Supplies
Beginner kit at £, ££ and £££ budgets, and UK fabric shops compared.
- Tip: Patching jeans by machine? Use a jeans needle, size 90/14 or 100/16. Source: SewMendStitch: Repair a hole in denim
- Tip: For hand-sewing toys, use thick, strong thread such as upholstery-quality polyester. Source: Tringlez: How to make soft toys
The beginner sewing kit
What to buy first, at three budgets
Choosing fabric
Which fabrics are easiest to start with, which to save for later, and how to match fabric to a pattern.
Needles and thread
The few needle types and threads that cover almost every project, and the ones to leave until later.
UK fabric shops
Six well-known UK online fabric shops, compared on how they sell fabric and how their swatch service works
Which interfacing?
A quick buying guide to fusible and sew-in interfacing weights, so collars sit right and bags stand up.
The pressing kit
Good pressing makes home-sewn things look shop-bought
Kids sewing kit
What a child needs to start sewing safely, by stage, from blunt needles and felt to a machine.
Dressmaking supplies
The thread, needles and notions most dressmaking projects need, matched to fabric weight.
Mending supplies
A small kit for buttons, hems, seams and simple alterations.
Overlocking supplies
What you need alongside an overlocker: thread, needles and tools.
Quilting supplies
What you need to cut, piece, quilt and bind a first quilt.
Embroidery and cross stitch supplies
The fabric, thread and needles for counted cross stitch and basic hand embroidery.
