Mending & Hemming Supply List

I am available for private events! Email me at [email protected] with any questions. 

Bea's YouTube Mending Playlist

With all supplies you really do get what you pay for. It may be worth spending an extra dollar for a reliable brand. 

KITS

• Singer have a hemming kit which will be plenty for most people's mending and hemming needs. 
• General sewing kit - just remember that the thread will be mediocre quality at best so only use it for small projects. 

WHAT WE USE IN THE WORKSHOP

• Fabric Scissors: For the best of the best - go Ginghers. For the rest of us these will be perfect for cutting and trimming. NEVER USE YOUR FABRIC SCISSORS FOR CUTTING PAPER. They will quickly become blunt. 
• Hand Sewing Needles Sharps are perfect for hand sewing. If you have trouble threading a needle then I recommend the Clover Desk Needle Threader. It is an investment at about $15 but it makes life so much easier! (Or go for this cheaper version which is also a seam ripper.)
• Thread: You get what you pay for. Coats and Gutterman All Purpose Thread is good value and comes in many colors. 
• Sewing machine: Always look on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or BuyNothing first as secondhand machines abound and anything made of metal is going to last decades longer than modern plastic. Reliable brand names are Brother, Singer, Juki, and Janome. This would be a great first machine. Do not buy a mini/handheld machine as you'll spend more time cursing than sewing. 
• Rolled hem foot - exact type you want will depend on your sewing machine. The higher the number, the wider the hem. 
• Fray check - Aleenes and Dritz are both reliable brands.  
• Iron-on fusible hem tape 
• Iron-on denim patches - can be used on the inside or outside
• Fabric mending tape - bondex is a reliable brand. 
• Tailors Clapper - sets a mean fold after ironing
• Portable Ironing Mat: Make any flat surface into an ironing board
• Iron: The deluxe is an Oliso which looks beautiful and stands up by itself meaning less stress on your arm and less chance of singeing anything. They also have a mini size for travel. For the rest of us $20 will get you a basic one that will provide steam. Pro tip - empty out the water between uses to avoid premature issues. 

EXPANDING YOUR SEWING KNOWLEDGE

• WorkshopSF have a number of sewing classes including the very popular Sewing Bootcamp which always sells out and people rave about. Taught by Hayley who is amazing. She also teaches visible mending using Sashiko and is often modeling her own creations. 
• Wee Scotty in SF does classes and lessons.

Good luck and enjoy your making!

 (Some of these links earn me a very small amount of commission if you make a purchase.)