5 Essential Sewing Tools for Beginners
- Miaira Jennings
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
(Beginner-Friendly Guide + Must-Have Tools)
Sewing my own clothes has become such a rewarding part of my journey as a creator and I often get asked how I started. If you're ready to start your sewing journey, you're in the right spot. Whether you're dreaming of designing custom pieces, thrift flip gems you find at the thrift store, or simply want to make your own clothes from scratch, the right tools make all the difference. This guide breaks down the 5 essential sewing tools every beginner needs, complete with my favorite affordable picks and how I use them in my own DIY fashion projects.
Looking for step-by-step inspiration? I’ve included video links from my own tutorials throughout this post so you can follow along!
*I may receive a commission for purchases made through product affiliate links in this post.
A Reliable Sewing Machine
A quality sewing machine is your #1 investment as a beginner. Look for one that’s:
Easy to thread
Has basic stitch functions (straight, zigzag, buttonhole)
Works on different fabric types
Whether you’re hemming jeans, sewing knits, or making entire garments, a dependable sewing machine will be the foundation of every project.
Recommended Machines:
Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine
This was my official starter machine! It's great for simple projects, lightweight and affordable.
Brother XR9550 Sewing & Quilting Machine
This is the machine I currently use for my sewing projects and I love it! It's just as simple to set up and use as the first, with more options.
Watch how I use my sewing machine to make this 3-in-1 dress:
Dress Form or Adjustable Mannequin
This has been a game changer for me. If you want to ensure a better fit without constantly trying things on as you go, a dress form is perfect. It'll help you:
Draping fabric
Fitting clothes as you sew
Styling your designs in real time
Even if you’re just starting out, using a dress form will help you better understand fit, proportion, and silhouette (especially if you're upcycling or designing custom pieces)!
Top pick:
Here's how my dress form helped me recreate this 90s-inspired dress:
Sewing Clips (A Pin-Free Game Changer)
Once you try sewing clips, you may never go back to pins (they changed my life)! While I still use pins for specific parts of sewing projects, clips especially when working with delicate fabrics, vinyl, or thick seams. Why I love clips:
They won’t poke holes in fabric
They're easier to handle than pins (no poking your fingers!)
They work great for edge-binding, elastic, and curved seams
My favorite sewing clips:
Sewing clips made the process of making this DIY jacket SO easy:
Sharp Fabric Scissors
If you’re serious about sewing, investing in high-quality fabric scissors is a must. Regular household scissors can snag or dull quickly, making it harder to cut clean lines in your fabric. A good pair of fabric shears helps you cut smoothly (especially when working with delicate materials or tricky curves). Look for a pair with an ergonomic grip for comfort during long DIY sessions!
My go-to fabric scissors:
These sewing scissors made this cut-out project so simple:
A Variety of Sewing Machine Needles
Understanding that different fabrics require different needles is so important when sewing (and will spare you some broken needles/machine jams)! Using the right needle also prevents skipped stitches, thread breakage and fabric damage.
Here’s what every beginner should keep on hand:
Needles specifically made for thick denim fabric will prevent broken needles during projects like this:
Final Thoughts: Start Simple and Build Your Toolkit
Starting your sewing journey doesn’t mean you need a studio full of gadgets. These 5 sewing essentials will cover almost every beginner project, from DIY crop tops and upcycled thrift flips to full custom garments. Ff you’re looking for tutorials to practice your skills, be sure to check out my YouTube channel for beginner-friendly sewing projects!
Bonus: Use my code MIAIRA15 at MadamSew.com for 15% off your sewing supplies!
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