Along with a portable battery pack, spare headphones and reusable water bottle, a compact sewing kit is an undeniably handy thing to have when you’re on the road.
Should a tear, rip or button malfunction occur when you’re getting from A to B, you’ll have a means to fix it yourself without having to call on the services of a professional. Besides, there’s a quiet satisfaction in DIYing small repairs that will add a sense of achievement to your day.
Hotel rooms might offer a rudimentary sewing kit, but it may not contain everything you need or come up short on the thread department. By having your own sewing kit you’ll have all the right bits and pieces needed for your particular wardrobe.
As well as sorting out minor clothing mishaps, they’re also great to have if you’re a big crafter and want to do small projects on the move or add travel patches to your clothing as you journey across the globe.
The best kits come with the obvious - a needle and thread - but also with a few extras like a small pair of scissors, an unpicker, spare buttons and a tape measure. They’re a great gift option for business trippers who already own every other gadget the sun as well as backpackers and gap year travellers.
We’ve put together an edit of the best compact sewing kits for travellers below. From practical boxes that’ll barely take up any room in your bag, to more comprehensive cases with colourful spools of thread, there’s a kit for everyone.
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JUNING Sewing Kit with Case
For sewing and crafting projects, this portable case offers a world of options. It can help you do more than basic repairs, with tools like an unpicker and scissors tucked inside, along with measuring tape and even a small magnifying glass to help you make pinpoint stitches. There are also 18 spools of thread in common colours, as well as a medley of metal, shirt and clear buttons. Bonus points too for the safety pins and a disc filled with needles that should work on most types of fabric. A great backup option or one to keep in the car for emergencies.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
BILIEASY Sewing kit 51 PCS Mini Sewing kit
For the stylish sewer we present this fabulous kit which comes with a leopard-print lined box and mock-croc exterior. The statement look makes it perfect for gifting but it’s not a case of style over substance, with plenty of supplies within to solve wardrobe mishaps. There are a dozen spools of thread, plus needles - and a threader to make the fiddly task a little easier - as well as a host of other tools. There’s even a tiny pin cushion to stop things rolling around as you repair.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
John Lewis Strawberry Thief Sewing Kit, Marine
Whether you need to reattach a zip or button, or you’re making minor alterations to an outfit, this William Morris-themed sewing kit has you covered. The legendary artist’s Strawberry Thief print covers the case, which is filled with a dozen reels, embroidery scissors, tape measure, safety pins, seam ripper, buttons and needles. It measures H10 x W14 x D3cm, so easy to stash in your bag, ready for when a crisis strikes.
Buy now £9.45, John Lewis
Mini Sewing Kit, 2 Pack
Teaching kids to sew is a skill that will come in useful for the rest of their lives. Make the hobby even more fun with a sweet travel sewing kit, like this one available at Amazon. The purchase is actually for a set of two, so you can gift siblings at the same time - or keep one for yourself. The small but mighty kits hold the basics, but there’s enough there to master small fixes and give kids a sense of independence.
Buy now £3.98, Amazon
Boots Sewing Kit
A fabulous travel kit at a price you just can’t argue with, Boots’ sewing kit is so small there’s no reason not to include it in your next kit list. The miniscule design has enough to hold the essentials, from a trio of needles, some pins, thread, buttons and perhaps the tiniest pair of scissors you’ll ever see. Plus, the plastic case means everything will stay safe and organised inside.
Buy now £4.00, Boots
Army Tactical Military S95 Sewing Kit
This military-themed sewing kit is perfect for making minor repairs when you’re off on a field exercise. As well as thread in varying shades of green, the Velcro-fastened pouch also stores a selection of safety pins, green buttons to replace fallen ones and even a thimble to keep your fingers free from injury when you’re stitching.
Buy now £12.25, Amazon
Proper Goose Personalised Sewing Kit Mini Sewing Storage Tin
You’re more likely to keep a gift with your name on it. While this is sewing storage rather than a kit, we’ve included it as it will make a lovely little gift or stocking filler come Christmas time. Pack the tin with your personal sewing essentials - the extra buttons from your favourite coat, the perfect thread colour for your pair of trousers - for repairs so good only you will know about them.
Buy now £12.00, NOTHS
B Spoiled Sewing Kit
A travel sewing kit housed in a button-themed box - what’s not to love? The adorable kit is one for longer trips where you have more luggage space, and contains full-sized spools of thread, along with a huge case of needles, measuring tape, thread cutters, thread unpicker and a small thimble.
Buy now £4.99, B Spoiled
