I’m happy to announce the second installment of our Sewing 101 series of how-to videos! In Lesson 1, we introduced you to your machine. Now, in Lesson 2, we’ll be showing you the typical supplies you’ll need for a successful sewing session and how to use them. Enjoy!
Sewing 101: Lesson 2 — Tools of the trade
If you have trouble viewing the embedded video, try viewing it directly here.
Here are the supplies in a list, for your convenience.
- Fabric scissors
– Don’t even try to use your regular household scissors for fabric. Spend a little on a good pair of fabric scissors and your cutting will be SO much easier.
- Tape measure
– A soft and flexible tape measure is crucial for measuring people or non-flat surfaces.
- Seam ripper
– If you plan to mess up at all (and all new sewers will!) you’ll need a seam ripper to help you undo your stitches. They’re cheap insurance. Get one.
- Straight pins
– It’s kinda hard to hold fabric pieces in place without pins, so get some! I especially like the ones with large, colorful heads on them, which make them easier to see and use.
- Magnetic pin cushion
– I LOVE these, and they make managing your tiny, sharp pins so much easier!
- Thread
– A critical element to the sewing process
If you’re just starting out, you might want to get a set of small spools in various colors, so that you’ll have something to match any fabric you use. - Needles
– You’ll need needles for small bits of sewing by hand when the machine just won’t cut it.
- Rotary cutter
– If you’re going to do a lot of cutting, a rotary cutter is a lot easier to use than scissors, and easier on your hands.
- Cutting mat
– Unless you hate your tabletop, you’ll want to use a self-healing cutting mat when using a rotary cutter!
- Pinking shears
– Great for cutting decorative edges and useful for reducing unraveling on seams.
- Fray check
– A great way to handle fraying ends of ribbon or fabric.
- Needle threader
– If you have trouble threading tiny needles, try this little device to make it easier.
In the next lesson, we’ll start sewing! How exciting!




4 comments so far:
Great video! I posted a link on Craft Gossip Sewing.
–Anne
I am gearing up to teach my 17 and 18 year old girls how to sew.I needed a crash course. This will happen the week of November 16. Looking forward to lesson 3. I was very impressed with the video and loved the humor. My girls will be giggling the whole way through. Maybe I will video tape them watching the video!! Hum, what an idea. If I do I will write you.
-Lola
Yay! These videos are sew much fun, thanks tons! I’ll be linking. And laughing. =)
Love your videos. I’m teaching our girls at church and I’m sure they will love the video along with hands on.
Thanks for your help.