Most people are only aware of the little travel kits that you can buy for less than $10. These kits come with the basics – a few needles, a tiny pair of scissors that is not very strong, and a few threads in basic colors like white, blue, black and red.
For many, this is just enough for a working kit. However, if you are serious about sewing, you will need more than this small kit. That’s because a good sewing kit is like a great carpenter’s toolbox. With the right kind of tools, there is no limit to what you can do – even sewing by hand.
Why do you need a hand kit?
If you already own a sewing machine, you might wonder why you need a hand kit. Remember, even if you do most of your sewing with the machine, there are areas you use hand sewing once in a while. Therefore, investing in a well-equipped hand kit that comes with all the necessary sewing supplies is important.
A hand kit is also portable and you can take it with you anywhere you go. This means you can get to work on your sewing projects on the go. Now that you know why it is important to have a hand kit, what should you have in there?
The basic hand kit items:
A needle threader – This is an important item that saves you from the frustrations of getting the thread through the tiny needle hole.
Hand sewing needles – You will need needles of different sizes and lengths. Then you can choose the right size of needle to use in different types of fabrics.
Measuring tape – No matter what you sew, measuring will always be involved. This is a must-have tool for any tailor.
Fabric marking pens – These markers make it easy to measure and mark fabrics accurately. The markings always come when you wash so you don’t have to worry about it.
Sewing scissors or fabric shears – Do not settle for just any kind of scissors; you will only be making things tough for yourself. Sewing scissors or fabric shears are specially designed for making cutting fabric easier.
Buttons and other fasteners – Get buttons, zips as well as snaps in your kit for they will come in handy when you are doing those quick repairs.
Seam ripper – Seams can be very stubborn and can cause a rip on the fabric if forcefully undone. Using a sharp seam ripper can help you do a good job.
Magnetic pin holder or a pincushion – Either of these two keeps the pins under control. A magnetic pin holder is more advanced and high tech and loved by many today. They both do the same job so the choice is yours. Get pins as well!
Thread – Invest in a pool of colored thread that you can use on just any fabric and color. Get the invisible thread as well to cover up for the colors you won’t have in your kit.
Thimbles – If you want to protect your finger from the pointy ends of needles, get a thimble and use to get the needle through thick fabrics.
A container to hold it all – This is your personal choice; a diaper bag, a basket, a container, anything that can hold all these items.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
