Sewing is one of those hobbies where the tools and notions one must buy in order to just get started can be price-prohibitive.

For example, you need a sewing machine. At least, you do if you don’t want to sew by hand. And personally, I don’t want to sew by hand.

But also in the store, hundreds of notions, tools, and other doo-dads look essential, but are they?

Within this site, you’ll find my list of essential notions for sewing. at least, if you are sewing clothes. Keep in mind, if you are quilting, there are tools and notions that may be considered essential however, this site focuses on sewing clothes, accessories, and some housewares (like drapery, pillows, and even a little upholstery).

Before moving on, I want to define “tool” and “notion” for you. Or, rather I want to clarify tools and notions.

Sewing notions are (according to wikipedia): “small objects or accessories, including items that are sewn or otherwise attached to a finished article, such as buttons, snaps, and collar stays. Notions also include the small tools used in sewing, such as needles, thread, pins, marking pens, elastic, and seam rippers.”

So, sewing notions include, but aren’t limited to, sewing tools.

So, when you go to the store (or shop online), you’ll see the section for notions. And you will find lots of different things in that section. Depending on the store, they may break out certain types of notions, like elastic or zippers. Or they might group them all under notions. If you walk into a physical store, you’ll find your scissors, pins, and buttons in the same area usually called “notions”.

Here’s something to consider. Many notions are considered consumables. Meaning they get used up over time.

So, obviously, elastic and buttons are consumed when you sew them into your garment.

But other things like pins, needles, and even scissors are also consumables, meaning they lose their quality and function over time. Pins, needles, and scissors get dull or damaged and need to eventually be replaced. Sometimes faster than expected. Measuring tapes also can eventually need to be replaced, and not just because your cat used the end as a chew toy.

On the flip side, a good quality iron and ironing board are also tools, maybe not so much a notion, and generally last long enough that I wouldn’t consider them a consumable. I also wouldn’t consider your sewing machine a consumable. But it’s certainly a tool.

Speaking of the Sewing Machine, it gets its own special section because there is so much to cover regarding that marvel of machinery.

Learn what notions are especially important for sewing, and what tools I couldn’t live without.