You can get a set of 24 for $11.87.

I too wish I had 49 cents.

Edit: Its hard to tell sizes from pictures of thread. Point still stands at like $6.

I posted this in another sub about a month ago for someone wanting to learn:







It's a very inexpensive hobby. Here are the things I put on my Amazon list, just for reference if you or anyone else needed it:

Set of 4 different sized wooden hoops- $11.99 Plastic ones may be easier for some people, I prefer wooden because they're more my style for framing.

Aida 14ct Cloth 12x18- $3.55 14ct Aida is easiest to work with for beginners. The size of this is good for practicing on, get a couple so you can use the other for your first project. You can also purchase large rolls of it when you start becoming obsessed with it. They also come in lots of different colors and easy to dye yourself.

Set of 150 different colored skeins of DMC floss- $15.98 This is a great amount to start off with. It'll last you a long time, and if you ever need more or want new colors, they are very inexpensive from any craft store and Walmart. Usually around $0.25-$0.50. FYI floss splits apart into 6 tiny strings. Start off using only 2-3 strands
Do all 6 and you're gonna have a bad time.

Needles!- $3.49 Can't stitch without needles!

Bobbins and a thread organizer- $6.49 You will need this. I waited too long to get one and ended up have to wind up hundreds of tangled skeins and it took HOURS. Do it before you start practicing. Also write the thread color number on the top of each bobbin with permanent marker. When you use patterns they will be based off the color numbers.

Julie Jackson's subversive cross stitch book- $12.99 If you like those snarky offensive cross stitchings, this is the best book for it. It's also an amazing beginners guide into cross stitching. It has brief instructions on how to start and very simple but adorably offensive patterns. You can also get other books or use YouTube to find instructions on how to get started. I'd also like to suggest going to etsy for patterns. They're pretty cheap and there's endless options.

So about $55 to get started plus shipping, but it'll last you a long time and could be used on many different projects and you won't spend nearly as much when you do need something else.

Best get yourself a thimble, then :)

If you had fun and you're looking to dive further into it I'd suggest investing in the following:

• diamond awl like this
  
• diamond chisel(only really need the 2 prong and 5-6 prong) I use these
  
• good braided poly thread like this
  
• good needles John James
  
• Good skiving knife this ones a good starter
  
• Wing dividers I bought these
  
• Edge beveler Like this
  
• You'll also want a leather condition(neatsfoot oil is what I use) and a finisher(resolene, beeswax, snoseal, etc)
  
• Contact cement(Dap weldwood) helps keep things together before you sew them
  
• Dye if you want certain colors
  
  For ~$100 bucks investment and you've got most of the stuff you'll need to make good looking stuff, then you just need to buy leather. I highly recommend picking a project, watching some videos on it and then if you need a new tool for it thats when you buy it. My biggest mistake thus far is thinking I could bypass buying a hole punch, the quality using a punch is so much higher than trying to do it by hand.
  
  As for skills. Look up Saddle stitching, easy to learn and hard to master. With those chisels it makes it really easy to get a good looking product with saddle stitching. Wetforming leather, helps make those sheaths, holsters, etc pop out at you. I like watching Nigel Armitage and Ian Atkinson on youtube, informative and you pick up little tips here and there.
  
  You'll also need to learn to keep your knife sharp! So project 1 if you invest is make a strop and get some jewlers rouge to polish that edge to a razor!

Howdy /r/Sewing. My wife just ordered me a sewing machine and I have a few questions.

A little background, we are both in our mid 40's and neither of us have ever used a sewing machine but I've wanted to start tailoring my jeans and dress pants for a while now. Also my wife has lots of clothes that need altering because usually the sleeves are too long for her. The machine she bought is the Brother XM2701, a 10 pack of Brother SA156 Top Load Bobbins, and a 10 pack of Euro-Notions Universal Machine Needles.


Here are my questions:

1. When tailoring jeans and chinos/trousers what needle should I use? On amazon the review for the pack of needles says the 70/10 is for delicate fabrics, but on Joanns website they sell a pack of 70/10 needles for jeans. So I am already confused.
   
