Equipment List of Sewing Items as Preps

[anna43]

I'm new to this thread so pardon me if this has already been done. For right now, it is less expensive to buy at thrift shops than it is to buy fabric, patterns etc. but in a SHTF situation people will not be donating to thrift shops because they will need to use what they have. So, I wondered if someone new to sewing or wanting to know what items would be best to prep for sewing would appreciate a list.

Scissors
Thread in black, white, off-white, navy and brown.
Needles for hand sewing and for sewing machine
Thimble
Pins and pincushion
Sewing patterns for basic pants, shirts, jackets etc. in multiple sizes (easy to sew patterns)
Fabric yardage to match the patterns
Elastic
Buttons
Snaps of various sizes and other fasteners
Seam ripper
Zippers
Zipper repair kit
Bias tape starting with off-white, white and black then add as you need to match patterns/fabrics
Sewing machine
Awl
Darning kit - I have a wooden darning egg but prefer to use a light bulb. Darning thread is no longer available however embroidery thread makes a good substitute because you can use as many threads as you need to match the weight of the item you're darning.

Please add your ideas to the list.

 

[West]

Singer featherweight # 221, AC or DC. Extra needles, bobbins and a parts machine.

And a older treadle machine. Once the batteries and solar panels/controllers go bad.

The most awesome sewing machine ever..... Featherweight porn......

 

[Martinhouse]

I have an old Singer treadle machine I got years ago, probably at a thrift store. I was able to get some belt cording and the proper needles from a lady who repaired all types of sewing machines. The bearings were all missing from the joints of the treadle linkage but I tried B-B's in them and luckily they must have been the same size as the missing bearings, because I got the treadle working perfectly. And if those B-B's don't hold up as long as real ball bearings would have, I have boxes and boxes of B-B's!

And if all else failed, I think the head of my electric portable machine, a super good Universal (which is all steel, not plastic) will fit the cabinet. This cabinet does need to be knocked apart and completely re-glued before the machine could be seriously used.
---------
I do have all the things on Anna43's list, plus vast amounts more!

 

[kyrsyan]

For me, thimbles aren't that great. But those little grabby circles to pull a needle through work great. Otherwise, pliers. I've had needles slip off thimbles one too many times. I can tell you that when that happens, the back end is as likely to pierce skin as the front end.
I don't use pincushions. I use small plastic boxes with magnets on the bottom. Saves my sanity.
Don't go buying a bunch of fabric for patterns until you make them once or twice and see how you like them. Try from several different pattern makers, because there is a different in quality of the pattern and the look of the final product. I actually don't need patterns for circle skirts and tiered skirts. And those are my favorite to wear. Remember that you can disassemble your favorite clothes items, when they are getting too worn, and use those to make a pattern for new ones. It's better to learn what style of clothes you are comfortable in, and what fabrics, and stock up on those.
Elastic is okay but it will die, even if not used. Better is cording and grommets. You can skip grommets when you have experience with buttonholes. (Btw, double or triple sets of cording channels can replace wide waistband elastic. And you can stitch pretty ribbons on the visible ends while using sturdier cording inside. And for those that need it, and couple of inches of elastic at the back will provide some give when needed.) Buttons are okay. But bloody expensive nowadays. Watch yard sales and see if you can grab old button jars for cheap. Buttons can actually be easily made from wood, or coins, or fabric with a little stiffener or stuffing.
Snaps are okay. Pain in the butt to put on unless you have one of the clamping tools though, and you run the risk of the stitching making it hard for the snap to work. Hook and eyes are nice for some things. Zippers, meh. I hate them and will actually put in buttonholes and cording if I can't find any other way to get around them.
I, honestly, rarely ever use bias tape. I can't remember the last time I used bias tape, although I did buy some for a tiny project, that I then found another way to do. That may just be me, but also that selection at the fabric stores is shrinking. I do have attachments for my machines that can fold and stitch the bias tape from fabric strips. But I'd probably be more likely to use the attachments to fold and iron the strips, and then attach wherever needed.
I have a Singer 15-91 sewing machine. That is as close as you can get to an industrial machine made for consumer use. I love that machine and it seriously spoiled me for modern sewing machines. And yes, it can be converted to treadle if I need it to be.

 

[Martinhouse]

Kyrsyan, buttons can be made for sweaters by crocheting a buttonhole-type stitch with the yarn, all around a small to medium sized curtain ring. The chain from going from one stitch to another needs to be pulled really tight so it ends up as the center of the resulting button.

