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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: Janaya
Date: 09-16-2004, 07:30 PM (1 of 9)
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Hi everyone! Well as you know I am very new to sewing. I have my Mother-in-law's machine which I've had for a couple of months. I haven't really started any projects until just recently, because I didn't have a sewing kit. so my stepmom gave me my Mother's sewing kit. (which hasn't been touched since my mother passed away, almost 15 years ago.) So to make a long story short, WHAT SUPPLIES ARE A MUST HAVE??!! I already have needles, thread, pins, bobbins, and a measuring tape. But I feel like I will need other supplies. I intend on sewing clothing and acessories. Any suggestions. One more Question. I only have a straight foot for my machine. What are some other frequently used feet that you girls and guys use? |
User: Janaya
Member since: 09-12-2004 Total posts: 8 |
From: cychen
Date: 09-17-2004, 11:10 AM (2 of 9)
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Hi Janaya, I’m a pretty new sewer, too (since 2/04). After sewing two skirts, one shirt, and a dress, here is a list of supplies that I have found useful so far. Ones with an asterisk are must have’s. Others are nice to have. * A good pair of dressmaker scissors (7” or 8”) * Masking tape or a thick rubberband: to mark the 5/8” seam line on your throat plate to help you sew straight) * Transfer paper (looks like color carbon papers): to transfer markings from the pattern to your fabric. Note that carbon papers work on certain types of fabrics but not others. For the other types of fabric, you might need to get a dressmaker chalk/pencil or disappearing ink (after 48 hours) pen. Have some different color options since light colors will show up clearly on darker fabrics and dark colors will show up nicely on lighter fabrics. Of course, if you learn to use tailor's tack method for transfering marks, you probably won't need any of these tools. * Tracing wheel: to go with the transfer paper to mark the fabric (on the wrong side) * A good iron * Seam ripper: for taking out bastes and uh, mistakes * Lint brush: or some kind of cleaning tools for your sewing machine. Need to dust away the fuzzes after each project to keep your machine happy. * A notebook: to keep notes from the beginning to the end of a project. Note changes you made to the pattern and record your thoughts about the end product. You might start seeing trends with each pattern maker company and learn the typical adjustments you have to make for each company. Trial & error. Note any problems and get (record) solutions from members of this website. * A regular highlighter: for multi-size patterns, it's helpful to highlight the particular lines on the pattern that correspond to your size(s). That way you don't cut or trace the wrong size when the lines criss cross. (e.g. pants crotch area) NICE TO HAVE: 1. A pin holder that is magnetic 2. Clear magic tape: (any regular ol' craft/packaging non gummy tape) might come in handy when you have to topstitch your zipper 3. A French ruler (I think that’s what it is called; it looks like a elongated comma shape ruler; helps you alter patterns when your measurements match more than one size on the envelope; e.g., size 14 waist and size 16 hip. It also helps you taper patterns and shape parts.). The ruler has one curved side and one straight side. Straight edge is helpful to have as well. 4. Sleeve roll: useful ironing tool. Pressing after sewing each seam is very important to get that professional look. You may need this to help you iron tight spots. I have found it helpful for pressing darts. It would be nice to have pressing clothes as well for certain delicate or fussy fabric; you can avoid getting a shiner or unsighly marks on the fabric when you iron. 5. Seam gauge: (get the sliding ruler kind) helps you measure the amount to hem; can also use your measuring tape 6. Fusible interfacing: most patterns will require it. You can buy a small package of it. In the very beginning, you’re more likely to sew with fabrics that require fusible interfacing than sew-in woven interfacing. 7. Weights (use canned food cans): to make the pattern stay put on your fabric as you cut instead of using too many pins and risk not having the fabric and the pattern lay smoothly on top of each other. 8. Sandra Betzina’s Power Sewing Step-by-Step or Singer Complete Photo Guide to Sewing Reference Library (borrow from your local library); lots of good sewing techniques. There are many other good reference guide options. 9. Sandra Betzina’s Fabric Savvy (borrow from your local library; tells you how to prepare and sew fabric and what threads, machine feet and seam type to use to sew successfully.) 10. A non-slippery surface: I use a velvet curtain to cover my work surface when I layout and cut slippery fabric (e.g. lining). Basically any fabric that "grabs/stabilize" the slippery fabric would work. 11. 