In this post you will discover the sewing supplies to avoid as a beginner, smarter alternatives that save time and money.
You know that feeling when you start something new and just want everything? The pretty kits, the “magic” tools, the Pinterest-worthy gear that promises to make sewing easy overnight?
Well… I’ve been there. And let me tell you—some of those things ended up as drawer clutter, not helpful tools.
So here’s my honest list of things I wouldn’t buy again as a beginner (plus what actually helped me), based on real frustration, happy discoveries, and lots of “oops.”
7 Sewing Supplies to Skip (And Best Sewing Supplies for Beginners to Get Instead)
1. Fabric Glues & Liquid Stitch
Let’s start with the messy one. I once thought fabric glue was a shortcut to avoid sewing tiny bits. It wasn’t. It stiffened the fabric weirdly and left strange residue after washing. Plus, it didn’t hold well for actual garments.
Better Alternative? Try a fabric glue pen (like the Prym or Bohin ones) or double-sided fusible tape. They hold just enough to get you through sewing without warping the fabric or clogging your needle.
2. Beginner Sewing Kits with “Everything” in Them
These seem like a great deal: pins, scissors, tape, bobbins, thread, seam ripper… but the quality is usually meh. I had a kit where the scissors barely cut, the thread snapped constantly, and the pins were so thick they left holes in delicate fabrics.
Tip: Just buy what you actually need:
- One good pair of sharp fabric scissors
- A magnetic pin cushion (so helpful, trust me)
- High-quality thread (Gütermann is beginner gold!)
- And a seam ripper that doesn’t hurt your soul when you use it.
3. Mini Ironing Boards
This one’s cute… until you need to press a full skirt seam and your iron keeps falling off the edge every 10 seconds. I finally ditched mine and started using a wool pressing mat right on my dining table—flat, heat-holding, and way more space to work with. You can even use a folded towel in a pinch—don’t overthink it.
When you’re ready to sew more often (and a little more professionally) but don’t have room for a big ironing board, don’t worry—you can easily make your own! It’s super affordable, space-saving, and you can customize the size to fit your sewing area perfectly. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make it step by step—it’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly.
4. Bias Tape Maker Set (The Full Rainbow Pack)
I thought I needed every size of bias tape maker, in every color… but honestly? I only ever use one size—usually 1/2 inch double-fold. The others are still in the box, untouched.
Tip: Start with just the size your pattern asks for. And if you’re not sewing bias edges often (like necklines or curves), you can probably skip buying these altogether.
5. Big Packs of Random Patterns
Confession: I bought a bundle of 20 patterns early on because it was “such a deal.”
Guess how many I sewed? Two. 😅
Lesson learned: Pick one project that really excites you. Look at the instructions, see if it fits your skill level, and go all in. Don’t collect; create.
6. Cheap All-Color Thread Packs
The rainbow looks lovely online, but these are often polyester blends with uneven tension that jam your machine. Some even shred mid-seam.
Instead, start with a few neutral, high-quality spools—white, grey, beige—and build your collection from there. You’ll use them way more than neon green or bright lavender. If you’re not sure which shades to get, check out my post on 7 Neutral Thread Colors Perfect for Every Fabric—it’ll help you pick tones that blend beautifully with almost anything you sew.
7. Slippery or Delicate Fabrics (Too Early!)
I thought I was being bold sewing chiffon on week two. Reality? Puckered seams, stretched hems, and lots of cursing. 😂
Start with:
- Cotton poplin
- Linen blend
- Chambray or lightweight denim
They’re forgiving, easy to press, and you’ll see your improvement faster.
Bonus: Less-Obvious (But Seriously Game-Changing) Sewing Advice
Don’t Trust the Pattern Blindly
Yes, even from big brands. I’ve found missing notches, odd sizing, and confusing instructions. Always “walk the seams” on your pattern pieces to check that they match up before cutting. Doing a muslin test (especially for dresses and pants) will save you yards of fabric and heaps of heartache.
Learn to Clip & Notch Curves
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This isn’t just for show. For a neckline to lay flat, or a sleeve to sit smoothly, you must clip into the seam allowance (inward curves) or cut tiny wedges out (outward curves). It makes a huge difference in how your finished garment fits and moves.
