Sewing...where do i begin?

Question

I want to start sewing clothes like little shorts, shirts/tanktops. I have no experience, but i love clothing and i need to let out some creativity. I have borrowed a sewing machine, and i would like to have as much advice as i could possibly get. Like everything and anything. Thanks!

Answer 1

Start simple. Sew a few straightforward things like placemats, curtains, pillowcases, tote bags, cushion covers, whatever, in different fabrics. That will get you used to the machine and to handling fabrics. Find cheap fabric to practise on in the discount bins at fabric stores and at thrift stores.You will find lots of books at the library, and thrift stores are good for finding sewing books. Having books is much better than instructions off the net, because you want the book right there while you sew. If the machine has a manual, read the whole thing. They have quite a bit of useful stuff in them.

Take a class if you can find one. Lots of high schools and rec centres have them, and most sewing machine stores run classes or know who does. Some craft stores have classes too.  Take a good look at clothing you have that you like to see how it's made. Get a few simple patterns and start in.

Some things I've found about sewing are to not be in a rush, follow all the steps, iron everything flat before you put it under the machine, and ALWAYS wash the fabric before you sew it into anything. Fabric doesn't make it into the sewing area around here until it's been washed and through the dryer and ironed if necessary. If you want things to be the right size after they're sewn, ironing the whole piece of fabric is crucial or your measurements will be off..

Answer 2

Go to a store that specializes in fabrics. Tell them what you would like to do; usually in the back of the store are various pattern books that you can look through, and find a pattern of the clothes that you'd like to sew.

Then, get some help on picking out a fabric. Try to keep it simple for the first few items that you sew.

And, when all else fails, follow the directions! Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 3

Learn how to operate the machine, then shop for a simple pattern. Stay away from tank tops. Not for the beginner.

Answer 4

First you visit your local library and ask where the "Parks and Recreation" departments brochures are.  Where I live there are a number of courses available at a nominal fee that teach you how to sew.

Take a class!  It's fun and you will enjoy it so much!

Answer 5

I would start by taking a basic sewing class.  I just googled a site sewing.org that gives you the basics of everything you need to know from sewing a straight stitch to the basics of understanding pattern markings.  I'd check it out.  Start with the simplest pattern you can find.  Hopefully you got the instruction manual when you borrowed that machine...every machine is a little different and if you don't thread it right or get the bobbin in right you could be setting yourself up for a lot of frustration.  Good Luck.

I just thought of something....some of the larger fabric stores offer classes too.