15 Must-Have Notions for Your Sewing Kit

By Lindsay Conner

When you first learn to sew, you can get by with a pair of scissors, thread, and a sewing machine. As you start to tackle more elaborate projects, it’s probably time to build your collection of sewing tools, also referred to as notions. These may be items that become part of the finished project (like buttons) or other handy items to keep around your sewing space (like seam rippers).

So, what are the most popular notions to add to your sewing kit? We’ve compiled a handy list of 15 notions for beginners to help you think through the next sewing tools to add to your collection!

1. Sewing scissors

When you’re cutting fabric, you’ll want to have one or two sharp pairs of scissors that are designated for cutting fabric only. This will leave you with the smoothest cuts. If you use your fabric shears to cut paper or other items, it can quickly dull the blades. Trust us on this one! Keep another pair in the junk drawer for random tasks, and hide the fabric shears in your sewing kit. You can invest in a larger pair for quickly cutting out clothing patterns and a smaller pair with a share point for getting into tight spaces.

2. Hand-sewing needles

Pick up a pack of needles meant for sewing by hand. You’ll likely find an assortment of needle sizes and widths, which can accommodate sewing through different types of fabric. Basic sewing kits sometimes come with a needle threader, but you can also look for a pack of self-threading needles—the eye of the needle has a special opening to make it easier to insert the thread.

3. Sewing machine needles

Though there are many types of needles for sewing machines, we recommend that beginner sewists keep some universal needles on hand. These are useful for a variety of sewing tasks, from piecing a quilt top to finishing a hem. We like Schmetz brand needles, unless your sewing machine manual suggests using a certain kind. Other types of sewing machine needles include denim, quilting, embroidery, ballpoint, leather, microtex/sharp, stretch, and topstitch. These are each useful in their own ways when working with different types of fabric and thread in certain projects.

4. Seam ripper

Basic sewing kits usually include a small seam ripper, but these can easily be misplaced. If you want to tear out your stitches with ease, you can invest in a larger, ergonomic seam ripper. The wider handle makes it easier to hold and quicker to spot when you need it.

5. Tape measure

A ribbon useful for taking measurements, a standard tape measure is usually 15 to 50 feet long and shows both inches and centimeters. This flexible tape is ideal to use when taking body measurements for garment fitting.

6. Sewing pins or clips

Sewing pins are useful for keeping two pieces of fabric together while you sew. You can choose whatever kind is easiest for you—ball point pins, flat head pins, or flower head pins are some common options. Binding clips, such as the colorful plastic kind called Wonder Clips, are useful for a variety of sewing tasks. For instance, you may use clips to hold the lining of a tote bag in place prior to sewing.

7. Rotary cutter, cutting mat & ruler

This handy trio goes together like bread, peanut butter, and jelly! A rotary cutter looks like a pizza cutter and comes with changeable blades for cutting fabric quickly and easily. The 45mm size is the most common. Look for a double-sided, self-healing cutting mat with grid lines in a versatile size, like 18” x 24”, or larger if you’d like. A clear 6” x 24” acrylic ruler is useful for cutting yardage. You can buy them in many sizes, however.

8. Marking tools

Tailor’s chalk is used to make temporary marks on fabric, for instance a garment that is being altered. A tracing wheel is also useful for garment makers; it easily rolls across sewing patterns (the tissue paper kind) and makes dotted perforations in the fabric underneath; this is a way of transferring a clothing pattern without first cutting it out. Finally, a disappearing fabric marker or pen can be used to temporarily draw on fabric, which is useful if you need to match the center points of two pieces, for instance.

9. Safety pins

Unlike straight pins, safety pins are able to be fully closed, making them useful in a variety of ways. They can be used to baste together the layers of a quilt (backing, batting, and quilt top) before you stitch them together. Safety pins are also useful for turning sewn strips right side out, such as for bag handles. You can also put a safety pin on a piece of elastic to easily feed it through a casing, such as one found at the top of an elastic-waist skirt.

10. Iron

Having a good iron near your sewing space is always helpful! You can use an iron to press seams and make them more crisp. An iron is also helpful for adhering interfacing to the back of fabric, to make it more stiff. Do your best to keep the iron plate from getting dirty! If you are using interfacing or fusible web, always place a pressing cloth (any scrap fabric will do) between your iron and the object to discourage adhesive from burning onto the iron plate. Also, keep an ironing board nearby, and never iron on your cutting mat or it will melt.

11. Thread

Spools of thread come in many colors, spool sizes, and thread weights (or thickness). Did you know that there are different types of fibers? Look for an all-purpose thread, which is good for most projects on your sewing machine and hand sewing. This is usually a medium weight and made from cotton, polyester, or both. Depending on your project, the instructions might also call for monofilament (clear) thread, metallic or embroidery thread (rayon material used for decorative machine stitching), elastic thread (used for gathering or shirring), or heavy-duty thread (used for sewing heavier fabrics like canvas, denim, or duck cloth).

12. Pin cushion

Whether you stick with the traditional tomato pin cushion, a magnetic dish, or a different type, we think you’ll want to have this notion close by for stashing your sewing pins. You can even make your own pin cushion and fill it with rice or plastic beads. (Check out the SIY Pin Cushion project here!)

13. Elastic

A number of sewing projects call for elastic. Elastic is stretchy ribbon that comes in a variety of widths. It can be added to clothing and crafts; for example, it can be added to a child’s headband to make it stretchable.

14. Bobbins

Your sewing machine probably came with some metal or clear, plastic bobbins. You can buy additional bobbins at the craft store. Make sure your read your sewing manual and buy the same kind your machine uses! Pre-wound bobbins can save you time because they are already loaded up with all-purpose white or colored thread.

15. Buttons

Buttons can be used for closures on clothing or bags or as embellishments in hand embroidery. They come in a wide variety of styles of sizes, and may be made from plastic or metal. Look for unique buttons at antique stores, garage sales, and junk drawers! You can keep them in a glass jar near your sewing space so you always have an assortment handy for your next craft.

Learn more about Lindsay here.