Can someone attempt to teach me how to sew?

Question

I'm trying to make a miniskirt, but first I need to learn how to sew. Can someone find me a site, or type out different stiches and I could try to learn them. Preferably stiches that would stitch jean together. Also explain what kinds of threads to use. thanks a million!

Answer 1

Hi:

Sewing can mean the following things:

embroidery, hand sewing, punch needle embroidery, needlepoint, machine embrodery,cross stitching, dress making, etc so to get what you want of sewing you will have type one of the above in the search box of the follow websites : Msn,Yahoo,Google,Info.com and barnes and nobels website


Here are some website for you:

http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/10/video-library-of-hand-embroidery.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewing#List_of_stitches - The best place for you to start at.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embroidery_stitch

http://www.43things.com/things/view/1574/learn-to-sew

http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/06/basic-embroidery-stitches-line.html

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/el_handstittch.html

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_learntosew.html

http://sewing.about.com/

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/el_threadneedle.html

http://www.andsewitis.net/sewing/lessons.html

http://www.sewingprose.com/index.php?cPath=7&products_id=32

http://www.craftown.com/lessons.htm select embroidery on this website

http://www.allcrafts.net/sewing.htm

http://craftandfabriclinks.com/sewingbook/sewbook.html

http://www.squidoo.com/sewingclasses/

http://www.youcanmakeit.com/learn.asp

http://www.sew-it-yourself.com/

http://www.i-sewing.com/



For books on the subject :

All book are available in any bookstore or library


How To Sew Leather, Suede, Fur
by Phyllis W. Schwebke, Margaret B. Krohn

Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket
by Staff of Creative Publishing International

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
by Elissa K. Meyrich

Start to Sew: All the Basics Plus Learn-to-Sew Projects
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by)

Complete Photo Guide to Sewing: 1100 Full-Color how-to Photos
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by), Creative Publishing International

Vogue Sewing
by Vogue, Sixth & Spring Books (Manufactured by)

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special
by Faith Blakeney, Ellen Schultz, Justina Blakeney, Anka Livakovic

Basic Sewing (101 Essential Tips Series)
by Chris Jefferys, James Harrison (Editor), DK Publishing (Manufactured by)

Its A Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, and Bowls
by Susan Breier

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
by Anne Marie Soto (Editor), Simplicity Pattern Company (Editor), Martha Vaughan (Illustrator)

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)

Amy Butler's in Stitches: More than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
by Amy Butler, Colin McGuire (Photographer)

Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches: Photographs, Diagrams, and Instructions for Over 260 Stitches
by Jennifer Campbell, Reader's Digest Editors, Ann-marie Bakewell - a execellent book

Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches
by Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Jan Eaton, Jan Eaton (Compiler) - another execellent book on the subject

Embroidery Stitches
by M. E. Wilkinson - a very good book

The Embroidery Stitch Bible
by Betty Barnden, Debbie Bradley (Editor) - Get this book. It the best book I know on the subject for you to have. I own one. well worth your money to spend on it.

Embroidery Stitches: Over 400 Contemporary and Traditional Stitch Patterns
by Mary Webb (Editor) - a very good book read it.

Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel
by Marion Nichols - a good book for a beginner to have.

Stitches of Creative Embroidery
by Jacqueline Enthoven

Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques
by Sally Saunders, Anne Butcher, Debra Barrett, Anne Butcher (Illustrator)

The Embroiderer's Handbook: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Creative Stitches and Versatile Techniques
by Margie Bauer

Basic Stitches
by Katie Ebben, Chris Tubbs (Photographer)

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible: The Essential Illustrated Reference to Designs and Techniques
by Joan Gordon - another good book to have.

