Sewing - how do I learn?

marvalous

Hi Osers.

I am looking at learning to sew so I can be more self sufficient with my decorating/crafting as well as making simple little outfits for my first little one due on the 12 Feb.

Do you guys have any tips about sewing resources, websites, books, places to get material on the net and where is the best place to buy a sewing machine?

thanks in advance

csarina

Have a look in your local yellow pages for a machine dealer, then go and try several machines. You need to think more, not less, get one with straight and zigzag stitch, an automatic buttonholer, stretch stitch......then look ahead, I know many people who have bought a simple machine and then in a couple of years wished they had bought a more advanced one. Spend as much as you are comfotable with, look at freearm models especially if you are looking to make baby clothes, its essential in my view......very difficult to set in a tiny sleeve on a flat bed, believe me I have been there!!!!! Don't just look at one model or maker, there are a lot out there.

Depending on where you live, and what machines are avaiable you can look on the web....Coopers are very good. Personally I use a chap called David Drummond in Edinburgh, he sends machines all over the worls as well as the UK and always gives very good advice. Often there are extras that he will throw in as well.

Bernina used to be the best machines you could buy, BUT they are VERY expensive and you can get a lot more for less money. Personally I have had Janomes for a long number of years and have foubnd then to be very good machines and reliable.

Start by sewing something simple like a skirt, look at patterns that offer more than one garment, patterns are very expensive........do a search for learning to sew on the web. You will find lots of fabric places on the web too, but also use local shops, If you have a John Lewis near you they usually carry very good stocks of dressmaking, quilting and also curtain fabric.

squeaky

This recent thread should be of help then

Does anyone else sew their own clothes

mollymunchkin

Join the sewing forum http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk They have great tips and ideas for novice sewers (like me!) and more experienced sewers out there.

Have fun!

kittycat07

It sounds really daft but I have no idea how to sew. What I would really like is to learn how to sew so that I can fix things (hems etc) and also to make alterations / transform garments from one item to something different. But I have no idea how to do this (I can, just about, sew a button on!).

So I guess my questions really are 1) How hard / easy is it to learn? 2) Can anyone recommend a good starting point (e.g. magazine, book etc). 3) Can one get lessons - if so any idea where I might look to find these? 4) Does / will it save me money 5) what (if anything) do I need to purchase to get started?

Many thanks in anticipation

mary43

Are there any classes in your area ? I'm always a better learner if someone actually shows me and puts me right when I go wrong, than following instructions in a book.

kittycat07

I'm not sure... does anyone know where I could go to look for classes?

nanamags

I agree with Mary try to find an evening class. Alterations etc are not straightforward. I would rather make a whole new garment than replace a zip. I learnt the basics at school and I could make my daughter clothes without patterns but never for myself.

Good luck

mary43

Your local council offices might have leaflets about evening classes or even daytime ones.
Local schools are another place you could try

tanith

I was only talking about this with a friend the other day , how we both were taught the basics at school but none of our grandaughters had any sewing lessons at school... I had to make a blouse for my English teacher as part of my exam and it came out really well, it meant I was able to make clothes for my kids when they were small and simple things for myself , also made my own curtains for years... now I just do repairs and replacing zips and altering things...

What a shame all our knowledge is going to waste as the kids looked at me as if I was mad when I suggested some lessons... maybe I should advertise my skills to pass on to someone else.... how much would you pay by the hour ? maybe a way to make myself a little spare cash....

Dioritt

Your local library might have information, too.

Most colleges run different evening classes so you could ask there if there's one near you.

I taught myself through trial and error (much error) but can't do alterations. I can make simple things like aprons, cushions, curtains, some types of skirts and girls' dresses but nothing too advanced. I can't use a sewing machine either so everything's done by hand. Sewing machines scare the life out of me!