Sewing Supplies Guide & Essentials

The Most Important Supply

Why They Matter: Wrong needle = skipped stitches, broken thread, and damaged fabric

Types You Need:

• Universal Needles (80/12): For most woven fabrics like cotton
• Ballpoint Needles (80/12): For knits and stretchy fabrics
• Heavy-Duty Needles (100/16): For thick fabrics like denim and canvas
• Microtex/Sharp Needles: For delicate fabrics and precise sewing

Pro Tip: Change your needle after every project or 8 hours of sewing—dull needles cause most sewing problems!

Budget: $3-6 per pack of 5 needles

Quality Thread Makes a Difference

Best All-Purpose: Polyester thread works for almost everything

Thread Types:

• All-Purpose Polyester: Strong, colorfast, works on all fabrics—your go-to choice
• Cotton Thread: Best for quilting and natural fibers
• Heavy-Duty Thread: For thick fabrics and topstitching
• Invisible Thread: Clear thread for hems and appliqué

Colors to Start: White, black, gray, navy, and beige cover most projects

Budget: $2-4 per spool for quality thread

Warning: Cheap thread breaks, tangles, and causes frustration—invest in good thread from Joann!

Sharp Scissors Are Essential

What You Need: 8-10 inch fabric shears with sharp blades

The Golden Rule: NEVER use fabric scissors on paper, cardboard, or anything but fabric—it dulls them instantly

Features to Look For:

• Comfortable handles that fit your hand
• Sharp blades that cut to the tip
• Heavy enough to cut through multiple layers
• Right or left-handed options available

Budget: $15-30 for quality scissors that last years

Bonus Tool: Get small thread snips ($5-10) for trimming threads at the machine

Your Best Friend When Mistakes Happen

What It Does: Removes stitches without damaging fabric

How to Use It: Slide under stitches and cut carefully—works way better than scissors

Why You Need It: Everyone makes mistakes! A seam ripper lets you fix them easily

Pro Tip: The little red ball protects fabric while the sharp point cuts thread

Budget: $3-5 for a good quality seam ripper

Hold Fabric Together While Sewing

Best Type: Long straight pins with round glass or plastic heads

Pin Types:

• Glass Head Pins: Won’t melt if you accidentally iron them
• Flat Flower Head Pins: Easy to see and grab
• Ballpoint Pins: For knit fabrics without snagging
• Quilting Pins: Extra long for thick layers

Pin Cushion Options: Wrist pin cushion, tomato pin cushion, or magnetic pin holder

Budget: $5-10 for a box of 100+ pins, $3-8 for pin cushion

Accurate Measurements = Better Results

What to Get: Flexible measuring tape, 60 inches long, with inches and centimeters

Features:

• Numbers on both sides for easy reading
• Metal tips that won’t fray
• Retracts into case or has clip
• Clear, easy-to-read markings

Care Tip: Don’t stretch it too tight or leave it stretched—it loses accuracy

Budget: $3-6 for quality measuring tape

Mark Fabric Without Permanent Damage

Options at Joann:

• Fabric Chalk: Brushes off easily, comes in pencil or triangle form
• Water-Soluble Markers: Disappears with water or air
• Heat-Erasable Pens: Vanishes with iron heat
• Tailor’s Chalk: Traditional triangle chalk that lasts longer

Test First: Always test markers on fabric scraps before using on your project

Budget: $3-7 per marking tool

Pressing Makes Projects Look Professional

Why It’s Essential: Pressing seams as you sew makes everything lie flat and look polished

Iron Features:

• Steam function for better pressing
• Variable heat settings for different fabrics
• Auto shut-off for safety
• Pointed tip reaches tight corners

Ironing Board: Standard size or tabletop version for small spaces

Budget: $20-60 for iron, $20-40 for ironing board

Cut Straight Lines Quickly and Accurately

What They Are: Rolling blade cutter used with self-healing cutting mat

Why They’re Better: Faster and more accurate than scissors for straight cuts

Sizes:

• 45mm Rotary Cutter: Most versatile size for general sewing
• 18×24″ Cutting Mat: Good starter size, marked with grid lines

Bonus: Use with quilting ruler for perfectly straight cuts

Budget: $10-20 for cutter, $20-35 for mat

Safety: Close blade cover immediately after every cut—they’re very sharp!

Hold Patterns Without Pin Holes

What They Do: Keep pattern pieces flat while cutting without marking fabric with pins

DIY Option: Use large washers, soup cans, or make your own from fabric scraps filled with rice

Budget: $8-15 for set of 4-6 weights

Measure Small Spaces Accurately

What It Is: Small 6-inch ruler with sliding marker

Uses: Measure hem depths, buttonholes, pleats, and seam allowances quickly

Budget: $3-6

Zigzag Edge Prevents Fraying

What They Do: Cut fabric with zigzag edge that resists fraying

Perfect For: Finishing seams when you don’t have a serger, craft projects, decorative edges

