DIY projects

Since most of us are staying home, why not pick up a sewing DIY project. According to many articles, a good quality sewing machine is a sound investment.

Think of all the advantages of a sewing machine such as making face masks, Halloween costumes, decorative pillows, curtains, custom-designed and unique clothing, crafts, plush toys, tote bags and many more. You can also re-purpose used or second-hand clothing to save money in the long run.

Who knows, you may turn your sewing project into a side hustle and start selling your creations! Please read my blog post for some tips…

Since face masks will be here to stay – Why not make face masks yourself, you can pick your favorite fabric and pattern (100% cotton is recommended) and it would be cool to match the face mask with your outfit.

There are many resources to buy the Cricut material, accessories to make your own face masks.  This Cricut inspiration blog gives many ideas on how to make face masks using the Cricut machine.  With the Cricut printer and accessories, you can make fun masks for your kids with their favorite super hero designs.

Cricut offers endless possibilities to create personalized T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, stationery, cushions for your family and home and why not sell your creations when you’re ready! Click this link to shop the machines, accessories and materials needed to make cool creations!

To start you can choose a Cricut machine that suits your purpose

   
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View our most popular products at Cricut.com

Sewing Machines

I have researched the best sewing machines for beginners, as well as most popular sewing accessories and here is a short list, to save you time.

According to Chicago Tribune, the below sewing machine is one of the best for beginners:

Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine, 185 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 8 Included Feet

Click here to get more info or buy from Amazon

by Brother

• 185 Unique built-in stitches: The HC1850 includes 130 sewing stitches including 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches
• Included accessories: The HC1850 quilting and sewing machine includes a wide table, 8 feet, instructional DVD, manual and more
• LCD Screen: Easily select your stitches with the touch of a button and view your selections on the LCD display
• At your side support: The HC1850 quilting and sewing machine comes with Brother At your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
• Advanced needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing and quilting machine includes an advanced needle threading function that easily pushes thread through the needle with the press of a lever and a jam resistant drop-in top bobbin

According to this review by The Spruce, this Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is a no-brainer for beginners, easy to use and really versatile. It is also featured as Top Choice in the Business Insider best sewing machines review.

SINGER | Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine

• 4423 SEWING MACHINE WITH HEAVY DUTY 725 ACCESSORY KIT
• SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE: The 23 built-in stitches including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches allow you to sew a variety of projects, such as fashions, home décor, quilts, crafts, and more!
• AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER SEWING MACHINE: After following the threading path printed right on the machine, this built-in feature helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration.
• HIGH-SPEED SEWING MACHINE: The Singer 4423 Sewing Machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1, 100 stitches-per-minute, so projects can be sewn quickly. The 60% Stronger Motor provides greater piercing power for thick seams.
• HEAVY DUTY METAL FRAME: Adds stability and provides long lasting stability.
• SEWING MACHINE ACCESSORIES: A variety of accessories are included with All-purpose foot with spring assist, blind hem foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, sew easy foot, clear open toe foot, seam ripper/lint brush, quilting guide, heavy duty needles, bobbins, screwdriver, clearance plate, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt are all conveniently located and stored in the accessory tray. A soft-sided dust cover is also included in the packaging.
• #1 BEST SELLING SEWING MACHINE: The Singer 4423 heavy duty sewing machine is a true workhorse. With a heavy-duty metal interior frame, stainless steel bedframe, extra-high sewing speed and powerful motor, this sewing machine can sew through a variety of heavy weight fabrics

Click here to get more info or buy from Amazon.

