43 of the best sewing starter kits for beginners

So you're looking to build your basic sewing kit? If you’re all brand new to sewing and you're on the hunt for a starter sewing kit to boost your stash, we’re here to help. In this article we'll talk you through a few of our favourite sewing kits out there – with everything from small sewing kits to stock up on basic sewing supplies, through to full project kits to help you sew your own clothes, homewares, needlecraft projects and toys.

We know that when you're just starting out, you may not want to invest in a full sewing room before you've practised your skills and are ready to commit. So the beauty of the starter sewing kits in this article is that someone else has taken the hard work out of selecting what supplies you need to get going – whether you're looking to make simple alterations to your wardrobe or sew a completely new one from scratch!

Read on as we share our favourite places to shop online for sewing kits for beginners. You'll find everything from a portable little sewing kits to take on the move through to full dressmaking kits so you can learn to make clothes. We've also included a range of levels in this round-up – from little toy softie sewing kits or embroidery kits if you want to try a spot of hand stitching (no sewing machine needed), through to some confident beginner projects to try new techniques if you're looking to develop your sewing skills.

You will need a sewing machine to make some of the project kits in this round up. If you don't have one and want to treat yourself, take a look at our best sewing machines for beginners round up, or if dressmaking is your thing and you're keen to start sewing your own clothes, you might also enjoy our round-up of the best sewing patterns for beginners.

Main image (above): © Picalotta

This round-up of the best sewing kits for beginners includes:

1. Sewing starter kits – stock up on small sewing kits filled with the basics
2. Sew your own wardrobe kits – simple garments and sewing project kits for beginners
3. Toy sewing kits – for grown ups and children to make
4. Needlecraft sewing kits – try embroidery and needlework with these starter kits
5. Home sewing kits for beginners – make simple cushions and home furnishings

Best sewing starter kits – stock up on the basics

These small sewing kits and bumper stash boosters will get you all set with essential supplies that you'll use again and again for years to come.

1. John Lewis & Partners Floral Dove Print Zipped Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (John Lewis, £13.50)

Ideal for sewing on the go, this handy sewing kit has everything you'll need to make basic sewing alterations. Crafted from cotton, this zipped kit includes 12 thread reels, embroidery scissors, tape measure, safety pins, seam ripper, buttons and needles. Choose from a variety of designs, from florals to fox print.

2. Modern Simplicity retro wooden sewing starter kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £37.99)

We can geek out for hours about the beauty of vintage sewing boxes (seriously, you should hear us)... and now you can give your stash the look of a vintage sewing basket but filled with the latest supplies. This Modern Simplicity Style Wooden Storage Box is filled with handy compartments and includes sewing thread, hand needles, a metal needle threader, pincushion, tape measure, seam ripper, scissors and buttons.

3. Portable sewing machine starter kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £62.99)

If you really want a complete introduction to sewing and to try out new skills, this 12 stitch sewing machine kit by Magicfly is a good value beginner kit which will show you the ropes. This mini sewing machine won't replace a full scale model from the bigger brands but it's a good place to start. It comes with 12 built-in stitches, three different sewing feet, scissors, a seam ripper, extension table buttons, zips, bobbins and a tape measure.

4. Sturme Starter Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £14.99)

Sometimes in life you just need an portable sewing kit with the basics for emergencies, and this zip-up case comes packed with all the essentials. It comes ready-stocked with needles, thread, tape measure, buttons, snap-fasteners, clips, a seam Ripper, marking pencil, thimble, scissors, safety pins, needle threader and a magnifying glass.

5. Handi Stitch Embroidery floss starter kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £29.99)

If you're new to needlework, or are looking for a complete starter kit, treat yourself to this bumper embroidery floss set with 187 threads and notions to kickstart your stash. This complete embroidery starter kit comes with a transparent storage box, 150 threads, 30 needles, 4 needle threaders, a thread snipper and a thimble. Just look at the beautiful rainbow shades! Be still our beating hearts.

6. Owls fabric sewing basket kit for beginners

• Buy it now (£26.99, Amazon)

Fill your sewing stash with essentials that are practical and cute with this lovely little sewing kit for beginners. As well as the fabric basket this organiser comes filled with sewing kit for you, including scissors, needles, needle threader, thimble, tape measure, buttons, threads, a pin cushion and safety pins.