Budget: $12-25

Thread Elastic and Drawstrings

What It Does: Helps pull elastic or ribbon through casings

Types: Bodkin (special tool) or large safety pin works just as well

Budget: $2-5 for bodkin, or use safety pins you already have

Alternative to Pins

Best For: Thick fabrics, vinyl, leather, or anywhere pins would leave holes

Advantages: No holes in fabric, easier to position, won’t poke you

Budget: $8-15 for pack of 20-50 clips

Protect Your Fingers

When to Use: Hand sewing through thick fabric or when sewing for long periods

Types: Metal thimbles, leather thimbles, rubber finger grips

Budget: $2-8

Makes Threading Needles Easy

Who Needs It: Anyone with vision challenges or shaky hands

Types: Wire loop threaders or automatic needle threaders

Budget: $2-5

Special Presser Feet for Specific Tasks

Zipper Foot: Sews close to zipper teeth for professional installation

Button Foot: Attaches buttons by machine quickly and securely

Usually Included: Most sewing machines come with these, or buy separately

Budget: $5-15 each if buying separately

Feeds Layers Evenly

What It Does: Feeds top and bottom fabric layers at same speed—prevents shifting

Best For: Quilting, matching stripes or plaids, sewing slippery fabrics, thick layers

Must Check: Make sure it’s compatible with your sewing machine brand

Budget: $30-60

Professional Seam Finishing

What It Does: Trims, sews, and finishes seam edges in one step

Uses: Finish seams, sew knits, create rolled hems, decorative edges

Not Essential: Regular sewing machine works fine, but serger adds professional touch

Budget: $200-800 depending on features

Press Curved Seams

Tailor’s Ham: Rounded cushion for pressing curves, darts, and shaped seams

Sleeve Roll: Long narrow cushion for pressing sleeves and narrow tubes

Best For: Garment sewing where shape matters

Budget: $15-25 each

Push Out Perfect Corners

What It Does: Pokes out corners on pillows, collars, and bags without poking holes

DIY Option: Use chopstick or knitting needle (carefully!)

Budget: $3-6

Copy and Preserve Patterns

Why Use Them: Trace patterns to save originals, make size adjustments

Pattern Paper: Transparent or dotted paper shows pattern through it

Tracing Wheel: Rolls over pattern lines to transfer markings

Budget: $8-15 for paper roll, $5-10 for tracing wheel

Fit Garments As You Sew

What It Is: Mannequin in your size for fitting clothes

Best For: People who sew lots of garments and want perfect fit

Types: Adjustable forms or custom-sized forms

Budget: $50-300 depending on adjustability and quality

Types of Elastic at Joann

Braided Elastic: Narrows when stretched, good for casings (waistbands, sleeves)

Knit Elastic: Soft and comfortable, doesn’t narrow, best for waistbands

Fold-Over Elastic (FOE): Decorative edge finish for necklines and armholes

Clear Elastic: Invisible, used for stabilizing seams

Widths: 1/4″ to 2″ wide depending on use

Budget: $2-6 per yard depending on width and type

Zipper Options

All-Purpose Zippers: Standard zippers in set lengths (7″, 9″, 12″, etc.)

Invisible Zippers: Hide in seam for clean look

Separating Zippers: Open completely at bottom (jackets, hoodies)

Metal vs. Plastic: Metal more durable, plastic more affordable

Pro Tip: Buy zipper slightly longer than needed—easier to install

Budget: $2-8 each depending on length and type

Functional and Decorative

Types: Flat buttons, shank buttons, snap buttons, decorative buttons

Materials: Plastic, metal, wood, shell, fabric-covered

Sizes: Measured in lines or millimeters—bigger number = bigger button

Budget: $2-8 per card depending on style and quantity

Hidden Closures

Sew-On Snaps: Small hidden closures for light to medium fabrics

No-Sew Snaps: Install with snap pliers (great for bags and crafts)

Hook & Eye: Traditional closure for waistbands and back zippers

Budget: $2-5 per card

Easy Closures

Types: Sew-on, stick-on, or iron-on velcro

Best For: Kids’ clothes, bags, cushion covers, crafts

Comes In: Strips, dots, or by-the-yard tape

Budget: $3-10 depending on length

Finish Raw Edges

What It Is: Folded fabric strips that wrap around edges

Uses: Quilt binding, armhole finishing, hem edges, decorative trim

Types: Single-fold, double-fold, extra-wide

Budget: $2-5 per package (3-4 yards)

Add Structure to Fabric

What It Does: Stiffens fabric for collars, cuffs, waistbands, bag bodies

Types:

• Fusible Interfacing: Irons onto fabric (easiest to use)
• Sew-In Interfacing: Must be sewn into seams
• Lightweight to Heavy: Choose weight based on fabric and project

Budget: $3-8 per yard

Quick Hem Solutions

Iron-On Hem Tape: No-sew hems that hold with heat

Seam Binding: Covers raw edges on inside of garments

Perfect For: Quick repairs, temporary hems, craft projects

Budget: $2-4 per package

Cotton Quilting Essentials

• Quilting Ruler: Clear acrylic ruler with grid (6″x24″ most useful)
• Quilting Pins: Extra long pins (1.75″) for thick layers
• Walking Foot: Keeps layers from shifting
• Cotton Thread: Better for cotton fabric and traditional quilts
• Spray Baste: Temporary adhesive holds quilt layers

