1. Rotary Cutter: A circular cutting tool featuring a sharp blade, utilized for accurately cutting fabric.
2. Cutting Mat: A durable mat used as a surface for cutting fabric with a rotary cutter. The cutting mat protects the work surface from damage and prevents your knife from dulling. It’s usually marked with a grid guide for precise measurements.
3. Fabric Shears: Precision-crafted cutting tools specifically designed for fabric materials. They have a longer blade and a handle that allows for smooth cuts.
4. Seam Ripper: Essential for correcting mistakes or removing stitches quickly and cleanly.
5. Fabric Marking Tools: These include chalk, fabric markers, or water-soluble pens for marking pattern lines, notches, and other important points on fabric.
6. Fray Check: Helps prevent fabric edges from fraying and adds durability to seams, particularly useful for delicate or loosely woven fabrics.
7. Pattern Weights: Heavy weights or objects used to hold pattern pieces in place on fabric instead of pins, preventing distortion and ensuring accurate cutting.
8. Fabric Clips: Handy sewing tools that securely hold multiple layers of fabric together. They don't leave any holes or marks, making them ideal for delicate fabrics, multiple layers, or materials you don't want to pin.
9. Presser Foot Set: A collection of interchangeable sewing machine attachments designed to guide fabric and control stitching. Each presser foot serves a specific purpose, offering precision and control for various sewing techniques.
10. Fabric Spray: Adhesive spray that provides a bond between fabric layers, allowing for easy positioning and adjustment before setting. It dries quickly, remains flexible, and leaves no residue, ensuring clean results without damaging fabrics.
11. Fabric Glue: Creates a strong and durable bond that is flexible and washable, making it ideal for a wide range of fabric-based projects, including hemming, appliqué, and fabric embellishments.
12. Needle Set: Needles vary in size depending on the fabric weight and type, and different needle types are designed for specific types of fabric and sewing techniques. Having a needle set ensures you always have the right needle for your project.
Quick Links for recommended materials:
1. Rotary Cutter: https://amzn.to/3UN2RiQ
2. Cutting Mat: https://amzn.to/49LXdlw
3. Fabric Shears: https://amzn.to/48oF8IV
4. Seam Ripper: https://amzn.to/3I7ne2T
5. Fabric Marking Tools: https://amzn.to/3OQres0
6. Fray Check: https://amzn.to/4bK5gAZ
7. Pattern Weights: https://amzn.to/3T96zCj
8. Fabric Clips: https://amzn.to/3uL5MOA
9. Presser Foot Set: https://amzn.to/3UN2Ifi
10. Fabric Spray: https://amzn.to/42Nl3e2
11. Fabric Glue: https://amzn.to/3OSm0fC
12. Needle Set: https://amzn.to/42NJ198
13. Presser Foot Set: https://amzn.to/3UN2Ifi
If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and like. Thank you 😊
While these tools may not always be in the spotlight, they play a huge role in enhancing precision, efficiency, and professional results. We’re grateful to be able to pass this knowledge onto all of you, thanks for being here 🥰
Needles, Threads, Pins:
🌟 This Gutermann Sewing Needle, Thread, and Pin set comes with 10 universal sewing machine needles, 12 reels of polyester thread in assorted colors, and a set of pearl head pins. Gutermann is a well-known, reputable brand recognized for quality and versatility. Many sewers and crafters (including us!) prefer Gutermann threads for their durability, smoothness, and consistent quality.
Sewing Ruler, Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat:
🌟 This 3-piece crafting set from Fiskars includes a high-grade rotary fabric cutter, a self-healing cutting mat with measuring grids and bias lines, and a large clear acrylic ruler with highlighted seam allowances. Fiskars is widely recognized as a top-tier sewing company, backed by many reviews affirming their quality.
Scissors:
You’ll need a pair of precision-crafted cutting tools specifically designed for fabric materials. With a longer blade and a handle that allows for smooth, controlled cuts, these scissors ensure clean and accurate edges, making them essential for a variety of sewing and crafting projects.
🌟 These Fiskars fabric scissors are our top choice for everyday use. They have premium-grade stainless steel blades for clean cuts and a unique handle design ensuring the fabric remains flat on the table.
Iron, Ironing board:
🌟 This Singer SteamCraft Iron is our preferred choice for everyday use. With Singer's renowned reputation, you can trust the quality of this iron. It has a digital display with five fabric-specific heat settings, vertical steam mode, 12-foot 360-degree cord, rapid-heating stainless steel surface, and numerous other features.
Fabric:
Choose a simple, light-weight fabric (like cotton) to practice with. We prefer to buy fabrics in person at independent fabric stores or JoAnn Fabrics so we can feel them and get the best sense for quality, but if you’re looking to purchase fabric online, Spoonflower is one of our favorite places to do so.
Quick Links for recommended materials:
-Singer Sewing Machine: https://amzn.to/490QoMi
-Gutermann Sewing Needle, Pin, and Thread Set: https://amzn.to/47OJqZK
-Fiskars Rotary Cutter 3-Piece Set: https://amzn.to/495f3PX
-Fiskars Fabric Sheers: https://amzn.to/48KYZ6a
-Singer SteamCraft Iron: https://amzn.to/47HCopK
If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and like. Thank you ❤️
2: Set up your sewing machine
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the manufacturer for all setup requirements such as threading your machine, winding the bobbin, and adjusting settings like tension and stitch length. This manual will have all the information you need, so be sure to use it as a resource!
