It is used to measure and mark straight lines, angles, and corners on fabrics and patterns. It can also help you draw parallel lines and check the grainline of the fabric. An L-ruler is useful for drafting basic patterns, such as skirts, pants, and bodices.A French curved ruler is a tool that has a curved shape and multiple markings. It is used to draw and adjust smooth curves on patterns, such as armholes, necklines, waistlines, and hips. It can also help you mark seam allowances and grade patterns. A French curved ruler is essential for creating and modifying complex patterns, such as dresses, jackets, and coats. Grab curved french rulers for free here.

Thread:

You will need different types and colors of thread for sewing by hand or by machine. Thread is the material that holds your fabric pieces together. It can be made of natural or synthetic fibers, such as cotton, polyester, silk, or nylon. You can use matching or contrasting colors of thread, depending on the effect you want to achieve. You can learn more about how to choose the right thread for your project from this guide.

Pins and pin cushion:

You will need pins and a pin cushion to hold your fabric pieces together before you sew them. Pins are small metal or plastic rods with a sharp point at one end and a head at the other. They help you align and secure your fabric pieces, mark the seam allowance, and prevent the fabric from shifting or stretching. A pin cushion is a small stuffed pillow or container that holds your pins and keeps them organized and handy. You can make your own pin cushion with some fabric scraps and stuffing, or buy one from a craft store. Check out my post on how to create own pin cushion that sharpens needles and pins.

Scissors:

You will need scissors to cut your fabric, thread, and patterns. Scissors are one of the most essential tools for sewing, so it is important to invest in a good pair of scissors that can cut your fabric smoothly and accurately. You can use different types of scissors for different purposes, such as fabric scissors, embroidery scissors, pinking shears, or rotary cutter. You can learn more about how to choose and use the right scissors for your project from this guide.

Measuring tape:

You will need a measuring tape to measure your body, your fabric, and your patterns. A measuring tape is a flexible and retractable tape that has markings in inches or centimeters. It helps you take accurate measurements of your body, such as your bust, waist, hips, and inseam. It also measure your fabric, such as the length, width, and grainline. It’s perfect to measure your patterns, such as the seam allowance, the hemline, and the dart placement. You can learn more about how to measure yourself from this guide.

Seam ripper:

You will need a seam ripper to undo your stitches, remove your basting, or fix your mistakes. A seam ripper is a small tool that has a sharp hook at one end and a handle at the other. It helps you cut and remove the thread from your seams, without damaging your fabric. It also helps you open buttonholes, remove buttons, or cut notches. You can learn more about how to use a seam ripper from this guide.

Fabric markers:

You will need fabric markers to mark your fabric, your patterns, or your designs. Fabric markers are pens, pencils, chalk, or other tools that can make temporary or permanent marks on your fabric. They help you transfer your pattern markings, such as the darts, the pleats, the pockets, or the zipper placement, to your fabric. They also help you draw your own designs, such as embroidery patterns, appliques, or embellishments, on your fabric. You can use different types of fabric markers, such as tailor’s chalk, water-soluble pens, heat-erasable pens, or tracing paper. You can learn more about how to choose and use the right fabric marker for your project from this guide.

Sewing Machine

If you want to sew faster, easier, and more professionally, you might want to invest in a sewing machine. A sewing machine is an electric or manual device that can stitch your fabric pieces together with a needle and a thread. It can also perform various functions, such as buttonholes, zippers, decorative stitches, or embroidery.

There are many types and models of sewing machines available in the market, ranging from basic to advanced, from cheap to expensive, from domestic to industrial. You can choose the one that suits your needs, your budget, and your skill level. You can learn more about how to choose and use a sewing machine from this guide.

Sewing Patterns

If you want to sew your own clothes, accessories, or home decor items, you might want to use sewing patterns. Sewing patterns are templates or instructions that show you how to cut and sew your fabric pieces to create a finished product. They can be printed on paper or downloaded as digital files.

There are many sources and types of sewing patterns available, such as books, magazines, websites, blogs, or online shops. You can choose the one that suits your style, your size, and your skill level. Think also on modifing or create your own sewing patterns, if you have some pattern drafting skills. You can learn more about how to use sewing patterns from this very blog and my sewing channel.

Check out as well:

Print and assemble free PDF patterns

Learn How to cut out sewing patterns with tips and tools

How to add seam allowance in sewing

Check out how to measure yourself to see what size is the best for you.

Sewing Skills

To start sewing, you need to learn some basic sewing skills, such as how to thread a needle, how to make a knot, how to sew a seam, how to hem a garment, or how to sew a button. You can learn these skills by watching videos, reading books, taking classes, or practicing on your own. You can also learn some advanced sewing skills, such as how to sew a zipper, how to sew a collar, how to sew a sleeve, or how to sew a dart. All those and much more you can learn on my youtube channel.

Sewing is a great hobby and a useful skill that can help you create your own DIY fashion projects. By having some basic sewing essentials and tools, by using a sewing machine and sewing patterns, and by learning and improving your sewing skills, you can sew anything you want and have fun along the way. I hope you have found this post helpful and informative, and we encourage you to try some of the sewing essentials and tools that we have suggested. Happy sewing!

In this post, you have learned on sewing essentials.