A Beginner Sewing Battlestation

Everyone has to start somewhere!  I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that sewing or quilting is a cheap hobby.  But it is a rewarding and useful skill.  I truly believe with some halfway decent tools and practice, anyone can learn to sew.

You will commonly see your sewing desk called a "battlestation" on many sewing forums and blogs.  If you are new to sewing, you don't need to spend a ton of money on the best machine or all the fancy sewing feet and cutting templates.  But there are a few places to invest.  One pair of scissors can last more than a lifetime, if they are the right pair and are taken care of.  Same with your thread snips.  I didn't include an iron in this list, since most people should have one that will work just fine as you get started. 

1. SEAM RIPPER  ::  You might as well invest in a decent seam ripper now since it will be your friend for awhile.  I also have a cheap little one (I think it came with my machine) for getting into awkward spaces.  /  Fons & Porter Ergonomic Seam Ripper - $5.49
2. MEASURING TAPE ::  If you are going to by buying patterns for yourself or measuring a quilt for binding, it's good to have a few of these laying around.  No need to spend a lot on them.  You will probably end up losing them or cutting them in half accidentally eventually.  /  Dritz Tape Measure - $4.92
3. ROTARY CUTTING SET ::  People will probably fight me on this, but I think it's OK to start with a cheap beginner set like this when you first start.  They work fine and you can replace parts individually when you have coupons for a nicer cutting mat or OLFA cutter down the line.  /  Fiskars Rotary Cutting Set - $32.82
4. WORK LAMP  ::  If you are like me and work a day job, you may end up doing a lot of your sewing in the dark.  A good desk lamp will be worth it.  An LED one like this, is great if you have to do any thread or fabric selection in the dark since it will give you truer colors that your standard lamp.  /  TaoTronics Elune Lamp - $32.99
5. ORGANIZATION ::  Things can get out of hand really fast as your tool set and fabric collection start to grow, so stay organized from the very beginning.  My drawers are full or bowls and cups and organizers.  I use tones of plastic Ziploc bags to organize ongoing projects.  A wall rail for tools you need to keep close and handy is a great addition.  /  IKEA PS 2014 Wall Rail - $25.98
6. SCISSORS ::  As I mentioned before, this is one of the places I would invest.  I have this pair (in a limited edition print) and they are wonderful.  Every other year I get them sharpened by a local knife sharpener and they always work beautifully.  /  Gingher 8-Inch Knife Edge Shears - $24.26
7. DESK CHAIR  ::  Eventually you are going to want to invest in a nice chair.  What kind of chair is a very personal decision.  I don't like arms, but some people do.  A swivel base is very handy since you will likely be getting up to press and cut.  /  IKEA Torbjorn Chair - $39.99
8. PIECING FOOT ::  If you are going to be quilting, this is a great tool as you learn.  This has a little piece of metal that helps you sew consistent 1/4" seams for piecing.  I still use this when I need to be very precise.  /  Patchwork Foot with Guide - $5.29
9. THREAD RACK  ::  See #5.  Start organized and stay organized.  It will take you a long time to fill up a rack like this one.  Mine is much smaller and isn't even halfway full.  /  Thread Rack - $11.86
10. THREAD SNIPS  ::  Another place it doesn't hurt to invest.  A good pair isn't terribly expensive and they will last you a long time.  I love these classic stork shaped snips.  They make me smile every time I reach for them.  /  Gingher Stork Embroidery Scissors - $13.98
11. DESK ::  For years I just used my dining room table.  You really don't need to spend a lot of money on a desk.  Storage or cord management is a bonus.  Now I just use an inexpensive Ikea desktop and legs with drawers.  /  IKEA Micke Desk - $69.99
12. SEWING MACHINE  ::  This is a place where I would find a happy medium.  Machines range drastically in price.  To start learning, I don't think you need to spend more than $200 on a machine.  A basic machine without all the bells and whistles will help you understand how to adjust tension and thread a bobbin.  This is actually the machine I am currently using.  Sure I would love more room in the throat or a little more speed, but this machine works and is affordable.  /  Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine - $147.81

What tools would you recommend to a new quilter or sewer?  What did I forget?  What item do you wish you had in your toolbox from the beginning?  Please share in the comments below!