Needleweaving and Embroidery: Embellished Treasures
by Effie Mitrofanis


For Machine embroidery ( or sewing machine sewing) :

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)

Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
by Wendy Mullin, Eviana Hartman, Beci Orpin (Illustrator), Beci Orpin (Illustrator), Agnieszka Gasparska (Illustrator)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques
by Nancy Bednar, Joanne Pugh-Gannon, JoAnn Pugh-Gannon, Joann Pugh-Gannon

ABCs of Serging: A Complete Guide to Serger Sewing Basics(Creative Machine Arts Series)
by Tammy Young, Lori Bottom, Naomi Baker (Foreword by)

Machine Embroidery with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide
by Nancy Zieman

Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs
by Jeanine Twigg, Lindee Goodall

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Basic Techniques: 20 Designs and Project Ideas to Develop You Embroidery Skills
by Jeanine Twigg

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Fleece Techniques
by Nancy Cornwell

More Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Customize, Edit and Create Decorative Designs
by Jeanine Twigg

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Applique Techniques
by Mary Mulari, Jeanine Twigg

Sew with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide to Basic Sewing
by Nancy Luedtke Zieman

101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine
by Elizabeth Dubicki

Everything Sewing Book: From Threading the Needle to Basting the Hem, All You Need to Alter and Create Beautiful Clothes, Gifts, and Decorations
by Sandra Detrixhe

Making an Old-Fashioned Patchwork Sampler Quilt on the Sewing Machine
by Andrea L. Shedletsky

Fine Machine Sewing: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing and Embellishing
by Carol Laflin Ahles

Sewing Machine Guide: Tips on Choosing, Buying, and Refurbishing
by John Giordano

Sewing Basics: All You Need to Know to Begin Sewing Clothes and Home Furnishings
by Wendy Gardiner, Mary Senechal (Editor), Kate Simunek (Illustrator), Martin Norris (Photographer), Paul Forrester (Photographer)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques
by Wendy Gardiner


Hopely this will get you started in the right direction.

Hope this helps


PS: Go to Joann Fabric Store and they can help you with the Threads and patterns. I'm better at finding books than I'm at find websites Good luck and my best wishes to you on it.

Answer 2

I agree, Simplicity puts out a great beginner pattern, the lady in the fabric department can help you get the stuff you need to get started. Also agree with using a sewing machine. Hand sewn clothes are too time consuming and won't hold together well. You will be disappointed. I would check at the library for an introductory book on sewing for pointers. Apparently none of your family or friends sew, there are often classes at the Y or adult education classes at local colleges, community centers, churches, etc. If nothing else should you get stuck on what to do take your project to the fabric shop you bought your supplies from and ask what to do. Have fun.

Answer 3

The best way is to go to Barnes and Noble and they have a whole section on sewing. There is probably even a sewing for dummies edition. Internet is wonderful for somethings, but with a book of instructions, you have it right in front of you whenever you have a question. Every possible item you might want to sew is covered in a book. Most of them are simple to use with pictures of each step. Also, the fabric stores may be able to recommend a live course where YOU can do the sewing rather than watch some expert do it in a three minute blurb on your computer.

Answer 4

ok, go to any store and they wil have thread and needles. i have a sewing kit i got from target for like $2o. her is how you make a stitch: you take a semi-long peice of thread and put the needle thru(that part can be frustrating, try wetting and twisting it to make it easier) slide the needlr down the center of the string. it should be like a necklace kind of then make a knot at the top of the string(like closing the necklace) put the needle through an edge of the cloth from the bottom , pull it up(it shouldnt go thru if the knot is big enough) pull the needle down and put it through the bottom edge again a small space from the first time. keep going until the string gets short. you will need to tie it by pulling the neeldle through the thread and tying it so the stitch is tight on the clothing. then, you will need to continue the same way with a new piece of thread.

try google imaging "how to sew"

Answer 5

To make a denim skirt, you really should borrow a sewing machine. Get the person to show you how to use it. That will give you strong even stitches that won't pull out. Buy a pattern that's labeled "easy" and follow the instructions. It will tell you everything you need to know. and all the supplies you need to do the project.
.

Answer 6

Look for a sewing group in your area. If you have a community center, maybe they will offer sewing classes. Try posting an ad asking if someone would give you sewing lessons.

Answer 7

Most stores that carry patterns will have Simplicity's Sewing for Dummies, I believe there is one for skirts. It's a great way to start if you don't know how to sew. I don't recommend hand sewing a mini skirt, machine sewing one would be better.