Sewing Tips for a Complete Novice?

Question

I am going to try to sew myself a dice bag later today with my mom. I want to eventually sew my own clothes and doll clothes. My mom is a little rusty, so I don't know how much she will be able to explain to me, but she used to make all of our clothes when we were younger. I have sewn christmas stockings in the past, but they were all pretty horrible.
Mostly I need your insight on any beginner mistakes so I can try to avoid them. I'd also be interested in free patterns for plus size women or over the shoulder bags.
The most burning question I have is how to make the drawstring for my bag. I won't be using a pattern since it's basically two rectangles sewn together, so I'm unsure of how to do it.
Thanks for the help!

Thanks a lot everyone :) It turns out we didn't get to sew because our dog got sick, but I will be sure to follow your well thought out advice.

Answer 1

I will try to answer your burning question: After you have sewed the 2 rectangles together, keeping the bag wrong side out, take the top and fold it down 1/4 inch and iron it. Then fold it again 1/2 inch (with the 1/4 inch inside) and iron. Then sew right along the edge of the 1/2 inch side. Leave an opening of about 1/4 inch......do not sew the i/2 inch side all the way across. You have created a "sleeve" for the drawstring. Now all you have to do is pick the type of string you want. It could be a shoestring, ribbon, cording, etc. Take the end of the string you choose and attach a safety pin. Insert the safety into the opening and start pushing and pulling the pin through the "sleeve". When you get the pin through, pull the rest of the string through leaving enough for the length you need to tie it, unhook the pin, tie knots in the ends of the string (so it won't come out of the "sleeve") turn everything right side out and you are done. You will do a great job. Good luck!

Answer 2

Here's the easy way to do the drawstring, after you have sewn the two pieces together on three sides, leave the bag inside out. Cut a notch about 1 1/2 inches deep where the strings will come out and make two little flaps (about 1/2 an inch each) that fold back "inside" where the string will be (this is to keep the fabric from fraying as you use the string). Sew the little flaps down parallel to where the string will be, Lay your string 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch from the unfinished edge, then fold the unfinished edge of the fabric down over the string and sew a line below the string (careful not to sew the sting in place).
Turn the bag rightside out and knot the ends of the string so they don't pull thru the bag.

It's easier if you can see pictures, sorry if my explaination isn't very clear.

Answer 3

Okay, try to picture this. The two rectangles of fabric have been sewn together on the bottom and up the sides. Now, turn the top edge down about 1/2 half inch to the inside of the fabric and press with an warm iron depending on the type of fabric. Next, fold over the first turn down about 3/4 to 1 inch and press. Pressing makes it easier to sew in the next step. This is just like the hem on a pair of jeans. Next, sew the bottom edge of the turned down hem close to the edge. On one of your side seams, cut a few of the stitches from the inside to make a hole for the cord to pass through. Take a safety pin and pin the cord so it will pass through the tunnel you just made in the fabric. Starting at the hole you just made on the inside of the bag, push the safety pin with the cord attached through the opening until you wiggle it all the way aroung the tunnel and come back to where you started. Be sure not to let the other end of the cord pull through. Remove the safety pin, tie the two ends of the cord together and you have made a bag! Good luck.
If you want to make it look really nice you can make two rectangle bags of contrasting color and place one inside the other with wrong sides facing and then follow the same instructions for the drawstring and you will have a reversable bag!

Answer 4

You will want to sew the two rectangles together, and leave them inside out. Fold down and iron a "lip" on the top of the bag (about 2 inches of fabric, or a little less). The lip will be where the drawstring goes through. Sew the the bottom of the lip down, by hand if necessary, and then thread the string through. Really, it should be no more difficult than it looks. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. I am no expert, but I have sewed a few items of clothing, and I alter most of my shirts, so I mostly know what I am doing. A book on reading patterns may be necessary if you plan on using them often.

Answer 5

Drawstring is RIBBON, BOOT LACES, BIAS TAPE, ROPE....be creative, have fun!!!!

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The only tip you need is a gentle reminder that as Ye sew, So shall ye rip. If it looks horrible, take it out and do it over. Practice, practice, practice.
and... THAT is your MOM. How cool is Shhe? so tell her.
then... clean the machine, replace the needle regularly and keep the machine clean, and thank your mom she's so cool to have a willing teacher on hand!!!!