Sewing Kit for Stitching on the Go September 24 2019 16 Comments

National Sewing Month has us celebrating all things sewing related. As loyal Red Thread Studio Stitchers, we know you understand. It’s in our blood. As our lives get busy, we also know we can take our love for sewing on the road with us with our trusty sewing kit.

Since Boro (the art of Japanese mending) is trending, we decided to play with Moda's new Boro fabric and a Yazzii craft box to create a sewing kit that's not only useful but stylish as well.

Boro Box

You can create your own sewing kit with this quick and easy tutorial or shop other styles and sizes to meet your needs.  Keep reading below for must-haves for your sewing kit. 

Materials you will need to create your own Boro Box:

Materials for Boro Box

Step 1: Make your Boro style fabric

  • Piece together various scraps of fabric to create made fabric that finishes 12 x 9 inches.  If you are using your own craft box or pouch, adjust finished dimensions accordingly, adding 1 inch to both length and width for seam allowance (1/2 inch).
  • Using temporary glue, position 2-3 patches on the 12 x 9 inch piece of fabric in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to your eye.  You may also choose to fuse the patches for durability (Tutorial for using Lite Steam a Seam 2).
  • Pro Tip:  Skip the piecing and save time by using a 12 x 9 inch piece of Boro Bodoko in Navy.

Boro Made Fabric

Boro Bodoko in Navy

Boro Bodoko in Navy by Moda Fabrics

Step 2: Use Sashiko stitching to secure and to embellish the fabric patches 

Using Sashiko thread or perle cotton, stitch a running stitch to create a patterned background that will reinforce the made fabric and patches.  Your pattern may be simple such as horizontal rows or a more intricate design such as a traditional Sashiko pattern. 

  • Pro Tip: Chalk in stitching lines or use your favorite marking tool to keep your stitching lines straight.

Sashiko Stitching

Boro Box Close Up

Step 3: Prepare embellished fabric to be attached to craft box

Turn embellished fabric face down on ironing surface and iron 1/2 inch seam starting with long edges and finish with short edges.  Use temporary glue to attach to top of craft box

Boro - ironing edges

Step 4: Attached Boro fabric to craft box

Machine stitch the Boro fabric to the craft box top using a 1/8 inch top stitch, taking care not to stitch the zipper or hand appliqué it to the top.

Boro - Machine Stitching Down

Step 5: Fill your new Boro box with stitchy must-haves

We’re curious to know, what’s in your sewing kit? We have several favorites in ours. Let’s take a look and compare.

RTS Boro Box

Sewing Kit for Stitching on the Go

Thread. You can buy thread in just about any color you can imagine. Plus, you can select different weights depending on your project. Our thread selections run deep and wide. 

Hand-Sewing Needles. You’ll need needles in a variety length and size. Our favorites are Tulip Hiroshima needles because they are stronger, more flexible and less likely to bend or break.  

Preprinted Panels or Patterns. Both embroidery and Sashiko projects typically start with a pattern or design on fabric before you stitch. This makes choosing one the hardest part.

Embroidery Hoops. This is self-explanatory.

A Needle Threader. Use a needle threader instead of straining your eyes and frustrating yourself trying to get that piece of thread through tiny eye. We have a life changing alternative.

Scissors or Snips. Don’t pack a standard pair of scissors when you can select a pair that will match your style or be small enough to be airplane friendly.

Straight Pins. Choose straight pins with round heads—like these patchwork glasshead pins. They tend to be easier to work with than flat-headed straight pins.

Thimbles. Because they help protect your fingers from the pointy ends and get your needle through layers of fabric. Try this great pack or this one for Sashiko work.

Maki Tacks

Maki Tacks -Well, because who doesn't want sushi in their Boro Box?

What's in your sewing kit? Tell us in the comments below.