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Must-Haves for Hand Sewing Beginners

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As someone who has re-fallen in love with hand sewing, I can attest to all the benefits. It slows you down, it allows you to enjoy the process, and it fills in time when you’re having to sit and wait.

With any craft, I’ve found that there are a some essential supplies that can make a difference. And you will definitely want to know about a few of these. Personally, there is one that is fairly new to me, but a total game changer.

Must-Haves for Hand Sewing Beginners Pin

Must-Haves for Hand Sewing Beginners

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1. Sharp Scissors or Snips

bird scissors

A sharp pair of scissors or snips are essential. What you need specifically is a pair of scissors that are small but have a sharp point so you can cleanly cut thread. Of course they don’t need to be shaped like a stork, but it does help you remember that these are specialty scissors and need to be kept with your hand sewing supplies. Be sure to choose a pair that has some sort of sheath.


2. Embroidery Hoops 

embroidery hoops

For beginners, an embroidery hoop is essential for most types of hand sewing. It will hold the fabric taut and allow you to create nice, even stitches. It’s a good idea to have a few different sizes of embroidery hoops. Inexpensive plastic hoops are great for beginners. As you get more experienced you may want to upgrade to really nice wooden hoops. Or not.


3. Thimble

thimble

A thimble is one of those items that is so personal to a sewist. It needs to sit comfortably on your finger and allow you to easily manipulate the needle and thread. Because of this, you will need to go on your own personal hunt for the perfect thimble. I’ve seen all sorts at quilt shows, sewing shops, Etsy, and Ebay. The variety is astounding and I can understand why people collect them. Personally, I think a beautiful thimble would make a lovely gift for a sewing friend. Many nicer thimbles come with a small storage case which I would find very helpful because I’ve lost as many as I’ve owned.


4. Thread Conditioner

thread conditioner

Thread Conditioner is an absolute for hand sewing. This one product has been a game-changer for me. It absolutely keeps your thread from twisting while hand sewing. In the past when I did hand-smocking, I used beeswax and it did not prevent my threads from twisting and knotting. Thread conditioner does! I wouldn’t hand sew without it.


5. Magnetic Needle Case

magnetic needle keeper

If you don’t own a magnetic needle case, you need to get one asap. I have several because they are so inexpensive (Joann’s with a coupon=$2-$3). This is another one of those game-changer sewing items. No more getting stabbed by my project when I reach into the bag to pull it out. No more missing needles that could now be anywhere even though I left it in the fabric in a hoop. Instead, all needles are returned to the case and I can see what I have.


6. A Bag to Carry Your Hand Sewing

Have you recently taken up Hand Sewing? Taking the time to sew a little something by hand allows you to slow down the process and savor each stitch. To make hand sewing more enjoyable there are a few essential supplies that I recommend.

I designed this Zippered Box Pouch specifically for carrying my hand sewing. It holds a small hoop, my scissors, thread conditioner, thimble, needle case, and project. This one can tuck into the bottom of most bags or purses, making it easy to carry your hand sewing when you’re out. Of course, you don’t have to carry anything fancy, a Ziplock bag will do the job, too.

For me, hand sewing is one of those activities that can be extremely rewarding. Projects are easy to carry with you when you’re on-the-go. The supplies are relatively inexpensive and the possibilities are endless.


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