Sewing Supplies

Don’t forget to get Sewing supplies – Here are our recommendations

Fiskars Sewing Essentials Set (6pc), Orange 6 Count

• This all-in-one, 6-piece Fiskars Sewing Essentials Set gives you the tools you need to enhance your sewing kit
• Original Orange-handled Scissors (8 in. ) cut all the way to the tip and feature high-grade, precision-ground, stainless steel blades for a lasting sharp edge
• Thread Snips (5 in. ) feature pointed tips for quick, precise snips on loose ends, thread, floss, yarn and other lightweight materials
• Use the Acrylic Ruler and Measuring Tape for precise measurements, the Sewing Gauge to lock them in, and the Seam Ripper to undo stitches
• Full lifetime (excludes Measuring Tape and Seam Ripper)

To buy click here to buy from Amazon

Sewing Seam Ripper Tool, Stitch Remover and Thread Cutter with 2Big+2Small Seam Rippers,1 Pack Thread Snips,1Pack 5”Scissor

Brand: CampTek

• Seam Rippers,2 Different Sizes,Multifunction,Meet Different Requirements.small stitch unpicker is 3.5 inch long and large stitch unpicker is 5.5 inch long (clear cap included).the longer fork of seam ripper is used for pick out the thread you have sewed, the blade is used to cut and remove unwanted stitches, open buttonhole,other uses.
• Small sewing ripper: easy and convenient to get into those small places and undo fine stitching,The clear plastic cap can become an extension handle ,the large stitch ripper is sharp,it can cut multi-layer fabric very quickly and easily.
• High Quality Thread snip length:115mm,the blade is made of imported stainless steel,with special heat treatment and precision grinding process which makes the blade sharper and more durable,innovative double-edged&replaceable blade design,compared with ordinary thread cutters,one piece of blade equal to two pieces,one piece of scissor can be used repeatly more than 4 times by replacing blades,cutting is easier and more desirable.
• High Quality 5”scissor length :130mm,the blade is made of imported stainless steel,very sharp,become warped head design,easy cutting,remover stitch
• This is a Very High Quality sewing thread remover tools,They won’t let you disappointed.Package Included:4pcs seam ripper(2big+2small),1pcs double-edged thread cutter(Giveaway 2 pcs blade),1pcs scissor.

Click here to buy from Amazon

Grabbit Magnetic Sewing Pincushion with 50 Plastic Head Pins, Red

• Powerful magnet sweeps up pins from a distance and aligns them into an organized pile
• Easy to grab a pin or to drop one back onto the magnetic base, no need to stop working to push pins into a cloth cushion
• Includes 50 colored plastic head, easy-to-grasp pins
• Great organizing tool not only for sewing but for keeping paper clips, nails, screws or other metal objects securely in one space
• Grabbit comes in a variety of colors and measures 1 5/16” tall by 4 1/4” in diameter

Click here to buy from Amazon

LIVINGO Premium Tailor Scissors Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Titanium Coating Forged Stainless Steel Sewing Fabric Leather Dressmaking Softgrip Shears Professional Crafting (9.5 INCH)

• DURABLE Strong Stainless Steel Rust Resistant Blades: Forging press manufacturing process enables high-density steel that makes 3 times harder than normal stainless steel and are smoother cutting.
• ULTRA SHARP and ALL-PURPOSE: Easy for cutting more than 16 layers of fabrics. Ideal for sewing, tailoring, quilting, dressmaking, cutting patterns, alterations, hand craft, home and office use etc.
• MULTI-COLOR TITANIUM coating blades. They are strongly resistant to rusting and to adhensives such as glue and tape, making them ideal for almost any kinds of tasks.
• SOFTGRIP handle: Ergonomic design for precision control and max comfort.
• LIFETIME: Every Product is independently tested and selected to ensure the performance you expect, for everyday low price. The result is a quality item backed by our commitment to your satisfaction.

Click here to buy from Amazon

SINGER Sewing Machine Needles, 1-Pack, Size 18 3/Pkg

Click here to buy from Amazon

SINGER 4877 Universal Regular Point Machine Needles for Woven Fabric, Size 70/9, 4-Count

Click here to buy from Amazon

With these recommended products, you’ll be ready to get your creative juices flowing and put your skills to work and start having fun making your own clothing, masks, toys, crafts and decorative items. Maybe you’ll decide one day  to convert your hobby into a side hustle…