Lots of questions - help with first ever sewing project.

[Calluna]

I bought 5m of 100% cotton drill today. I intend to make a wrap carrier. Had a play with it and the length is just about perfect, but it is way too wide (110cm). Folded in half it was about right. So I obviously need to cut it down.

How do I do that, keeping it nice and straight and how wide should it be?
How much extra do I need so I can hem one side?

I've never used a sewing machine before, but I do have one that I was gifted last year. So any help you can offer with that would be much appreciated!

The lady at the shop said the other long side doesn't need heming, but would you do it any way for the sake of looks or do you think it won't be noticable?

I also want to dye it as its white and won't stay that way for long. Do I need to do that before I hem it or can it wait until I have bought the dye and find somewhere to do it?

Eta- do I need tho wash it first or should I wait till it's hemmed?

I'm scared to do anything with it in case I stuff it up

[LimeSlice]

I would wash, cut, dye, sew. From a sewing perspective only - I have NEVER made my own carrier, so this is purely from a sewing POV!!

I would hem all sides, for safety. In terms of width, you probably want it around 70 cm wide. So wash it, dry it and iron it, then fold it in half (Length ways, ends together) to make your life easier and iron flat again. Make sure you keep the straight edges straight and even. Pin down the edges every few inches and using a ruler, measure 78cm (70 cm for the width, plus 2 x 1cm hems on EACH side.) from the side edge, every few inches down the length, mark it with a pen or dressmaking pencil, or chalk. Take a long ruler, or a long quilting ruler will work well, and a rotary cutter and cut along the line you have just made. This will give you the right width plus hem allowances on each long rail.

Measure 1 cm in from one edge, fold and press flat with our iron and pin, stitch. Fold over on itself again (another 1 cm hem) and press, pin, stitch. Repeat for opposite length.

For each END, I would use a wider hem, probably 2 x 1 inch folds, and I would use a double stitch.

Does that make sense? I am sure if you go a bit of a Google trawl you will find some sew-your-own tutes with photos and things, written by people who have experience making carriers specifically, but this is how I would approach it as a sewer. HTH somewhat.

[Calluna]

Thank you SO much! That is extremely helpful. I'm going to need a few tools before I can tackle this... and a table LOL

[LimeSlice]

Yep, an uber large cutting mat too! LOL

[HomeStyleMumma]

Spotlight also do basic sewing classes if you'd be interested in doing that? Good on you for giving it a go.... Every time I'm pg I tell myself I will start sewing again... 4 (& 1/2) children later sewing machine is still packed away!!

[Calluna]

I wonder how much itd cost to get someone to hem it for me? The outlay sounds like more than I have.

Lol HSM! you sound like me.

[Mrs P]

Do you know someone who sews and would have all the equipment? The rotary cutter, good scissors, cutting mat etc can add up! Especially if you are an infrequent sewer

[Calluna]

Thanks LS, I'll have a look. Got no money left now though lol!

Mrs P - I'd like to be frequent but not sure how good I'll be at it lol. Who knows, it might work out.

HSM - With the spotlight classes, do you do your own thing or do they tell you what to do? Maybe I could use thier tools ..

[anney]

Hi calluna, have a think about whether you are a person who gets satisfaction from making things yourself or if there is something else you would rather be doing. Sewing at home used to mean you saved money but these days this is not necessarily so. I think you really should enjoy it to make the time you spend worthwhile. I made dd leggings a few weeks ago. Material cost $30 and today we were out shopping and we got leggings for $15. Dd was thrilled she had something no one else had but it would have been easier just to go out and buy some! (LOL)

[Calluna]

Haha! Thanks Anney, I think if I can pull it of I'd be pretty darn proud of myself. But not sure if its something I want to do a lot until I've tried itms.
I got the material for $45, so much cheaper than buying a new wrap but not if its going to cost me a bomb for the set up.
I doubt I would make another wrap, but I had thought about making clothes for DS or myself..

[HotI]

you can do it just with sewing machine, thread, scissors, measuring tape, pins, iron

you only need straight stitch, and if you want to practise get an old teatowel or pillow case and practise sewing straight rows.

i make clothes for my kids, and sometimes for me. you can get cheaper clothes at the main shops, but i like it because i can make funkier clothes that you can't get at the shops.

if you lived closer, i would be happy to give you a hand. do you know anyone who sews who could help you cut and get ready to sew?

i did a spotlight course a few years back, and everyone was working on their own projects. You use their equipment in class, and if you can, work on your project at home and then get help with difficult bits the next class.