   
2. Is a kit like this one a good investment for a beginner? I do not have any thing to start sewing with. So I need thread of course, but I also need a seem ripper, fabric scissors, chalk, measuring tape, etc. If there is a better option please let me know.
   
   Those are my questions for now so any help is greatly appreciated.
   
   P.S. I know there is a lot of trial and error with sewing and I have plenty of old clothes to practice on. I am looking forward seeing what I can come up with.

Absolutely. I would recommend a few tools to get started - a cheap set of stitching chisels to get you started (these poke the holes for the needles to go in and out of), a cheap wing divider to scribe a straight stitching line, some waxed thread I linked Ritza Tiger 25 in 0.6mm because it's pretty much all I use, there are cheaper options, but this thread is wonderful to work with. Most of the other thread on amazon is going to be thicker and look too chunky with a 4mm iron IMO. Lastly, some needles. I use and like these. Then just look up a few youtube videos on saddle stitching. You'll have it down in no time. It's really not super difficult, there are a few tricks to making it look nice.

Thank you for the reply, if you don't mind I have some questions on your comment:

1. >Get some beeswax for your thread.
   So this is just to pull the string though so it doesn't get tangled?
   
   
2. So in general, silk thread is the way to go? Any place where i can buy silk thread by the colour? Best I could find on Amazon was this one that has black and white. Is polyester fine too? Maybe like these?
   
   
3. what's stay stitch? Where do i find a bottle of it?
   
   Thank you for the help

I use a simple box, will need to get more though!
Embroidery Floss Cross Stitch Threads - Peirich 100 Colors Friendship Bracelets Floss with Organizer Storage Box Embroidery Thread Bracelet String Embroidery Kit 43 Pcs Cross Stitch Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CM7G69G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rOHkDbFMAAYDH

I hope today goes better for you ♥️♥️♥️

I would love this thread so I can do more embroidery!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRF1LCM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_llvDCbMN4JFGV

I bought some of this nylon bonded thread size 69 in black. I read somewhere it was recommend for leather gear repairs. I got some leather needles from Jo-Ann fabrics. I haven't done repairs yet or even used used the giant spool of thread yet. If you are in the USA, PM me an address I can send enough for repairs and patches in an envelope. I'm never going to even put a dent in this thing.

https://www.amazon.com/Bonded-Nylon-Thread-Modification-Upholstery/dp/B01MFDY604/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1539196904&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bonded+nylon+thread+69&psc=1

You can try to google for kevlar sewing thread, stuff isn't expensive but its just trying to buy a $5 worth on a little spool is hard. I ended up just getting a big spool that will last a lifetime or two: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2AYTS2

Not from those suppliers, but they're dyeing mulberry silk, and you can get sets of 50 or 100 skeins of mulberry silk floss from amazon.

FYI: I sent you lots of amazon links as I am not sure where you live or if you have access to craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics. I know for certain that I have seen most of these items cheaper at the store than what I could find online.

1. Embroidery scissors. The good ones (I.e. generally not ones that come in sewing kits) are incredibly sharp and a must. They are used exclusively for cutting embroidery floss. They make some really pretty ones that come in all sorts of colors and patterns.
   
2. A hoop or two. I personally prefer the plastic ones as they are a bit more durable and good for multiple projects. I also don't typically display my finished work inside the hoop. If she plans on making wall hangings, I would go with the wooden ones. They are typically a bit cheaper when you buy them at a craft store (I believe I have seen them from between 1-3 USD.) They have a nicer finished look and isn't that big of a deal to buy a new one when you start on your next project. I would buy her two of the wooden ones in two different sizes (a 4 inch and 6 inch one)
   
3. a box for embroidery thread. this one on Amazon that I listed is nice since it also contains the bobbins as well. These boxes usually cost about 3 USD at the craft store and are great for holding all of your different colors of embroidery floss. they often have one larger compartment which is perfectly sized to hold needles and the embroidery scissors as well. The floss bobbins are great at keeping everything organized in the box as well.
   
