Gift Guide for the Sewing Enthusiast

One of my favorite hobbies is sewing. I started just after my second baby was born and she is turning 15 this week (Nov. 2019)! It’s hard to believe that much time has gone by since she was born….. but I’m getting off topic here. Anyways, my parents bought me a sewing machine and all I needed to get started for Christmas that year. I’m forever grateful for that!

Over the years of sewing I’ve learned what tools and supplies I need and the things that I just want because they make sewing easier or are just fun to have. I hope this list will give you some great ideas on what to get the sewing enthusiast in your life!

Gift Guide for the Sewing Enthusiast- From Stocking Stuffers to Big Gifts

Needs:

Sewing machine- This seems pretty obvious but it definitely is a necessity when sewing. I started out with an older used machine and eventually got a high quality machine. A good starter machine is the Brother CS600i, it has all of your basic sewing features. Next in line for a step up and a very nice quality machine is the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. I’m personally partial to my Juki F600. It’s perfect for someone who has been sewing for a while and is ready for more bells and whistles.

Cutting and Measuring Supplies: When you sew, you’re going to need supplies to cut and measure your fabric. This could be as simple as a pair of scissors and a measuring tape (that’s how I started). It’s also nice to have a small pair of trimming scissors.

I’ve found over the years that having a rotary cutter and a rotary mat makes things so much better and my cuts more accurate. Throw in a nice rectangle ruler and some square rulers and you’ve got a happy little seamstress over here!

Iron: An iron is a must when you sew. It isn’t very productive to sew wrinkly fabric, you also end up with a wonky finished product. I have a cordless iron and I like it a lot. You can go all out and get a fancy iron if you’d like, I know a lot of sewist who prefer them. I also suggest a small seam iron. They aren’t a necessity but they sure to make things easier.

Notions: I’ve always loved sewing notions. I don’t really know why but I just have. Some nice little items that make great small gifts and stocking stuffers are: seam rippers, pins, pin cushion, bobbins, bobbin case, extra rotary blades, extra machine needles, hand needles, and buttons.

Thread: How are you going to sew without thread? I personally use Gutermann thread most of the time. I like to keep large spools of black thread and white thread on hand as well as smaller spools of assorted colors to match my projects.

Fabric: You’ll definitely need fabric to sew! The fabric you choose will greatly depend on your project but I’ve found that I like to keep fabric precuts on hand. You can get precuts in 2 1/2″ strips, small 5″ squares, larger 10″ squares, fat quarters, and more. Of course, you can always buy fabric by the yard from a quilt shop or stores like Joann Fabric or Hobby Lobby.

Patterns: When sewing, you’ll need a pattern to follow for your project. There are plenty of free patterns on the internet like my rag quilt, quilt as you go table runner, and mug rug patterns. You can also purchase patterns online or from a store.

So, those are items that are must haves (for the most part) when sewing. I’m also sharing the want list items. These items aren’t 100% necessary for sewing but they make it a much smoother and pleasurable experience.

Wants:

Sewing Table: I’ve been known to set up a sewing station on any surface that will work. In fact, I made my mug rugs on a plastic fold out table on a camping trip with friends. I’ve also even used a wood TV tray at times when space was tight. It wasn’t fun and it sure gave me a bigger appreciation of my actual sewing table. One day, I’d love to have a table made for my machines that it sinks in.

Iron Table: I spent many of my sewing years using a tiny table top ironing board and a plain old clothes ironing board. Let me tell you, when I got my big ironing table one year for Christmas, well it was like Christmas! This has made my sewing life so much easier. I also have a small ironing mat and a friend and I made a small ironing table out of an old TV tray.

Organization Supplies: When you start sewing, you will find that you end up collecting lots of notions and supplies. You will probably want to start getting organizing supplies like thread holders, baskets/bins, and caddies to keep your space tidy! P.S. My sewing space isn’t actually tidy.

Sewing Books: I love books! I have found them to be very helpful in my sewing endeavors. I started out with the book called “Sewing for Dummies”. Nice title, huh? Well, it is a very thorough and easy to understand guide and it really helped me a lot. There are books that explain all kinds of sewing terms and items. I also like sewing books for kids for my girls.

I also love a good quilt pattern book. I’m especially partial to anything by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet. Her Farm Girl Vintage and Farm Girl Vintage 2 are my favorites but I also love her Vintage Christmas book.

I really hope this has inspired you to go out (or stay at home) and shop for the special sewing enthusiast in your life. I’m sure they would be thrilled to receive anything off of this list and it make the decision on what to buy easier for you! Sounds like a win win situation to me.

More Great Posts:

How to Make a Rag Quilt- DIY Rag Quilt Tutorial

Gift Guide for the Sewing Enthusiast

DIY Quilted Mug Rug

Quilt as You Go Table Runner