7. Crafterly Embroidery starter kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £25.99)

We're including a second embroidery kit in this round up so you can pick your favourite! This one comes with instructions, an organiser box, 96 Colour Threads, 5 embroidery hoops, 4 pieces of aida fabric, some digital patterns to get you started plus cross stitch supplies for beginners.

8. Patchwork starter kit for beginners

• Buy it now (Amazon, £25.99)

If you're looking to grow your patchwork and quilting skills, this is the kit for you. It comes with all sorts of handy specialist tools that will up your quilt-making game. Give your stash an instant boost with rotary cutters, a cutting mat (these will change your sewing life forever), a quilting ruler, rotary cutter starter set, 45mm rotary cutter(5 extra cutter blades), a quilting ruler plus pins and binding clips.

9. Leather starter kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £37.99)

Sewing leather is a great sewing skill to have but it does take a bit more specialist kit than dressmaking or home sewing with lightweight, cotton and upholstery fabrics. If it's something you want to get into, this complete set of leather working tools is worth a look. It includes 44 tools to grow your leather sewing skills, from stitching to stamping and saddle making.

Best sewing kits for beginners – sew your own wardrobe

1. DIY Mini Leather Tote bag kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £94.91)

If you're a confident beginner who wants to grow your skills, make your own DIY cross-body bag comes with the leather and tools you need to make your own mini leather tote. It's probably one of the more challenging projects in this round-up but this starter sewing kit takes the hard work of choosing the materials and this could be your next sewing goal. The kit comes with just about everything you need to make your own crossbody leather tote bag, including pre-cut punched leather pieces (choose the leather shade you prefer), thread, needles, a snap closure, steel hardware, beeswax for burnishing, sandpaper, a beachwood edge burnisher plus full instructions. This kit ships from the US so allow a bit of time for delivery if you're based here in the UK.

2. Sew your own Linen Tunic

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £59.95)

Make your own easy-to-sew linen tunic, with or without collar, with this pre cut sewing kit for beginners by Cut Couture. It comes in two sizes options to allow you to make it for sizes UK 8 to 22. If you prefer a bit of colour, you can add on optional garment dye kits. This is a great first dressmaking project, with an eco twist (there are no plastic buttons or fastenings included and the fabric is 100% natural, biodegradable linen). Choose to make your tunic with a nehru collar or V neck version. The kit includes pre-cut fabric pieces, labels, instructions, an air erasable pen, thread and a bundle of off-cuts for sewing or dying practice/sampling. Pins and measuring tape are also included with your first order.

3. Sew your own zip purse kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £11.50)

If you're looking for first-time sewing project, or want to try out some zip skills, this all-in-one kit could be the one for you. It's a great introduction to using zips within your sewing and comes with the fabric you need to make two purses, pre-cut to size, two zips, a basic sewing kit with needle, thread and pins plus instructions. We especially like that you can choose which fabrics and zip colours you would like in your kit when you order.

4. Full circle skirt dressmaking kit

• Buy it now (Sew Over It, £25)

Make your own ultimate party skirt with this handy beginner sewing kit from Sew Over It – it's a great introduction to sewing your own clothes as you'll learn to make a 1950’s style skirt which is flattering for all body shapes. This full circle skirt dressmaking kit comes with a printed pattern, full instructions, 2 metres of fabric (enough to make it in sizes 8 to 20) plus a zip.

5. Learn to sew a scrunchie kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £11.50)

Scrunchies are enjoying a huge comeback after they first became popular in the 1990s, and now you can make your own with this quick and easy starter sewing kit. it comes with fabric, thread, pins, needle, elastic and a safety pin, plus instructions with full colour photos which show you how to get to grips with straight sewing, using elastic and top-stitching

6. Dungarees sewing kit

• Buy it now (Cloth Kits, £70)

If you're feeling primed and ready to give dressmaking a go, this stylish sewing kit comes with everything you need to make your own classic denim Harlene Dungarees from Merchant & Mills. This project will be the best fit if you've got a bit of sewing experience already under your belt but want to learn new skills. You'll learn how to make a traditional pair of easy fitting dungarees, with classic detailing and optional top stitching. Each kit comes with either dark blue or black 7oz denim (you choose which), plus Liberty Tana Lawn lining, Merchant & Mills hardware kit including buttons, dungaree clips and sliders, thread, the pattern and instructions. It comes with enough fabric to make dungarees up to a UK size 18.

