All the sewing supplies you need as a beginner sewist (Plus exactly what you need for Isla)

So you’ve decided to start sewing, YAYYY welcome sewing friend! You are about to fall in love with making clothes that actually fit you and you'll forever be obsessed with buying patterns and fabric. 

One of the most frequent questions beginner sewists ask is “What sewing supplies do I really need to get started?” and closely followed by “Do I need to buy everything?”

The good news is you don’t need to buy everything. This post walks you through the essential sewing supplies for beginners and then breaks it down specifically for sewing the Isla pattern so you don’t overbuy or feel overwhelmed.

Essential sewing supplies for beginners

These are the core sewing tools every beginner sewist should have. Think of this as your starter kit for sewing clothes at home.

1. Sewing Machine (Beginner Friendly)

You don’t need a fancy, expensive machine to start sewing. A basic domestic sewing machine that does a straight stitch and zigzag stitch is more than enough.

Look for:

• Adjustable stitch length

• Zigzag stitch option

• Ability to sew light to medium-weight fabrics

If you already own a sewing machine then amazing! Learning your own machine is more important than upgrading it.

2. Fabric Scissors (Dressmaking Scissors) 

Fabric scissors are designed to cut fabric cleanly without snagging. But sewing rule #1: never use your fabric scissors on paper. Like ever!

3. Pins or Sewing Clips

Pins (or clips) are used to hold fabric pieces together before sewing.

• Fine pins work well for lightweight fabrics

• Clips are great if you’re nervous about pins or working with thicker fabric

You only need one pack to get started.

4. Measuring Tape

A flexible measuring tape is essential for:

• Taking body measurements

• Checking pattern sizing

• Measuring hems and seams

Accurate measurements make for better fitting clothes. 

5. Seam Ripper

Every sewist uses a seam ripper. It’s for unpicking stitches when things don’t go to plan (which is normal and all part of learning).

6. Thread

Choose a good-quality thread in a colour that closely matches your fabric. You don’t need a huge collection, one or two spools will do for your first project. I often use the same off-white colour for a lot of my light-coloured makes!

7. Needles (Machine & Hand Sewing)

For your sewing machine, a universal needle is perfect for beginners and works with most woven fabrics.

Hand sewing needles are useful for:

• Finishing hems

• Sewing buttons

• Small fixes

8. Iron and Ironing Board

Pressing is not optional, do not skip this step!

Pressing your seams as you go makes your garment look professional and helps pieces line up accurately. You don’t need a fancy iron; just a reliable one.

Sewing supplies you’ll need specifically for the Isla pattern

Now let’s talk about Isla and exactly what you’ll need to sew it confidently as a beginner.

To make Isla, you’ll need:

• a sewing machine
• fabric - cotton is best for beginners
• thread
• measuring tape
• elastic 0.6cm (1/4”) wide
• fabric scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat
• pins
• safety pins x2
• chalk or washable fabric pens
• iron & ironing board

Final Thoughts: you don’t need everything to start sewing

If you’re new to sewing, the most important supplies you need are:

• A basic sewing machine

• A beginner-friendly pattern like Isla

• Simple sewing tools that help you learn as you go

You can always build your sewing toolkit over time. Start small and let your confidence grow with each make.

And remember, every sewist you admire once Googled “what sewing supplies do I need as a beginner?” You’re exactly where you’re meant to be ✨

Happy sewing!

Emma xx