Novice Sewing Help With Fabric!?

Question

Hi, so, I've never sewn before and I want to start. How do you go about picking fabric? Does it tell you what kind to use on the pattern?

Answer 1

There are several good patterns available for beginners who haven't sewn before.  I suggest you get one of those and learn while doing.  Go to a fabric shop and find the pattern section.  Ask a salesperson to help you find a learn-to-sew pattern or a beginners' pattern.  Look around and choose your pattern.  If it's in one of the big pattern catalogs, memorize the number (or write it down if you have anything to write on and with) and go to the drawers.  Find the number of the pattern you want on the front of the drawers.  Be sure you're at the right drawer for the right brand.  They aren't usually mixed.  Find your pattern and pull it out of the drawer.

Read the back of the envelope.  It will tell you which fabrics this pattern is suitable for.  Find a salesperson and ask where that fabric is.  Choose your fabric and go to the cutting table.  They'll cut what you need.  Buy an extra 1/4 yard just to be sure.  Once your fabric is cut, take fabric and pattern to the checkout, go home, and have fun with it!

There, that should get you over step one.  Then you'll be able to get a slightly more advanced pattern next and have fun with that one, too.

Answer 2

Yes, the pattern does tell you what type of fabric, but you will need to ask a sales person for help identifying where they are in the store there are 100's of different fabrics.

Sewing is complicated, I suggest you take a class for beginners and they will help you  choose an appropriate project to get you started.  

Answer 3

The best approach to learning to sew is to take lessons either at a sewing machine store or community education class. If those are out, buy a book on sewing or at the very least check out sewing lessons on the internet.

To answer your question, on the back of the pattern it will list suggested fabrics to use.  

Answer 4

MOST patterns give guideline for the sort of fabric they are designed for, on the back.

You must remember to buy patterns according to ACTUAL BODY MEASUREMENTS and not in your usual ready to wear size, as pattern sizing is different from ready to wear clothing sizes.  It's usually a good idea to start with something simple, like a bag or a cotton skirt, and learn to handle the machine, fabrics and equipment before tackling a difficult garment.

Here are some patterns designed for beginners: they tend to have more detailed instructions:

http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_thumb...

These are simpler patterns, but the instructions may not be as detailed as those in the Kwick Sew patterns:

http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?all=...

http://www.butterick.com/list/yes_its_ea...

http://www.mccallpattern.com/list/easy_s...

There are some pages in The Learning Zone in my web site that will help you get started: stuff on getting accurate measurements, seams and seam finishes, an equipment list, and more for you to play with.  Have fun!

You might also like to invest in a good sewing manual.  These are all good, and the last one is fun!

New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step by Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories (Readers Digest)  by Reader's Digest (Hardcover - 25 Jul 2003)  ÃƒÂ‚£12.99

Sewing for Dummies (For Dummies) by Janice Saunders Maresh (Paperback - 13 Aug 2004)   £9.79

101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine by Elizabeth Dubicki (Hardcover - 27 Oct 2006)  ÃƒÂ‚£11.19

They are all available from Amazon.

It might also be a good idea to take some lessons.  Books are excellent, but you see a lot more in a lesson and can ask if something whizzes by and misses you.  You also build up a network of sewing buddies and pick up tips on the best places to buy fabric.

If you don't yet have access to a sewing machine, take a read of this FAQ: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm  Make a list of the things you want to sew, and take it along to a local sewing machine shop.  Talk to the engineer about pre-loved machines in particular, and try a few out.  Think of a budget (if it's under $200, DEFINITELY look at pre-loved machines!), and add a sewing machine to the birthday/Christmas wish list!  :) (Um...  DON'T let someone else choose your machine: do some research, find out what YOU like, and put that specific machine on the list!  It's like buying shoes and cars: always try on and test drive before buying!)

Sewing is a lot of fun and very rewarding.  Just remember to look after your machine and equipment, be nice to yourself when things go wrong, and take pride in your achievements.

And sewing is addictive...  So is the kit that goes with it!  There is just so much lovely kit out there waiting for a home...  ;)