7. Make your own Girl's Skater Skirt Kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £48)

This sweet sewing kit comes with everything you need (minus the sewing machine!) to make an easy girl's skirt for ages 3 to 4 years or 5 to 6 years. The finished garment is a half circle skirt with an elasticated waist in a bubble gum pink denim print with daisy motifs printed at the hem. This kit includes a printed fabric panel, organic thread, elastic and easy to follow instructions all packaged in a Fair-trade cotton tote bag.

8. Sew your own linen blouse

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £59.95)

Learn how to make your own top with this pre-cut sewing kit to make a DIY linen blouse – it's ideal for beginners and includes video instructions. This zero-waste, eco-friendly kit comes with the materials to make a pure white linen Hannah blouse. You can make your blouse in 2 adjustable sizes XS-M (UK 8-14) and M-XL (UK 16-22).

9. Knickers Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £15)

A fantastic beginners knicker making kit from Etsy seller Elmrocks, the kit contains everything you need to stitch a pair of frilly knickers. A quick make that will leave you excited to make more! The multi-size pattern is from UK size 8 to 18 (US size 4 to 14) and has full instructions to complete the project.

Oh Sweet Satchel Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (Create and Craft, £39)

Satchel bags are one of the most versatile items you can make for your wardrobe, so we're loving this sewing kit from Oh Sew Sweet, which comes ready to go with 1 the pattern, hardware and fabrics you need to sew up a bag that you'll use again and again.

Sewing kits for toys and children

1. Nanuq the Fishing Eskimo Toy sewing kit

• Buy it now (ClothKits, £19)

Who doesn't want to make a huggable, home-sewn Eskimo toy? This starter sewing project is suitable for ages 7 and up so a great first sewing project for mini makers. It can be stitched using a sewing machine or by hand and is printed on thick 100% cotton with simple lines ready to cut out. Choose whether to add stuffing or supply your own when you buy.

2. Sausage Dog Softie Toy sewing kit

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £16.99)

Cute alert! Make your own sausage dog softie toy and learn how to sew at the same time! This complete kit comes with all you need (apart from scissors) to make this toy – including hand cut felt squares, embroidery thread a needle, needle threader, small bag of stuffing, woven label, printed pattern sheet and basic instructions.

3. The Crafty Kit Company – 3 Felt Kitties Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (£11.50)

Create super cute little felt kittens with this starter sewing kit including enough felt, stuffing and thread to make three kittens, each with its own collar and bell.

4. Buttonbag Sewing Kit for Beginners

• Buy it now (John Lewis, £25)

One of a series of sweet Buttonbag kits available from John Lewis's online craft store, this fun-filled kit that includes scissors, needles, pins, thread and colourful fabric, plus instructions to help you make four easy beginner sewing projects. This is the perfect kit for complete beginners or younger makers.

5. Doll making kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £25.99)

Rag dolls and plushie dolls are such a classic sewing project and now you can make your own! This sewing kit for beginners includes all the materials you need for the body, clothing and hair to make a 25cm tall finished doll.

6. Clara and Macy Robin sewing kit

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £18)

Create your own festive robin with this sweet starter kit including everything you need to sew your own felt bird, including luxurious wool felt, fleece fabric, cotton on tiny spools, stuffing, a needle, pattern, and full instructions. You just need a pair of scissors and you're good to go!

7. Avocado cat keyring kit

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £10.85)

What's better than a felt Avocado keyring? An avocado cat keyring of course! This quick and easy sewing kit comes with everything you need to make the perfect rainy afternoon project, including ribbon, stuffing, needle, thread, felt, paper template, and instructions. Another cute craft kit that kids will enjoy too.

8. Crafty Kit Company Pretty Flamingo Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £14.95)

Yes, yes there is an animal theme to the toys section of our favourite sewing kits for beginners round-up! And we're not sorry. If avocado cats arent' your thing, how about this easy flamingo sewing kit? As with the other kits in this round up it comes fully stocked with all the supplies you need.

9. Baker Ross Unicorn Cushion Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (Baker Ross, £5.95)

This bright unicorn cushion kit is perfect for children interested in crafts, the felt fabric comes pre-punched with needle holes so it’s simply a matter of threading the needle through the holes. It's like a dot-to-dot for sewing. Bonus points for being able to make two cushions from the supplies included!

Best needlecraft sewing kits for beginners

1. Be Kind embroidery kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £23.79)

The power of stitching to spread good vibes is a concept we are 100% behind. Give it a go with this lovely starter embroidery kit, including fabric, needles, a wooden hoop, thread and a heat erasable pen.

