Sewing is a fun and cost-effective hobby, ideal for creative people who want to craft garments. Whether your dream is to be a fashion designer, upgrade your wardrobe or try something new, the finished product is clothing you can proudly say you made yourself.

If you’re wondering what supplies you’ll need for successful sewing projects, don’t worry, this guide is here to help. While you can adjust and upgrade your DIY toolkit as you advance your skills, here are some must-have tools to get you started:
Fabric

When diving into the world of creating your clothes or other fabric projects, the first thing you’ll need is fabric. Picking the right material can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to choose durable fabrics that suit the type of clothing or project you want to make. It’s always more fun to work with colours and patterns that excite you, so pick options that inspire you and spark your creativity.
The best part? You can find a wide range of apparel fabric options, from vibrant solids to stunning patterns. Cotton and linen are great for everyday wear because they’re breathable and comfortable. If you want something a bit fancier, silk is always a classic.
For warmer outfits, wool is a cosy option, while polyester and viscose can work well for flowy designs or pieces that need more structure. Organic fabrics are another great choice if sustainability matters to you.
It’s a good idea to start with a few clothing fabrics in basic colours or patterns you like. This gives you the flexibility to try out different projects without feeling overwhelmed.
For example, you could grab some plain cotton in neutral tones, viscose in a bold pattern, or lightweight silk. Once you decide what you want to create—maybe a dress, a shirt, or even home décor—you can add specific fabrics that suit that project.
The beauty of working with clothing fabric is the endless possibilities. You can play with colours, mix textures, or go all out with bold patterns.
Also, don’t worry if it all feels overwhelming at first. In time, you’ll learn how different fabrics behave, which materials drape beautifully, and which pair well together. You’ll figure out the little intricacies that make working with apparel fabric even more fun, and soon, picking out materials will feel much easier.
Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is pretty essential when you’re starting to sew. It speeds up the process and helps with precision, so you won’t be stuck doing everything by hand. You don’t need to go for some high-end, pricey one right off the bat, though—just something reliable and easy to use will do.
Look for features like adjustable stitch lengths or buttonhole settings to make your life easier. Also, think about the size and weight. You don’t want something too heavy if you plan to move it around a lot.
Measuring Tape
You’ll also need a measuring tape for your sewing projects. It’s a handy tool when it’s time to get the right measurements. Whether working with a pattern or checking how something fits, it’s essential for precision. Most tapes have inches on one side and centimetres on the other, making it easy to switch between systems.
Because it’s flexible, you can measure around curves and tricky spots, which a regular ruler won’t do. You might want to have more than one on hand—consider adding a small retractable tape measure for quick and convenient measurements while you’re on the go.
Pins, Clips, and Tailor’s Chalk

Pins, clips, and tailor’s chalk are essential for keeping your fabric in place while you sew. Pins help hold your pieces together before sewing, and you can use fabric clips if you prefer something that won’t leave holes. Tailor’s chalk is perfect for marking lines, hems, or pattern pieces on the fabric, ensuring everything lines up correctly.
When buying pins, go for thin ones to avoid thick marks in your fabric. For clips, look for ones that are strong enough to hold thicker fabrics. Tailor’s chalk comes in different colours, so pick one that shows up well on your fabric.
Cutting Tools
A good pair of fabric scissors is essential, no matter what you’re sewing. Designed to cut through fabric cleanly without fraying the edges, they should be sharp and comfortable to handle for the best results.
You can also get a rotary cutter if you’re cutting straight lines or working with quilt blocks – it makes the job quicker and cleaner. At first, you don’t need to go for expensive tools, but as you get more into sewing, you can upgrade to more specialised scissors or cutters. Just remember to keep your scissors sharp and only use them for cutting fabric to keep them in good shape.
Thread and Needles
Let’s not forget thread and needles (you probably even have some at home). Thread comes in different types, so you’ll want to pick one that matches your fabric. For most projects, a standard polyester thread will do the job. As you dive deeper into sewing, you’ll learn about different threads for different projects, like cotton for quilting or silk for delicate materials.
Needles are just as important, and it’s a good idea to start with a basic set of universal needles. As your skills improve, you’ll want to try different needles suited for specific fabrics, like denim or stretch materials. The key is matching your needle size to your thread for the best results.
Iron and Pressing Tools

Iron and pressing tools are crucial for getting clean, sharp results in your sewing. At the very least, you’ll need an iron and an ironing board to press your fabric. Pressing helps smooth out wrinkles and shape your seams.
A press cloth is also useful to prevent your materials from scorching when applying more heat. If you don’t have one, a piece of muslin will work fine. Hams and sleeve rolls are great for pressing curves or seams, but for beginners, a tightly rolled towel can do the trick, too.