The space and the supplies that you need to sew
THE SEWING SPACE & BASIC SUPPLIES
People often ask me what the perfect sewing studio looks like.
The truth is, I don’t know.
I’ve sewn in a top-floor corner studio overlooking Union Square, in the back room of a hair salon in Austin, in a shared maker space on the Ivanhoe, in a dedicated sewing room at home, in an open loft in DUMBO, and at my own dining room table with my supplies tucked away nearby so I could pack everything up at the end of the day.
Every space had something wonderful about it and something frustrating.
The Union Square studio was inspiring, but every evening I’d get home to Brooklyn convinced I’d left the iron on. My home studio had the shortest commute imaginable (from the coffee pot to my sewing machine in about forty-five seconds) but work always seemed to spill into the rest of my life.
I’ve learned that there isn’t a magical space that makes someone a better sewist. When I’m completely absorbed in a project, I hardly notice where I am anyway.
Over the years I’ve watched many people postpone learning because they think they don’t have the right space. If that sounds like you, I’d love to challenge that idea.
A perfectly good sewing studio is simply:
A table
An electrical outlet
Good light
A handful of dependable tools
And a project you’re excited to make!
That’s enough.
BUYING YOUR SUPPLIES
Everything in this chapter is easy to find, and I’ll recommend the brands I personally use. Brand names aren’t essential, but after years of sewing professionally, these are the tools I consistently pack in my carry- on when I’m traveling for fashion shoots and need equipment I can completely trust.
Some tools really do make sewing more enjoyable. There is a noticeable difference between a pair of scissors that simply cuts and a pair a tailor absolutely loves to cut with. The right pins help fabric behave. Good thread prevents countless frustrations.
And please — for the love of sewing — don’t use that yellowed spool of thread your neighbor rescued from the 1950s. Fresh, quality thread is one of the easiest ways to improve your sewing.
If my favorite brands aren’t available where you live, don’t worry. Buy the best version you can comfortably afford and begin. Beautiful sewing comes from practiced hands far more than expensive tools.
SEWING MACHINE
You’ll need a working sewing machine for this series.
If you already own one, or are borrowing one, I highly recommend having it serviced before you begin. Give yourself a little time since repair shops can have a waiting list.
If you’re buying your first machine, I recommend keeping it simple.
My favorite beginner machine is the Janome 2212. It’s a little workhorse that sews beautifully, is lightweight enough to carry, and costs less than two hundred dollars. I don’t recommend spending more than that on your first machine. Make sure you truly love sewing before investing in an upgrade.
Truthfully, I use my Janome 2212 all the time.
Whatever machine you choose, keep the owner’s manual nearby. We’ll use it when we learn to thread the machine. If you’ve misplaced yours, you can usually download a free copy from the manufacturer’s website.
DRESSMAKING SCISSORS
I love my Kai dressmaking shears.
Twenty years ago they were nearly impossible to find in New York City’s Garment District. Every sewing supply shop knew exactly what they were, remembered having one pair months ago, and then apologized because they had sold out.
When I finally found a pair, they were worth every bit of the hunt.
Today they’re much easier to buy, but they’re just as wonderful to sew with. I recommend the 8-inch dressmaking shears. They glide through fabric beautifully and have been my favorite ever since.
If you choose another brand, simply look for a quality pair of 8-inch dressmaking shears.
THREAD SNIPS
You’ll also need a small pair of scissors for trimming threads.
I have a soft spot for Gingher’s little stork-shaped embroidery scissors because they were the first snips I owned. Thread trimming isn’t the most glamorous part of sewing, so I think your snips should make you smile.
Buy happy snips.
SEAM RIPPER
Every good seam can be removed.
In the beginning, many of yours will be & that’s completely normal.
Around here we call those learning opportunities.
My favorite is the Clover Seam Ripper.
FABRIC MARKING TOOL
Whether you choose tailor’s chalk, a chalk wheel, or a chalk pencil, you’ll need a way to mark your fabric.
I love the Clover Chalk Wheel because it creates a crisp, fine line that brushes away easily and can be refilled when it runs out.
FRIXION PEN
I rarely sew without one.
Although it was designed as a heat-erasable pen for paper, it works beautifully for many fabrics. Draw your sewing line, stitch, press with an iron, and the ink disappears like magic.
Always test it on a scrap of fabric first.
PINS
I use Dritz Yellow Quilting Pins (13⁄4”) for almost everything.
They’re sharp, dependable, and kind to fabric.
MAGNETIC PIN CUSHION
One of the greatest upgrades I ever made was switching to a magnetic pin cushion.
Before that, I used tomato pin cushions or little bowls, and my pins were constantly ending up on the floor.
A magnetic pin cushion changed everything.
Drop your pins? Simply sweep the magnet across the floor and they’ll all jump right back into place.
It’s a little bit of sewing magic.
I like the Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion, but I replace the colorful pins it comes with. I much prefer my Dritz yellow head pins.
HAND SEWING NEEDLES
A simple assortment of hand sewing needles is all you need to begin.
I usually buy the Singer variety pack because it’s easy to find almost anywhere.
As your sewing grows, you’ll discover your favorites naturally.
BOBBIN SAVER
I love the Grabbit Bobbin Saver.
It’s nothing more than a flexible rubber ring that neatly holds your bobbins in place, but it keeps everything beautifully organized.
Simple. Effective. Satisfying.
SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES
Never underestimate the importance of a fresh sewing needle.
I keep plenty of Schmetz needles on hand because sewing machine needles wear out and they occasionally break.
For this series, purchase an assortment of Universal and Stretch needles in several sizes. You’ll use them throughout your sewing journey.
CLEAR RULER
A 2” × 18” clear ruler is one of my most used measuring tools.
I like the Dritz Quilt-N-See ruler, although art supply stores often carry similar rulers for less.
MEASURING TAPE
You’ll need a flexible measuring tape.
Yes, you’ll use it for taking measurements.
And yes, wearing it around your neck instantly makes you look like a real tailor.
POINT TURNER
A point turner helps create crisp corners and smooth edges.
I use the Dritz bamboo point turner and presser, but plastic versions work just as well.
IRON
Sewing is part dreaming, part preparing, part stitching, and part sculpting with heat. A good iron is one of the most important tools you’ll own.
I like an iron with a stainless-steel soleplate and reliable steam. You don’t need to spend a fortune. A dependable basic steam iron will serve you beautifully for years.
IRONING BOARD & SLEEVE BOARD
Any sturdy ironing board will do.
Choose one that fits both your budget and your sewing space.
I also recommend a sleeve board. You’ll see me use one throughout the videos because it makes pressing sleeves and smaller pieces markedly easier.
Mine happens to have llamas on it. Naturally, I love it.