For years I sold pre-cut sewing kits for adults: tote bags, coasters, skirts and headscarves, cut from my own vintage-inspired fabrics. Here’s what I learned about ready-to-sew kits, what to look for, and how to put together your own kit for free.
What is a ready-to-sew kit?
A ready-to-sew kit gives you everything for one make in a box: the fabric (often already cut to shape), thread, any extras like elastic, and instructions. You just open it and start sewing.
That’s different from a beginner sewing kit, which is the box of tools you’ll use for every project. If that’s what you’re looking for, see what to put in a beginner sewing kit.
Are ready-to-sew kits good for beginners?
A kit is a great choice if you:
- want to try sewing without choosing fabric yourself
- are buying a gift for someone who’d love a calm, creative hobby
- find cutting out the hardest part. Pre-cut kits skip it completely.
The downsides:
- You only learn one make.
- Kits cost more than buying the pieces yourself.
- Quality varies. Cheap kits can have thin fabric or vague instructions.
- With pre-cut fabric, you don’t learn to cut out, which is a skill you’ll need later.
What to look for in a sewing kit for adults
- Clear instructions, ideally with step-by-step photos or a video.
- Good fabric. A medium-weight cotton is the easiest to sew.
- A make that suits your level. Bags, coasters, cushions and elasticated skirts are easiest. Leave zips and buttons for later.
- Everything included. Check whether thread and elastic are in the box.
- Something you’ll actually use. A useful make is the best motivation to finish.
Where to buy ready-to-sew kits
These are my favourite UK shops for sewing kits for adults. Many come with fabric and a pattern, and some include pre-cut fabric so you can start sewing straight away.
Sewing kits with fabric and pattern
- Bobbins and Buttons
- Sussex Seamstress
- My Sewing Box: bag kits
- Sew Scrumptious
- Made and Making: bags and cushions
- Lamazi Fabrics
Dressmaking kits for beginners
Ready-to-sew clothes kits make it easy to make dresses, blouses and trousers. These come with a dressmaking pattern and matching fabric and thread.
- Cloth Kits: women’s clothes
- Fabricland
Craft shops like Hobbycraft and department stores like John Lewis sell sewing kits too, and you’ll find lots of independent makers selling kits on Etsy. Read the reviews and check exactly what’s in the box before you buy.
Make your own sewing kit for free
You don’t need to buy a kit to get started. My free printable patterns and sewing cards give you everything except the fabric. Print the pattern, cut it from a cotton you love, and follow the card. Every make takes 2 hours or less.
- Tote bag: free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
- Coasters: free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
- Cushion cover: free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
- Drawstring bag: free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
- Scrunchies: free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
- Eye mask: free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
- Pyjama trousers (UK 8 to 22): free pattern (PDF) and sewing card
Not sure which fabric to buy? Read where to buy sewing fabric in the UK, and for more patterns see my free sewing patterns for beginners.
A homemade kit makes a lovely gift
Put together a kit for someone you love: print a pattern, add a piece of fabric, a spool of thread and a few pins, and tie it all up with ribbon. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone who’s always said they’d like to learn to sew.
Learn to sew with Nanna Betty
Nanna Betty Sewing School teaches you one skill at a time, with simple sewing cards and short videos for your phone. Every make takes 2 hours or less, and it’s all free.
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