The 10 Best Sewing Kits
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in May of 2018. Whether you're a master tailor or just need to replace or reattach the odd button from time to time, you're going to need the right tools for the job. One of these sewing kits can provide everything you need, and we've included light-duty and highly portable sets best suited to travel though to fully-equipped baskets suitable for the most complicated and elaborate creations or repairs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Dritz Start-To-Sew
2. Embroidex Kit
3. Singer Vintage Basket
Editor's Notes
April 14, 2020:
Sewing kits come in large and small sizes, for everyone from beginners to those with explicit repair needs, and we've kept a wide variety of options to accommodate this range. But we've removed both the Sew Simply XL and the Rothco GI Repair over concerns about the long-term durability of the included pieces. Those looking for a GI-style kit might instead consider the Raine Military. Its case comes in several colors, including olive drab and ACU, while the thread and buttons inside are helpful for uniform repair. It's a little pricey given the amount of supplies included, though.
For a general use kit that can help with sewing projects, the Dritz Start-To-Sew and the Singer Vintage Basket remain top choices. Both have an ample amount of quality notions, although the former has no thread and the latter has relatively little. If you're looking for a choice with plenty of sewing thread for quick repairs, there's the Embroidex Kit or the Sturme XL. You can pop these in your suitcase or office desk drawer for emergencies thanks to zippered cases that keep all the pieces corralled. The Sturme kit is the larger of the two, with 30 spools of thread, so it may be too much when space is tight. If so, there's the Singer Travel or the Gear Aid Outdoor. These diminutive choices ensure a fast fix for your clothing and outdoor gear, respectively.
Special Honors
Whipstitch Calico Great American Sewing Kit Describing itself as a patriotic choice is the Whipstitch Calico Great American Sewing Kit, which is assembled in Northern California with pieces that primarily hail from American manufacturers. All the notions are packaged in a small tin, along with an illustrated instructions card for those who are new to common sewing tasks. greatamericansewingkit.com
Merchant and Mills Rapid Repair The Merchant and Mills Rapid Repair might just be the most stylish kit out there. The needles are packaged in a glass tube, which gives this choice a high-quality feel. The rest of the pieces are all black, white, and silver, which is pleasing to the eye — although this is not so great if you need red or green thread. merchantandmills.com
Alabama Chanin Essential Remarkably expensive for a sewing kit, the Alabama Chanin Essential works as either a portable choice or as a gift to a new sewer. It arrives with 10 spools of thread, a magnetic pin cushion, a grid notebook, and more, all of which fit into the included fabric bag. alabamachanin.com
4. Gear Aid Outdoor
5. Singer Travel
6. Sturme XL
7. CraftLab Little Monsters
8. Honbay Simple Necessities
9. Vellostar Medium
10. Raine Military
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.