i got a sewing machine for christmas! any ideas on what to make??

Question

what do you like to do with yours??

Answer 1

Yep, I'd agree pillows are a good thing to start with. There are some fun things you can do with them to make them look more individualized. If you're making throw pillows for the bed or the sofa, you can start with a rectangle about 12"x18" (30x45cm) or so. Cut two of them for one pillow. Put the right side of the fabric together and sew almost all the way around them, about half an inch (or about 1cm) in from the edge. Start in the middle of one side and end about 4" (10cm) short of where you started. Clip diagonally across the corners, without clipping your stitches. If you cut the stitches, resew that corner as best you can. Now stick your hand in through the opening you left and turn the thing right side out. Fill it comfortably with fiberfill and carefully sew shut the opening. If you can't yet maneuver it well enough to use the machine on it, sew that part by hand. It's ok. Some folks actually prefer to do it that way, even after they're good at using the machine. Now cut a piece about 20"x 10" (50x25cm) out of the same fabric or a contrasting one. Fold it so you have a 20"x5" piece. Sew up the long side and across one end. Clip the sewn corners. Turn it right side out. Place it around the skinny middle part of the pillow and pull the ends together. It'll make a bowtie effect for your pillow. Sew the ends together by hand. That's a different kind of throw pillow and makes a nice accent to other plain pillows.

Tied corners are easy, too, yet have a distinctive look. Cut an 18" (45cm) square -- well cut two of them. Starting in the middle of one side, sew around the other sides of the pillow, stopping about 4" (10cm) short of where you started. Measure about 3"-4" down the seam from each corner and make a little mark. Draw a line diagonally across each corner at these marks. Using sturdy string or heavy button thread, securely tie each corner off. Now turn your pillow right side out and fill. Sew the opening shut. This is another simple yet distinctive throw pillow. No one looking at your stuff needs to know you're a beginner.

Another simple beginners' project is a drawstring bag. These can be made in almost any size for many different purposes. Take a piece of fabric about 12"x10" and fold about an inch down at the top. Sew across the lower edge of this fold, just above where it touches the rest of the fabric. Now fold the piece in half, with the sewn fold at the top. Starting just at the sewn seam on the fold, sew all the way down the side of the bag and across the bottom, Turn it right side out and put a string or ribbon through the top fold. Make a couple of small 'tacking' stitches through the string or ribbon exactly opposite the opening, so it can't slide out when it's pulled.

Play with this idea to see how you'd make the double-draw type as well as the single-draw type. If you don't figure it out and want to know, email me (by clicking on the name under ny avatar.) With my machine, I do almost anything I (or my firends) want. It's fun once you've gotten fluent with it, but you need to go through the learning stages first. Start with fun and simple projects, and learn or figure out how to make them your own. See what the machine can let you do. Keep it cleaned and oiled, and it will be your imagination's best friend for years to come. Mine is! I really do still make the simple pillows and bags for my friends, because they like them.

Answer 2

I just got a sewing machine as well. There are a lot of great answers here. I was also wondering where to start and what to start out with.

Answer 3

Look in the pattern section of your local fabric store. The have patterns that are specifically designed for beginners. Some of them only have 3 pattern pieces.They are usually called Easy Patterns, but I have seen some called Patterns for Dummies.While you are there pick up a sewing book for new sewers. You will learn terminology,tips and techniques.It will answers a lot of your questions.

Answer 4

Pillows are soooooooooooo easy to start with... Just get some stuffing and use any material you want and then use your imagination for embellishments.

Next make some "potholders"... so easy to make using old jeans that you can cut up or any recycled material from something around the house.

I made all y cat's a pillow all their own... big enough to lay on and one for their head... they are soooooooooo cute... The dogs each got blankets and a pillow too. I save all scraps of material and make mini quilts for other people's pets as gifts. Inexpensive and fun and the friends get a kick out of it.

Answer 5

i love sewing! im 10 and pretty good. u should start with making a little bag. all u have to do is sew three sides (inside out. just so it look better) and then sew a strap on. easy and fun!

Answer 6

Make a visit to your local fabric(craft) store and check out the awesome patterns they have. Normally there is an experienced salesperson who can help you find beginner projects. I think you will be pleasantly suprised about how many beautiful things you can make. You can get some really great patterns for up to date clothes, that are in current fashion magazines. I love to make quilts. Good luck!

Answer 7

well, if you're a beginner, start with pillows, and stuffed stuff -- they're always fun. I have been sewing all my life -- learned from mom -- so I make anything from dresses to clothes to curtains... anything that needs sewing!!

Answer 8

If you're a beginner, start with pillows.
Try making an Ohio star pattern pillow or a nine patch pillow.
Rail fence patterns are good and simple too if you're interested in quilting.

Answer 9

What do I like to do with mine? Everything. :)

When I first started, I made pillows. So, you could always do that!

One of my favorite things to do is design and make purses. ...maybe try out that, but it could be complicated if you're just a beginner.

Answer 10

don't have one