A friend of mine recently purchased a Singer sewing machine for his daughter, who is a tween. That’s the perfect age for learning how to sew. I was sewing on a Singer treadle machine as a young child, and my Mom let me use her ancient 50-pound metal brick of a “portable” sewing machine as I approached my teen years. My first real machine, which I bought myself, was a Singer portable. $100 at the local K-Mart. Thing is, I used that machine a lot – even commercially, for many years.
Singer machines might not be fancy, but they are solid workhorses. Easy to learn on, and easy to repair if needed.
As a Gen Xer, when I started sewing, I got lucky, and all the older ladies unloaded their ancient tools on me, so I didn’t have to buy anything – at first. In my early 20s, there was a place on the island called Masten’s Variety store. It was an actual 5-and-dime store, left over from long ago. One thing in it was an actual sewing section. The tools they sold were all new, but from the 1970s. The packaging was faded, but the items still worked fine. Bolts of fabric that were truly vintage – and everything was US-made. I shopped there frequently until the owner passed away.
I sewed professionally through my 20s into my mid-30s, and those tools were used often daily. They didn’t break or wear out. Sewing goes through periods, it seems, and some years it is hip to do. It’s in a downturn once again – unless, as always, you sew quilts. But at least that means stores still exist for machines and tools – don’t tell them you sew clothing, or they might get all snooty to you. The last upturn was in 2020 during the pandemic years.
In my list of tools, I am loyal to certain brands. Dritz is a good example – they work well and usually hold up. Needles are another case where buying the imported German machine needles is worth any extra cost; they don’t break as often. Some tools are not as important.
He asked me if the machine was a good buy. I felt so. And then I asked if he had gotten her any accessories. And if I were buying them…these are some I would consider. Most will be buy the tools once.
Tools For Sewing:
Bobbins and a bobbin case. Having lots of bobbins means less downtime while actively sewing. I usually keep multiple bobbins loaded with white and back, so I can put a new one in and continue without having to undo the thread to reload the bobbin.
Sewing machine needles. Have multiple sizes on hand for the type of fabric you are sewing.
Thread. Generally, I prefer cotton; I’ve found that cheap polyester thread is more likely to pucker. White, black, and brown are standard colors, along with a few bright options to complement the fabrics you might sew.
Hand sewing needles. Yes, you have a machine, but you will always have sewing that needs to be done by hand. A package of these is often a one-time life investment. I still have the pack my Mom gave me – 40 years later.
A new seam ripper. A sharp new ripper saves time. You will, at some point, be grumbling and have to rip out thread, so make it easier on yourself. Buying off-brand isn’t a good choice. Buy a brand-name product and keep the cap on it.
Pins. You cannot have too many pins, I would argue. From laying out patterns to holding fabric together for sewing, you will need them.
Tracing Paper. Or, otherwise known as wax paper. Yes, there are other ways to mark fabric from patterns, but for learning purposes, this is a straightforward approach. Best for cotton I have found. It’s not messy like chalk is.
Tracing wheels – in serrated and smooth. I use both.
Tiny Fiskar scissors – for snipping threads.
Fiskar sewing scissors. Yes, I own fancy metal scissors, imported from Europe. Yes, they are great. But the truth is? I use the simple Fiskars way more often. They are lightweight and easy to use. Just remember… cutting paper dulls any scissor, so hide them!
Hot hem gauge – if you are making skirts and similar items, this piece of metal will make your life significantly easier. I wore out my first one in my 20s.
Drawstring tools. For pulling the elastic through, this is so easy with it.
Loop turners. If you are making tubes of fabric, turning can be the most challenging part; these simple tools make it far easier.
A simple iron, no need for it to be pricey. It just needs to be able to steam.
A simple ironing board. A small tabletop one will work fine.
~Sarah
