Stocking Your Sewing Kit

I am a firm believer that every crafter should at least have a well stocked sewing kit, and know how to at least make the most basic of stitches for minor repairs. With that said, I thought I would give you a few tips on stocking your sewing kit.

I will add some pictures of each tool later this evening when I can drag them out without the kids trying to run off with every item I have. Ha Ha!

MUST HAVES:
These are items that I feel every sewing kit must have. I have found situations that call for the use of one of these items far outweigh the situations that do not call for them.

Tape Measure
I prefer the tape plastic-coated fabric type. You have at least seen one in the movies. Ha Ha. It comes in very handy because it does not stretch out of shape, and when not in use you can simply drape it over your shoulders for easy access when you do need it. Most are 5/8-inch wide (the width of the standard seam allowance), 60-inches long, come in both standard and metric measurements, and come in two tone. Why two tone you ask? Well how else are you supposed to know when the tape is twisted? I have found that using this simplest of tools, which is not that expensive and even comes in most beginner sewing kits, has been a life saver! Measuring is the key to getting any craft to turn out wonderful! And always remember the old adage, "Measure twice, cut once." This will save you a lot of pain in the future.

Seam Gauge
This particular tool you can get away with not having if you are not planning on doing any sewing crafts. But if you are, it comes in very handy! It comes in very handy for small measurements such as button holes and hems. It is a 6-inch metal ruler with a slide that moves up and down. A lot of beginner's sewing kits may also come with this measuring tool.

8-inch bent dressmaker's shears
Okay, I am a terrible person for this one. My shears just broke and I have yet to replace them with a decent pair, but they are a necessity none the less. These come in uber handy when cutting fabric. They have one angled blade and one straight blade allowing for a more accurate cut. Always remember though, keep them sharpened and NEVER use them for anything other than fabric. This can cause the blades to dull and damage and snare your fabric. And you don't want that to happen.

Trim scissors
You remember when hotels and other places used to give out sewing kits? You remember the small scissors that they used to have in them? They were small straight scissors with round holes for your fingers. Trim scissors are slightly larger versions of those scissors. They are used for minor trims. While currently I do not have a pair as of right now, but I don't use them often. I found myself using them more when I first started sewing rather than now.

Wash-out pencil
While wash-out pencils are my marking tool of choice, any marking tool that you find at your local fabric store will work. You often find yourself in the position that you you need to mark your fabric before cutting it. Marking tools come in very handy because they show up on the fabric and the marks are easily removed afterward.

Pins and pincushion
While using a sewing machine, pinning the fabric down so it does not move while sewing is usually a good idea. And you need somewhere to keep those pins when they are not in use, and that is where the pincushion comes in! You don't have to jump up and buy a pincushion though. You can always make your own. I will provide a tutorial for one at a later date. I would stay away from purchasing the pins with the plastic ends. There will be times where you need to press the fabric with the pins in, and they can melt to the fabric and your iron. I also suggest getting the pins with at least some end on them, such as the glass head pins. This way you don't lose them and they are easier to grasp.

Needles
A pack of good hand-sewing needles is a must, or you are not sewing. Needles come in all shapes and sizes. You can pick up a pack that has various styles of needles for various projects significantly cheap. There are even (so I have heard, I have never used one) self threading needles. When in doubt you can always ask an associate at your local fabric store.

Thread
Thread is just as important as needles in the world of sewing. Both are necessities. However, choosing thread can be a tricky situation. First and foremost. If you see thread on sale for dirt cheap, turn the other direction. Cheap thread may seem like a break, but it can actually create more work for you. This cheap thread is basically the bottom of the barrel stuff. With that said, you have to look at your project do decide the thread you need. I suggest that you go with an all-purpose thread to stock your sewing kit with. That way whatever the situation you have some thread that will do the job. I do not suggest on buying several spindles of thread at the same time, "to save money and time". Thread, especially in certain climates, can become brittle and frail. So only buy what you need for a given project. I have found that keeping a little black and white on hand will get used before any damage happens.

Handy-dandy carrying case
Now that you have all the tools, you definitely need somewhere to put them. Growing up my Mom and I kept our sewing kits in tackle boxes. They have many compartments, are very sturdy, and lock close. Now they make sewing kit boxes with compartments that lock close. Some even have built in pincushions. For a little extra money you can eve buy one with spokes to hold your thread in place. It is all what you are comfortable with and what you can afford. This is one of those areas where you don't have to spend a lot of money. Growing up in the South tackle boxes were cheap and a dime a dozen. They worked perfect for my mother and I, but they might not work for you. Just pick something you are comfortable with.


Now that you have your sewing kit, you are ready for anything that heads your way! Good luck and happy crafting!