Self-taught Sewing

Fruitloops

Hello, crafty people. I thought this was a good place to ask something I've been thinking about for a while now. I'd like to have a go at making handmade clothes, although I've never used a sewing machine. If I perhaps bought a second-hand machine and wanted to teach myself, how would I best go about doing that? Is there an amazing book out there for the clueless or would I be better seeking out some tutorial videos instead?

midnightraven3

youtube is always my go to place when i want to see how something is sewn, i have learned how to do all sorts of things there
i learn easier seeing it done rather than reading about it

i do mainly quilts/cushion covers/home furnishing type things though
not brave enough to try clothes :rotfl:

Fruitloops

midnightraven3 wrote: »

youtube is always my go to place when i want to see how something is sewn, i have learned how to do all sorts of things there
i learn easier seeing it done rather than reading about it

i do mainly quilts/cushion covers/home furnishing type things though
not brave enough to try clothes :rotfl:

Good point! It does seem easier for instructions to sink in when you see somebody actually doing it.

Jobseeeker

Are there any evening classes in your area?

Simplicity patterns are very good to start with, get one that says easy on it. When you get stuck look things up online.

When I started I got stuck on threading the maching (lol) i had to look up a video on youtube and watch very closely to work it out.

Fruitloops

Jobseeeker wrote: »

Are there any evening classes in your area?

Simplicity patterns are very good to start with, get one that says easy on it. When you get stuck look things up online.

When I started I got stuck on threading the maching (lol) i had to look up a video on youtube and watch very closely to work it out.

I'm looking at a few classes but some of them are quite expensive. I would probably have trouble with the threading actually. Perhaps a short class at some point would be a good idea. I'm also clueless on what would be considered a good but cheap sewing machine for a beginner.

Katiehound

In the past if you bought a new sewing machine from a sewing machine shop (and maybe some of the large chain stores-I'm thinking the likes of John Lewis) there would be lessons on how to use it included in the price. Obviously this isn't quite what you mean but most people who know how to sew and demonstrate what a machine can do would surely know basic sewing techniques.
I wonder if there is a sewing group near you- like a knit and natter group but for sewers?
Sewing friends or neighbours?

Sewing patterns include instructions which are usually quite logical. Maybe all you need is for someone to help when a problem arises.

Put a card on the community board in your local supermarket? Free in Morrisons & Wilkinsons

lingolady21

I second the evening class suggestion. Look at your local college for their part time course for the community. I've done sewing before but wanted a refresher so did a dressmaking course. There were people from all levels there - and so the teacher adapted to each person, teaching how to thread the machine, how to cut out, pin etc, as each individual needed.

You also get a student card which can be used for discounts in national shops, and in our case, some of the local haberdashery stores had a deal.

gildius

I've been thinking about taking this up too - thanks for the suggestions everyone!

meg72

Fruitloops wrote: »

I'm looking at a few classes but some of them are quite expensive. I would probably have trouble with the threading actually. Perhaps a short class at some point would be a good idea. I'm also clueless on what would be considered a good but cheap sewing machine for a beginner.

I recently replaced my old machine with this one from Ikea

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30208975/

and am thrilled to bits with it and for £45 an absolute bargain.

iammumtoone

I have an old singer the hand wind version, charity shop find at £10 I got it as someone said to me these were the best to learn on as you can control the speed so its easier. I have to disagree I struggle to use it, I find it too difficult to only have one hand spare to guide the material. Still love it though it is beautiful and well worth £10 what I paid.

summerspring

I have a Readers Digest book on sewing, which is really useful, but if you're an absolute beginner it's better to get someone to show you how to use the machine, as it takes a bit of practice at first.

For clothes you could try making a nightie or something like that first, as night clothes don't need to fit quite so perfectly as day clothes.