8 Essentials Tools For Sewing and (an Honest Sewing Machine Review)

There are some tools you will need if you have decided to try your hand in sewing. Some tools are more important than others. So I have started out with the list of 8 essential tools for sewing and an honest sewing machine review.

Remember all the “Bo Knows ” commercials? You probably aren’t old enough to remember them. 🙂 Well that is how I feel about sewing . I have been sewing since I still wore a Halloween costume and went Trick or Treating. I think it is a skill that often skips a generation. Not really sure why though.

There are just so many things you can do with a sewing machine and you can really save money if you learn the skill.

8 Essential Tools For Sewing

• Sewing Machine
• Scissors
• Pins
• Pin Cushion
• Sewing Gauge
• Measuring Tape
• Seam Ripper
• Needles and Thread

The Sewing Machine

So before you go out and buy a sewing machine let’s talk about what kind of sewing you are going to do. The kind of sewing you are going to do will determine what kind of machine you will buy. Not only will it determine what type of machine you need to buy but also how much you need to spend on a machine.

Sew Appliques?

Quilting?

Are You Going To Sew Fine Things?

An Entry Level Sewing Machine for Multiple Applications

The Brother computerized sewing machine is the way to go. This machine offers so many stitches. I owned 2 Bernina sewing machines at the time I bought one of these. Both of my Bernina sewing machines did not offer a blanket stitch. At the time I needed this stitch I was doing a lot of applique quilting and the blanket stitch looks good on this type of quilting. This particular model offers a large sewing table, a large variety of stitches and multiple settings for the stitch length, width etc.

If you are not sure how long you will sew and what kind of projects you are going to do. Don’t invest in a high dollar machine. Go with one that does offer a good bit but isn’t high in price.

The Brother Project Runway sewing machines are good for basic sewing. Making pillows, blankets or even appliqueing a little on some things. They sew a straight stitch and offer some variety.

The large sewing table is a plus. It makes moving fabric and layers through so easily. This is a computerized machine, so you can get a taste of the computer screen and how to use one. Since almost all machines use computers now.

1. Computerized Brother Project Runway Machine

Brother Computerized Sewing 
Machine, XR9550PRW, Project Runway 
Limited Edition, 110 Built-in Utility, 
LCD Screen, Hard Case, White

There are 2 Brother Project Runway sewing machines on this list. I mention both of these because of the price and because they have gained some popularity after being used on the show, Project Runway. They both are VERY good entry level sewing machines. If you are just not sure how long the sewing bug will catch you the second machine might be a better choice.

Pros

• Large sewing surface
• Variety of Stitches
• Computer screen for setting up different uses
• Not a bad price point for what it does

Cons

• Like most sewing machines that aren’t super high quality, is anything goes wrong with it, repairmen do not like to look at it. So they are kind of in the throw away catagory.

2. Brother Project Runway

This is a smaller sewing machine and offers 50 stitches. You may want to start with less rather than more. A lot of choices can be overwhelming. This machine is much smaller and the sewing table is small as well. It has the blanket stitch, which I love for multiple reasons. There are many other stitches as well, including zig zag and a few others. This is also a great sewing machine for taking somewhere, like a sewing or quilting class. It is super light. I bought it for carrying around to different quilting classes.

If you are going to start garment sewing and need a machine, starting out with either one of these will do. Choose either one depending on your price point. They both will offer you the opportunity to start practicing the craft of sewing. If you really aren’t sure and think the machine may gather dust, well, go with the second one. It still offers a lot for the money.

Pros

• Great price point
• A good many stitch choices
• Light weight for transporting
• Easy to use
• For a beginner

Cons

• It is a lot of plastic parts
• Not good customer service if some kind of computer glitch
• The auto thread is difficult

Heirloom or Garment Sewing

YOU CAN READ MY POST ABOUT SEWING FOR CHILDREN HERE

Bernina

I am going to start talking about my favorite machines, but before I do let me say a few things. First of all I have been sewing a long time. I have also used several different brands of sewing machines and if your favorite is not on here then I am sorry. I still have some VERY OLD Singers. One is from 1920 and sews like a dream.

If someone left you one of these, then by all means use it. They sew a beautiful straight stitch and are so very, very sturdy. After you master that straight stitch you may get bored. That is when you may want to look for something with more capabilities.

So, What do You Find Yourself Sewing The Most Often?

There is all kinds of things to sew. One of the many choices you will make is the type of garment you may want to sew and the type of fabric you will sew on. I think if you are going to sew long term and will be making fine garments then a Bernina is the way to go.

I would consider this an investment rather than a short term hobby.

Made By The Swiss

Bernina and other sewing machines made by the Germans or Swiss are just the highest quality. They out perform any sewing machine I have ever had. If garment sewing is what you are interested in then I would have to say buy a Bernina. If price is a problem then wait till you can afford one. I have owned 3 Bernina’s and loved everyone of them.

