The Sewing Place
Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: HappyCampers on February 22, 2022, 18:20:48 PM
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Following on from the "what machine" thread my young daughter will also need some "stuff" to accompany her new sewing machine - would welcome your views
She has a few hand needlecraft items already that are probably good enough for now:
Hemline 20cm gold dress making scissors (her favourite), generic embroidery scissors and mini thread shears
Lots of embroidery / hand sewing needles and threads.
Lots of books with ideas, though the first projects aren't yet picked
Stuff she is planning on getting from local haberdashery:
Large glass tip pins (30mm, 48mm, bigger?)
A box of Guterman Sew all threads
Some spare machine needles (whatever the shop suggest)
A box of spare Brother bobbins (possibly with the little clips to keep the thread safe)
A small cantilever sewing box (or something) to keep stuff in
Stuff we aren't sure about:
What to stand the new machine on? Is it too heavy for a desk? Will is vibrate and need a neoprene pad?
Does she need top stitch thread and / or bobbin thread or is 'Sew all' exactly that?
What marking stuff to get, there seem so many choices?
And then there is the stuff we don't know we need . . .
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All depends which areas of sewistry she is going to delve into.
I can help you with the Darkside stuff (P&Q) but as to lightside I havent a clue,
GOOD scissors I should imagine would be high on the list (for LS)
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Tape measure or ruler?
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My suggestions in addition to the supplies you already have include:
A tape measure, 150cm/5' marked with both imperial and metric NOT made of fabric - it stretches.
Dressmakers chalk pencil
For dressmaking you use the same thread in both the needle and bobbin so you don't need special bobbin thread.
Topstitch thread is not an essential accessory at first.
A seam ripper/ quick unpick - will become a good friend
Small of scissors with pointed ends for snipping seams and threads etc
Thimble
Seam guide to aid accurate seam allowances
Dressmaking pins - personal choice, I prefer long pins as fine as I can get. Some of the pretty ones are more akin to 6"nails.
Pincushion
Ironing board and iron
The sewing machine will not be too heavy for a desk and as most machines have a max speed of about 800 stitches/min there shouldn't be much in the way of vibration
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I use Frixion Erasable pens for marking fabric - it comes off with heat. Also some chalk pencils or Taylors chalk are always useful. My sewing box is a canterlever tool box from Homebase/B and Q it holds loads.
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Also a self healing mat and maybe a rotary cutter, fabric clips (like small pegs)
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I use frixion pens
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I would suggest initially: sew all thread, pins, tape measure, quick unpick, small scissors for snipping threads, cutting out scissors and perhaps a chalk wheel or pen.
There is a wonderful world of sewing gadgets out there and we are here to entice you with each one!!. There are several beginner 'what you need' videos on YouTube so it might be worth her watching a few of those. Also a good basic sewing book could be helpful, something like Alison Smith's 'The Sewing Book'.
Here's to a happy sewing life :toast:
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Definitely a good quality tape measure. Fine pins, I like glass headed ones because they're easy to see. A magnet for picking them out of the carpet. Seam ripper. A bodkin for threading elastic through (buy it when needed). A good first project would be a needle book. A couple of felt 'pages' inside to store needles. A pincushion could be the second project. For her first garment, iron on hemming tape is a great help. I would stay away from rotary cutters, many people seem to have nasty accidents with them. I have one but am wary after a nasty cut on my first try. Other people love them though and still have the full count of fingers.
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There's a gadget you can get at Screwfix (and probably elsewhere) which is like a telescopic wand with a magnet at the end. This is absolutely invaluable for picking up pins which fall on the floor - and they will fall on the floor - without having to crawl about on your hands and knees.
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Why have I not got one of those??? :o
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Mr Tamny got me it as a birthday present a few years ago - cost a couple of quid. Best birthday present he's ever given me. :laughing:
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It sounds like you've got most of it covered for a beginner except a good iron, golden rule for most sewing especially clothes is sew and press and some fabrics to practice with.
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An iron and ironing board.
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I've just thought of her third project. Tailor's ham. Make the case using a fat quarter of quilting cotton. 100% cotton because polycotton isn't as heatproof & good quality because it needs a dense weave that the filling won't come through. Stuff very firmly with sawdust- the stuff sold for hamsters. I made this dinky one for pressing baby dresses, and the big one is for pressing sleeves.
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There are lots of gadgets and tools available. But they aren’t necessary. It’s amazing how little you can actually get away with when starting out. And of course it depends what sort of sewing she will be doing. If you’re getting the brother machine it will come with 4 bobbins I think.
