Sewing for beginners?

Question

i need some good links to places where i can get free tips & patterns for beginners.

i also don't know what the things are called on the sewing machine & i don't know how to read patterns.

please help!

thanks:)

Answer 1

Ah, you need to head to your local public library for some beginner's books.  

Suggestions:

1) Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book. Meant for

no-experience newbies; home dec sorts of things rather than

garments. Should be able to find a used copy fairly reasonably.

2) Connie Crawford's new "Studio Sewing Skills" video takes a

brand new learner (she'd literally never sewn before) from

threading a machine through construction of a camp shirt. Connie

taught sewing, patternmaking and draping at FIDM for many years

before forming her own company.

http://www.butterick.com/item/CC770.htm?...

and the pattern used: http://www.butterick.com/item/B5047.htm

Too new (June 2008) to find used, most likely.

3) Crawford's Guide to Fashion Sewing: starts a bit beyond "how

to thread a machine", focussed on garment construction methods

slightly modified from ready to wear sewing methods. Much more

straightforward and time saving than the usual home sewing

methods, and better results, imo.

Takes you through all major garment types, including lining

jackets and vests. Wish I'd learned to sew this way from the

start... would have saved me years of frustration. Standard

textbook for fashion students, will be a little pricey even used;

worth it, imho.

4) Reader's Digest Complete Book of Sewing. The classic home

sewing manual. You may wind up wanting two copies, one from the

70's and a current one, because of different coverage. Should be

able to find used copies cheaply and easily.

Answer 2

Go to a Joanns, and Simplicity patterns has great instructions.

Answer 3

See the sites below!  Have you noticed the pre-shirred fabrics at places like...Wal-Mart?  One yard is more than enough to make a skirt or top with only one seam required!  One seam...and it's done!