Can I teach myself?

[Heaven]

Well, I was lucky enough to get a sewing machine for my birthday and I am so excited! I have been wanting to learn how to sew for ages. I did a little bit of sewing when I was a kid and that's it so I don't know much. I've worked out how to actually use the machine so that's no problem. But can I learn how to make stuff myself do you reckon?

I reckon I can just wing it, pmsl. But maybe it's a lot more complicated than it looks.

I'm starting simple! I'm going to make some cloth wipes this weekend and also a new pillowcase for my BF pillow, it looks easy enough to do.

So I'm off to spotlight on the w/e for supplies. I have nothing other than what has come with my machine. What do I need? So far the only things I've thought of are:

Material and thread obviously
Some good scissors
Pins and a pincushion

[~Kim~]

chalk - tailors chalk
tape measure
small scissors for threads and fabric shears.

Yes hun I reckon you can teach youself. Get a couple of cheap patterns for babies thing and read them carefully. If you follow the instruction you can't go wrong.
Other wise there heaps of cool free patterns on the net and some great learn to sew books at spotters.
Good luck it's fun!!

[Michelle71]

If you can sew in a straight line you will be fine It can take some practice with more complicated patterns (or ones that don't give too much detail in the instructions ) but if you start simple, and the pattern usually says easy etc, you should be fine. I just made a smock dress for DD last night and I haven't sewn for years!!!

Where are you?? There might be someone nearby that can give you a few tips.

[Bathsheba]

I've largely taught myself. At first just stick to very basic things like wipes, square things like tea-towels, flat sheets, pillow cases. Then progress to shaped but flat things like aprons. I wouldn't attempt to use a pattern until you feel confident doing these basic things.

Get the hang of changing the tension according to different types of fabric. Learn the difference of sewing stretchy and non stretchy fabric (stretchy can be much more tricky). Get the hang of sewing curves and snipping the fabric so that it curves nicely (like you do with baking paper for a round cake tin etc).

Learn how to put a zipper in. Make a basic pencil case and pop in a zip.
Learn how to do a button hole.

Depending on whether you know all this basic stuff I wouldn't attempt a pattern yet. But if you do and want to have a go at using a pattern then some are easier to read than others. Ask the shop assistant which is a easy brand. Simplicity brand are ok... choose patterns that have the "facile" rating (French for easy).

What have you made in the past? Other than wipes?

Remember that if your machine doesn't have an overlocking function that you will have to either learn how to do French seams (to stop fraying) or just be content with using pinking shears to slow the fraying. I don't have an overlocker and have been put off making clothes now because I'm fussy. But I have saved lots of money making basic things that are easily hemmed like curtains and aprons.

I'm far from being an expert sewer though... have learnt by trial and error. My mother is an excellent sewer and makes us lots of clothes as she has an overlocker.

ETA: also buy an unpicker! A vital little piece of equipment that helps you easily unpick mistakes.

[Salsa]

Bath has good advise there

I want to know what are french seams and how do you do them? Ive looked on google for examples but cant figure out what they are doing.
Is it where the raw edges are folded inside and sewn on the outside? does that make sense? Maybe its too tricky to explain?

eta - she is so right about the unpicker!!! lol my most used item probably

[Astrid]

Remember that if your machine doesn't have an overlocking function that you will have to either learn how to do French seams (to stop fraying) or just be content with using pinking shears to slow the fraying. I don't have an overlocker and have been put off making clothes now because I'm fussy. But I have saved lots of money making basic things that are easily hemmed like curtains and aprons.

As long as the machine has a zig -zag stick you can overlock. I used to just zig zag on the edge of the fabric after it was cut out before sewing together. My machine (a basic Janome) came with a foot just for this, it made it easier to zigzag right in the edge of the fabric.

I learn a lot just by doing, so I probably would not hesitate in getting a very basic pattern, the instructions on the easy sew ones are not too bad to follow. Also the book with the machine should have some good instructions on how to put in zips etc.

[Bathsheba]

French Seams: (for a simple item like a draw-string bag) Cut out your rectangular piece of fabric. With the fabric facing the right way out sew around the edges leaving about 1/2 a centimeter of fabric (is this called the selvedge?) Then turn the bag inside out. Sew around the edges again sealing in the frayed edge inside the hem. Turn the bag back again so it's the right way and you will have a basic French seam. Note: you need to do the top of the bag where the string will gather first if you are making a bag... I just gave instructions for the French seam bit.

Good quality tailored items like business shirts often have a French seam up inside the sleeves. It looks very professional if done neatly.

I'm a fan of pulling apart something (that is worn out) and looking closely at how it has been made.

Astrid: LOL I'm so fussy I don't use a zig zag stitch anymore, but you're right... technically that is do-able.

[Heaven]

chalk - tailors chalk
tape measure

aha! thankyou!

If you can sew in a straight line you will be fine

Hmm...lol.

Yeah that's what I kinda thought, how hard can it be? LOL, we will see I guess!

I've largely taught myself. At first just stick to very basic things like wipes, square things like tea-towels, flat sheets, pillow cases. Then progress to shaped but flat things like aprons. I wouldn't attempt to use a pattern until you feel confident doing these basic things.

Get the hang of changing the tension according to different types of fabric. Learn the difference of sewing stretchy and non stretchy fabric (stretchy can be much more tricky). Get the hang of sewing curves and snipping the fabric so that it curves nicely (like you do with baking paper for a round cake tin etc).