Use Beeswax on Hand-Sewing Thread
Nobody told me this when I first started—but running your hand-sewing thread through a chunk of beeswax makes it stronger, smoother, and way less likely to tangle. It’s a tiny upgrade that saves big time (especially when sewing buttons or finishing linings).
Tape Down a Seam Guide
This was a lightbulb moment. If your sewing machine doesn’t have a strong visual seam guide, stick a piece of washi tape or masking tape along your desired seam allowance. It trains your eye and gives you consistent, neat seams—especially helpful for beginners.
Once you know that sewing is something you truly want to keep in your life, treat yourself to a magnetic seam guide — it’s a game-changer.
Don’t Sew When You’re Tired or Rushed
This sounds obvious, but I can’t count how many late-night mistakes I’ve made because I just wanted to finish it. Wrong sides sewn together, sleeves inside out, hems done backward… Take breaks. It’s not a race. Sewing is your slow, happy place.
Learn to Press Like a Pro
Sew a seam → press it. Then press it again when you’re done. No, it’s not optional. Pressing in stages makes your projects look polished instead of “homemade.” I didn’t believe it until I tried it—and it really is sewing magic.
What I’d Buy Instead (If I Had to Start Over)
- One great pair of shears
- A small stash of good fabric (no more hoarding!)
- A seam ripper you love, not fear
- Matching thread for the project at hand
- 1–2 easy patterns with clear instructions and learn pattern hacking !
- An iron you actually like using
- A comfy chair with back support—seriously, this matters!
Later on, when you realize sewing is truly your thing and you want to take it further, you can explore more advanced tools that make a big difference in precision and creativity. I’ve shared all the tools I personally use as a professional sewist in this post—perfect if you’re ready to level up your sewing setup.
Really Needed Sewing Supplies for Beginners
| ❌ Don’t Buy | ✅ Get This Instead |
|---|---|
| Fabric glue & Liquid Stitch | Fabric glue pen or double-sided fusible tape |
| Cheap beginner sewing kits | High-quality scissors, seam ripper, thread & magnetic pin holder |
| Mini ironing board | Wool pressing mat or folded towel on table |
| Full bias tape maker set | Just one size you’ll actually use (like 1/2″) |
| Pattern bundles you won’t sew | 1–2 thoughtfully chosen beginner-friendly patterns |
| Cheap rainbow thread sets | 3–4 good spools in neutral tones (Gütermann) |
| Slippery/delicate fabrics early on | Cotton poplin, linen blend, chambray |
Frequently Asked Questions
What beginner sewing supplies are worth the investment?
Focus on quality fabric scissors, a reliable seam ripper, and good thread. These basics make sewing easier and your projects more enjoyable.
Which sewing tools should I avoid as a beginner?
Avoid cheap all-in-one kits, mini ironing boards, and unnecessary bias tape makers. These can cause frustration and won’t improve your sewing skills.
How do I build a beginner sewing kit on a budget?
Start with a good pair of fabric scissors, quality thread in neutral colors, a seam ripper you like, and a magnetic pincushion. Add tools as you grow.
What fabric is best for beginner projects?
Choose easy-to-handle fabrics like cotton poplin, linen blends, chambray, or lightweight denim for smoother sewing experiences.
Any tips for avoiding sewing mistakes?
Always press your seams as you go, sew slowly when learning new stitches, and take breaks when tired to avoid costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts on Sewing Supplies for Beginners
Sewing is one of the most rewarding hobbies out there—but it’s easy to get sidetracked by shiny tools and Instagram “must-haves.” If you’re just starting out, focus on:
- Learning one new skill at a time
- Making projects you’ll actually wear or use
- Asking “do I really need this?” before buying
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And remember—your sewing journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
In this post you have discovered which beginner sewing supplies to skip, and smart replacements that really work.
Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me create more free sewing tutorials for you ❤️
Ahh yes sewing when you are tired 🙈
hahaha I see you did it as well 🙂
Haha yep! Usually leads to the seam ripper the next day 😂