Before you all dive head first into redesigning your wardrobe, it's important you have the right equipment, so you can make your designs reality. Having a well stocked sewing kit will also provide you with motivation, and ensure your projects run smoothly, as you're not having to keep stopping to get things you need that you don't have.
Before you go out and buy a whole load of sewing equipment, make sure you have a large flat space to work at, preferably a table, that you can comfortably stand at, and with enough space to lay fabric out on.
In the picture above I've photographed the basic equipment you will need in your sewing kit. There's the obvious things, such as a tape measure, that measures both inches and centimetres, pins, fabric scissors (I recommend a pair of Fiskars scissors, they're a wee bit more pricey, but definitely worth it. Just make sure you don't use them to cut paper!), paper scissors, paper for creating patterns and notes, a rubber and a pencil, however i've also included a pair of snips (little scissors used for cutting thread), a stitch unpicker (because we can't always get it right the first time), safety pins, as they are great for when you fitting your clothing, a selection of different coloured tailors chalk (for marking up seam allowance etc) and a set square. A set square is a great piece of kit that I use all the time, from marking up seam allowance to helping me draft patterns.
In the picture above I've photographed the basic equipment you will need in your sewing kit. There's the obvious things, such as a tape measure, that measures both inches and centimetres, pins, fabric scissors (I recommend a pair of Fiskars scissors, they're a wee bit more pricey, but definitely worth it. Just make sure you don't use them to cut paper!), paper scissors, paper for creating patterns and notes, a rubber and a pencil, however i've also included a pair of snips (little scissors used for cutting thread), a stitch unpicker (because we can't always get it right the first time), safety pins, as they are great for when you fitting your clothing, a selection of different coloured tailors chalk (for marking up seam allowance etc) and a set square. A set square is a great piece of kit that I use all the time, from marking up seam allowance to helping me draft patterns.
This little doo da here is a tracing wheel and when combined with carbon paper will make you life so much easier! When you cut out two pieces of the sae pattern at once, you place it over the carbon paper (the yellow stuff in the background) and you trace round the edge of you patter with the tracing wheel, and when you turn your pieces over, you will see that your fabric is all marked up the same as the front piece. Easy peasy! You can buy carbon paper from most fabric and haberdashery stores, and I recommend you buy a selection of colours, as different colours work best on different colours of fabric. If you tape your pardon paper down onto a large piece of card, you won't damage your table underneath when you're making up you fabric.
Of course I think EVERYONE should own a sewing machine, however it is difficult for me to recommend one type of machine for you to buy. They really are a personal thing. However the one thing I would recommend if you're buying your first machine is to avoid a digital sewing machine. Realistically you're not going to need to the super fancy stitches and functions that come with it, and the more features a machine has the more there is to go wrong.
When looking for a machine, look for one that includes, a stretch stitch function, a darning stitch, button hole function (and button hole foot) and a zipper foot. These are just basic essentials that you will use most of the time and will make your life much easier.
For those of you who are new to sewing, its important to understand different types of fabric. Are they woven or knitted? The qualities of fabric are really important to consider when creating a design. Different fabric qualities include:
- The weight of the fabric
- The thickness
- The drape of the fabric
- How shear is the fabric?
- Does the fabric have any stretch?
These different qualities can dramatically effect the cut and shape of a garment. Normally the weight and thickness are closely linked, as are drape and shear. Stretch however can occur in a huge variety of weights and types of fabrics.
Examples of some Light to Medium weight fabrics:
Examples of some Medium - Heavy weight fabrics:
Examples of some Heavy weight fabrics:
It's important to familiarise yourself with lots of different types of fabric so you can unleash your inner designer to your full potential!!
So go have a play, get a hole load of scraps of different types of fabrics and go wild!
Of course I think EVERYONE should own a sewing machine, however it is difficult for me to recommend one type of machine for you to buy. They really are a personal thing. However the one thing I would recommend if you're buying your first machine is to avoid a digital sewing machine. Realistically you're not going to need to the super fancy stitches and functions that come with it, and the more features a machine has the more there is to go wrong.
When looking for a machine, look for one that includes, a stretch stitch function, a darning stitch, button hole function (and button hole foot) and a zipper foot. These are just basic essentials that you will use most of the time and will make your life much easier.
For those of you who are new to sewing, its important to understand different types of fabric. Are they woven or knitted? The qualities of fabric are really important to consider when creating a design. Different fabric qualities include:
- The weight of the fabric
- The thickness
- The drape of the fabric
- How shear is the fabric?
- Does the fabric have any stretch?
These different qualities can dramatically effect the cut and shape of a garment. Normally the weight and thickness are closely linked, as are drape and shear. Stretch however can occur in a huge variety of weights and types of fabrics.
Examples of some Light to Medium weight fabrics:
- Cashmere
- Dupion
- Gingham
- Sateen and satin
- Taffata
- Chiffon
- Brocade
- Calico
- Crepe
- Damask
- Denim
- Velvet
- Suitings
- Tartan
Examples of some Medium - Heavy weight fabrics:
- Canvas
- Corduroy
- Flannel
- Fleece
- Tweed
- Moleskin
- Velour
Examples of some Heavy weight fabrics:
- Felt
- Melton
It's important to familiarise yourself with lots of different types of fabric so you can unleash your inner designer to your full potential!!
So go have a play, get a hole load of scraps of different types of fabrics and go wild!