I've always thought it would be fun to try making buttons from the thick plastic of those 30 or 55 gallon barrels. It would be the devil trying to smooth the cut edges with a file, but they could be covered with fabric to match or contrast the fabric of a piece of clothing. I wonder if hole cutters would cut that plastic? The kind used with a drill? And a drill would also be needed to make the holes in the buttons,

 

[kyrsyan]

Kyrsyan, buttons can be made for sweaters by crocheting a buttonhole-type stitch with the yarn, all around a small to medium sized curtain ring. The chain from going from one stitch to another needs to be pulled really tight so it ends up as the center of the resulting button.

I've always thought it would be fun to try making buttons from the thick plastic of those 30 or 55 gallon barrels. It would be the devil trying to smooth the cut edges with a file, but they could be covered with fabric to match or contrast the fabric of a piece of clothing. I wonder if hole cutters would cut that plastic? The kind used with a drill? And a drill would also be needed to make the holes in the buttons,

Yes, the hole cutters can easily cut through those barrels. And honestly, the best thing for "sanding" the edges is heat. So a hot stone or bottom of a pan or any number of other things. (While we have electric, a heat gun would probably work.) A hot nail could poke holes through or a hand drill for holes.
I hadn't thought of using pieces of sweaters but I can see that working.

 

[anna43]

Tape measure
Rulers
Hooks and eyes
Rotary cutter
Cutting matts

Janome makes a treadle machine that does various stitches and back stitches. I have a treadle cabinet -- very nice solid wood with a worn-out sewing machine. I keep thinking of buying the Janome and hiring someone to retrofit it to my cabinet. Price somewhere in $300 range last time I checked which was awhile back.

Snaps -- I have both the ones requiring a crimper and the sewn-on kind. I do need a new crimper though. In a pinch a hammer and a wooden spool will work but the crimper is best. I've wore mine out on western shirts for dh, son and dd during that fashion era. I haven't replaced it since I seldom use it now and it does still sort of work.

I have for years saved buttons from all discarded clothing, have found for very low prices at going out of business sales, garage sales, thrift shops AND I inherited my grandmother's button box. I've even on occasion purchased a thrifted garment just for the buttons which cost less than buying the buttons retail. Got to think outside the box!! When I remove buttons from a garment I string them together so I can pull an entire matching set out of my collection without hunting for matches. Currently I have a half gallon of white buttons, 4 quarts of various colors separated by color and a pint of yellow and orange. Some very nice very old shell buttons still on the original cards that are too precious to use.

I have my regular sewing patterns and then I have some very simple patterns for pants and pull-on knit shirts. Even a simple pajama pattern could be used for slacks with the right fabric. I'm currently testing some of those patterns and have already discarded a couple of them.

How-to sewing books for beginners and others according to your interests and level of skill. I like the Singer sewing books on individual subjects as well as the big complete guide. Also, Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. For other needle crafts Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. I've picked up my books for as little as 50¢ to $1 at library book sales. Any of Nancy Zieman's books are also worthwhile.

 

[Martinhouse]

Kyrsyan, I didn't use pieces of sweater to cover the curtain rings. I used yarn and crocheted around the whole ring so the ring was covered with yarn and the new row of chain was pulled tight to fill in the center of the ring.

 

[kyrsyan]

Kyrsyan, I didn't use pieces of sweater to cover the curtain rings. I used yarn and crocheted around the whole ring so the ring was covered with yarn and the new row of chain was pulled tight to fill in the center of the ring.

I haven't crocheted in decades, and I'm not real anxious to pick it back up. But I can see that working.

 

[Martinhouse]

I do think if buttons become scarce, time to make buttons will also become scarce, and people will have to start using toggles when lacing isn't a good option.

 

[anna43]

You could also use ties to close garments. Or hanging snaps.

 

[WalknTrot]

A needle-threader or 20. Few people's eyesight gets better with age.

 

[Chicory]

I can't believe I only just found this thread !

I have made buttons out of leather.

 

[Freeholder]

I wanted to add a comment to the list in the OP: the sewing scissors really should be good quality ones. And some way to sharpen them would be a good idea (and possibly become a home business).

Kathleen

 

[anna43]

I live alone now, but when dh and kids were around they were taught never to touch my sewing shears. Of course, someone would still use and ruin them. I solved the problem by putting the good shears in the bottom of the drawer and two pairs that had been damaged above them. That worked because they knew they weren't supposed to be in that drawer so would grab the top pair. I still keep an older pair above my good shears for convenience because I often need scissors and the ones I can use are always on top.

I have arthritis in my hands so recently purchased the spring-loaded shears that open up automatically after each cut and they have made a huge difference when I'm cutting out.

