Simply put this is a guide of what tools are useful to pack in a travel size sewing kit. It may vary person to person as to what an individual finds more useful to have on hand, and this list is based off of what things were helpful, and what I wish I hadn't forgotten, for costuming at conventions. Cut down on what you need to pack for your cosplays but making your sewing kit neat, small and full of the essentials without the extra 'just in case' items. I'll start with the general basics for a small kit and then move on to the items I wish I had packed on several convention trips.
Start with your box/bag. The size of this is going to determine how well stocked your kit is. For a smaller kit you can find the perfect sized box at your dollar store. Look for the lunch boxes/food containers. This purple box(other colors were also available) is currently on sell, but it most likely is only going to be carried with their spring seasonal items, however back to school sales(pencil/crayon boxes) are also a good route to go, as well as cosmetic and travel bags.
If you don't already have tools and supplies on had you can always grab a small, and cheap, travel kit but these kits are really limited(don't be fooled by the assortment of thread colors) and really aren't made to last. Better options for your starter kit are to go with either the Dritz Start-to-Sew Kit or Singer's 1512 Beginners Sewing Kit. These kits include a sewing gauge(both), tracing paper and a tracing wheel(Dritz), and a needle threader(Singer). A sewing gauge, tracing paper and a tracing wheel may not be particularly necessary in your travel kit but they are very useful to have at home. A needle threader is also not particularly necessary unless you have a harder time threading your needles, then you'll want one around. There are of course more starting kit options you can go with, but these two are fairly basic and not necessarily overstocked with items that would be more useful at home.
Items you'll want to have in your kit:
- Hand Needles - have a small assortment of sizes
- Pins - colored, ball point pins are easier to spot when dropped versus straight pins
- Pin Cushion/Pin Box - keep those devils together!
- Safety Pins
- Seam Ripper
- Scissors - if you can fit a regular sized pair of scissors go with embroidery scissors(or both!)
- Buttons
- Hook and Eyes
- Thimble
- Band Aids - pins suck
- Measuring Tape
- Thread - stock white and black thread since they're easier to pick from for small fixes, but if you have spare room don't forget to include thread that matches your clothes/costumes
That is the very basic you'll want for your sewing kit, however here are the items I've been able to learn the hard way are really good to have on hand for conventions:
- Tailor's Chalk
- Markers
- Elastic - I aim for at least two sizes
- Hem tape - you will need an iron to use this, but it's amazing
- Liquid Stitch - this is available in a variety of options for different fabric needs
- Fray Check
- Crafters Glue - Tacky glue can dry quickly and can be used on almost anything
- Velcro
- Tape - while masking tape and scotch tape(double sided) are good ideas, duct tape is very handy as is fabric tape(double sided hem tape). For taping down costumes to skin try Hollywood Tape.
- Paper - small journal, post its...
- Pen/Pencil - these last two bullets are not so much for sewing purposes but are still good to have on hand
These items will give you a much more thorough sewing kit and have you ready for any clothing/costume/prop emergency, and of course for those last minute stitches Friday night at conventions. Now let's talk a little more about a few things.
Tailor's chalk/pencils! Also know as Dressmaker's pencils/markers, you have a few options for this, you can get the chalk(the squares), pencils or markers(not pictured). In my experience the pencils have not worked well, the markers do well however if you have to make some marks for quick fixes before an event you will not be able to get the marker off of your attire. Chalk works best, it's easiest to see and easiest to remove without using water. While I do think Tailor's Chalk works well, I still keep regular chalk on hand since it's just as easy to remove from most fabrics. Pro tip: a white crayon works surprisingly well on the wrong side of fake leather and suede. If you have to draw out your costume design because a pattern isn't available, white crayons can come in handy if you don't have tailor's chalk.
Markers! Sharpies come in a variety of colors and are great for quick fixes on just about anything, plus they are available as paint markers which is great for your props. You can also look into getting fabric markers if you need to do touch ups on your costumes.
Meet: Hem Tape. This stuff is amazing and you'll want it in every size ever. On a realistic note hemming anything sucks and if you're in a crunch for time hem tape is quick and easy. You will need an iron to fuse it to your fabrics but you can have your garment hemmed in the time it would have taken you pin and swear about sewing it. When you're picking out your hem tape(also known as stitch witchery) keep an eye out for water safe hem tapes. If you're using it on a costume that you won't be able to just toss in the washer then you're pretty well set for whatever size will meet your needs. This goes for heat fusible interfacing: some interfacing you will have to sew in place but if you're opting for a heat fusing one then you'll need to keep in mind that they aren't all safe to be washed; this should be marked on the label.
On the subject of irons, since I'm such an advocate of taking the easy way out with hems, if you can bring your own iron with you to conventions, do it. Chances are the irons that are available in hotel rooms are not maintained or properly used, are most likely filthy and tend to be 50/50 if they're going to burn or ruin your fabric. If you are left with what's available to you at a hotel make sure you aren't using it on the right side of your clothing/costumes' fabric. Applying it to the wrong side saves you from the risk of leaving an unsightly stain, mark or burn on the good side of whatever you're ironing.
On one last note I'd recommend looking into the Dritz No Sew Kit - this kit includes the Stitch Witchery, fabric tape, Liquid Stitch, Fray Check and a small amount of pins. I usually find it on sale at my go to fabric store.
Anything else you include in your own kit? Feel free to share in the comments!
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