How To Learn How To Sew

There are so many people, young and old, male and female, who either want to learn how to sew or are returning to sewing after a long time.

The reasons are as varied as the people, but the question is always the same. “How do I learn how to sew?”

Unfortunately, our schools haven’t offered sewing classes to a whole generation of kids. Now, they want to express their individuality and creativity and are looking for ways to do that. Perhaps TV reality shows have spurred this interest to either begin or get back to sewing, but there aren’t a lot of organized classes to help fill the need.

So, how do you learn how to sew?

Get A Sewing Machine

You need a sewing machine to learn how to sew. It is better to have your own machine if possible. Each machine is a little different just like driving different cars.

I recommend that you visit all of your local sewing and fabric stores to see what they have to offer. Do they sell and maintain sewing machines? Do they offer sewing classes?

Maintenance of a sewing machine is important and necessary. Think of maintaining your sewing machine the same as you maintain your car. You want to have a local dealer service it if possible.

If you already have a sewing machine available to you, but you don’t know how to operate it, the dealer may be willing to teach you how it works.

If you don’t have a sewing machine, I suggest that you invest in a basic sewing machine to start. Buy the machine from a reputable dealer in your area. They should teach you how to operate it and if you need help or maintenance, they will take care of it for you. Most dealers are anxious to help in the hope that at some point, you will want to upgrade to a fancier, more expensive machine.

Unless you are an advanced sewer or do machine embroidery, you really don’t need to invest in an expensive machine. You can make couture designer garments with basic sewing machines.

Take A Sewing Course

If you can possibly sign up to take a beginner sewing course at your local dealer, that would be the ideal way to begin your sewing experience.

If you are getting back to sewing after a long time, take a course to refresh your memory and learn about some of the new products and tools that are on the market today.

Start Sewing Easy, Simple Projects

Avoid sewing frustration and start small. To learn how to sew and gain experience driving your sewing machine, it is better to start with cotton fabric and make simple sewing projects, like a pillow or a pillow case or a placemat or an apron, but not a garment. Making clothing will come later. Be patient!

Don’t just sew on scraps of fabric either. Make something so you will have a sense of accomplishment. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just do it!

Invest In Some Books

If you have no sewing classes available to you, invest in a sewing book, sewing magazine, sewing course ebook or online sewing course to help you. There is a lot available for all skill levels. There are sewing videos and DVD’s, too.

Get familiar with sewing terms, tools and notions.

Buy the best scissors and dressmaker shears that you can afford. Don’t use them to cut paper and they will last forever.

Don’t use “bargain” sewing thread in your sewing machine or you will be asking for trouble. You can actually ruin your machine with that cheap stuff. Always use the “best” thread available.

“Nancy’s Notions” and “Clotilde” are two great catalog resources for sewing notions. They have been around a long time and offer great service.

Check Out Sewing On The Net

There are a number of sewing blogs, sewing forums and sewing sites on the internet that can answer questions and offer advice and help when you need it. You can also find a ton of free sewing projects as well as online courses and sewing course ebooks.

Be sure to check out national sewing organizations for more information on sewing. There may be a chapter of the American Sewing Guild near you.

Also, surf the Home Sewing Association for more help on sewing.

Just Do It!

The best advice I can give on “how to learn how to sew” is what you do with anything else. Just do it! And do it again and again to get the experience of using the sewing machine and working with fabric to create whatever you want.

Always remember there is no right way or wrong way to do something when you are the designer. It may not turn out the way someone else designed it, but then, it is a “new creation” by you! Enjoy the experience, learn from it and move on. It is just a piece of fabric and some thread. Don’t worry about it!

Have fun learning how to sew! It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian Lewis

1st Step To Sewing Success

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