Above when I mentioned snaps, I was referring to the kind that are handsewn on and come from tiny to quite large. I also have the snaps that have to be clamped on with a tool. However, before I had that tool I used a wooden spool and hammer to put them on. That worked with regular snaps but it does not work with the pearl snaps which is when I bought the devise to put them on. It is now worn out and I haven't replaced it. The new plastic snaps require a different tool but I've never tried those snaps.

Also, a hanging snap is when you sew one side of the snap on as intended. The other piece is sewn hanging over the other part to make an invisible closure. That part is sewn through only one hole in the snap. This replaces a hook and eye which often will not stay closed. The only place I've used this is to close the placket at the top back of a garment.

 

[Tundra Gypsy]

That is why I go to yard sales; I can pick up lots of sewing materials for next to nothing. I started buying sewing items years ago as I was doing my prepping. There are so many things to consider, including being able to repair clothing and making new clothes as needed.

 

[nomifyle]

I lost all of my sewing notions in Katrina and I had a lot. I replinished on ebay. I don't have what I once had but I have enough. I never look through it all though.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I would like to add a couple more easy to sew dress and top patterns to my stash in the event I have to sew my clothes by hand. I'm good to go on everything else.

 

[summerthyme]

I bought several "fold over elastic" assortments from Amazon after I discovered how simple it is to make panties... there are even free patterns out there. I can whip up a dozen pairs in the next size for the girls in an afternoon (if my sewing machine doesn't need rethreading! Blasted eye!) I've got plenty of pretty tricot as well as cotton knits which work very well.

For snaps, go to www.snapsource.com.

I stocked up a few years ago, and should have a lifetime supply.

The plastic/nylon snaps that are popular on cloth diapers are pretty tricky to attach securely. After reattached too many, I spent the money on a counter mounted anvil tool. Much easier on older hands...

I also needed to mentally apologize to my late Mom... she was always into the "latest and greatest" gadgets, which mostly meant replacing tried and true tools with an electric version. I always thought that was silly, and preferred the "hand powered" stuff. One I found especially silly was her professional grade electric scissors... essentially an electric rotary cutter. They are wonderful when cutting 10 layers of fabric, or super thick denim or duck, but I found a sharp pair of shears more than adequate for regular sewing. Until recently... for some reason, scissors press on a nerve on my cutting hand, and my thumb goes numb for days. I'm going to dig out the electric rotary cutter! Sorry, Mom... I get it now!

Summerthyme

 

[nomifyle]

I would like to add a couple more easy to sew dress and top patterns to my stash in the event I have to sew my clothes by hand. I'm good to go on everything else.

If I need to sew something I'll do what I use to do and take apart something that fits and make a pattern from it. In the past it seemed to be impossible for me to find shorts that fit me well and I solved that by making my own. I think I still have some of those shorts. The fabric was light weight and cool, but I gotten so use to wearing denim that I don't like anything else. Good thing I've saved anything denim for years and years, well at least since katrina.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

If I need to sew something I'll do what I use to do and take apart something that fits and make a pattern from it. In the past it seemed to be impossible for me to find shorts that fit me well and I solved that by making my own. I think I still have some of those shorts. The fabric was light weight and cool, but I gotten so use to wearing denim that I don't like anything else. Good thing I've saved anything denim for years and years, well at least since katrina.

Yeah, I can do that, too. My mom and grandmother made their own patterns from old clothes all the time. I've just never done it. The lounge dresses I wear almost daily during the summer would be really easy to make a pattern from.

 

[summerthyme]

I'll also add you can get zipper assortments from Amazon for about 1/10th the price you'd pay at JoAnns or Walmart. Add in a couple zipper repair kits for the heavier zippers (sleeping bags, heavy jackets, etc) and you can save yourself a ton of money and a lot of headaches.

Summerthyme

 

[oops]

Gran always had scrap material bags as well as button n zipper tins...still have a few of them...n some of my own...as well as antler buttons n rendezvous kits for sewin n assorted skills

 

[packyderms_wife]

I'll also add you can get zipper assortments from Amazon for about 1/10th the price you'd pay at JoAnns or Walmart. Add in a couple zipper repair kits for the heavier zippers (sleeping bags, heavy jackets, etc) and you can save yourself a ton of money and a lot of headaches.

Summerthyme

I bought a spool of cubic zirconia silver plate chain/bling from Amazon for $10.95, IIRC it was 15 yards, that same bling runs $9.95 a yard a JoAnns! OC about had a fit on the price difference, oh and it's the same brand they sell at JoAnns! I'm now looking for the same CZ in an antique copper colored chain.

