Question 1

What sewing supplies do I need to start?

Accepted Answer

A sewing machine or hand needles, thread that suits your cloth, sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and mat, pins or clips, a tape measure and a seam ripper. Add specialist tools as specific projects call for them rather than buying a full kit up front.

Question 2

What counts as sewing notions?

Accepted Answer

Notions are the smaller supplies that construct or finish a project rather than form its body: buttons, thread, needles, pins, zippers, elastic, bias tape, labels, fasteners, marking tools and hardware. Fabric and patterns are their own departments; everything that joins or finishes them is a notion.

Question 3

Where do I find sewing thread and embroidery floss?

Accepted Answer

On the Thread & Floss shelf, sorted by color family so matching a project takes a minute instead of an afternoon. Cotton and polyester sewing thread sit alongside embroidery floss; hand-embroidery skeins are also shelved under Crafting with the hoops and stabilizer.

Question 4

Do you sell buttons?

Accepted Answer

Yes — resin, wood, shell and vintage-style buttons are on the Buttons shelf under Notions, along with zippers, binding, pins and clips. They are shelved with the other closures rather than duplicated across the sewing hub.

Question 5

What sewing accessories are worth buying beyond the basics?

Accepted Answer

A seam gauge, wonder clips for thick or coated cloth, a good pair of small snips kept only for thread, and a quilting ruler if you cut with a rotary. Everything past that should be bought because a specific project asked for it.

Question 6

Which needle should I use?

Accepted Answer

Match the needle to the cloth: universals for most wovens, ballpoint or jersey for knits, denim or jeans needles for heavy twill and canvas, and topstitch needles for thicker decorative thread. Every needle listing states the point type and size.

Question 7

Do you carry supplies for quilting as well as garments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Quilting cottons, batting, rotary cutting tools, rulers, piecing thread and binding all sit within sewing. Garment and quilt patterns are in the Patterns department.

Perle & Specialty Thread

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