Material and Supplies

Fabric: Light to medium weight plain woven linen, cotton, silk, wool, tencel or a blend of these: For each seam sample you will need TWO pieces of fabric cut 9 inches (22.5 cm) by 2.5 inches (6.5 cm). There are five samples to practice in this class.

Thread: Any thread you have easily accessible but here are some options I like:

Linen (match weight to textile). For medium weight to lightweight use 80/2, 80/3; for lightweight use 100/2, 100/3. I like to use a contrasting thread to make the stitches visible. But it is up to you! You can buy contrasting or matching thread.

  • Great selection here!

  • Do not forget the beeswax for coating your thread here!

Silk

  • Gutermann silk is easy to get here and is a really good quality.

Quilters Cotton

Needles: I’d recommend size 7,8,9 or 10 “sharps,” “appliqué,” or “embroidery” needles. The finer fabric the higher the number of the needle.

  • I love Bohin needles. Get them here!

Dressmakers shears: 8 inches.

  • My favorite shears are from William Whiteley and Co. in England who preserve the scissor making craft. Buy them here!

Small snips: Look for “embroidery” scissors.

  • My favorite small scissors are from William Whiteley and Co. in England who preserve the scissor making craft. Buy them here!

Measuring tape, ruler or seam gauge

Thimble (optional but encouraged): Should fit on the middle finger of your dominate hand. Not too tight but not too loose it falls off. Learn how to use one here!

  • Where to buy: Antique malls, eBay, etsy, Lacis has a fantastic stock here.