One of the first things that you should purchase for your sewing journey is a good set of pins. There are different types of pins but the decision comes down to personal preference. Types: Button Head Pins, Dressmaking Pins, Heatproof Glass Head Pins (these are particularly good for using when ironing, as you don’t need to worry about them melting when ironing over).

When deciding what kind of embroidery scissors you want, you should check for blades that are fine and come to a sharp point. This ensures for precise cutting when snipping threads, and working on intricate projects or areas.

• Universal – used for most light to medium weight fabrics (cottons, linens, polyester etc). Most have a slightly rounded point, and can be used with low stretch fabrics (stretch denim, stretch cord etc).
• Ball Point/Stretch – used for stretch and knitted fabrics (jersey, double knit, lycra, sweat-shirting etc). For very stretchy fabric, use a Stretch needle.
• Embroidery – used for embroidery machines and machine embroidery threads. These prevent the threads from splitting/breaking by ensuring a smooth feed.
• Sharps – used for fabrics such as silk. The sharp point is fitting for tightly woven fabrics (satin, microfibre, Jacquard etc).
• Top Stitch – these have an extra large eye to work with thicker top stitching thread. Ideal for medium to heavy weight fabrics (denim, canvas etc).

• Quilting – longer and sharper point to be able to pierce through multiple layers of cotton and wadding.
• Leather – a triangular shaped point to assist in penetrating the surface of tough fabrics (leather, faux leather etc)
• Jeans – used for heavy, tightly woven fabrics (denim, canvas etc) and have an extra sharp point for penetrating dense weaves.
• Overlock – used for overlocker machines but you can also use stretch needles as an alternative.
• Twin Needles – these come in different fabric types (similar to Universal needles) but they contain two needles to one shaft. Creating two lines of stitching, alongside a zig-zagging bobbin thread on the other side.

A marker is needed to be able to mark out any markings within the pattern. Chalk is the more traditional marker for sewing, they can come in pencil form, but you can also use whichever type of marker you prefer. There is a more modern version that is vanishing markers, or chalk pens (which are refillable).

A sewing machine is, of course, a very essential item for your sewing kit! Janome’s 219-S Sewing Machine is their “entry level machine”. This is a great machine for starting your sewing journey as it has some great features, and it is also good for those on a budget as its on the less expensive side. This can also be a great machine for younger sewer enthusiasts, just be sure to purchase a finger guard first!

Once you become used to using a machine and want a machine with more features, you may want to consider buying an upgrade. A Janome 725S or an Elna 340 are both recommended for beginners who are sure that they want to continue with sewing and expand on their knowledge. The Elna 340 is the machine that we use in our sewing classes, it is highly recommended!
(All Janome machines come with a 2 Year Guarantee.)

When working with cotton and delicate fabrics, the edges of seams may fray. They can often fray to the extent that the seam becomes open. This is where pinking shears come in handy. Using pinking shears to trim the seam allowance, alongside Fray Check can prevent the ‘stressed’ seams from fraying completely.

Set squares are an essential tool for pattern-cutting. It allows you to use right angles, bias angles, a straight edge, grading lines and accurate markings. Perfect for drafting up your own patterns too! Also used for drawing geometric shapes such as squares, and rectangles. Without one you’ll never be able to create a perfectly crisp square.