How to Make a Basic Sewing Kit

Learn how to make a sewing kit! Below, I’ve listed and linked all the basic tools you will need to mend your clothes or do some basic hand sewing. This is intended to be a no-frills sewing kit that is as inexpensive as possible. All of these tools can be upgraded to higher quality, more aesthetic versions. But in my experience, even the basic tools are good quality, and will get you through many years of projects if you take care of them.

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Why Learn to Sew?

Basic sewing and mending skills are important life skills, just like cooking, cleaning, or keeping a budget. All of us should learn how to sew if able. “Underconsumption” is trending right now, which is amazing! I truly hope that more of us will make do and mend. Mending your clothes is a great way to consume less. You will save money, fight fast fashion, keep clothes out of landfills, and learn new skills. Take the plunge and begin! Got a sewing question, or a topic you’d like me to cover? Share it in the comments!

• Sewing needles. For your first kit, I recommend buying a set of assorted needles. As time goes by, you can purchase specific types of needles if you need them for certain projects. But a basic set of needles will be able to handle most projects.
• Needle case or needle book. Your needles might come in their own case, or you may want to buy or make a case or book for them. I love my felt needle book. It’s very simple to make: just sew two pieces of felt together, add a button tab, and button.

• Thimble. Using a thimble is optional, but they can really save your poor fingers from getting torn up. The traditional metal thimble is great, but I also really like using this leather thimble. Using a thimble takes some getting used to. You also need to find the correct size for your finger (the thimble should stay on your finger and not fall of easily, but should feel comfortable and not too tight.) It can take some trial and error getting the right thimble and learning how to use it, but once you do, your fingers will thank you.
• Thread. Buying a set of different colors of thread is a good idea, so you will have the color you need. There are so many types of thread out there, but for most projects, polyester thread is fine. It’s nice and strong, and cheap. Normally I’m a bit anti-polyester, and I do enjoy using pure cotton, linen, or silk thread for special projects. But for basic mending and sewing, polyester thread is totally fine.
• Scissors. If you are going to splurge on one tool, choose to splurge on some big fabric scissors. I recommend having a big pair of scissors for cutting fabric, and a small pair of scissors for cutting thread. I love my Gingher scissors that I inherited from my Grandma. They will last more than a lifetime if you take good care of them. But if you can’t afford them right now, there are inexpensive options that will work fine. I recommend these big scissors and these small scissors. If you need left handed scissors, try this set.
• Pins. I prefer 1.5 inch pins with a plastic ball on the end. They are easy to handle and difficult to lose sight of. I also always keep a few large safety pins in my kit for making elastic or drawstring closures.
• Pin cushion. The classic tomato pincushion is a great option for a sewing kit. Tip: the little strawberry is for sharpening and cleaning needles. Just jab the needle in repeatedly and the gritty stuff inside will do the job quickly. If you plan to use a sewing machine, a magnetic pin cushion is really nice to have right next to it. These don’t work so well in a sewing bag though, because the pins will snag on your bag lining. I recommend both kinds of pincushions: the tomato for your sewing kit, and the magnet for your sewing machine table.
• Darning tools. If you will be mending knitted items, you may want to include one of these tools.
• Darning needles. Knitted items should be mended with darning needles. These needles have large eyes and dull tips, making them perfect for using with yarn and knitwear.

I hope this list is helpful to you! The only way to learn to sew and mend is to begin. Get your tools, pick a project, and do some research. YouTube has many excellent mending and sewing tutorials. Is there a sewing project or method you’d like me to create a tutorial for? Let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best.

Check out my video below to watch me mend two different things, and also go through my personal sewing kit.