Working with Stretch

• Ballpoint Needles: Slip between fibers without snagging
• Stretch Needles: Special scarf prevents skipped stitches
• Twin Needles: Create professional-looking hems
• Polyester Thread: Has stretch to match fabric
• Walking Foot: Prevents fabric from stretching while sewing

Denim, Canvas, and Upholstery

• Denim/Jeans Needles (100/16 or 110/18): Extra sharp point penetrates thick fabric
• Heavy-Duty Thread: Won’t break under stress
• Jean-A-Ma-Jig: Levels presser foot over thick seams
• Walking Foot: Moves heavy fabric through machine
• Fabric Clips: Hold thick layers better than pins

Working with: Canvas fabric and upholstery fabric requires these heavy-duty tools

Silk, Satin, and Chiffon

• Microtex/Sharp Needles (60/8 or 70/10): Small, sharp point for fine fabrics
• Extra-Fine Pins: Won’t leave holes in delicate fabric
• Fine Thread (50wt or 60wt): Matches delicate fabric weight
• Tissue Paper: Sew through paper with fabric to prevent puckering
• Sharp Scissors: Clean cuts essential for delicate fabrics

Keep Thread Organized

Options: Thread racks, drawer organizers, clear boxes, or pegboard displays

Pro Tip: Organize by color or by project type for easy access

Budget: $10-50 depending on capacity

Small Parts Organization

Best Solutions:

• Clear plastic boxes with dividers for buttons, snaps, elastic
• Magnetic strips or containers for pins and needles
• Small drawer units for sorted notions
• Labeled ziplock bags in larger containers
• Tackle boxes work great for small sewing supplies

Keep Tools Accessible

Ideas:

• Wall-mounted pegboard for scissors and rulers
• Rotating caddy holds frequently-used tools
• Mason jars for vertical storage of scissors and markers
• Drawer dividers keep tools separated and protected
• Rolling cart keeps everything mobile

Starter Kit Essentials

Absolute Must-Haves ($50-100):

• Needles (universal and ballpoint): $6-12
• Thread (5-6 basic colors): $10-15
• Fabric scissors: $15-25
• Seam ripper: $3-5
• Pins and pin cushion: $8-12
• Measuring tape: $3-5
• Fabric markers: $5-8

Next Level ($100-150 more): Rotary cutter and mat, iron, more thread colors, specialty needles

Advanced Setup ($200+ more): Walking foot, specialty feet, serger, dress form

How to Spot Quality Supplies

Scissors: Should feel heavy and balanced, cut smoothly to tips, comfortable handles

Thread: Name brands don’t break constantly, wind evenly, don’t shed lint

Needles: Come in proper packaging with size clearly marked

Measuring Tape: Metal tips, clear markings, doesn’t stretch

Rotary Cutters: Smooth rolling action, secure blade cover, comfortable grip

Best Places for Sewing Supplies

Joann Fabric Stores: Huge selection, helpful staff, regular sales, coupons available

Online Retailers: Compare prices, read reviews, shop from home

Sewing Machine Dealers: Quality presser feet and machine-specific accessories

Craft Stores: Basic supplies and notions

Amazon: Convenient but check reviews carefully

Estate Sales: Great deals on vintage tools and supplies

Keep Scissors Sharp

• Never cut paper or anything except fabric
• Wipe blades after use to remove lint
• Store in sheath or protective cover
• Get professionally sharpened every 1-2 years
• Tighten screw if blades feel loose

When to Replace Needles

Replace When:

• After every project or 8 hours of sewing
• When you hear popping sounds
• If stitches skip or look uneven
• After sewing through pins (even if it seems fine)
• When thread keeps breaking

Storage: Keep in original packaging or needle case labeled by type and size

Keep Your Iron Working

• Empty water after each use to prevent mineral buildup
• Clean soleplate with damp cloth when cool
• Use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits
• Never iron over pins (damages soleplate)
• Deep clean with vinegar solution monthly if you use steam

Extend Blade Life

• Always close blade guard after cutting
• Replace blade when it starts skipping threads
• Clean lint from blade area regularly
• Only cut on self-healing mat, never glass or wood
• Store with blade closed in safe place

Thread Keeps Breaking

Causes: Dull needle, old thread, wrong thread type, tension too tight

Solutions: Change needle, use fresh thread, loosen tension, match thread to fabric

Scissors Won’t Cut Cleanly

Causes: Dull blades, loose screw, cutting non-fabric materials

Solutions: Get sharpened professionally, tighten screw, use only on fabric

Pins Keep Falling Out

Causes: Pins too short, fabric too thick, not pinning often enough

Solutions: Use longer quilting pins, pin every 2-3 inches, use fabric clips instead

Measuring Tape Stretched Out

Causes: Pulling too hard, leaving stretched, poor quality

Solutions: Replace with quality tape, handle gently, don’t leave weighted down