5 Essential Sewing Tools Every Beginner Needs (And 3 You Can Skip)

Starting your sewing journey is exciting, but with so many tools on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you really need a fancy rotary cutter? Is that expensive thread worth it? If you’re just getting started, investing in the right tools will save you frustration, time, and money.

I’ve been there—standing in the sewing aisle, unsure what’s actually necessary and what’s just a shiny gadget. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of five must-have sewing tools that will make your life easier, plus three you can skip (at least for now).

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The 5 Sewing Tools You Absolutely Need

1. A Secondhand Sewing Machine

If you’re serious about sewing, a machine is a must. But here’s the thing—you don’t need a brand-new, top-of-the-line machine. A quality secondhand sewing machine can be just as reliable (if not better) than a cheap new one.

Look for a well-maintained machine from a reputable brand like Brother, Singer, or Janome. Check thrift stores, online marketplaces, or ask around—many people have machines collecting dust that they’re happy to part with. Just make sure it has straight and zigzag stitch functions, as those are the basics you’ll need for garment sewing.

Bonus tip: Bring along a spool of thread and fabric to make sure it sews properly.

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2. Quality Thread (Trust Me on This!)

It’s tempting to grab the cheapest thread you can find, but please don’t. Low-quality thread breaks easily, frays, and can cause tension issues in your machine. The result? Hours of frustration and stitches that don’t hold up. With poor quality thread, it can be hard to determine if it’s a fault with your machine, the thread, or user error. Avoid the confusion altogether and invest in a good-quality thread like Gutermann or Mettler. These brands offer smooth, strong thread that will make sewing a much better experience.

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3. Bobbins (Lots of Them!)

Bobbins might seem small and unimportant, but trust me—you’ll want a stash of them. There’s nothing worse than needing to switch thread colors and realizing your only bobbin is still wound with navy blue from your last project.

Buy extra bobbins that are compatible with your machine, and pre-wind a few in neutral colors (white, black, and beige) to save time. Some machines have slightly different bobbin sizes, so always double-check before buying.

Storage hack: Keep your bobbins organized in a small container or a bobbin holder to prevent tangling.

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4. Pins (Because Precision Matters!)

Invest in a pack of high-quality, fine pins.

Glass-headed pins are great because they won’t melt under an iron, while extra-fine pins work well for delicate fabrics. If you hate dealing with pins, you can try wonder clips, but for most beginners, pins are the way to go.

Bonus tip: Store your pins in a magnetic pin holder—it makes cleanup so much easier!

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5. A Seam Ripper (You’ll Need It, I Promise)

I hate to break it to you, but mistakes will happen. Even experienced sewists have to unpick seams from time to time. That’s where a good seam ripper comes in.

A sharp seam ripper allows you to undo mistakes quickly without damaging your fabric. Look for one with an ergonomic handle so it’s comfortable to use. If you sew regularly, consider getting a backup—these little tools have a habit of disappearing when you need them most!

Pro tip: A dull seam ripper can actually make things harder. If yours isn’t cutting easily, it might be time to replace it.

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3 Sewing Tools You Can Skip (For Now!)

1. Rotary Cutter (Nice, But Not Essential)

Rotary cutters are great for cutting straight lines and working with knits, but they’re not a necessity for beginners. A good pair of fabric scissors will do just fine for most projects.

If you do decide to get a rotary cutter later, don’t forget to invest in a cutting mat, as they don’t work well on regular surfaces. But for now? Scissors are all you need.

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2. Fabric Marking Pens (Chalk Works Just as Well!)

Many beginner sewing kits include fabric marking pens, but honestly, they dry out quickly and can be unpredictable. Instead, tailor’s chalk or a washable pencil does the same job—often better.

Chalk is easy to use, shows up well on fabric, and disappears with a light brushing. Plus, it’s much cheaper than constantly buying new pens that dry out before you can use them up.

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3. Fancy Presser Feet (Your Basic Foot Works Fine!)

Many machines come with multiple presser feet, and while some are useful, you don’t need a drawer full of them as a beginner. The standard presser foot and a buttonhole foot (if your machine includes one) will handle most projects.

Walking feet, invisible zipper feet, and rolled hem feet are great for specialty sewing, but until you’re tackling those projects, they’re not necessary.

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Final Thoughts: Start Simple and Build From There

When starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in buying all the latest gadgets. But the truth is, you don’t need a ton of tools to sew successfully. A solid sewing machine, good thread, bobbins, pins, and a trusty seam ripper will take you far.

As you gain experience, you can add tools to your collection based on your needs and sewing style. But for now, keep it simple, practice your stitches, and enjoy the journey of making your own clothes!

What sewing tool do you swear by? Or is there a tool you bought that you never actually use? Share your thoughts in the comments!