I always look for easy ways to transform old clothes into new trendy clothes. Refashion and upcycled clothing satisfies my goals and gives me a creative outlet to personalize my classic wardrobe pieces.
When building a basic sewing kit, I recommend purchasing professional grade pieces over poorly constructed items. The durable quality materials are long-lasting and rarely require replacement.
From a sewing machine to loop turner and fabric scissors, I share the exact supplies I use to execute all my upcycle projects. Check this resource page often to see any updates made to my basic sewing kit!
Sewing Kit for Beginners
Here is my favorite sewing supplies and tools that I constantly reach for in every project. This basic sewing kit for beginners is filled with the essential items that I use to upcycle clothing in every project.
Let me introduce the best sewing machine! The Singer heavy duty sewing machine has allowed me the ability to execute every project in this upcycling journey.
Its versatile ability allows it to transition from knit t-shirt to denim jean and heavy canvas fabric. Because the machine is heavy duty, it can work high level output without getting burned out.
The 32 built-in stitches are useful to make everything from zigzag stitch to buttonhole stitch so that you are able to complete your garment using one multifaceted sewing machine. Finish your project in less time with 1,100 stitches per minute!
Furthermore, the machine comes with 4 different sewing foot pieces. From zipper foot to buttonhole foot you have the ability to execute in every aspect.
When not using the sewing machine, it’s best to store it properly and cover it with a case.
How do I store my sewing machine when not in use? I use a hard carrying case to keep the sewing machine protected.
The case helps me to store the machine safely with a dust-free enclosure that also keeps it out of direct sun exposure. Simply use the handle to carry around and store it in the safe place.
It’s important to have heavy duty sharp scissors when you are cutting any fabric or deconstructing an existing garment. I’ve been using these fabric scissors to cut denim, silk, and thick layers without a blink.
The blades can be sharpened to continuously have smooth and clean cutting edges all the time.
The key to make your fabric scissors last long is not only sharpen them when needed, but also avoid dropping them on the floor. It’s especially important to not use fabric scissor to cut paper. If you need to cut any paper, do not use your fabric scissors!
In every video tutorials, you will see me using white or black flat rectangular shape fabric chalk. I select the color based on the color of clothes that I am working on.
I use the wax based tailor’s chalk from SEWTCO. They mark straight and clean lines that won’t stain on your clothing or hands. They are great chalk to mark on fabric lines and sewing indications.
The fabric chalk lines disappears when it comes in contact with heat like an iron or warm water in the washing machine. So, you don’t need to hand wash them separately.
A soft and durable measuring tape will save you a lot of time when working with any fabric or garment. It is handy for straight or curved lines to give an accurate measurement without any uncertainty.
Whether you are comfortable with inches or centimeters, with this one measuring tape provides both units of measure. When not in use, simply wrap the measuring tape into a neat coil for next time!
For no sew projects, I use Aleene’s fabric glue. I’ve had experiences where other fabric glues that get stiff or peel away after washing.
However, this glue remains flexible and soft. It is clear and has less odor, plus it’s so easy to work with.
From t-shirts to men’s shirt and denim, this fabric glue will get the job done! It’s machine washable and dry cleanable, which makes it a perfect choice for a wide variety of old clothes transform projects.
If you are not fond of fabric glue, I totally understand. I have also worked with fusing tape on the no sew scrunchie tutorial.
This fabric fuse tape is a double-sided press-on adhesive that allows you to simply attach layers together in a heart beat.
The fusing tape creates a durable bond that is washable. Perfect for no sew projects or even hemming the bottom finish when you feel lazy.
To make your life easier, have plenty of straight sewing pins around when you join two sides together. Pinning the fabric helps to prevent making any mistakes.
These fabric pins work well on lightweight and medium weight fabrications. They are great quality pins that don’t get dull, so feel free to use them as much as you wish.
In every tutorial, you will see me using a standard 12-inch wooden ruler. It is perfect to use with fabric chalk to create straight lines and also when connecting marks on the fabric.
Again, it has inches on one side and centimeters on the other side, so you can use it interchangeably for every measurement on each tutorial.
From drawstring to shoulder strap, I have to say that the loop turner is a truly life saving invention. You can use safety pins and a straw to flip the strap inside out, but when it comes to skinny and narrow width, it seems nearly impossible to use this method.
Simply use the latch-hook to hold the fabric securely and easily flip the fabric strap inside out.
Become a seam ripper master! The main requirement to become upcycle clothing designer is to know how to use seam ripper in a quick and efficient manner. The faster you rip through seams, the sooner you get to start cutting and sewing to create the new clothes.
The red ball tip point is to protect the fabric from damaging and the sharp blade helps you to disconnect the stitches along the seams.
Whether you work on no sew or sew projects, it’s crucial to have nice iron next to you. It helps to cut straight lines and also gives a clean finish all around.
From side seams to hemming, this anti-drip non-stitch soleplate iron will become your go-to. Always test the iron on a scrap piece to see how the fabric responds, that ways you don’t damage the whole garment!
Prepare a beginners sewing kit by starting with the items I’ve listed above. Begin your sewing journey with the supplies and tools to make the experience fun and memorable.
If you feel like there’s something missing from my basic sewing kit or if you have any questions about the items I have shared, please feel free to reach out in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
What are your favorite sewing kit supplies and tools?
Share your sewing essentials with me in the comments below!
#FashionWanderer
