When you think of sewing kits you probably envision those little portable boxes of thread, needle, needle threader and tiny scissors that are sold all over the place to help you deal with sewing emergencies.
Certainly that is one important type of sewing kit, but there are also sewing kits that can teach you how to sew, help you complete a project or just collect together supplies you might need as you sew. You can even make a cool sewing kit yourself, to give as a gift or to keep.
Portable sewing kits
I'm sure you've seen the basic little sewing kit that includes needles, thread and other notions. The one shown on this link also includes buttons, snaps, safety pins, straight pins and a thimble.
These kits usually come in small plastic boxes and are meant to be carried around in a purse or backpack or stored in your glove box. If a button falls off your jacket during the middle of your workday and you need to fix it, you can do so if you have this in your desk.
Your could probably make your own portable sewing kit if you have been sewing for very long. Include a couple of small spools of thread in the colors you most frequently wear, a couple of clear or brown buttons, some safety pins and/or straight pins, a few needles in a protective pouch so you won't hurt yourself, a needle threader if you want one and a tiny pair of scissors.
All of this could fit into a small makeup bag, a coin purse or even just a zip-top food storage bag. Keep one in your car and one in your office at work or your purse, and you'll always be able to solve minor sewing emergencies.
Project sewing kits
another type of sewing kit is the one that includes everything you need to complete a particular project. Much like a needlepoint kit or a soap making kit, these purchased sewing kits help you learn the basics without having to invest a lot in materials.
For older crafters who can use sewing machines, the projects from LAMA Sewing Kits can't be beat. They offer easy projects such as tote bags, purses, animals, pillows and basic apparel like aprons, skirts, scarves and hats that will give the new crafter confidence.
Haan Crafts is another great maker of sewing kits, including stuffed animals, clothing, plush sports balls, pillows, blankets and more. Many of these items are available with sports logos on them, so you might even be able to get a boy to learn to sew with one of these sewing kits.
Make your own sewing kit
Making your own large-size sewing kit is a great way to build up all the basics you need for sewing. It makes a great gift for a beginner, or for a more experienced crafter if you jazz it up with some extra accessories.
Some of the things you'll want to include in your basic sewing kit are:
- Scissors for cutting fabric
- Scissors for cutting paper
- An assortment of thread
- A package of needles
- A needle threader
- A package of straight pins
- A tape measure
- A seam ripper
- A small notebook to keep track of projects
- If you are making the kit for a true beginner, a book on sewing.
For more experienced crafters or those who have a particular sewing obsession such as quilting or making clothing, include some or all of the following:
- Dressmakers carbon and a tracing wheel
- A rotary cutter, pad and ruler
- A specialized book teaching a particular technique
- Fabric for their stash
- An organizer box (also a great way to present your kit)
- A gift subscription to a sewing magazine
- Fusible interfacing
Another way to go about building a sewing kit is to go to the sewing shop and pick out a pattern (or choose a pattern from a book and buy the book). Collect all of the items that will be needed to make that project, including:
- Fabric
- Thread
- Scissors (optional)
- Buttons, zippers or other notions as needed
- Straight pins
- Hand-sewing needles
Collect these items together with the pattern in a cute basket or box and you will have a sewing kit gift that any crafter would love!