4. about a yard of fabric. Muslin is generally pretty cheap. For a beginner, I might also suggest Aida cloth. It it woven in a way that there is a "grid" in the cloth which makes it easier to make straight lines. It is typically used for Cross Stitch but can be used for embroidery as well. The cloth is more expensive that the muslin, and I personally don't prefer the finished look of the fabric, but it makes it easy to make straight lines and practice stitches. Someone on here also mentioned buying Fabric quarters which is a great idea. They come in a whole bunch of designs, run around 2 USD a piece, and work pretty well for embroidery.
   
5. Needles. You don't need the golden eye ones like I have listed here. Just make sure that the package says it's for embroidery as the of the needle varies depending on the type.
   
6. Now here's the hardest part of the whole thing: Embroidery floss. Most stores offer DMC brand cotton floss by the skein for about 0.48 USD. The problem is that there are literally hundreds of different colors and picking out just a few might be a bit difficult. The sets that DMC does sell are a bit pricey and aren't often set up to give you a beginner's set of colors. You could however buy an off brand set of embroidery floss that does come in a nice variety of colors and is cheaper. However, I have found that a lot of these packs have low quality thread. It often can look dull when compared to DMC brand floss. (look how Satin-y this Flower looks with the more expensive floss!) I have also heard of some people say that the colors can run when they get washed. All that said, these packs are inexpensive and great for someone just starting with embroidery as there are so many colors to choose from. Its great when you are practicing or are not 100% sure of what you are going to make yet.
   
7. transfer pen: I bought a set of those Frixion Pens that someone else mentioned in this post and I love them. They are a bit pricey. I believe that I bought my set at Target for 6 bucks. It came with 5 different colors including pink and silver which work great on dark colored fabrics. These pens are used to plan out your design on your fabric before you embroider. These pens are special in that they disappear completely with heat (such as an iron). If you don't want to go that route, they also make Water soluble markers which serve the same purpose. They don't work quite as well in my opinion as they tend to erase themselves after a few hours/days. They have the advantage of being inexpensive and work fine for small projects.
   
   I hope that all of this helps. Good luck on the shopping. I know that whatever you end up getting her she will love.

Fantastic! If you haven't seen it, the LilyPad stuff is really fun for wearable projects. A really cool project for that age. It's ridiculously cheap on Aliexpress and even if you bought something like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5JWE0G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mudmin-20&linkId=34f3b729d73d96641eabb5b0c102d9b8&language=en_US, I think it's well worth it. Btw, this doesn't mean you didn't win....I'm just pointing it out while I'm thinking about it.

DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment 100 Colors. Genuine Made in France https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9S9B0P/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_tk2ACbVKMJXZ4

This is the item but go to the "New (8) From $45.00 + $4.99 shipling" link and the seller is "mytad". They also answered some of the questions posted to the item.

Once you order from them, sent him a message through Amazon listing the colors you want. He has a good explanation in the Q & A section on how to do special requests.

A better way to go, if you need it be be conductive from point A to point B, and it does require flexibility...

1. Conductive Thread (used by knitters for making finger tips of gloves conductive.) I have used this and it worked well.
   
   
2. Softer conductive thread. I haven't used this.
   
   
3. Conductive paint in jar (seems flimsy) or Pen/tube.

69 bonded nylon.

Selric [1500Yards / 130g / 22 Colors Available] UV resistant High Strength Polyester Thread #69 T70 Size 210D/3 for Upholstery, Outdoor Market, Drapery, Beading, Purses, Leather ( Black ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5V3W25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LNCVAb8NAP4FS

Would something like this be better then?

I took another attempt on a practice piece and it all went 100% fine when I turned the wheel by hand, I’m blaming the strength of the machine at this point I guess. It is a possible solution but I don’t want to do that for all the pieces...

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079H26WBN

Sew this thread across the finger.

Or I just keep a stylus velcroed to my "dash"

I had to order it from the US, i could not find it anywhere in Europe...

Here is the one I ordered on amazon.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FXCY4K7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qzpUDbRSC2TR2

(Sorry if wrong tag, btw)