Helpful Resources for Beginner Sewists!

Here’s a list of supplies, local shops, and online resources for new sewists!

New to sewing? Here’s what you need!

A Sewing Machine! - this one is sort of tough because there are so many options out there! It really depends on a few things: your budget, what features you are interested in, and what type of machine (computerized or mechanical). Do some research online - look at sewing forums where they recommend machines and go by recommendations as well as reviews. You can get a good new machine for around $200/$250. I’d stay away from machines under $100 as they just don’t tend to hold up well. I’ve had good luck with Brothers and Janomes. The new Singers aren’t my favorite machines, but I’ve known folks who really like them. (The old ones however, are amazing!). Berninas and Babylocks are excellent but definitely on the higher end (though you can get a good intro Babylock machine for around $175-$300). You can often find a really great used machine as well - check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Mercari, and Front Porch Forum. Also check out the ReStore and The Makery in Burlington. You can often get a much nicer machine used, for the same price point as a new, not as nice machine, but definitely do your research and if you can try the machine first (or get a guarantee that it works), that’s best! For most sewing, you really only need a straight stitch and a zig zag stitch. Everything else is bonus (though it does depend on what you would like to eventually sew - it’s nice to have a machine that does some fancier stretch stitches if you want to get into making leggings and swimsuits. It’s also great to have a buttonhole option…though not 100% necessary). 

Pins - treat yourself and get the Bohin glass head pins - they are soooo good! You can get them at Stash Fabric in Burlington. (But in a pinch, any pins are fine! Just find ones you like!)

Scissors - get some good fabric scissors! Your hands will thank you!! And DON’T use them on anything but fabric! I like the Gingher lightweight bent trimmers (8”) from Wawak, but there are a ton of options out there! 

Clear ruler

Seam Ripper - get a new sharp one that has a good handle. I like the Clover brand ones. 

Marking tools - you can get tailors chalk, specialty sewing markers, pens, and pencils, or just use crayola pencils, regular pencils, etc. Find what works for you, but always test it first! And make sure to only mark on the wrong side of the fabric if it’s something that doesn’t come out easy. 

Magnetic Pin Cushion - definitely the way to go for holding pins! 

Tape Measure

Hand Sewing Needles - these come in tons of kinds and sizes..so just find what works best for you! I like to sew with milliner needles (they are long and flexible), but that’s just my preference. There are different needles for different jobs, so get the one best suited for your project. A variety pack is a great start! 

Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat - I would’t get these to start with. The mat is expensive and the cutter does dull easily. Once you know you’re into sewing and want to try a different cutting method, then it’s time to look into it! I usually just use a rotary cutter for stretchy fabric, delicate fabric, or things that I need to cut a lot of the same shape of (like ruffles…). Otherwise I use my scissors! 

Iron - just get a good working iron. I like the Black and Decker Classic Steam Iron as a good, affordable starting point. When you get more into it, there are a ton of options so it’s best to do your research and try things out. I mainly use an industrial gravity fed iron, which if you have the space for it is the best! (And about the same price, or cheaper a high-end home iron). 

Ironing board

Tailor’s Ham - this is used for ironing. You don’t need it right away - you can use a rolled up towel instead, but keep it in mind as proper pressing tools do help a bunch! 

Point turner - super helpful for getting those corners turned out! Again, no necessary right away, but helpful in the future! 

There are a ton more tools…but this is a great start! The more you sew, the more you’ll find the things that you like and work for you! Try stuff, talk to people, read about it! That’s the best way to learn! Always feel free to ask me too! :) 

Some local sources:

Stash Fabric in Burlington, VT (garment fabrics, patterns,  and sewing tools)

The Makery in Burlington, VT (Second hand craft supplies)

Yankee Pride Quilts in Essex, VT (quilting fabric and tools)

Quilters Corner in Middlebury, VT (quilting supplies, fabric, and sewing machines)

Notion in Montpelier, VT (fabric, and various craft supplies)

My favorite online sources:

wawak.com - best source for notions (thread, scissors, tools, etc.)

Firecracker Fabrics - fabric store in Pittsburgh, PA - great source of fabric, patterns, and kits!

Stonemountain and Daughter - fabric store in Berkeley, CA - great selection!

Miss Matatabi - source for Japanese fabrics

The Linen Lab - source for Korean linen

Blackbird Fabrics - great fabrics from Canada!

Merchant and Mills - beautiful fabrics and patterns from England - pricey but beautiful! 

Fluid + Drape - cute little fabric store with fun colorful stuff! 

Some good pattern companies:

  • Tilly and the Buttons - great beginner patterns, very use friendly

  • Merchant and Mills - for more advanced sewists, but perfectly put together

  • Sew House 7 

  • Sew Liberated

  • Helen’s Closet - really great instructions

  • 100 Acts of Sewing - great for beginners! Super simple patterns that are easy to follow

  • Grainline Studio

  • Daisy Chain Patterns - fun quilt patterns and clothing as well! 

  • Notches

  • Paper Theory

  • Closet Core

  • Friday Pattern Company

  • Cashmerette

  • Deer and Doe

  • Style Arc - lots of options, and kids patterns too! But not the best instructions…

  • By Hand London

  • Gertie’s Charmed Patterns - fun retro inspired patterns

  • Seamwork - subscription based, but great for really getting into it! 

  • Collette

  • Megan Nielson

  • Sarah Kristen

  • True Bias

  • Noodlehead - bag patterns

….amongst many others! There are a ton of independent pattern companies out there these days - just look at reviews and find the style you like! Be careful of random Etsy patterns - some are great but a lot are just not done super well and can be more frustrating than anything - so just double check that people have made them! There are also still commercial pattern companies (Butterick, Vogue, McCalls, Quick Sew, etc.) - these are fine, but not my favorite. They don’t really take the time to make their instructions user friendly and often don’t end up fitting well. Many of the Indie pattern companies have worked really hard to make sure their patterns make sense and fit well - I’ve just had much more luck with these! Instagram is a great resource for inspiration - see what people are making and peruse what’s out there! 

Sophie Hood