2. Sew your own cat embroidery tote bag

• Buy it now (Etsy, £24.99)

Create a cute kitty embroidered tote using just two embroidery stitches, making this suitable for everyone from complete beginners to experienced stitchers who just, well, love cats! It takes between 1 and 4 hours to stitch so you can make in an evening or weekend, and the tote is 100% natural cotton with the pattern pre-printed on.

3. Hannah Bass Alphabet Tapestry Kit

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £20)

Tapestry, along with needlecraft in general, is enjoying a huge resurgence this year, and this colour-popping kit is the perfect way to try the trend with a modern twist. These alphabet tapestry kits are stitched on to plain plastic canvas, with basic half cross stitch, so they really are perfect for beginners, plus a handy size to fit in your bag!

4. Sashiko stitching kit

• Buy it now (Amazon, £33.61)

Sashiko is a beautiful type of embroidery and now you can try it at home easily with this complete starter set. It features Yokota Sashiko thread, needles and a template, along with instructions, a thimble and fabric to stitch on.

5. Happy sloth embroidery kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £24.50)

Curl up, relax and unwind with this snoozy sloth embroidery kit. It comes with everything you need, including an 18cm (7in) embroidery hoop.

6. The Modern Crafter Summer Swallows embroidery kit

• Buy it now (Not on the High Street, £30)

Stitch your own contemporary embroidery design with this modern kit for beginners by illustrator and print designer Siobhan Watt from The Modern Crafter You'll get to learn 3 basic stitches – satin stitch, back stitch and French Knots, and the design is screen printed on to organic cotton and comes with a 6in wooden embroidery hoop.

7. Embroider your own t-shirt kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £22)

Learn how to embroider clothes with this sustainably-made kit for beginners. Each kit includes all you need to make a personalised t-shirt, including a wooden embroidery hoop, 100% organic white cotton t-shirt (you pick the size to fit), embroidery needle and pins, thread and a selection of patterns.

8. Succulents embroidery kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £21.95)

Try beautiful botanical embroidery stitching with these lovely starter kits – the perfect introduction to hand stitching. Each kit comes with a 7in embroidery hoop plus materials and instructions.

9. Hawthorn Handmade Highland Heathers Embroidery Hoop

• Buy it now (John Lewis, £21.95)

Fancy a relaxing craft project? This modern embroidery kit from Hawthorne Handmade includes a 7inch embroidery hoop, an embroidery needle, an array of floral coloured DMC stranded cottons and full instructions to make stitching a breeze!

10. Personalised hand embroidery letter kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £15.50)

We couldn't resist adding a little festive kit into this round-up, as it's a little known fact that many stitchers get started pretty early on their Christmas crafts. This kit shows you how to make your own personalised hand embroidered Christmas decoration. Hang it on your tree this year or decorate a door handle. You'll create the whole design in seed stitch and satin stitch, and the kit comes with a 14 page beginners embroidery booklet with illustrated stitch guide.

Home sewing kits for beginners

1. Patchwork star cushion kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £20)

Discover the complete delight of hand-stitching patchwork with this English Paper Piecing project – this kit includes all you need to make a cushion cover by hand sewing diamonds together to piece this striking cushion cover, without needing any pro sewing skills!

2. LOVE cushion sewing kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £20)

Give a modern hand-made touch to your sofa with this DIY cushion kit, including all you need to make a beautiful cushion for your home or to give as a gift. The kit itself would make a great gift for a first-time maker as it includes simple instructions to talk you through how to make your very own cushion, plus fabric, stuffing, needle and thread.

3. Christmas table runner sewing kit

• Buy it now (John Lewis, £32.50)

We're sneaking another Christmas kit in here (sorry not sorry) because we've fallen a bit in love with this design from Rico. This lovely beginner sewing kit comes with all the materials you need to make your own classic table runner. The fabric is a blend of cotton and comes pre-stamped alongside stranded cotton, needle and instructions.

4. Olive Road Vintage Lampshade kit

• Buy it now (Etsy, £29.99)

Lampshades are the perfect first fabric project as they don't actually need much sewing! We're including this lampshade sewing kit for beginners nonetheless as it's a lovely way to make a fabric item for your home. Choose between several different vintage fabric options to make your own 20cm drum lampshade.

5. Janet Clare Sewing Kit

• Buy it now (Create & Craft, £9.99)

Play around with patchwork and make a lovely little set of items for your sewing stash – this Janet Clare kit comes with everything you need to make a matching needlecase, pin cushion, scissor keep and fabric project bag.