Basic Sewing Kit Essentials

Needles in an assortment of sizes

Thread (stock at least a black, a gray, a cream, and a denim-stitch gold)

Needle threader, so you won’t need to squint as you thread the needle

Safety pins: hefty steel ones for big jobs and small brass ones to close littler gaps

Buttons in a mix of styles: small white shirt buttons; large, dark ones for coats; and medium-size trouser buttons

Hem tape for needle-free repairs

Velcro (patches or strips with adhesive for temporary fixes; iron- or sew-on styles for more lasting fastening)

Patches (to save torn jeans and trousers instantly)

Scissors

Thimble, a must not just to protect thumbs but also to help you force a needle or a pin through heavy fabric

Pincushion

Tape measure

Seam ripper, for do-overs when you need to remove errant stitches

Snap pliers, to help replace snaps or grommets