How to Build a Versatile Collection of Sewing Notions

What does inspiration look like? It could manifest as a cute pillow made from old curtains that had a nifty pattern. Inspiration can result in an elegant, handmade dress or practical tote bag.

Whatever form inspiration takes, there’s a common thread among all the incredible projects you’ll ever sew: having the right tools and sewing notions on hand and ready to go. But why is it important to have your supplies when inspiration strikes?

That’s the tricky part of inspiration — it can be fleeting. Here’s how to build a comprehensive, versatile collection of sewing notions to help you make the most of your creativity, no matter when it sparks.

What Are Sewing Notions?

If you’re not familiar with the term, “sewing notions” are the various accessories you need when crafting sewing projects. These accessories can include:

• Measuring tapes
• Thread
• Pins
• Thimbles
• Forms
• Scissors
• Needles
• Thimbles

While “sewing tools” can also refer to these items, people generally call sewing machines and other larger objects “tools.” Notions are smaller and would be considered accessories or supplies.

Creating Your Collection

So, what type of sewing notions are essential? While sewing projects can vary greatly and each may require different notions, there are still plenty of sewing notions that should be in every beginner’s collection.

Thread

Thread holds garments, blankets, flags, and many other sewing projects together. Thread comes in a variety of types, and which one you need depends on your specific project.

Cotton

When you need to create something light and airy, cotton can maintain that lightness.

Polyester

This is the jack-of-all-trades thread that’s suitable for nearly all projects. Polyester is generally more durable than cotton.

Monofilament

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because monofilament is also a type of fishing line. In fact, monofilament thread looks much like a fishing line, especially transparent shades.

Silk

While it may be expensive, silk is exceptionally strong yet flexible. This thread is most commonly used in luxurious garments and other high-end projects.

Machine Needles

Just as thread has plenty of variety, so do needles. Machine needles are tailored to work with specific fabrics or for particular purposes.

Universal Needles

Universal needles use gently rounded points and are, true to their name, designed to work well with most fabrics.

Microtex Needles

These needles are far sharper than universal needles, which allows them to pierce denser materials like silk or vinyl.

Denim Needles

Thanks to sharp points and strong shafts, denim needles can easily handle the thick material.

Ballpoint Needles

Rather than piercing the fabric, ballpoint needles go between the fibers to avoid damaging the fabric.

Quilting Needles

With their rounded points and specific tapers, quilting needles are designed to avoid skipped stitches.

Topstitch Needles

These needles feature a large eye to accommodate heavy thread and use a sharp point for piercing tough material.

Embroidery Needles

Designed to avoid skipped stitches, embroidery needles use large eyes to hold thick thread.

Hand Stitching Needles

If you prefer working directly with your hands, you can use hand-stitching needles. Like machine needles, hand-stitching needles come in a range of types to suit different projects and fabrics.

Quilting Needles

When you need to craft fine stitches, quilting needles work exceptionally well. They have a small eye and are overall shorter than other needles.

Sharps

These are your do-it-all needles. Sharps are medium-length and handle many types of fabric.

Scissors

You don’t want to use just any pair of scissors for your projects. Instead, opt for dedicated, purpose-built scissors in your sewing notions collection. You can choose dressmaker’s shears, embroidery scissors, and spring-loaded scissors for one-handed cutting.

Pins

You can choose many types of pins to hold your projects in place, but keep them all in a pin cushion for storage. If you make a mistake, it’s also good to have a seam ripper on hand. You may need:

Flat-Head Quilting Pins

Flat-head quilting pins are ideal for lying flat as you run your garment through a sewing machine.

Ball-Head Quilting Pins

These are easier to remove than flat-head pins, thanks to their round heads.

Silk Pins

Helpful for holding together silk fabric, silk pins are sharper and better at piercing the tightly woven fabric.

Dressmaking Pins

Dressmaking pins are necessary to hold the fabric in the dress form.

Safety Pins

Safety pins keep fabric in place without the risk of getting poked.

Measuring Tools

You likely know the handy rule of thumb — measure once, cut twice. A flexible measuring tape can help you make accurate measurements around curves, while a quilter’s ruler lets you measure your quilt patches for consistency. Purchase chalk, marking pens, and pencils, too, so you can record your measurements directly on the fabric.

Miscellaneous Sewing Notions

If you plan on quilting, make sure to also get a rotary cutter and cutting mat. These tools make it simple to cut squares of fabric any size you like. Also, purchase a thimble to protect your fingers as you push needles through. If you plan on doing embroidery, buy some embroidery hoops to keep your fabric taut while you do your needlework.

Clothing projects will need sewing notions like buttons, zippers, and bias tape. Stocking up on these items lets you make garments at a moment’s notice. As you build your collection, you’ll be able to jump into projects without shopping for supplies first.

Storing Your Sewing Notions

Organization is key when it comes to storing your sewing notions. You can keep your notions in a plastic organizer or tackle box. These are convenient because they keep the items separate and arranged neatly whenever you open them up.

You may also separate your notions into plastic bags and keep them in a box or basket. If you’re passionate about sewing, you can even get a sewing cabinet and desk to quickly locate your notions.

Find All Your Essential Sewing Notions at GoldStar Tool

Building your sewing notions collection is easy if you know where to shop. At GoldStar Tool, you’ll find quality sewing notions to let you measure, mark, press, and sew any project you can dream of. Shop our extensive collection to get started today!