Sewing TIPS?

Question

I would like to learn how to sew! Any tips? Where to get the best patterns? What is the best sewing machine to start with? (that is also inexpensive) and What fabrics do I use? Where do I get them? What should I start with? What should I not attempt for awile? PLease helP! Oh-and should I get professional lessons?

Answer 1

Wow, lots of questions! It's good to see how motivated you are!

I've been sewing for over 20 years,had a wedding gown biz for awhile, but now only sew for close friends, so I will try to help out with answering as well as I can. I'm teaching the neighborhood girls how to sew, so some of this should help.

#1 - it's okay to get frustrated - everyone does when they are learning. Don't give up from frustration, okay?

For beginners, I've found that the best written patterns are the Kwiksew patterns - they have a series called kwikstart that walks you through step by step. Purses and bags are really simple and a great starting point. My 7 year olds in the neighborhood just made pillowcases and doll blankets - so there is another idea for starting.

A sewing machine is, in my opinion, an intensely personal purchase. If you can, can you borrow a relative or friend's machine for a bit, and maybe have them help you with their features before you buy? I personally learned how to sew on a cheapie machine from walmart and wore it out before moving up to a better quality - if it is all you can afford, so be it. Sometimes, though, if you buy a machine at a sewing machine store, they will include free lessons with it, so keep that in mind. I've included a few places at the bottom with reviews that may help you in your search.

There are many places to get lessons - I STILL go to seminars to learn new techniques and take many online classes. Below is a link for searching for sewing educators. Nearly every fabric store will have a small ad board for sewing enthusiasts in the area willing to teach - another good place to look. Also, check with the local high schools - they might offer evening classes (I have a few friends who learned this way as adults).

Answer 2

There are sewing beginner books out there to answer all of these questions. The best patterns are the ones you like but Simplicity is good for beginners. If you think you need lessons, contact the local fabric shop for classes. As far as a sewing machine goes, you need to think about what you want to do now and what you might want to do later but you can get inexpensive ones at Target, Wal-Mart and Sears. Great for beginners to make sure you will like it. Good luck.

Answer 3

Wal MArt is a good place to get an enexpensive sewing machine. I got my Singer there for less than $100. They come with instructions on hoew to thread the needle and so on. As for a pattern, since you're a beginner, stick with somethig simple. Wal Mart has a lot of patters for really cheap. New Look is an enexpensive brand with up to date patterns. Or check out Joann Fabrics. They have a mailing list that sends you a flier every other week or so and they have cupons on it for like 40% off. don't expect to be able to make a wedding dress of a pair of overalls for a while. Once you get to learning, though, it gets a lot easier!!! As for lessons, see if someone in your neighborhood knows how to sew and ask them for help before you go out and spend $$$ on lessons. Often times you will find neighborhood ladies are willing to help out if it means that an " old craft" is being kept on. Good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 4

Sometimes you can take classes at Jo-Ann Fabrics or Hancock Fabrics for a small fee. If you don't know anyone that can teach you I would recommend it.

I use a Brother LS-2125. It is easy to use, and quite inexpensive. I purchased it at Wal-mart for under $80. It comes with a booklet on how to work with the machine, and how to do various stiches. It also explains button holes (and comes with a handy tool to help).

As far as patterns go, Simplicty has "Sewing for Dummies" patterns that walk you through the process of your item step-by step. Once you get better with your work you can purchase patterns at Jo-Ann or Hancock for $1-$2 at times. Sign up for their monthly newsletters that will come snail mail. These will tell you when the pattern sales are going on. Otherwise you will be spending $15-$20 a pattern.

Wal-mart sells McCall's/Simplicity patterns for 50% off everyday.

Since you are first starting, I would recommend going to Wal-mart and looking through the clearance fabrics. You can get these for $1-$2 a yard. Most simpler patterns call for 3-4 yards. If you learn with these cheaper fabrics, you won't be spending a lot of money to learn.

On the back of each pattern packet, a list of needed materials will appear. You can ask anyone that works in the fabric stores for help. They are always *super* friendly, and willing to help.

For starters, you will need your sewing machine, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, straight pins, a pin cushion, needles, thread, a tracing wheel, tracing paper, and a LOT of patience!!!

Good luck! If you ever need help, you can email me @ [e-mail]

Edit:
I do NOT suggest purchasing a used machine as suggested below... or one that is clearanced. Usually these are missing VITAL pieces.

Answer 5

Get lessons! When I learned to sew, I had someone that I could ask questions to and who could should me things step by step that I'd never have understood otherwise.
They'll be able to help you choose the right sewing machine, how to pick a pattern and how to choose fabrics. I wouldn't attempt to do it on your own.

Answer 6

what r u trying to sew? but try Joanne's its a craft store but it's mostly got sewing stuff in it. for a beginner I'd get a used sewing machine that way if you find out you don't like sewing your not out much. but for patterns keep it simple like something made of big pieces now i that cause when you use alot of little pieces it gets confusing for a beginner ,but after you done a few things start trying new stuff. and if you use a pattern don't throw it away(i did that and all i can say is after mom got finished yellin at me my ears were ringing for hours), i know it looks just like tissue paper but it's meant to be used over and over again. but maybe try a quilt, a little one for a pet to sleep on the couch with or if you don't have a pet make for someone who does i bet they'll like not having pet fur on the couch or maybe a baby blanket or a rug the fun thing is if you screw up badly enough that you don't like it, you can use it as rug.. well that works for quilts, people will think your crazy if you try that with cloths =) but it would be funny.

Answer 7

Good for you, it is a good skill to have. You don't state your age; if you are young enough for 4-H that's a good place to learn; if you are an adult take a class or lessons from someone because there is so much to it that you really need to learn from someone who knows all about it. It really starts with basics and you build on it and to have someone teaching you and encouraging you is much easier to learn how to sew than trying to learn on your own.

Answer 8

A lot of sewing/fabric stores offer classes. You should look into that and sign up!