I actually have several sewing kits around the house: one with notions for the sewing machine, a pouch with the serger accessories, a carefully curated hand sewing kit I keep in my nightstand. There are also boxes and jam jars filled with thread, trims, zippers, buttons, and other embellishments and fasteners. Having the tools on hand to create at inspiration’s notice is instantly gratifying.
Even though I learned how to sew from my mother, I had to learn many skills on my own. I never had the experience described in this fantastic Atlantic article on the sewing kit of going to JoAnns or Wal-Mart with my mother to pick out the things I would need to sew with before I went to college, carefully tucked into a Dansk Cookie Tin.
I’ve often looked at different ‘hussif’ patterns and even made two as gifts for different friends who were getting into sewing; I used the pattern in Zakka Style for an easy, compact sewing kit. It’s just the right size to pack into a tote with a few essentials. They were made with a combination of Essex linen or canvas and quilting cottons, and are very quick to put together. I used my favorite braided linen cord from Purl Soho for the ties. I have yet to find a design I want to make for myself though!
Over many years of sewing, I put together a set of very special tools. I keep it in my nightstand as something sweet to look at and fill my heart with joy. It’s a hand sewing kit for the “ideal me”, rather than the me who exists today. I’ve filled it with tools that are joyful to use and work every single time.
- Box – a heart-shaped cedarwood bento box from Bento&Co. It’s the perfect size to store all the tiny hand sewing items and the Cedar smells amazing. It makes me smile to see it and hold it in my hands.
- Needles – I use John James needles for all kinds of hand sewing and embroidery.
- Snips – I splurged earlier this year and purchased a new pair of snips from Cohana. They remind me of snips my mom gave me, who got them from when she worked at Coleman sewing sleeping bags. These Japanese-made snips are extra sharp and make snipping loose threads so easy.
- Pins – I love using glass head pins, and I have several sets of pins from Clover for every day use. But I treasure these hand made glass pins from Japan (also purchased from Cohana). I’ve heard of a lovely little shop in Kyoto, tucked away in a shopping center, where you can buy hand made sewing needles and beautiful pins with fine glass figures on the heads of them. These Cohana ones are striving for that beauty of incorporating art into every day life.
- Pin Container – I have several pincushions I made, have been given, or purchased for myself which I use for pin storage. Many of my Clover pin sets also come with a little box for storage. I also use a Cohana magnetic spool which is a delight!
- Thimble – I use a Roxette thimble; I found the size that works best for me. Some day I will splurge on a sterling silver one, but that day is not anytime soon.
- Tape Measure – I love these Clover tape measures! This one has been covered using project instructions from Zakka Sewing.
What do you like to keep in your hand sewing kit, whether at home or to take with you? (I plan to write a post on the dancer’s sewing kit, keep an eye out!) Do you have many kits for different purposes, or do you have everything all in one place? As always, you can go to my current equipment page and see all my favorite tools and notions in one place!
