Sewing for a complete novice?

Question

Okay, I really would like to start sewing. I always wanted to be able to make clothes or to alter them myself. I don't know anything about fabric or sewing and I'm not sure where to start. Are there classes? What is the best way to learn?

I also don't know anyone who can sew well enough to help me.

I have a sewing machine that's about twenty years old.

Thanks

Answer 1

I would get out your machine and make sure it is good working order, before investing in to much fabric and supplies. Go to your local fabric store and look at the patterns they have. They are marked easy or hard, so look for the ones that are easy to start with. Pick out fabric that you like and sit down and read the pattern instructions first, so you know exactly what you will need to do. Make sure you get all the buttons, zippers, etc. before you leave the store.  I worked at Hancock Fabrics for years, and was always happy to help someone with a problem.  Good luck and I hope you enjoy sewing, it can be very relaxing.  

Answer 2

You should start by calling your local fabric and quilt stores. They generally offer classes because it is in their best interest to keep the craft going. You may want to get your machine serviced so that it doesn't give you any problems. The last thing a you want is a big headache from your machine acting up.

Go early in the morning to your local store and talk to an employee, they are less likely to be busy at that time of day and will be more likely to give you advice on local classes.

You can even google "sewing classes" and the name of your city.

Sewing can be quite rewarding, an easy first project is to make pillows for your bed. :)

Answer 3

A 20 YO sewing machine is a very good place to start.  You might try reading the manual through just to see what you DON'T know!  :)  It'll help you think about what you need to learn...  

Another good thing to do would be to get yourself a good basic sewing manual.  These ones are comprehensive:

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)  Ã‚£12.99 from Amazon.  Covers most dressmaking processes.

Sewing for Dummies (For Dummies) by Janice Saunders Maresh (Paperback - 13 Aug 2004)  Ã‚£9.79 from Amazon.  Horrid title, decent book.

Fun book!

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

How to make patterns fit:

Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure by Sandra Betzina (Paperback - 3 Jun 2004)  Ã‚£10.47 from Amazon

Something else you might like to do is pop over to my web site and look in The Learning Zone, where there are some basic How To things to start with...  http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

You'll find an article on sewing equipment, something about reading patterns, taking measurements, and some other fun stuff.

Lessons would also be an excellent idea.  Try your local sewing and quilting shops, and your local adult studies network.  There may well be some beginners classes in your area, and a good class is an excellent thing.  Not only do you get tuition, but also a network of sewing buddies and like minded fabric sniffers!  :D

Answer 4

Here is a link but you really need to get yourself a good sewing book to refer to.  If you visit the public library, they usually have a lot to choose from.  Find one that it is right for you. I like the Singer books and Sewing with Nancy.

Answer 5

Here are some sites I hope can help you out.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/expl...

This one has how-to sew help with free patterns.



http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns



http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?encq...

Go here and check Sewing 101 on the bottom left side of page.

http://simplicity.com/

http://www.mccallpattern.com/

I hope these can help you have fun learning to sew.

You might check out your local High School and see if the Home Ec teachers could help you too.