2-1/2 gallon ziplock bags: to store one pattern and all the notions and fabric you need for that particular project in one place. Good to have if you have more than one project going on at a time or if you like buying more than one fabric or one pattern at a time. Label the bag with fabric length, width and type (and any pre-washing/fabric care directions from the fabric merchant). Ziplock bag is also useful for storing cut patterns in case you can't stuff the pattern back into the pattern envelope. Useful Feet: Zipper foot, zig zag foot (my default foot), clear foot (any foot that allows you to see what you're sewing). I posed the exact question to the group on this particular bulletin earlier this week. Please check out people's response. Christine |
User: cychen
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 15 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 09-17-2004, 11:16 AM (3 of 9)
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You pretty well have it all to start, you can always add as you go along. I would suggest a good ruler and a pair of sissors. Lots of times I frequent the thrift stores and buy second hand patterns, different gadgets, bobbins, trims,quilt batting, stuffing, ect. and lots of times there is material that I can use. You would be surprized at all the different stuff that turns up there and what you can really use once you get into the sewing stuff. The only other 2 feet that I use all the time is a zig-zag foot and a zipper foot. Mine is an old machine,30 years plus, but I had an adapter made so I could use some generic snap on feet. Good sewing!! |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-17-2004, 12:27 PM (4 of 9)
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I did not see the most important thing mentioned.. When you inherited the machine, did you get the instruction manual with it?.. If not, Get one immediately , if not sooner.. LOL! This is a must. If you do not have one, you can find them on the internet for almost every machine in the world..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Mischka
Date: 09-17-2004, 01:38 PM (5 of 9)
I'm fairly new myself, and would recommend the book Sewing 101. It's a hardcover book with a spiral spine inside, so it stays open so you can reference it easily while you're working. Very good book! And another vote for Fabric Savvy...great one to have. I'm planning to ask for "More Fabric Savvy" for Christmas  Essentials for me are a ruler, shears, magnetic pin holder, chalk, chalk wheel, seam gauge, and seam ripper. The seam gauge is especially helpful if you aren't using a pattern, but copying a garment you already have. My favorite "luxury" is my Oreck cordless iron (got it free with the vacuum). Sometimes cords can sort of wrinkle and grab your fabric. |
User: Mischka
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 63 |
From: Janaya
Date: 09-17-2004, 04:36 PM (6 of 9)
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Thanks! That was all very usefull info!! And I don't have the manual for my machine!! I have looked around a little on the internet. But nothing so far. If anyone happens to come aross a manual for a "brother XL3200" let me know where you saw it!! And also if anyone happens to know how old my machine is that would be great too! (my mother-in-law also passed away before I got a chance to meet her.) (And of course my Father-in-law dosen't know what the year is on the machine!) Thank you, Janaya |
User: Janaya
Member since: 09-12-2004 Total posts: 8 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-17-2004, 06:51 PM (7 of 9)
Cychen and Janaya, welcome to Sew Whats New.  Sounds like the two of you have it pretty well figured out. Sew on girls! MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-17-2004, 07:19 PM (8 of 9)
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The one thing I didn't see listed was either a button hole attachment or a button hole foot. If your machine makes button holes, you should be able to get a foot. If not, you can purchase button hole attachments that will fit on your machine. You won't need this right away (probably) but in time you will.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: queenleo
Date: 09-21-2004, 07:36 PM (9 of 9)
| the one thing i can't live with out is a dummy where i hang my project as it is coming along. I have bought one from my arts and crafts store and adapted with papier mache paper to match my body measurements. As i sew along now and want to see how it looking or need to try it on to make sure that my hems don't need lenghthening or shortening, i will put it on. saves a lot of time from and saves me from getting pricked by needles. |
User: queenleo
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 4 |
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