Equipment & Supply Recommendations

Our experience in teaching fashion design has allowed us insight into which tools and sewing supplies have worked best for our students. Here is a listing of what retailers and supplies we recommend. Specific products listed are for your convenience and are our opinions only. The School of Fashion Design is not affiliated with any of these companies. We receive no compensation and accept no liability for their use.

sfd equipment rentals

Email sstrouse@sfdboston.org to inquire about equipment rentals.

SFD Equipment Checkout Policy

SFD offers home sewing machines and CAD laptops for students to check out and use at home.
To reserve SFD equipment, students must have a credit card on file through their ASAP-connected account.
A non-refundable usage fee will be charged for each item per semester.
Additional fees will apply for any equipment that is damaged or not returned.

Sewing Machines

  • $75 non-refundable usage fee per semester

  • $150 replacement charge will be assessed in the event of damaged or unreturned machines

CAD Laptops (For students only enrolled in CAD courses)

  • $100 non-refundable usage fee per semester

  • $450 replacement charge will be assessed in the event of damaged or unreturned machines

Return Deadline
All equipment must be returned within two weeks after the last day of the semester. Failure to do so will result in the full replacement charge being applied to the credit card on file.

Sewing Machines

Keep it simple. The bells & whistles are great for specialty sewing, but for your SFD classes, you only need a basic home machine. Here are some features to look for. Most full-size machines will have these: 

  • Straight stitch & Zigzag stitch

  • Reverse/Backstitch

  • Adjustable stitch length 

  • Buttonhole function (not necessary but recommended)

Here are a few examples:

  • Economical: Brother CS6000i - $149 

  • Mid-range: Singer Heavy Duty 4452 $219.99, or the 4432 for $199.99

  • Higher quality: Janome 2212 - $249

Here are some Accessories that we recommend you purchase for your machine (these may be included):

  • Zipper foot

  • Extra pack of bobbins

  • Needles – Pack of Universal, Size 12 or 14 

  • Machine manual (keep it close by!)

  • Tailor's Ham

  • Magnetic Pincushion

Your Sewing Space

Table-top working space

  • Approx. waist high; flat & smooth surface

  • at least 3 x 3 feet of working space, but more is better

  • Helpful Hint: A self-healing cutting mat makes a great working surface, and protects your furniture, too! A 36” x 24” mat is a great size for all your needs.

An iron with steam settings. Here are a few examples for your budget:

  • Economical: Sunbeam Steam Master

  • Higher Quality: Any Rowenta


What about Industrial Machines?

At SFD, we use industrial sewing machines in our classes, however, we recommend a home machine for home use as it provides for more functions and versatility. Industrial machines are ideal for professionals doing high volumes of sewing and are an investment to be used for decades.   

For those interested, the industrial machines you’ve been using in the SFD Designer’s Studio are:

  • Juki DDL-8700

  • Singer 251 series, straight stitch machines