There are so many choices out there for sewing machines, tools, and learning resources! Here are some of my tried and true resources to get you going.
Sewing Machines
Be sure and check out my guide to buying your first sewing machine! How to choose a sewing machine is one of the questions I get asked the most often, so I addressed it thoroughly in that article. Brands I feel are very trustworthy are:
Brother, especially on a smaller budget (but don’t get the cheapest model of any brand!)
Juki, particularly if you’re looking for a serger at a great price.
Pfaff, Janome, or Bernina for higher budgets. I’ve been a lifelong Pfaff user and probably always will be, but I know these other brands have a similarly top notch reputation also!
Sewing Machines Plus is where I would start shopping if you don’t have a local shop. Amazon, of course, has many machines, but do your research to make sure you’re not paying a higher price for a model that is no longer being manufactured (since they’re “out of print”, in a way). Sewing Machines Plus has the stellar customer service in place to make sure you are getting a great price and the features you need in a machine. Plus, free shipping in the U.S.!
Sewing Tools
Fiskars Scissors. I know there are tons of high end brands, but I always end up back with Fiskars! Avoid the spring loaded kind — if you drop them, they get wonky and are no good anymore. I also use Fiskars Rotary Cutters and thread snips.
Clover makes great sewing notions:
My best seam ripper (replace yearly!)
Pins (I like the long ones and always opt for the cute ones, obviously!)
Dritz is another great brand of sewing notions, as well as Hobby Lobby’s Sewology line, which they put on sale for 1/2 off very often.
All purpose thread. I use Coats & Clark, or Hobby Lobby’s brand, but avoid the stuff in the cheap-o bins at Joann. It may say Coats & Clark, but it’s cheap for a reason. Gutermann is a nicer brand that many people swear by.
A good iron. I use this Shark iron and have for many years. Oliso is also used by many sewists and gets great reviews.
For aaaalllll my favorite things, visit my Amazon storefront, where I update categories with my tried and true favorites, plus items on my wish list.
Quilting Tools
I have a post on essential tools for quilting that you’ll want to check out if you’re a beginner! Besides the basic sewing tools, the things you definitely need are:
Books
For those just starting a sewing library, I recommend these books as reference guides for the various types of sewing:
For a general sewing reference
For a general quilting reference
I hope this resources guide has been helpful! If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out and ask! I’d love to help you in any way that I can.
Cheers!
Nikki