Bought replacement blades for my Fiskars paper cutter yesterday at Amazon, for $6 and some change, it's way more than that at JoAnns or Hobby Lobby, and they were delivered to my door this morning.

And as for zippers you can buy it in large spools from Amazon in a myriad of colors and zipper types.

 

[kyrsyan]

Thanks for the zipper info. I'm going to need quite a bit for an upcoming project and I was debating where to get them.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Thanks for the zipper info. I'm going to need quite a bit for an upcoming project and I was debating where to get them.

It's good to know this in the event that you need to replace a zipper on a parka, sleeping bag, etc. Finding the heavier duty zippers is a PITA when it comes to shopping locally, and we have both a Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's here. They're a good resource if you're wanting a delicate zipper, but for a work coat not so much!

There are a couple of places online that sell notions for making bras, underwear, and the like as well.

 

[kyrsyan]

It's good to know this in the event that you need to replace a zipper on a parka, sleeping bag, etc. Finding the heavier duty zippers is a PITA when it comes to shopping locally, and we have both a Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's here. They're a good resource if you're wanting a delicate zipper, but for a work coat not so much!

There are a couple of places online that sell notions for making bras, underwear, and the like as well.

I decided to look at snaps and grommets while I was there. I don't use snaps much but I tend to use grommets. Both were much more reasonably priced than the last time I looked though. So that may get added to the restock list.
Locally and online, JoAnn's selections have been a bit thin.
Delicate zippers don't survive in my house. Just one of those things. So I actually went looking for metal teeth zippers. Pricey but tend to hold up. And since this project is for my son's room, it will be metal teeth zippers.
I stopped wearing bras years ago. I still have a few, correctly sized, for when I need to look formal. And surprisingly, found some decent sports ones for when I need the girls contained because of something I'm doing. But underwear... I think fold over elastic is going to join my stock. I already have some of the softer lined stuff.

 

[anna43]

I don't understand the whole snaps on diapers thingy. Why not use diaper pins? It's easy to adjust to perfect size with pins so no need for a row of snaps. I'm old, the diapers for my kiddos were flat square birdseye and each had to be folded to correct size each time they were washed. I think I could still fold a diaper without giving it thought after 7 in diapers. Those flat diapers could be folded to fit a newborn or a toddler so no buying several sizes. Wonder if my knowledge of such things will become useful if shtf and no disposable diapers are available?

I lucked onto a stash of zippers at a thrift store for 15¢ each. Included in the stash were several 20" and 24" separating zippers. I used one in a housecoat and another in a fleece jacket and still have two or three left. I'm always on the lookout for sewing stuff at thrift stores but it's pretty scarce.

I've sewn tricot slips but never panties. I don't have a serger and it isn't fun sewing tricot on a regular machine. I know I still have a slip pattern but don't recall if I have one for panties. I do have a few yards of elastic for panties in my stash but no fold over. Once upon a time I saw a blog where a lady had sewn panties from old T-shirts with some pretty spicy sayings across her backside. Might be a fun project!!

I have a Hobby Lobby gift certificate from Christmas that I've not used. I am waiting for the $1.99 sale on Simplicity or McCalls patterns. They used to have them on sale every six weeks or so, but I've not seen a sale this year. One company now owns all the pattern names. Myself I prefer Simplicity but do use McCalls and used to use Butterick but haven't seen any Butterick in our area for years.

I've collected a good assortment of apron patterns. I haven't made one in several years and then did not use a pattern so that is a fun project waiting for me. Due to neck issues, I cannot wear an apron that goes across the back of the neck. I have one pattern with a crossover across the back that I want to try. If that works and is comfortable, I can foresee making many in that style.

 

[anna43]

I checked at Hobby Lobby and was told they will not be having $1.99 pattern sales again. Bummer. I refuse to pay $16 to $20 for a pattern so I'll be practicing sizing up some of my patterns.

Something I've done in the past is buy very large garments in thrift shops and then used them as fabric to cut out something else. I once found a huge floor-length double-knit dress that provided enough fabric to make each of my dd's a pair of slacks and they weren't toddlers at the time. So, guessing size 10 or 12. I also found a nightgown of the same huge size and made a crib sheet and several bibs. A large men's shirt cut into a woman's blouse. Use the front button/buttonhole placket by cutting the woman's front pieces upside down to get the buttons on the proper side. Think outside the box. I bought a large box of old linen tablecloths at an auction and turned them into dish towels. They are perfect lint free for drying dishes. The torn or stained parts were added to my rag bag and the one perfect one I kept as a tablecloth.