How much does it cost to start sewing?

I am frequently asked ‘how much does it cost to start sewing?’. The amount of equipment and tools on the market is vast and can be confusing. In this post, I have boiled down what you need to just the bare essentials. There is always more to add, but let us start with this.

The Essential Sewing Kit

1. Sewing Machine– This is by far the most significant expense. An excellent local retailer will have new and reconditioned machines. Sewing machines are lovely devices that last a long time, so buying a reconditioned machine can be a great option. I would avoid buying a second-hand machine unless a machine specialist has checked it. If you are lucky enough to be given a second-hand machine, ask a local specialist to service it. A new entry-level machine will cost around £300. This type of machine provides all the basics features I talk about in my sewing machine features blog.
2. Scissors – Fabric scissors will cost from £15-20. Household scissors will cost less than £10
3. Rotary cutting equipment – This includes a cutting board, ruler and cutter. There are some excellent starter kits available which cost around £20. It is good to buy the largest board you can afford.
4. Pins – Good quality pins are essential. I like Prym and Clover pins. A box of pins will cost £5 or less.
5. Hand needles – I buy John James needle. The quality is fabulous, and the cost is less than £3 for a set.
6. Unpicker – Get a good one. I like Clover unpickers which are around £3
7. Thread – Thread is expensive. Making wise decisions about thread will save you money. I would recommend buying a large (500+m) reels of white and dark grey thread. Use this until you need something more. It is tempting to buy lots of colours, but instead, buy them as you need them. Guttermann is an excellent brand to start with, and their cotton 60w thread is perfect. It will cost around £9 per thread.
8. Marking Pen – A chalk drawing pen or a frixon pen will cost less than £5
9. Fabric – Look in charity shops, use an old sheet, old clothes and repurpose things. The material can be costly and testing out any pattern before you use the new fabric is best.

So without a sewing machine, to get started will cost you less than £100 and I have previously explained, SEWING IS A GREAT INVESTMENT IN YOU.

Other links

My local machine specialist is Sew Devine in Reading. They are amazing, and I would highly recommend them.

For all haberdashery supplies, Jaycotts are my go-to place.

Needles can be sources from John James.

A superb place for threads is Barnyarns