If you need extra assistance, we recommend watching YouTube tutorials on setting up your specific make and model of sewing machine. There are hundreds of videos out there that will walk you through exactly what you need to do. Sometimes, it’s easier to have a visual 😊
3: Understand basic sewing terms
It’s important to understand basic sewing terms as you set up your machine, watch tutorials, use patterns, etc. Some of the terms you’ll see most often are:
4: Practice basic preparation and sewing
A few preparation skills that are important to have before getting started on a project are:
A great way to practice sewing is basic stitching. Start with straight seams, and graduate to curves. Don't push or pull fabric under the needle; just guide it along and let your sewing machine do its job. Keep fabric scraps handy so that you can explore new techniques and test out the different stitches your machine offers.
5: Select your first project
It’s time to choose your first project, find a pattern, and figure out what kind of fabric you’ll need! We recommend starting with a straightforward project with minimal pieces and simple seams, like a tote bag or pillowcase. You can find basic patterns at fabric and craft stores.
To decide which fabric is best suited for your project, read the pattern instructions. They usually specify the type of fabric that works best for the design. To further evaluate which kind of fabric to use for your projects:
6: Start sewing
Familiarize yourself with the pattern’s instructions; take the time to understand each step before you get started. Assemble all your essential tools, cut, pin, and clip your fabric, prepare your machine for use, and then get sewing!
Remember, your first project is about learning and enjoying the process. Don’t be afraid to unpick and redo. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek help from online tutorials and sewing communities.
7: Learn and Grow
As you build up your skills and gain confidence - challenge yourself to learn new techniques, repeat old projects with new ideas, try more intricate projects, and explore different materials and fabrics.
The key to continuous learning is determination, regular practice, and most importantly, enjoying and connecting with your creative process 😊
8. Tips & Tricks
Troubleshooting common issues
Basic sewing machine maintenance and troubleshooting are absolute worthwhile skills to learn if you plan to sew often. If you encounter skipped stitches, tangled thread, or something else, that’s 100% okay. The below actions generally solve most machine mishaps and are good first steps to take when an issue arises.
If none of these do the trick, search for a more specific resolution on YouTube. YouTube has been an asset over the years as issues and questions came up for us. Sewing machine issues can be frustrating to navigate, but take a deep breath, and use the resources available to you!
Join sewing communities + learn from others
Connect with fellow sewing enthusiasts online or locally. Communities offer valuable advice, recommendations, inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie - and can be incredibly helpful resources especially when you’re entering into the sewing world. Additionally, look for local sewing workshops or classes, find bloggers to learn from, and visit fabric stores where knowledgeable staff can assist you.
Keep your scraps
Keep fabric scraps handy so that you can explore new techniques, and experiment with different features to repurpose them. Fabric scraps are great for upcycling clothing, accents, pillow stuffing, and my favorite, fabric collages!
9: Conclusion
Remember, every stitch is a step toward growing your skills in the art of sewing. Learning to sew takes a lot of time and practice, and it’s okay if you make mistakes. Experimentation is part of the process. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Much love,
Brian & Natalie ❤️
We appreciate you all for supporting us on our journey, we truly cherish every moment!
Much love,
Brian & Natalie ❤️
How did it all start?
Legend has it, the epic saga of Reddy Threads kicked off with a burning desire for pants that were cooler than the other side of the pillow.
Around 8 years ago, a young Brian found himself on a quest for the hippest pants to flex at music festivals. Alas, as a broke college kid whose bank account resembled a tumbleweed-infested ghost town, the notion of purchasing new festival-fresh pants was as likely as winning the lottery while riding a unicorn. "Well then," he said, "I suppose I'll just create my own."
Armed with nothing but determination and a borrowed sewing machine from his neighbor, Brian embarked on his quest. Lo and behold, after hours of trial and error, the inaugural Reddy Threads pants made their grand debut. Picture an ethereal choir of angels accompanying this transformative moment.
To Brian's surprise, the creative process didn't just stitch together a pair of pants; it wove the very fabric of his newfound passion. The lightbulb above his head flickered with inspiration, and before he knew it, those pants led to hoodies, shorts, hats, and more. In June of 2016, Reddy Threads officially came to be.
How has Reddy Threads evolved over the years?
Embarking on a journey that makes Frodo's trek to Mordor seem like a stroll in the Shire, Reddy Threads has traversed quite the terrain since its 2016 inception. In the initial years, Brian spent his days twisting pretzels at his full-time job and his nights refining his skills. While the city of Philadelphia munched on his pretzels, Brian hustled, building a fanbase through selling his creations on social media and vending local shows.
Fast forward to February of 2020 when his partner, Natalie, whispered sweet entrepreneurial dreams into his ear and whisked him off to live with her in Brooklyn. Brian took a leap into the unknown. Sometimes, you’ve got to trade pretzels for pizazz.
Just as the ink dried on their Brooklyn lease, the pandemic hit, transforming their 300-square-foot apartment into a creative sanctuary. For the next two years, Brian focused on honing his skills, developing his craft, and, in particular, evolving the art of his handmade bags.
As the world emerged in 2022, Natalie officially joined the Reddy Threads journey, turning it into a dynamic duo. They began vending bigger shows and festivals, revamped their online presence, and dove headfirst into the mix of marketing, strategy, accounting, business development, and all the rest that defines the small business hustle. It’s a juggling act, but for Brian and Natalie, it’s a labor of love.
Where is Reddy Threads now?
Reddy Threads is thriving, and we're ready to take the business to new heights. As we look towards 2024 and beyond, we have many exciting plans. Through the continuation of creating and sharing our art, spreading knowledge through this blog, charitable and environmental initiatives, and more, we aim to leave a tangible mark. Our journey is a heartfelt endeavor to make a difference in the world, bring people together, and create happiness to those we encounter along the way.
Let the thread unravel and the adventure continue!
Much love,
Brian & Natalie ❤️