It’s not worth buying a selection of threads. Buy when needed so the thread can match the fabric. That way you won’t be spending money on thread that may never get used. Of course if she wants to practise then a couple of reels in a bright colour she likes.
Pins,
Hand sewing needles (embroidery ones are sharp and have a long eye that’s easy to thread)
Tape measure,
Shears for fabric
Small scissors for snipping thread
Method of marking whether chalk or pen type.
Seam ripper
Iron and ironing board
She’ll also need a pressing cloth but to start she can use a clean tea towel.
I too would stay away from rotary cutters. They aren’t necessary especially for dressmaking.
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Ironing protective sheet or a dedicated tea-towel is a must.
The six-inch sewing rulers with the moveable guide are really helpful.
And, very important, really good lighting!
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One of these (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bobbins-Organizer-Plastic-Storage-Container/dp/B08DMVNSGX/ref=sr_1_7_mod_primary_new?crid=2BHHHV4I3CIP1&keywords=bobbin+storage+box&qid=1645571488&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=bobbin+storage+box%2Caps%2C871&sr=8-7) is useful.
I use a sliver of soap instead of chalk on dark coloured fabrics. Frixion pens are great but try them on an offcut first - sometimes they leave a "shadow" of themselves which doesn't come off. In 50+ years I have never used a rotary cutter.
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If the machine does not come with some, a pack of good quality mixed machine needles. Must change a broken or bent needle and use the right size and type for the fabric.
I have an empty tic-tac box to store broken or bent needles and pins. It comes free of you don't mind eating the tic-tacs!
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Good sharp scissors are a must - they should cut fabric or thread cleanly without it being held taut.
A good tape measure, and even for the youngsters who maybe don't know what an inch looks like it should still be marked in inches and cm.
Steam iron, ironing board and press cloth (a large man's handkerchief will do)
Pins - sharp points, not too thick but length can vary. Choice of tiny head or berry head is personal, the berry headed ones are easier to pick up. Glass heads will survive contact with a hot iron, plastic heads won't.
All the rest is optional and will be acquired as and when needed. Extra bobbins will likely come high on the list of optional extras. Coloured thread should be bought with fabric but big reels of basic colours, black, white, cream and maybe navy, brown and grey, work out more ecconomical.
Rotary cutter and cutting mat, plus weights, is a moot point. Some swear by that method others fear for fingers! What has she been taught at school about cutting out fabrics?. Personally I use a rotary cutter for cutting straight lines (for patchwork) but never for cutting dressmaking pattern pieces. Shears are much more accurate.
Storage doesn't have to be anything fancy, just somewhere clean, dry and without any rough edges is all that's needed. Any sturdy table or desk should suffice for a basic sewing machine. If it vibrates or moves about place a piece of non-slip mat (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outstading-New-Multipurpose-Non-Slip-Mat/dp/B07JWKPD8J/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1UUUEP8EC0N4S&keywords=non+slip+mat+for+tray&qid=1645572831&sprefix=non+slip+mat+%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-8) underneath it.
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If the machine does not come with some, a pack of good quality mixed machine needles. Must change a broken or bent needle and use the right size and type for the fabric.
Schmetz is generally reckoned to be the best brand but Organ and Superior are good too. Don't be tempted to buy cheapies, especially if they come from China. Same with bobbins, buy the ones made by Brother for a Brother machine.
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So, i am going to throw a spanner in the works here. To start with she has all she needs from what you have said. She may well decide that after a while the scissors she has need upgrading. Or anything she has needs upgrading! But she will know what she needs as she gets to it. A machine, scissors, thread, fabric, pattern, tape measure and spare needles are all that are needed. We are all different and all like different things to play with. But we also spend money on things we don't need and end up with them gathering dust over the years.
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I'll echo what @Bumblebuncher above said.
I started sewing just over a year ago and have bought so much useless/unused stuff it's ridiculous.
Buy as its needed. That goes for thread too.
I will say do not buy cheap. Its a false economy. I've wasted loads of money on second rate stuff because I was a tight wad. Its not worth it so buy the best you/she can.
She'll need needles. They absolutely will break and wear out.
Sewing scissors. These make a difference in that they grip the fabric as they cut making life much easier. I do usually use a rotary cutter and mat though because to me at least, it's easier.
I've not gotten on too well with needles. They seem a faff when seamstress/tailors/fabric (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0074O3RVY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_EDYQCEMWFNDH4D6NCB97?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) glue does a brill job and washes out easily.
