Would these be good sewing projects?

Question

I want to learn to sew - would these be ok for a beginner?

http://www.helium.com/tm/703006/beginning-sewing-projects-frustrating

Also how long will they take?

Answer 1

I checked out the site and they have excellent beginning projects. Pick some fabric with a busy print and no one will notice if your project isn't perfect. The pillowcase should take you less than an hour to make. Likewise the placemats. If you want to sew clothes, do not start with doll clothes. They are hard for experienced sewers. Look for the easy patterns- they are marked easy. Don't use stretchy or loopy fabric while you are learning. Use cotton or polyester or a blend of both.
Need more ideas? Try about.com

Answer 2

I suggest crochet. Its easy once you get the hang of it. You can set it down almost any time so you can do other things, then come back to it. Sewing almost requires a teacher to show you how. Crochet can be learned from a book, that's how I learned. I know how to sew but my mom was a seamstress so I grew up with it. There's also quilting, something you can build on over time. It only takes scraps of fabric to do, and many people do quilting by hand, no sewing machine involved. Embroidery is good, too, it can be learned from a book or someone can show you. You can also take up beading to make jewelry, its very popular among young people. If there is a craft store nearby then go, ask questions, the sales staff would enjoy helping you.

Answer 3

Here's a site that has a variety of "kits" that include everything you need to complete your project. They are also graded according to difficulty level.
http://www.haan.com/default.cfm

A simple pillow or bag would be the easiest to learn.
I was sewing the edges of a piece of fabric to make doll blankets at 6 years old (on my Mom's sewing machine with supervision).

They best suggestion is to try something that is easy and fun for your first project. Once you get a bit of experience sewing just go to your local fabric store. One of the sales ladies (men don't usually work in them) will be more than happy to help you chose a pattern, fabric and what-not.

Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing. Back in high school I made about 75% of my own clothes. Now I don't have too much spare time as I am a Mommy, but I do make dresses and skirts for my daughters. Just a few weeks ago I made the flower girl and bridesmaids dresses my daughter's wore in my sister's wedding.

Have fun sewing.

Answer 4

Well, I started sewing today so this is a good question for me to answer!! Make sure you try to sew something that isn't boring to you, or when you get frustrated you wont have any motivation to keep going! I had never sewed before, and I made a little dress for my dog today! I picked out the fabric, trim, lace, elastic, and I used a pattern from a dress I had bought. As simple as the project seemed, it took almost 3 hours. However, I was so excited when I got to put the dress on my dog! :)

Answer 5

Starting out you want to begin with something simple.Yet have great results. Start small,or you'll get discouraged. Here's a few links to get you started.I personally like things with pictures It helps visualize your project.

Embellished Sweat Shirt
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa042598.htm

Handkerchief Sundress
http://www.peanutbutter-n-jellykids.com/shop/tipndemos/Lesson4/page1.html

Pillowcase Dress How To
http://www.everythingsewing.net/pillowcase_dress_how_to.htm

Sewing for Kids -- Tool Aprons
http://www.getcreativeshow.com/Crafting_Sewing_Conference_Center/craft_sewing_seminars/tool_apron.htm

Simple Fleece Hats
http://www.4ormore.co.uk/projects/fleecehats.htm

Beginner Sewing Projects Index
http://sewing.about.com/library/blrankbegin.htm

Beginner Sewing Tips
http://www.allsands.com/home/crafts/beginnersewing_bgz_gn.htm

Classic Open Tote
http://www.make-it-easy.com/opentot2.html

DENIM QUICK SEW HANDBAG
http://www.cherylfall.com/projects/projectsdisplay.asp?search=category&show=sewing+and+soft+crafts&item=20050307231657

TIP: Please use a new needle,one that's right for the job and don't use cheap thread !
A Good Inexpensive thread that's easily found Is Coats & Clarks. As you become more comfortable you can move on to better threads.Always use a sharp needle approperiate for the sewing project.

Answer 6

Those are great starter projects because you will be learning a lot about your sewing machine and how it works. Do make sure the machine has had a recent tuneup, because it won't work properly if it hasn't.
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