I want to learn how to sew...how do I get started?

Question

I am really wanting to learn how to sew. We are decorating our new home and I want to be able to make things like new drapes and things of that sort. But I have never even sewd a button on! lol

Whats a good sewing machine to buy under $100 to get started on? And what are some good projects for first time sewers?

Answer 1

For classes, I would look into Joann's Fabric and Crafts. I would say the best machines are Brother and Singer for value. I have a Brother and I love it.
The best projects to start with are pillows, that's how I learned.

Answer 2

Under $100, the best machine is most definitely a used one.
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm Something like a Singer 15, 99, 301 or 401 will get you going and probably last you for many years and many, many projects (and there are other good used machines out there... these were common models and often available overhauled and cheap and good!)

Wouldn't surprise me if a friend or relative didn't have a sewing machine sitting in the back of the closet they'd be willing to lend you for your first projects. Otherwise, talk to the sewing machine shops in your area -- there are often trade in machines that have been overhauled and sometimes have a short guarantee.

Because you want to do home dec type stuff, I'd strongly suggest that you want a copy of Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book, author Ann Marie deSoto. This is very much a step by step beginner's book, pitched for home dec projects.

Other thoughts:

1) keep your machine clean and oiled, with new needles at least every project.

2) there's a big difference between cheap and inexpensive, especially in sewing. Cheap thread will shed fluff in your machine, make a mess, break, and frustrate the daylights out of you. Good thread is inexpensive when it's on sale.

3) same cheap vs. inexpensive issue holds for fabric. If the yarns of woven fabrics are not 90 degrees to each other, put it back. It will frustrate you and it'll probably never look good even when sewn by a master. Also toss back prints where the print repeats are ********.... they should be straight on the grain of fabric. Good fabric sews nicely. Crummy fabric will make you hate sewing.

4) start small. Plan to mess up the first projects. Practice really pays off in sewing. Make some pillowcases before you tackle a sofa pillow. Make some unlined curtains before you tackle unlined drapes.

5) join some groups where you can ask questions; take classes if they're offered. One possibility is ASG, American Sewing Guild: talk to the state chapter in your state to see if there might be a neighborhood group near you: http://www.asg.org
There are some active internet communities, too, including email discussion groups at quiltropolis (I'm active in JustSew and The Creative Machine) and in yahoogroups (sergers and creativemachine), for instance.

Read. Sew News is probably a good starter magazine for you.
See what books your local public library has (my suggestions would include the Readers Digest sewing book, and Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing -- read at least the first and last chapters,
and pay attention to the hemming and piping instructions!)

Answer 3

I think that if it is your first time, you might want to start out with hand sewing and get acquainted with the items in a sewing kit, such as your needles, scissors, tape measure, pins, seam ripper, cushion, etc.
Start off by practicing on simple tasks, such as buttonholes or hemming seams, as you practice with the small things, you can study up on fabrics, how to press or iron while sewing, how to use the machine, etc.
You can find loads of information on the internet (online classes even) to learn how to use the machine as you practice by hand. I'll send you some links.

Some good beginner or easy machines to use are Singer Simple, Singer Treadle (I have Brother) or one that has few attachments, which makes it less tedious to work with, and non-electronic, it's cheaper, you can later add whatever features you wish.

Answer 4

I don't know about in an Islamic Center because I live in a Muslim country, so we don't have them here. As for in a mosque, yes you have to cover your head and wear long sleeves and pants. Only thing that can be uncovered is face, hands and feet. How to greet people when you go inside, say: Al Salam alaykom, or Salam, and then introduce yourself so they know you're not Muslim and are interested in learning Islam. Your earring (1 on earlobe) does not have to be removed. All other piercings do. You cannot g into the men's section of the mosque as a woman (and vice-versa) Wish you the best experience :)

Answer 5

You can sometimes find sewing lessons in your area. Check fabric stores and sewing supply stores.

The good news is that drapes (simple ones, anyway) are really easy to sew, so I think you're starting in the right place.

Answer 6

if you look in your phone book find a local store that sells material and sewing machines they offer classes on using your machine and how to sew.

I have added a nationwide store that may be in your area that is very good and offers lots of services.

Answer 7

a lot of communities offer continuing education courses and sewing is often one of the options. if there are none near you, or if you want to get started right away, singer has some great books on the basics of sewing.
http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Essentials-Singer-Reference-Library/dp/0865733082

http://www.singerco.com/accessories/books.html

in the meantime,
http://www.ehow.com/how_4604_sew-button.html

happy sewing!

Answer 8

If there is a Sears store in your city, call and ask if they teach sewing lessons. Years ago they taught sewing.