As said, there will no doubt be a few spare bobbins included with the machine (3 or 4) and a seam ripper. They're usually quite good quality too. If a lot of unpicking is expected (likely) she might do well to get a big handle seam ripper as in my experience they reduce the likely hood of hand cramp. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XLXJS78/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_WY314GQNEGP4C0KJ3RRC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1[/url)
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wow! So many replies, thank you so much
Because this was part of a birthday gift I think we were getting carried away with too many bits - also because there is nothing more annoying than sitting down to do something and not having the right tool I wanted to make sure "everything" was on hand.
What I think folks are saying is decide what you are making and then gather the stuff you need as you go - so it is books / projects / patterns that are the starting point
But, whatever we make we do need: spare machine needles, pins, decent scissors and something to measure / make marks. And we buy thread and fabric together for the projects / patterns
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I would definitely add a seam ripper (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/f31e3ec8-cca6-4ef2-86b7-95ee9884cdb9.jpg) to your list of basic essentials above.
It is used to remove stitches that are incorrectly placed/no longer required.
The machine will probably include one in the accompanying tools, but if-not then strongly recommend that you purchase one.
Regards & good luck,
Phil
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This seam ripper is EXCELLENT (https://midsomerq.com/collections/accessories/products/hemline-seam-fix-double-ended-with-small-and-large-blades-265ds?variant=39403400921111)!!!
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Don't forget some "scrap" fabric for when the machine first arrives so that she can try out all the stitches and the different feet.
Old pillow cases or something similar would be fine and can be picked up in charity shops if there are none at home. Similarly, black and white thread will always be useful so get these from the start so she has something to sew with. As you say, other colours can be bought for specific projects.
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@HappyCampers thats it exactly. No need to go overboard to start with. As someone who taught adults dressmaking for a number of years, my students made do to start and produced some fabulous work. Just make sure the tools bought are decent quality. No cheapie stuff like scissors from IKEA etc. it’s a false economy. Hopefully she will enjoy sewing and carry on but if not then it’s not too big an outlay apart from the machine.
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I would definitely add a seam ripper (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/f31e3ec8-cca6-4ef2-86b7-95ee9884cdb9.jpg) to your list of basic essentials above.
Seam rippers are very inexpensive but they do get blunt very quickly. They are a nice extra but IMO not essential, a pair of small scissors with fine points work just as well. I managed for years without using a seam ripper.
If you are wanting to add to the birthday present bundle money or a voucher towards fabric would be my suggestion.
Here are just a few of the online shops offering vouchers.
Minerva Crafts (https://www.minerva.com/gift-cards)
Little Shop of Fabrics (https://www.littleshopoffabrics.co.uk/gift-cards-vouchers)
Sew Essential (https://www.sewessential.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=gift+vouchers)
MyFabrics (https://www.myfabrics.co.uk/giftcard.htm)
Croft Mill (https://www.croftmill.co.uk/10-croft-mill-gift-voucher) other amounts available.
Fabric Godmother (https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/giftcertificates.php)
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Quite often you get a seam ripper with new machines. Both of the Janome's that I've had came with a small one.
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I was just going to say exactly what @Helen M has said. Every new machine I have ever had came with a seam ripper!
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Yes but theyre small and piddly ...
that one is glorious; A good fit in the hand and the rubber ends remove the stitches easily ... tho' I would glue them in as theyve a tendency to do a Houdini
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I actually prefer the small ones and use the Janome one all the time @Iminei. I have small hands so perhaps that is a factor!
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The smaller ones tend to have smaller points which are better if the stitches to be ripped are tiny.
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I'm a cheapskate, well not really. The best unpicker I've used for many years was a bonus for being a midwife. Suture Remover! Sharpest ever, I'm a bit naughty and use mine without a handle. They're quick and cheap to replace when getting past their best which actually takes quite some time.
Yes you need to take care but honestly I had more mishaps with the traditional unpicker than I've ever had whilst using these. Use pins when cutting buttonholes.
Think you can buy on Ebay but these are on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sullivans-Precision-Buttonhole-Cutter-Blue-Multicoloured/dp/B011Q11I3E/ref=asc_df_B011Q11I3E/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=266429882051&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14032179642613836507&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045594&hvtargid=pla-507412389997&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
ETA https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swann-Morton-Sterile-Stitch-Cutters/dp/B018NXIPM0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2HU3EEQ1SW6Z4&keywords=surgical+stitch+cutter&qid=1645637608&sprefix=surgical+stitch+cutter%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-3
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Oh, that's like the unpick I bought at a show years ago. Much better than the traditional unpicks.
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Small seam rippers are fine with young hands.
The one that came with my machine was blunt before I'd had it a year, mind. Polyester thread is very hard on them.