All sewers....help me out?

Question

I'm a beginner sewer, just bought a new... well second hand machine, becuase i really want to start sewing, customisng my own stuff. My only problem is that I'm a complete novice..and so is my mum and everyone around me. Do any of you have any tips, websites, recommend any books, patterns, sewing tutor's in london. Anything that can help me become a more better more skilled sewer.

Answer 1

I learned to sew in high school and over the years have sewed all my suits for work, a few coats, a couple of fun purses, aprons, dresses, quilts, a shoe caddy, pillow cases, etc. I started out taking a 10 week course in which I made (mostly at home) a full skirt, and an apron. So if you can follow directions well, I suggest you start with making a pillow case, an apron or a skirt.

Stores that sell fabric (yard goods) have clerks who can direct you to simple patterns, thread, (buttons and zippers if you need those later on). Your sewing machine should have come with sewing needles, but there are a couple different sizes, so read the directions on the plastic container they come in. They come in sizes for different fabrics.

Buy a little muslin for testing the size of your stitch....if you have too small a stitch and you make a mistake it's bad news to rip it out...So check the clothes you own and see what stick was used on them, and then use the same size stitch on what you will be sewing. If the thread jams up it's probably because of the "tension". Read the directions for "tension" in your sewing machine book, and tighten or loosen accordingly so the stitch will look smooth and neat. Once you've found the right tension, leave it there for the future. I've never had to change mine, but a couple of times I've bumped it and things got out of wack.

Here there are only 2 brands of patterns that work well for me. You might want to choose one and see if the bust darts are in the right place and if the measurements fit you well, and then stick with that brand of pattern. Figure out your measurements and choose a pattern (and style) that you like. For starters don't choose anything too fancy or with too many pieces. The back of the pattern will tell you what kind of fabric to buy (cotton, stretch, etc.). If I were you I'd start out with cotton fabric.

For just practicing you can start with making a pillow case or a simple sundress. Here our good brands are Simplicity, Butterick and Kwiksew. My family gave me two "Simplicity" books (with directions)..I never used them as I learn better by asking and trying.

For starters you'd need, scissors, thread, needles (both for machine and hand sewing for the hem), tracing paper and tracing wheel, a pattern and fabric. Have fun.
If you have any specific questions you can ask me.

By the way "sewer" is a good word to use (although it has two ways of pronouncing it). Seamstress is a person who sews for a living (for money).

Answer 2

First of all, you want to be a seamstress not a sewer. Go to any fabric store and buy a simple pattern and follow the instructions. Try something simple at first then harder things as you gain more experience. Before you try actually making something, you have to know how to thread the machine and make it go. Use scraps for this until you can make a straight seam and know how to start and stop the machine. Have fun with it. I have been sewing for over 30 years and have loved it. I've made some really cool stuff too!!!

Answer 3

Even though you are in London, there is sure to be a "Better Homes and Gardens" book on 'How to Sew' in the library. Check the crafts section. Getting the machine threaded properly would be my next suggestion. Good luck to you. I have been sewing for 50 years. (And we call you a seamstress. The sewers are what take sewage away. :-)

Answer 4

Start by just getting the hang of the machine, do simple seams on as many sorts of fabric as you can get. THis will give you lost of exerience in tensioning the machine and troubleshooting problems.

When you are ready, sew something really simple like a pillowcase, graduate up to clothes slowly, but you will be fine, its an art, but its not rocketscience, just take your time and ask for help when you need it!

Have fun :)

Answer 5

You have received good advice already. I just want to add a sewing website that I enjoy:

http://www.taunton.com/threads/

Threads magazine has a good site with a forum. I hope you enjoy learning to sew. It's a great skill to have. You are continuing an ancient tradition that women have practiced for many years. Good luck!

Answer 6

I think the term is 'seamstress.' Using the word 'sewer' may be right, but I thought at first that you were collecting people's liquid waste.LOL!

Answer 7

I thought you meant like the city sewer for a moment.

Answer 8

if you can find a really good fabric store, that's your place. it's a gathering point for skilled sewers and the people there can give all kinds of tips and techniques, as well as any paterns you want. they can even tell you where any workshops are held and sign you up. hope it helps.

Answer 9

Maybe you should change that to seamstress, I thought you were talking about sewers where water flows.

Answer 10

get a pattern (in the catalog they have a difficulty rating) and make it.
the instructions are all there (use google to get the meaning of words you dont recognise).

ohh, and try the word needleworker, tailor or seamstress, they sound less like a waste water pipe