What you need to get started
The machine is the main investment. Everything else is modest. Start with the minimum. Acquire specialist tools as projects demand them.
The machine
Brother LS14S or LS14
£90–110 newThe beginner benchmark. Simple threading, reliable tension, 14 stitch types. Exactly what you need and nothing confusing you don't.
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SINGER Heavy Duty 4432
£150–180 newFaster motor and metal interior frame. Better for denim, canvas, and heavier fabrics. Worth the extra if you plan to sew bags or outerwear.
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Second-hand machine (Singer or Brother, 1980s–2000s)
£30–60 second-handPre-2000s machines are often built better than modern equivalents. An old Singer 4423 from eBay or a charity shop is a serious machine.
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Everything else
Fabric scissors (dedicated)
£20–35Never use fabric scissors for paper. It dulls them immediately. A dedicated pair of 20cm dressmaking shears lasts decades.
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Seam ripper
£4–6You will make mistakes. A good seam ripper lets you undo them cleanly without damaging fabric. Buy a comfortable one with a cap.
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Sewing pins or Wonder Clips
£8–12Clips are faster for thick fabrics; pins are more precise. Start with pins.
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Measuring tape + ruler
£8–12A 150cm flexible tape for the body and a 30cm clear quilting ruler for fabric cutting.
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Iron and ironing board
Already owned or £25–40Pressing seams open is not optional. It is what makes the difference between homemade-looking and professional-looking work.
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Where to buy fabric (UK)
- Minerva Crafts: Huge online selection, good beginner packs, regular sales
- The Cloth House (London): Beautiful natural fabrics, ethical sourcing
- IKEA fabric remnants: Cheap canvas and cotton for practice. Seriously.
- Local markets: Often cheap pre-washed cotton and linen, ideal for beginners
Pre-wash all fabric before cutting. Fabric shrinks. If you skip this, your finished project will shrink.
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Start with linen or medium-weight cotton
Silk, stretch jersey, and very thin cotton are difficult to handle. Natural woven fabrics (linen, calico, quilting cotton) are forgiving and press well. Save slippery or stretchy fabrics for after your first five projects.
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What to learn next
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Italic script with a pointed nib. The foundational Western calligraphy hand: clear, elegant, and achievable. Every lettering tradition descends from this one.
Candle Making
Make container candles with soy wax, fragrance oil, and cotton wicks. Published in late October, six weeks before Christmas: enough time to make gifts.
Side quests
Practice drills for this course
How to sew a ripped seam by hand
Fix a split seam by hand in minutes: no machine needed, just a needle, thread, and patience.
How to hem jeans by hand
Learn to shorten jeans with a needle and thread: no machine needed, result lasts for years.
How to sew a button back on
Reattach a button so it never falls off again: the anchor stitch, the shank trick, and a knot that holds. Five minutes, no sewing machine needed.