Get Started in Sewing - Free Checklist

🧵 Basic Tools

  • Sewing Machine: Start simple; a basic model is perfect!
  • Fabric Scissors: Keep these sharp and separate from paper scissors.
  • Pins & Needles: Essential for holding fabric pieces together.
  • Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements = better fit!
  • Seam Ripper: Your best friend for fixing mistakes!
  • Iron & Ironing Board: Press seams for a clean, professional finish.

✨ Recommended Tools

  • Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat: Great for precise cutting, especially for straight lines.
  • Tailor’s Chalk or Fabric Markers: Perfect for marking fabrics without permanent marks.
  • Point Turner: Helps shape corners and curves for a polished look.
  • Clear Ruler: Ideal for measuring and cutting at exact angles.
  • Sewing Clips: A helpful alternative to pins, especially on thick fabrics.

🎨 Basic Tools for Sketching & Pattern-Making

  • Sketchbook or Drawing Paper: A place to freely draw and explore ideas.
  • Pencils & Erasers: Essential for sketching designs, with room for adjustments as your ideas evolve.
  • Fine-Tip Pens or Markers: For adding detail or finalizing design lines.
  • Tracing Paper: Useful for transferring and refining initial sketches.
  • Colored Pencils: To add color to your designs and explore fabric choices visually.

📐 Essential Pattern-Making Tools

  • Pattern Paper: Often gridded, this paper allows you to draw, trace, and cut out your patterns accurately.
  • Rulers, French Curve & Hip Curve: These rulers help create smooth lines and curves for pattern shapes.
  • Pattern Weights: To hold patterns in place on fabric without pins, which helps with accurate cutting.
  • Paper Scissors: These are separate from your fabric scissors, and are exclusively to cut paper or cardboard.

I’m so excited that you’ve decided to start your sewing and upcycling journey, and I’m here to help you every step of the way! A little about me—I'm a fashion designer and passionate about upcycling, creating unique designs from old garments and materials. Over the years, I've learned so much from trial and error, and I truly believe that anyone can get creative with sewing, whether you’re starting with a few basic tools or taking on larger projects. That’s why I created this checklist—to give you the essentials and a few secrets I’ve learned along the way to make sewing easier and more fun!

I remember when I first started, it was overwhelming with all the different tools and techniques. But over time, I’ve figured out which tools are essential and which ones can make your life easier when it comes to creating something amazing!

This guide is for anyone who’s excited to start sewing or their design journey. Whether you’ve never touched a sewing machine or you're already an experienced creator, there’s something here for everyone. I’m so grateful to have you join this community of makers, and I can’t wait to see what you create!

Let’s get started and make something beautiful!
-Luisa xx

Back to blog