Sewing? Please help! I have no clue where to start! : (?

Question

So, I am moving my question to this section because the last section did not get alot of replies.

Ok, so I have a big passion to start making my own clothes, but the problem is I have no idea even where to begin. I dont know how to sew, use a sewing machine, or work with patterns! I really really need some help. Are there any great books or websites that I could go to for a complete beginer to get started on the basics, including learning how to sew. I would appreceiate some help, thanx!

Answer 1

I would suggest a beginner sewing class at a Joann fabric and craft store or a Hancock fabrics. They will teach you some basics about sewing and give you an idea of what kind of machine you might like to have. Some stores that sell sewing machines also have beginner lessons. Once you have some basics, then it will be easier to use a book to learn. But a hands-on class will teach you more about sewing and more easily. Trust me on this. The teacher is right there to help and give you tips. Don't shun a class that teaches you to make aprons. You will be surprised at the skills you'll learn while making an apron. And aprons are making a comeback for wearing, and collecting. Or if you know someone who sews, maybe that person would be willing to give you some lessons to get started.

Answer 2

Fabric stores usually have some very good beginner classes - see what's available through the local library and adult extension schools, too. You'll learn the basics of how to follow a pattern, plan fabrics that complement the style of garment, and some finishing and construction with each class. You'll also learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and when to use hand sewing.

Get The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing - it's cheap on that auction place and it's fabulous! Really comprehensive, covering sewing machines, notions, patterns, fabrics, tailoring, modifying patterns for fit, etc.

Then buy a Singer Sewing Book by Mary Brooks Pickens - also on that auction place, it's cheap if you pay attention - any edition will do. You will learn the old-fashioned, "beautifully detailed" methods of sewing.

And my last recommendation - buy the book called "Shirtmaking" by David Page Coffin - if you can make a beautiful dress shirt (for woman or man) you will be able to do anything. This book teaches you the high-quality touches that go into garment construction/pattern making - it's my favorite sewing book and I have a ton of them. :)

You will be completely overloaded with info for a while and you'll make a lot of mistakes - keep on with it and have fun!

I recently came back to sewing after many years away from it - I collect vintage and antique sewing machines and refurbish them. I designed and created my own white dress shirt using a 1905 treadle sewing machine. Coolest thing I ever made. :)

Have fun!

Answer 3

Start out the logical way by learning how to do hand-stitching first.  Why hand stitching in this age of machine driven technology?  Because all machine stitches have an original hand stitching counter-part.  Remember, machines have only been around for  a little over a 100 years.  Prior to that, all clothing was stitched by hand.  Consider the Inuit and their lovely parkas, lovely exquisite kimonos, even George Washington's clothes!

If your passion is making clothes, you need to learn basic stitches that require handwork.  Machines can do hems, but you're going to pay a lot for it.  Besides, if you don't know how to use a machine, read patterns, why would you seek to jump on a machine?  You need to at least start understanding the "language" of sewing.  

As a sewing instructor, I start all my students out by learning functional hand-stitches.  I use a wonderful kit that comes with a DVD that exhibits wonderful close-ups of the execution of 12 functional stitches.  You can look at the material at:

www.ezstitchsampler.com

After you've mastered the techniques of using a needle and thread by hand, take a class offering simple construction of a piece of clothing; skirt or pants would be a great star.  You must realize that becoming proficient in sewing is a cumulative skill.  You must start at the beginning, using your hands, not in the middle of this journey, by jumping on a machine!  Learn to use your hands, needles, various threads, by getting technical stitch knowledge, then go to the machine.

When you learned math, did you start out on a calculator?  No, pencil and paper was  your beginning!  In sewing, hand sewing is the beginning of understanding.

You can do it!  The best of luck to you.

Answer 4

There's a number of websites.  I would look at the videos to see how they do it.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_qu...

http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/Beg...

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/blog/2007/0...

Answer 5

Singer published a series of books called "Singer Sewing Reference Libraray" that have really great, close up photos and very basic instructions.  You can find them in most fabric stores, have a bookstore order them for you or your local library might have them.  They're pretty inexpensive.  I learned a lot from them.  Also, nothing beats having someone sit down with you and teach you.  Check with local fabric or quilt shops, or local schools.

Answer 6

I taught myself to sew using the patterns that are labeled "Quick" or "Easy".  Each brand has a line of patterns that are geared towards beginners.  With each pattern that you master, you will pick up different skills and techniques that you can apply to your sewing.  Here's some very important advice though (I've been sewing for years and I still do this) Read each pattern 2-3 times from begining to end before you cut a single piece of fabric.  You will save yourself a lot of headaches!