#learnsewing

How to Learn Sewing on Your Own

It's time!  You learn how to thread that machine, you have got your supplies ready and you're sitting in front of your machine. It's time to sew something. But how?

Another possibility is to find a friend or relative who can help you through the basics of learning to sew. Someone who can sit down and teach you to sew a straight line or what a few of the basic terms mean and get you started on the path of stitching for beginners.

Here's a rundown of some of those best beginner sewing machines with some advice about each one so that you can make a more educated choice. 

Although remember, just as you're considering sewing for beginners at the moment, you won't always be a beginner. So buy something that you're going to love.

Maybe you already have your sewing machine, but if you're in the market for one still, it is often quite mind-boggling to attempt and determine what machine to choose. 

A couple of resources to help you as you move beyond stitching for beginners and into a more intermediate or advanced phase of stitching:

Are you ready to begin? You've got this! You can learn how to sew and you can have fun doing it! Enjoy the learning process.

There are some fundamental things you are going to need so as to start with sewing for beginners.

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER AS YOU Pick Your SEWING MACHINE:

What is your budget? Do you need something on the very low end of the cost scale or do you have slightly more money to work with? 

Would you like to buy it locally or do you want to order it online? 

Some companies will include free sewing lessons when you buy in shop. If that interests you, you may choose to buy locally. 

You're very likely to find better prices online though, so if you're comfortable learning how to sew online, that is a great route to go. 

Would you like a lot of bells and whistles, or do you prefer something simple that might be easier to get started on? 

Both can be good options-sometimes simple is terrific. Or maybe you've got some specific options that you need in a machine? Think about some of the things which matter to you. 

However, you know what? Sewing for novices can be a lot of fun because it's so exciting as you learn what it is you are doing and begin creating your first projects. You are going to love it! Let us learn to sew!

So grab your guide, sit down with the machine and take a look. Perhaps have something chocolate nearby to keep things happy and then be patient. Just practice threading and getting the equipment set up.

Every sewing machine is a little bit different, so your best bet is to begin with the users manual. But do not let this frighten you. It isn't particularly tough to thread a system (especially with some of the new bells and whistles that they have to make it simpler ) and most beginner machines are not likely to have too many configurations to overwhelm you.

A few items to look for when looking for simple sewing patterns for beginners to get started on:

The internet is FULL of simple, beginners sewing projects. Jump on Pinterest and you will be inundated with them. You'll likely be overwhelmed or very excited. If you need some inspiration, try this sewing site.

As you progress you'll learn more and more skills relating to sewing. Perhaps you want to learn to quilt? Perhaps you're dreaming of sewing clothing? There are several possibilities and a great deal of fun techniques to try out as you progress.

EASY SEWING PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS:

So perhaps that sewing machine has shoved to the back of the closet and it is coated in a thick coating of dust. Or maybe you haven't pushed it aside yet. Perhaps you're ready to grab the bull by the horns and learn to sew, but it's overpowering  to get going and you do not know where to start.

Also, as you start to read patterns and directions, you are going to encounter plenty of unfamiliar words. Terms like basting and prejudice can be confusing but can be important elements of what you are working on. If you get a little lost, check out this Sewing Dictionary for a number of descriptions of the basic words.

I know how it goes-you obtained that sewing machine you've wanted it for years.  You think that'll wow your friends with intricate Halloween costumes. You plan to create clothing for yourself that will magically make you look like you've lost ten pounds.

Needless to say, there are a whole lot of things to consider when you're in the market for a machine, and you have got to find the best fit for you. Or, try a combination of the above.  Work online sewing lessons and meet with a friend or teacher who can help you periodically as well.

If you want a self-taught, learn at your own pace method, try these free Learn to Sew lessons online. These can walk you through beginning sewing-from sewing a straight line to adding elastic and buttonholes. They are basic and easy and you can learn as you go with jobs to work on to help you try each ability.

