Sewing Resources
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Here's a list of supplies to get started!
Shop your local sewing store if you can! If not, I get a small amount back on these links and really appreciate it! Thank you!
Sewing Machine: There are so many options here, but here is the machine I use in my classes. It's a really great, reliable, basic computerized machine. Other options are to find used ones at thrift stores!
Sewing Machine Needles: The basic types are Universal (for woven or non-stretch fabric) Stretch (for stretchy fabric) and Denim (for heavy fabric) You need the change your needle every 8-ish hours of sewing.
Sewing Machine Bobbins: This will vary based on your machine, so make sure you find one that works with your brand. Here are some for the machine listed above.
Scissors: It's important to have a good, sharp pair of scissors to cut fabric. Make sure you only use these on fabric, as paper and other materials can dull them quickly.
Rotary Cutter and Mat: This is another option to cut fabric that is quicker and easier in a lot of ways, but you don't NEED them - just a fun way to better your sewing experience.
Sewing Pins: Your classic sewing pins - useful for pinning fabric together before you cut! Glass head pins won't melt under an iron!
Sewing Clips: They do the same thing as sewing pins, but won't poke you! I mostly use these, but keep in mind that you may still need pins for anything that you need to pin in the middle of the garment (For example, a shirt pocket)
Thread: You can use any thread you'd like, but Gutermann is a little more high quality and won't shed and cause as much lint in your sewing machine.
Seam Ripper: You need this! We all make mistakes!
Soft Measuring Tape: Great for measuring yourself!
Acrylic Ruler: Not totally necessary, but really handy for making straight edges - works hand in hand with the rotary cutter and mat.
Seam Gauge: Important for measuring seam allowance.
Water Erasable Pens: You can use these to draw or mark on your fabric, and it will wash away with a little water.
An iron: An important sewing tool to make your projects look more professional and finished! Make sure you get one that has a steam setting. If you don't have an ironing board, you can just use a folded towel.
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Check out a driving route for local stores here, or scroll to the bottom of this page!
Local to the DMV:
Charlotte's Cottage Quilt Shop - Frederick, MD (In Shab Row)
Magpie Fibers - Downtown Frederick, MD
G Street Fabric - Rockville, MD
Domesticity - Baltimore, MD
SCRAP - Baltimore, MD
A Fabric Place - Baltimore, MD
Handcraft Happy Hour - Baltimore, MD
Three Little Birds Sewing Co. - Hyattsville, MD
Sew’n Place - Fayetteville, PA
Sew’n Sweep - Westminister, MD
Stitch-N-Time - Greencastle, PA
Spring Water Designs - Columbia, MD
Capital Quilts - Gaithersburg, MD
Needle & Thread - Gettysburg, PA
Surplus City - Chambersburg, PA
Ellicott City Sew-Vac - Ellicott City, MD
Patches - Mt. Airy, MD
Sew Magarbo - Ashburn, VA
Fabric Place Basement - Alexandria, VA
Tint - Falls Church, VA
Haute Fabrics - Chantilly VA
Artistic Artifacts - Alexandria VA
Web Fabrics - Purcellville, VA
Boxer Craft House - Ranson, WV
Pink Peony Creations - Hagerstown, MD
Your local thrift store!: Don’t forget that bedsheets are just large rectangles of fabric!
Online:
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Here are some of my favorite indie sewing pattern companies:
The Fold Line is a great database to search for patterns and companies, and stay on top of new releases!
Closet Core Patterns: They have really great sewalongs in their blog, and have great jeans patterns - I've liked everything I've made from them.
Grainline Studio: Most of their stuff is a little more relaxed fit, I really like the Linden Sweatshirt and Tamarack Jacket.
Tilly and the Buttons: Super great info and patterns with knit fabric, the book "Stretch" is a great intro to sewing with knits.
Thread Theory: A good place for men's patterns, I love the Fairfield Button-up and the Finlayson Sweatshirt.
Seamwork: I'll admit these patterns can be a little hit or miss, but the concept is neat and I've made many, many of the patterns. It's a monthly subscription, and you get two new patterns each month + a little magazine and some ideas on how to pattern hack the patterns.
True Bias: A really solid company. My favorite pattern ever that I've made about 100 of is from this company, the Ogden Cami. I’ve also made and love their Lander pants and Nova jumpsuit.
Jennifer Lauren Handmade: I've made the Gable Dress and REALLY like it, I'm looking forward to trying more of their patterns.
Madalynne Intimates: Really amazing lingerie sewing patterns if you're into that - I have loved every one I've made. She also sells kits to make them, since some of the supplies can be hard to come by.
Chalk & Notch: Lots of great options!
Merchant & Mills: A lot of cozy linen garments and things like that.
Helen's Closet: Great instructions with a focus on inclusive sizing.
Cashmerette: I love their website text "We are Cashmerette, and we empower sewists with big boobs to create a dream wardrobe that actually fits." So, there ya go!
Sew House 7: Their Toaster Sweater is an all time classic!
Fibre Mood: They have a fun magazine that includes their patterns (if you don't mine tracing) or you can buy them online. Great shapes!
Love Notion: I haven't tried them, but I've heard great things!
Greenstyle Patterns: Great for athletic wear!
Itch to Stitch: I've not tried them, but there are lots of options!
George + Ginger: I really like their heatwave hotpants!
Waves & Wild: I haven’t made it, but their heyday dungarees are really popular.
Friday Pattern Company: The wilder gown is super dreamy - I made one for my maternity shoot! They also make the amazing Saguaro Set.
Paper Theory Patterns: I haven’t made it, but their Zadie jumpsuit is really popular.
Named Clothing: Their Kielo wrap dress is one of my favorite patterns I’ve made!
Papercut Patterns: I’ve made their Nova coat, it was easy to follow and I enjoy the shapes they use in their patterns.
Megan Nielsen Patterns: I’m hoping to make their super popular Hovea jacket soon!
Jalie: I haven't made anything from them yet, but I know they're really popular!
Noodlehead: The absolute best bag patterns!
Patterns for Pirates and Made for Mermaids:
These are two companies run by sisters, they are really good, solid, comfy basics, and I recommend them for easy makes. They also have kids patterns.Patterns for kids:
Brindille & Twig: Huge selection, my favorite for babies is their Harem pants.
Lowland Kids: Lots of great basics!
Violette Field Threads: For fancier dresses for girls.
Made By Rae: Very practical options.
PaperCute by Papercut Patterns: Fashionable patterns for kids.Free Patterns:
Peppermint Magazine: I haven't actually made any of these, but I've heard good things. I believe a lot of them are made for them by well known indie designers
Purl Soho: Not a ton of garment patterns, but I did make the vest and it went really well!
Mood: I've never tried any of these, but there are many options! -
Patches Quilting & Sewing, Mt Airy
Wilson’s, Hagerstown
Sew'N Sweep, Westminster
Ellicott City Sew-Vac, Ellicott City
Domesticity, Baltimore
Danner's BERNINA Shoppe, Hanover PA
Capital Quilts Sewing and Creativity Center, Gaithersburg
Stitch-N-Time, Greencastle PA
Fabric Store Road Trip Route!
Click on the square on the top right of the map to see it all!