In many places where MCC works, sewing skills open doors to additional income that can help a family make ends meet. Sewing kits are often given through MCC-supported programs that teach sewing or tailoring and provide the tools to make and mend clothing or to begin a business.

1,560 kits were shipped last year to Haiti, Malawi, Ukraine and Zambia.

Contents (NEW items only)

  • 4 spools white thread (all-purpose; cotton/poly or 100% polyester; minimum 250 yds.)
  • 4 spools black thread (all-purpose; cotton/poly or 100% polyester; minimum 250 yds.)
  • 1 sewing tape measure (plastic or fibreglass; 150 cm; inch marking optional) 
  • 1 thimble (metal; medium size)
  • 1 dressmaker shears (good quality)
  • 1 seam ripper
  • 1 package needles (minimum 25; assorted sizes)
  • 1 package straight pins (minimum 80; round plastic heads preferred
  • Shirt-style buttons (minimum 24; both 2 and 4 holes; black or white; size ½–1 inch or 12–25 mm; place loose buttons in a resealable plastic bag)
  • Sew-on snaps (minimum 36; assorted sizes)
  • Safety pins (minimum 25; assorted sizes)

Sewing kits are distributed in a useful double drawstring cloth bag (30 cm x 43 cm/11¾ in x 16¾ in). You may:

  • Sew the bag yourself,
  • Request bags from an MCC material resources centre or
  • Donate contents that we will place in a bag.

Bring completed sewing kits to an MCC drop-off location.