There is usually a good service store in your area for taking care of a swiss made machine. This is a real plus. Sewing machines need maintenance. You can do most of that yourself, but every once in awhile they have to be looked at by a skilled repairman.

Swiss made machines have excellent stitch. Sewing heirloom children’s clothing or fine clothing for yourself needs more than just a straight stitch. After years of sewing on all kinds of machines I feel like the Swiss machines make the prettiest stitches and offer the most variety and capabilities.

3.Bernette 38

Entry Level Bernina the Bernette 38

Bernina offers many level sewing machines. You can start out with the Bernette 38 above and have a wonderful sewing machine for many years to come. The stitch quality of Bernina is unmatched. They are smooth and almost noiseless. Which is great for sewing at midnight.

They offer so many and I am just touching on a few. The Bernette is one of their lower end machines, but that does not mean it is lower quality. It just does not have all of the bells and whistles.

Bernina is still one of the only family owned sewing manufacturing companies in the world. They pride themselves in quality.

” For decades, BERNINA has been passionately committed to developing cutting-edge sewing and embroidery machines for creative people. Swiss precision is at the heart of every product we make. Their products are manufactured exclusively with high-quality materials – inside and out. BERNINA – standing for Swiss tradition since 1893. The motto: “made to create. ” The BERNINA FAMILY

Pros

• Precision
• Fine stitch quality
• Computer screen is large and easy to use
• Large sewing table
• Made with nice durable materials

Cons

• They are not cheap
• The software can be difficult to use
• There a a lot of specialty machines and you can’t buy all of them
• They are not lightweight

4. Bernina 53O

The Bernina 530 is not an entry level sewing machine. A sewing machine at this point is one you are ready to commit to sewing at a more serious level. All of the features below are offered with the Bernina and I promise the functions will all perform beautifully.

Some of the Nice Things About This Machine

• Smart Screens: Almost all BERNINA models feature a touchscreen or an LCD display that lets you keep track of your settings at a glance.

• Large Sewing Area: The extended free arm and height of the BERNINA 7 and 8 Series afford an extra-large sewing space for all of your projects. Attaching the freearm slide-on table to any model increases your sewing area, making it significantly easier to sew projects such as curtains, evening dresses, trouser hems and pockets.
  
• Personalised Program: The default settings of the stitches can be customised and saved, making it easy to select your favorite settings whenever you want.
• Personal Memory: The current stitch settings in each case are retained when switching between different applications. 
• On-Screen Buttonhole Measuring System: Simply hold the button to the screen and measure its diameter. The length of the buttonhole is automatically set and the buttonhole can be sewn as many times as wished.

Pros

• The stitch quality is Swiss in every way.
• Beautiful stitches
• Multiple choices
• Multiple functions
• Limitless options

Cons

• The price
• The software is usually not compatible with other softwares
• The bobbin loading
• Standard throat space
• Limited zig zag

5. Sailrite Machine

The Sailrite Industrial Sewing Machine

Sailrite Industrial Machine

This is a work horse. If you need something to sew multiple layers of heavy duty fabric, this is your baby.

Now this machine is not for fine silk or light weight batiste. This is a machine for sewing leather, canvas or other heavy fabrics. It has an amazing walking foot and keeps up to 6 layers of fabric together without slipping.

I love my Sailrite machine, but it is not for quilting garment sewing. It has great price points for what it is used for. So if you make slip covers or upholstery this is your baby.

Pros

• The walking foot holds multiple layers together
• It is a work horse for sewing
• No fluff and anyone can work on it

Cons

• Weighs a ton, no about 50lbs
• Fairly loud
• It feels industrial

Summary of Sewing Machines

• Brother Project Runway 50 Stitch $
• Brother Project Runway Computerized $$
• Bernette 38 Swiss Design $$$
• Bernina 530 Quilting, Sewing, Swiss Design $$$$
• Sailrite Industrial Machine

Scissors

You want really good scissors. Having good scissors can make your experience so much nicer. They reduce fatigue and cut nice straight lines. I have bought a lot of scissors. These are the best out there. KAI PROFESSIONAL SHEARS.

Pins, Seam Ripper, Sewing Gauge, Pin Cushion, Measuring Tape, Needles

Your 8 Essential Tools For Sewing and an Honest Review of Sewing Machines

Now that your supplies are bought and ready, what are you going to do? It’s time to sew. After you get all of your supplies it’s time to look for inspiration and decide on something to sew.

I suggest something easy till you get used to your machine. Pillows and children’s blankets are a good place to start.

There are a lot of free patterns on Pinterest. Some are easier than others. I found this free grocery store tutorial on Pinterest that may just be the place to start. THE LAZY GIRLS EASY SEW-IN SUPPORT BAG with tutorial here.

What would you love to sew? Let me know. Honestly, Janet