Tag Archives: sewing supplies

How to Stock Your Sewing Kit Without killing Your wallet

Sewing supplies.  They make life easier, yes?  But…if I wait until I need them, I’ll most certainly pay full price for that spool of thread or that zipper (and then buy a basketfull of other items that ‘caught my eye’).

There’s no excuse for paying full price for any sewing supplies anymore.  Here’s how I stock my sewing kit without going broke:

sewign kit cheap

1.  Phone apps and mobile coupons.  I don’t always remember to bring my store flyer.  But—I do always have my cell phone.  Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s, and Michaels have phone apps.  Hancock’s Fabrics has a mobile club that sends me texts.  Coupons at my fingertips!

2.  Stock up.  There are certain items I know I’ll need.  I buy these anytime I can find them 1/2 off:

  • double fold bias tape in white and natural
  • piping in white
  • white and clear buttons (1/4 inch and 5/8 inch)
  • Coats and Clark all-purpose (the blue label) in white
  • straight pins
  • seam rippers (these grow legs and walk away at my house!)
  • invisible zippers in white and natural
  • Maxi-Lock cone thread in white

You may need different items.  Keep a running list of the tools you use.  Those are the things you need to stock up on.

3.  Sales.  Yes, I know.  This one is obvious.  You can pretty much count on Hancock’s Fabrics and often JoAnn’s to put the notion wall on 50% on any minor holiday:  Columbus Day, Flag Day, etc.  Just be certain you read the fine print.  Sometimes notions include threads.  Sometimes not.

Learning to Sew? My Must-Haves

—Updated May 11, 2014

Sewing Supplies

If you walk into any fabric store, you can be completely overwhelmed by all the “stuff” you can use when you sew. But, I think you really only need a few important tools to get started:

  • A sewing machine with its manual. I’ve talked before about the importance of your manual. As for your machine–it doesn’t have to be fancy or computerized or even new, but it should be clean. If you have been gifted a machine, it’s probably worth your time to have it serviced. In Shreveport, I recommend Shreveport Sewing Center. (I don’t get anything from mentioning them, I just think they are extremely helpful!)
  • Dressmakers’ Shears. You want shears as opposed to scissors. Shears have an angled blade that allow you to keep them close to the table as you cut. If you are left-handed, splurge on the left-handed shears. Trust me.
  • A Seam Ripper. Yes, you will make mistakes. We all do. Just embrace it and have fun.
  • Fabric Marking Tools. This includes chalks, tracing wheels and paper, and pencils.
  • Measuring Tape.
  • Ruler. I like my clear, plastic 18 x 2 ruler the best.
  • Iron and a good pressing surface.
  • Pins. I like the longer ones, but that’s just my opinion.
  • Needles, both for your machine and hand sewing.
  • Fabric and Thread. Personally, I’d recommend you start with a woven cotton, much like those sold in the quilting sections of fabric stores. I find these the easiest to work. You can get started with a good all-purpose thread.

I like to purchase my sewing notions on sale.  Hancock’s, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnn’s always have something on sale–or least a 40% off coupon.  If you are taking one of my sewing classes and you don’t have time to shop, you can also purchase here and I’ll bring them to to class.

There you go. Just a few notions to get you started.