Learn how to put a zipper in. Make a basic pencil case and pop in a zip.
Learn how to do a button hole.

Depending on whether you know all this basic stuff I wouldn't attempt a pattern yet. But if you do and want to have a go at using a pattern then some are easier to read than others. Ask the shop assistant which is a easy brand. Simplicity brand are ok... choose patterns that have the "facile" rating (French for easy).

What have you made in the past? Other than wipes?

Remember that if your machine doesn't have an overlocking function that you will have to either learn how to do French seams (to stop fraying) or just be content with using pinking shears to slow the fraying. I don't have an overlocker and have been put off making clothes now because I'm fussy. But I have saved lots of money making basic things that are easily hemmed like curtains and aprons.

I'm far from being an expert sewer though... have learnt by trial and error. My mother is an excellent sewer and makes us lots of clothes as she has an overlocker.

ETA: also buy an unpicker! A vital little piece of equipment that helps you easily unpick mistakes.

I haven't made anything yet!! LOL. That's what I thought I'd do, just start with basic things to get the hang of using it and then get some basic patterns for stuff. I'm so excited now!!
Yep, the machine has a zig-zaggy/overlocking type stitch. And does buttonholes and sews buttons on, that looks tricky though! I'll get there eventually!
Oh yes, and I got an unpicker with the machine!!

I learn a lot just by doing, so I probably would not hesitate in getting a very basic pattern, the instructions on the easy sew ones are not too bad to follow. Also the book with the machine should have some good instructions on how to put in zips etc.

Me too, I think I should just give it a go and make mistakes and learn! Woot! Can't wait now!

[HotI]

Spotlight has some cute printed baby muslin for sale at the moment. You could make some baby wraps just by hemming the edges.

A long ruler or square can help in cutting out patterns (but not a neccessity).

A magnetic pin holder can be good (only a few dollars at Spotlight).

It is worth getting a good pair of scissors (and only using them for sewing).

I have a quick unpick that is called 'my friend'. It helps take the sting away when you have to unpick what you have sewn.

there are downloadable patterns from some of the sewing shops.

have fun

[Bathsheba]

Another hint: calico fabric is a very cheap and easy to sew fabric that is good to learn with. Buy the heaviest/strongest weight calico that the project can get-away with IYKWIM? The flimsier the fabric the trickier it can be to sew for a total beginner. Calico is also good because it doesn't really have a noticeable right and wrong side.

Another thing you might want to learn is how to use wadding and fabric stiffener/reinforcer (the white stuff that you iron on). A cot sized quilt is a good/simple project to learn how to use wadding (the soft white filling stuff). And if you have something that needs repairing like a tear in a knee you can learn how to patch with reinforcer (on the inside of the garment).

Repairing is my main sewing task these days.

Also when you sew it pays to have your ironing board and iron set up nearby.

[~Kim~]

It is worth getting a good pair of scissors (and only using them for sewing).

So so true - everyone here knows NOT to touch my fabric shears...there are other scissors for other stuff. I like my shears to stay sharp.

[Bathsheba]

Enjoy your sewing-only scissors unless/until you have a teenage DD! (mine uses them for cutting her hair and clothes as she attempts to make fashion statements ) Because my 5yo blunts every other pair of scissors in the house my DD knows she can rely on my sewing ones and they have become her primary choice no matter how much I warn, beg and banshee!

[Salsa]

I left my sewing scissors at my MIL with all my sewing stuff in a cupboard when I was inbetween houses for a few months. When I came back to get my things I found
MY DRESSMAKING SCISSORS in her kitchen utensil draw!!!!!!!!

Thats was 10 years ago and I still cant believe she did that

[Fleur]

Enjoy your sewing-only scissors unless/until you have a teenage DD! (mine uses them for cutting her hair and clothes as she attempts to make fashion statements )

Exactly the same thing happens here, lol.

Heaven - I taught myself to sew basic stuff. My mother taught herself to sew years ago & she is very good. I'm not up to her level but I can do curtains etc & I have made 2 quilts for DD2, one is a bit rough & one I am very pleased with

I think the best thing you can do is play around with it & have fun, you'll soon learn what works & what doesn't.
Also the internet is a great tool, I looked up how to sew a blind hem online & worked it out no problems.

Good luck.. have fun!!

[Chocaholic]

Sewing is great fun.

Spotlight has some easy patterns on its website that you can download.

I started sewing when I was about 12. My favourite thing I have ever made was a double bed doona. Just cut up a lot of squares in different colours (mainly blues & yellows, my favourite combo) which gave me heaps of straight lines to practise on. Made up the 2 sides, sewed them together and used little press studs to hold the open side closed (like a normal doona).

My best ever birthday present was a second-hand overlocker. I was 15 when I got it and it still works. Yah for Janome technology!!!

Good luck and enjoy!

[Astrid]

DH used my good mundials on leather they have never been the same since. The stick to use and it hurts me to use them for long periods. Don't know if I can get the fixed or if I am better off buying a new pair. There are some nice sets out there and I do need a new embroidery pair. Was a bad girl myself and used my embroidery pair for some unpicking, they work very well for that

[Heaven]

OMG I'm so excited thinking about all the stuff I can make now!! I was just thinking I could make my own wet bag and change mat!! Do they sell PUL at spotlight?

[Salsa]

Im pretty sure PUL needs to usually be ordered online. Do a search engine for 'greenbeans nz' . They are very good for buying nappy things like PUL, snap press, bamboo, fleece etc.