Must-Have Sewing Tools for Beginners and Advanced Sewist!
If you love sewing as much as I do, you already know that the right tools can completely change your sewing experience. Whether you're just starting out as a beginner or you've been sewing for years, having reliable, high-quality sewing essentials makes your projects smoother, faster, and more professional-looking.
As someone who sews regularly (and as a new mom who sneaks in sewing time whenever I can!), I have a collection of go-to tools that I can't live without. These are the sewing supplies that save me time, help me fix mistakes, and make creating so much more fun.
In this post, I'll share my favorite sewing tools that I have been using for years. From beginner-friendly sewing machines to sharp scissors, rotary cutters, and even the little gadgets you didn't know you needed, this list will help you set up your sewing space like a pro.
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Essential Sewing Machines
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
This sewing machine is lightweight, easy to use, and packed with 27 built-in stitches. Includes 6 different presser feet, making it perfect for beginners learning to sew. Great for everyday sewing projects without being overwhelming.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
Ideal for sewing multiple layers or heavy-duty fabrics like denim and canvas. Has a strong motor with enhanced piercing power. Offers 110 stitch applications, so it works for everything from home decor to fashion sewing. Perfect for advanced sewers or anyone wanting a "workhorse" machine.
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
Cutting Tools & Mats
Rotary Cutter
Cuts fabric smoothly with minimal effort (like pizza cutter for fabric!). Great for quilting, sewing, and crafting. Works for both right and left-handed users! I use the smaller rotary cutter for very tight and small curve parts of the pattern cutting. The 45mm Fiskars Rotary Cutter is designed for comfort while cutting and features titanium rotary blades that last three times longer than other blades.
OLFA Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Extends the life of your rotary blades while protecting your work surface. Grid lines make accurate cuts so much easier. The smaller cutting mat is portable and space-saving. The larger cutting mats are great for larger projects.
Fiskars Scissors
Durable, sharp, and designed to reduce hand strain with their spring-action design. These are my everyday pair for cutting fabric and trimming seams.
Fiskars RazorEdge Micro-tip Scissors
KAI Scissors
I just recently discovered these scissors when my brother-in-law bought them for me for Christmas. They are super sharp and smooth - they cut like butter! They are comfortable to use for long sewing sessions. Worth the investment since they stay sharp for years! These are becoming my favorite go-to scissors in the sewing room!
Measuring & Marking Tools
Acrylic Clear Rulers
Perfect for drawing and cutting straight lines, especially when paired with a rotary cutter.
5-in-1 Sliding Gauge
Great for marking hems, buttonholes, seam allowances, and even circles!
Air & Water-Soluble Fabric Markers
My go-to for pattern tracing and markings that magically disappear with either air (purple side) or water (blue and purple side).
Dual Purpose Mark-B-Gone Marking Pen
Heat Marking Pen (use on darker fabrics)
Tape Measure
Flexible and accurate essential tool for taking body measurements or working with curved seams. My favorite is this Retractable Flexable Tape Measure since you can lock the tape in the slot and retract the tape around your waist, arm, etc. Easier to get the measurement than a regular flexible tape measure.
Wrap N Stay Retractable Tape Measure
Pressing Tools
Iron & Ironing Board
A must for pressing seams and removing wrinkles from fabric.
Black + Decker Wasy Steam Compact Iron
Wool Pressing Mat
A space-saving alternative to a regular ironing board that presses both sides of fabric at once! I love how much faster it makes pressing! Easy to roll up and store. I have the 18" x 36" wool pressing mat and I use it all the time to iron cotton fabrics. If you do not have a lot of space they do have a 12" x 18" Wool Pressing Mat.
18" X 36" New Zealand Wool Pressing Mat
Organizing & Holding Tools
Wooden Thread Rack
These racks keep threads organized and easy to grab. I hang my thread racks on my wall, utilizing a pegboard.
Bobbin Holder Case
Great storage solution for holding all of your bobbins.
Sewing Pins & Magnetic Pin Cushion
I love the magnetic pin cushion since it is easy to grab, easy to store pins, and no more stepping on lost pins!
Wonder Clips
A game-changer if you don't like pinning. It is perfect for holding thick layers of fabric and prevent damage on certain types of fabrics.
Handy Gadgets You'll Thank Yourself For
Seam Ripper
Mistakes happen to all of us (beginners and experts alike). These are a lifesaver when you need to undue your stitching mistakes. I love the seam ripper with the comfort grip!
Hemostats
One of my most-used tools! Amazing for turning fabric inside out and stuffing plushies.
Fray Check
Stops fabric from fraying and secures thread ends. Lifesaver for clean finishes.
Pattern Weights
Keep patterns in place without shifting when cutting fabrics.
Comfort Thimble
Protects your finger while hand sewing and is very comfortable to wear versus the traditional thimble.
Hand Sewing Needles & Threader
Great for mending, embroidery, or quick fixes.
Sewing Needles and Threader Bundle
Sewing Machine Needles
Choosing the right sewing needle for your machine is very important when working with a variety of fabrics and projects. I mostly use stretch and universal needles but on occasion I use other types for special sewing projects.
Stretch Needle for Knits & Spandex
Stretch Needle for Elastic, Minky & Fleece Fabrics
Thread
The type of thread you use can truly make or break a sewing project. Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few brands, but my go-to for everyday stitching is Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP All-Purpose Thread. It’s durable, smooth, and holds up so much better than many other machine threads I’ve worked with. For hand-sewing tasks, such as closing up openings on plushies or other project, I reach for Coats & Clark Upholstery Thread. It’s stronger, less likely to tangle, and won’t snap when I pull tightly on the stitches, which gives my projects a much cleaner and longer-lasting finish.
Dual Duty XP All Purpose Thread Black
Dual Duty XP All Purpose Thread White
Bonus Tool for Tricky Fabrics
Open Toe Walking Foot Attachment
Essential for sewing slippery fabrics, knits, or multiple layers. Helps prevent shifting, puckering, or uneven seams. Open-toe design gives you visibility so your stitches land exactly where you want. Compatible with most low-shank machines (Brother, Singer, Janome, and more).
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just starting or you've been sewing for years, investing in the right sewing tools makes a world of difference. These are my tried-and-true sewing essentials that help me sew faster, fix mistakes, and enjoy the creative process even more. If you're ready to stock up your sewing kit, you can find all of these tools (and more of my favorites) on my Amazon Storefront here.
Happy Sewing!
- Christina
Sew Craft N Bead
