Sewing
In an emergency/survival situation, low tech sewing supplies are a necessity. Your sewing machine won't work without power, obviously. It's a good idea to practice some hand sewing, just so you have the skill set when you need it.
I need to stress that men need to know how to sew in case of an emergency. It is a skill taught to Rangers and other special forces members by our armed forces, along with firearms and explosives, because it such valuable knowledge. And who would want a surgeon that did not know how to stitch?
You can get sewing supplies at any fabric store or the 'notions' section of a department store. If you need help in choosing the right materials, go to a fabric store... if there are any still in business near you. If not, you can try asking the sales associate at Wally Mart or wherever you go. They might be able to direct you to the right thing.
Suggestions for supplies are:
Thread
I suggest you get thread in all the basic colors. Thread is cheap now. It is invaluable during an emergency. If matching the color of the fabric is not critical for you, buy black, gray, white, and tan, which should meld into just about any color fabric well enough for an emergency. Or just get everything in black. This is survival, not fashion.
Plain cotton thread is generally not strong enough and has a tendency to snap, break and knot up. Do not buy this type of thread. Instead, look for:
Polywrapped cotton. It is very strong and versatile for light material use. Minimal knotting and breakage. You will probably use this kind of thread most of the time.
Carpet thread. This is for heavy duty sewing like coat buttons, jeans, canvas, tarps, etc.
Needles
Buy several packages of assorted large eyed needles to use in low light and brownouts. You may want to consider getting a high-intensity battery-powered light. The older you are, the more you may want to consider it. And don't forget any glasses you might need for close-up work.
Get packages of assorted needle sizes with large eyes for easy threading. These will work on most normal clothing materials.
Also get the sturdier large-eyed curved and straight carpet and craft needles for rugs, canvas, jeans, and other heavier materials.
Thimbles
No, you're not a wuss if you use a thimble. You are smart. They protect fingers from pokes and possible serious infection, particularly when sewing and mending thick fabrics.
Get a minimum of 3 thimbles, because they are easy to lose.
Scissors and Shears
You will need scissors for cutting fabrics, snipping carpet thread, etc. These are cheap and abundant at stores like Wally Mart and you should be able to find them in both the fabric section and handyman area (for carpet shears) of the store. Get a couple of kinds with different angles. They will come in handy. You will need scissors for cutting fabrics, snipping carpet thread, etc. Get a couple of kinds with different angles. They will come in handy. These are cheap and abundant at stores like Wally Mart and you should be able to find them in both the fabric section and handyman area (for carpet shears) of the store. And on the internet, here. Better ones are here.
How to Sew
Here are several useful stitches for a variety of situations.
Running Stitch. Use short, even stitches for seaming, gathering, mending.
Back Stitch. A strong stitch for seams, hand zippers.
Blanket Stitch, also known as Button-hole Stitch. Edging that helps with unraveling.
These three stitches are well illustrated here, along with several other useful stitches.
French Seam. This is a very durable stitching for jeans, canvas pieces sewn together. (Think of the Levis® jeans stitch that looks like train tracks ===.) Put the two seams, right sides together. Sew with lower side slightly shorter than the top piece, using the Back Stitch. When done, fold over the longer of the two sides, enclosing the bottom side. Stitch it down the length of the material with a Back Stitch or Running Stitch.
A lighthearted but comprehensive presentation of how to make the French Seam can be found here.