Learn to Sew

I frequently bump into people that tell me they sure wish they knew how to sew. Gone are the days where school's required women to take sewing classes. And a lot of men never got a chance at all. So what do you do now when you want to learn to sew? If you are a budding fashion designer, sewing is a must. If you want original outfits so you don't see clones of yourself coming and going, sewing will give you that edge. If you are odd-shaped (and who isn't) sewing gives you a chance to finally have something that fits you and matches your taste. Plus it feels good to understand how clothing is put together. We wear it every day so it makes sense to understand the structure of it.

Half of sewing is learning the terminology. It is worthwhile to get a basic sewing book. Even though many changes have happened in the sewing industry since the invention of computers, most of the basics are still the same.

In my experience, sewing by hand satisfies me in a different way than sewing on a machine. And it's a simple and inexpensive way to start.

Some stores have pre-packaged kits with basic sewing supplies. Price individual items first to see if the kit is a good deal or not. If it has quality tools, and you happen to have a 40% off coupon, and you don't own any sewing supplies already, it may be the best option.

Before you think of making a garment, hone your basic needle and thread skills by mending some clothes. There is no better way to learn to sew with a needle and thread than by sewing on some buttons, or fixing a hem that's come down. While you are at it, learn the basic embroidery stitches. Then you can revive your old jeans with some spiffy hearts and flowers.

When you are ready to sew clothing, look in your basic sewing book for a chapter on how to take your measurements.

Every pattern envelope will list what measurements are included in the pattern.

Some patterns have multiple sizes in one pattern, which is a big plus if your top half is a different size from your bottom half.

In each pattern there will be an information sheet that tells you a lot of things. Reading a pattern is like reading a map. The information sheet will tell you types of fabrics suitable for the pattern, which notions you need to have to finish the garment, and any special things you need like lining fabric or interfacing.

For your first pattern look for one that says ‘easy' or ‘for beginners' or ‘finish in one hour'. Pattern companies want you to enjoy sewing so you do it again and buy more patterns and fabric. These beginning patterns have more detailed instructions to help sewers who don't know all the ropes. Resist buying a first pattern that has too many complicated details. Your first project should be simple and relatively quick to finish so you can feel the rush of a completed project. My first ‘official' project was a simple apron with a waistband, a gathered apron skirt and one patch pocket. It was all straight seams with no complicated details like zippers or scalloped hemlines.

Once you take on more ambitious projects you will need a sewing machine or a deep love and the time for hand sewing. Before you rush off and buy a racecar high tech sewing machine ask around for a good solid used sewing machine. You'd be amazed how many people have them tucked in a closet in perfectly good condition. I've seen them in thrift stores for as low as $20. When you are a beginner, you are not going to use all that fancy stuff anyways. Look for a basic model that will do straight stitch and zigzag stitch. You might want to make sure it also has the original instruction book with it so you can look at the threading diagram and read how to put in the needle and other important details. If the book is missing, you might be able to contact the maker and order a copy or download one on line. Don't forget to check the local sewing machine repair shop. Sometimes they sell machines that the owner never came to pick up for a fraction of the cost.

The first thing you want to sew isn't fabric. It's paper. Make sure the machine has the needle in it, but no thread. Put it on a straight stitch. Get a piece of notebook paper, and practice sewing on the lines.

Once you get the hang of that, draw a spiral on the paper and practice keeping the needle holes on the line you drew. This is going to teach you control and will give you the feel of how fast to sew.

The first fabric you should sew should be 100% cotton or a 50% cotton/50% polyester blend. Avoid anything slippery. Scraps are the best to practice on. If you don't have any scraps, buy some cotton on sale from the quilting dept. Or practice on old sheets cut into workable sections.

Your book will show you what the perfect stitch should look like and will have a guide to adjusting the sewing machine tension. Nine times out of ten bunched seams are the result of poor thread tension. In other words, the bobbin thread is not matching up well with the top thread. Once you get the thread adjusted and things are running smoothly, you can start your first garment project. Or if that is too intimidating, try making placemats, scarves or a pillow.

If you want to learn to love sewing, always quit for the day on a part that comes out well. Then you'll be ready to pick it up again in the next free moment.

A basic sewing kit:

Thread

Needles

Scissors

Tape Measure

Seam ripper

Thimble

Straight Pins

Safety Pins

Pincushion

Box/bin to put everything in.

Magnifying glass or eyeglasses if you need them.

Iron

Ironing Board

Cutting table, or fold-out pattern cutting board for patterns.