Straight lines-these would be the easiest to sew and may be a good starting place. Not overly intricate-something that doesn't have plenty of frills and embellishments. 

Household items can often be some of the simplest sewing projects to begin on. Clothing can be harder, so beginning with things like blankets or cushions or perhaps burp cloths or key fobs may be easy sewing projects to begin with. 

As stated previously, there are local shops that teach sewing lessons in store. If you want hands-on instruction along with a teacher who can answer questions for you, this might be a great option for you.

And don't expect perfection from the start. Do not forget that learning to sew takes a lot of time and practice and it's ok if you make mistakes.

Sewing can be very satisfying. You may sew new projects and presents, you can change clothing that doesn't fit right, make comfy blankets and quilts, and you may create lasting memories with the projects you sew. It doesn't have to be hard, it just takes patience and practice, but soon you can be sewing like a pro.

As soon as you've got your sewing machine, it may still be very intimidating right? You've got to learn to thread it, find out how to change the settings and find out what all those buttons mean.

If you would like a glimpse into what most sewing machines are going to involve as you begin, try my How to Use Your Sewing Machine. I'll walk you through some of the fundamentals and hopefully at least lay the groundwork for you to get going in your beginning sewing journey.

But there are gears and gadgets and you do not know what they do. There are words like bobbin and back-stitching and bias and you don't have any clue what they mean. Your heart begins to pound and your palms begin to sweat just looking at.

There are so many lessons on sewing for beginners. What's important is to sit down and begin trying.

Are you trying to learn how to sew and looking for lessons on sewing for beginners? 

Here's everything you need to know as you begin sewing-from what to purchase to sewing projects for beginners, how to use a sewing machine, and much more.

To begin with, you're going to need some basic supplies like fabric, thread, a seam ripper, pins, scissors, and bobbins. Those are a few of the most basic supplies needed (and of course there are so many more things you could buy as you go) to get going. 

For more details on what you will need to get started sewing, have a look at my Beginner's Sewing Supplies guide.

Then, as you become more comfortable and confident with your sewing, move on to some slightly harder jobs.   But also bear in mind that the seam ripper is your friend and it's normal to use it frequently. Mistakes happen.

Today I finally asked my mom to teach me to sew. I offered to pay her back for the materials we’ll be using that she has in storage. I have a sewing machine that she passed down to me. It’s a singer machine and needs some good ole grease and a wiping down to remove old dust and dirt from sitting in the basement. 

I’m excited because she's gotten back into her own sewing room and made an outfit for someone. She’s still having issues with her right hand but she works with it. 

We briefly talked today about how I would learn and what she would teach me. She said, “I have to teach you by showing you, not through theory. Should we use a pattern?” 

Me: “ I don’t know.” 

Mom, “ well you need to learn how to measure and cut the fabric.... maybe we will start with patterns. You have to get tracing paper”. 

We’ll be doing one hour sessions once a week. 

For the longest time, my mom wanted to teach me to sew. I couldn’t sit still long enough to complete a project. It was something very tedious and time-consuming. But in the same aspect, I love to draw and make with my hands, create digitally and explore though design.

She is where I’ve gotten my creative drive from. I grew up with her making my dresses and matching them to my hair ribbons. And up until recently, she would be my first go-to for alterations, dresses and the like.

This past October 18, 2017, she had a stroke. And for a moment I was sure I was going to lose her. All I could think about was that she wouldn’t get to fulfill her dream of having clients fulltime. Sure she’s had a few supporting clients here and there but the way she talks about it, I know it's her passion. 

She’s always asked me to help her - and the internet can be a wonderful place --- I’ve just never really known how. So I figure if she can teach me, she can teach anyone - oh by the way I never learned how to sew in the past because we bump heads a lot. 

We are both stubborn in our own ways. (She won't ever admit that!)

I created this blog as a way to document (and dedicate) my learning of how to sew - even if I never use it in the future I’m sure it can help someone else. 

You can help!