10 Sewing Kit Essentials

By Alexandra Churchill
David Prince
Assemble a kit that is tailored to your everyday sewing needs, whether that means mending a torn sweater, reinforcing a loose button, or sewing a new garment entirely. Consult our handy checklist excerpted from "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook."
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Ready, Set, Sew!

David Prince

We start with a less-obvious tool: beeswax. Use the disk pictured above to stiffen thread, which makes it easier to push through a needle's eye, and helps prevent tangling; run a length of thread over the disk to coat it with wax.

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3 Types of Thread

Bryan Gardner

You will need mercerized-cotton thread, which works well on most cotton, rayon, and linen; size 50, a medium thickness, is good for general sewing. You will also need heavy-duty thread for reattaching coat buttons; and button twist thread, which is good for repairs on heavy clothing like coats.

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Six-Inch Ruler

David Prince

Make sure it's transparent so that you can see from one marked measure to another.

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Needles

Needles vary in type, length, eye shape, point, and width. They are categorized by name and number -- the larger the number, the shorter and finer the needle. Choose a needle fine enough to pass through your chosen fabric easily yet study enough not to bend or break. Pictured here are sharps (medium-length needles for general sewing) and betweens (similar to sharps but shorter, for fine stitching and tailoring).

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Marking Pencil

This is crucial for accuracy in any sewing project -- even hems.

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Embroidery Scissors

Have two pairs of scissors that are used solely for sewing -- the larger for trimming fabric, the smaller for snipping threads.

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