Style Clothing Care Basic Sewing Kit Essentials Checklist What you need to make quick repairs. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 18, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: iStock Needles in an assortment of sizesThread (stock at least a black, a gray, a cream, and a denim-stitch gold)Needle threader, so you won't need to squint as you thread the needleSafety pins: hefty steel ones for big jobs and small brass ones to close littler gapsButtons in a mix of styles: small white shirt buttons; large, dark ones for coats; and medium-size trouser buttonsHem tape for needle-free repairsVelcro (patches or strips with adhesive for temporary fixes; iron- or sew-on styles for more lasting fastening)Patches (to save torn jeans and trousers instantly)ScissorsThimble, a must not just to protect thumbs but also to help you force a needle or a pin through heavy fabricPincushionTape measureSeam ripper, for do-overs when you need to remove errant stitchesSnap pliers, to help replace snaps or grommets Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit