Here's the thing - I have ADHD. When I tend to get interested in a new hobby, I often end up going all-in, often overspending before I realize what items would be worth it to invest in more than others. To save you the hassle, if you are a beginner sewist, or are looking for a gift for a loved one, I've assembled a list of sewing supplies that I suggest holding off on when you are just starting out, dupes to consider, and splurges when I think the upgrade is worthwhile.
Skip: sewing-specific glue pens
Dupe: Already have Elmer's washable school glue? Check the exact product’s instructions and test it on a scrap, including washing, before using it on your project. Elmer’s has worked well for me on most fabrics, with the exception of wool blends, which can turn into an unintended felting project very quickly. While Elmer’s It isn’t a guaranteed substitute for every fabric, it can be a great low cost alternative if you are just starting out.
When to Splurge: Sewline’s refillable fabric glue pen is water-soluble and dries clear. Our pick is the Sewline Water Soluble Glue Pen, and you'll find refills in fabric glue.
I very recently started using these after stocking them in our shop, and I will say that it has made a difference for me. In part due to the size of the glue tip, which is darn near perfect for easily basting scant 1/4 seams, and in part because the color options help with providing a bit of contrast so I can easily see where I’ve applied the glue.
A quick tip, regardless of the glue you choose to use for basting, is to keep your iron nearby— a small press will help dry the glue faster and prevent your seams from opening back up when you’re ready to sew.
Skip: designer glass-head pins
Dupe: You don’t need decorative pins. Start with pins suited to your fabric and the number of layers. Honestly, I would refer back to glue again on this topic — I do use pins at times but I’ve recently gotten really into English paper piecing and I’ve been darn near converted from using pins for probably 75% of my projects.
When to splurge: Glass heads can be worth paying for when the manufacturer confirms heat resistance. For delicate natural fiber fabrics like silk, which can be sensitive to discoloration, I always err on the side of caution and opt for fine head pins to keep my folds and points in tact.
If you are finding yourself increasingly inclined to move your sewing projects into your common living space and you want something a bit prettier to look at. See Bohin glass head pins and the rest of our pins and clips.
I have also noticed that after splurging on a nicer set of pins for myself, I have genuinely not lost a single one because my brain automatically tells me “this is special, do not lose it,” which keeps me motivated to put them back into my pincushion every time I take them out.
Skip: Premium Fabric for Your First Make or buying a bunch of Cotton Muslin
Dupe: Well, it’s not really a dupe, but what I suggest instead: For a toile, look for a less expensive fabric with similar weight, drape, and stretch to your final fabric. I personally don’t ever make toiles with muslin cloth because the thought of spending time making something I will never leave the house in makes me want to avoid making altogether.
Instead, if you have your eye on a special fabric, I would encourage you to first try your project out on a thrifted option first that you can tolerate wearing, even if you aren’t obsessed with the print. Muslin is absolutely a great choice, but I personally hate the hand-feel of it.
I’m a sucker for Merchant & Mills, and Fableism (obviously) but I never cut into those first without glue basting an inexpensive alternative first.
Poplin or quilting cotton (crisp wovens) are always my recommendation for beginners because they are way easier to work with than knits. That said, regardless of your sewing level, I always recommend starting with a tester and, when it goes well, you get two cute makes to show off.
When to Splurge: If you feel comfortable with your machine, you've made good friends with your seam ripper, and you feel confident reading and cutting out patterns, or perhaps you've started drafting some of your own, it probably makes sense to splurge on nicer fabric. That said, the absolute best garment sewers I know still take the time to draft or at least drape a toile before they start cutting and basting their project. Browse our linen and linen blends.
Skip: fancy shaped rulers
Dupe: Creativity can serve a lovely purpose here - the sewing and quilting community wants you to believe you need every ruler on the market to be valid as a quilter or sewer - that's just not true. Yes, we carry many products like this and yes, some of them are flipping awesome, but when I started out, I spent wayyyy too much money on supplies that I didn't feel confident using and, to my husband's dismay, guess where those things ended up?
Splurge: Wait on specialty shapes until a project calls for one. Check the pattern’s required tools before buying.
When you’re ready, our quilting rulers and tools are here.
If I could do it all again, the three things I would have splurged on from the beginning are:
- Thread cutter to keep right next to my machine at all times. I am notorious in our house for losing sharp objects in the couch, on the floor, etc. After learning the hard (and poky, and expensive way) I now have a yarn cutter firmly planted by a command strip to my sewing table. I have also become borderline addicted to chain piecing now even when I don’t have a specific project in mind, all thanks to my flower thread cutter from Feral Notions.
- 2. Gütermann Recycled Polyester Thread. Thread? Seriously? Yes - completely. After trial and error and a lot of cussing, I realized that the thread you work with genuinely does make a difference. I converted to Güterman’s recycled (and recyclable) thread earlier this year when I was looking for a more sustainable alternative that still had the durability of their classic polyester thread. I have yet to have a Gütermann thread snap off while sewing or topstitching and I am a fangirl for life, as a result. Gütermann thread
- A 6X12 Quilting ruler. This size specifically because it’s the perfect length and width for most pre-cuts including jelly rolls, layer cakes, and the width of a fat quarter bundle. I’m not sure whether it’s the confetti, or the fact that the ones we carry from feral notions are crafted by an independent maker, but they make me, (a hater of all things math and numbers) feel excited to measure things.
Happy sewing!
Kenzie