Starting to sew from scratch can be a complete mindfield (I know it was for me... ) so I thought I would share with you some top tips that I have found to be really useful as I get to know my machine and learn how to make stuff... so here goes (in no particular order... )
- Invest in Tailors Chalk. When I started I bought the recommended air-soluble and water soluble pens and while these do the job they intended, I prefer chalk because it comes off so much easier. It makes me feel more confident in marking the right side of material if I need to. Personal choice but I am so glad I made the step towards chalk.
- Learn to sew zips early on. Everything I have read about zippers made them sound difficult to use and I have spoken to people who have been sewing for years who have always avoided making anything with a zipper (?!). My advice is to learn this very early on when you know nothing about anything, that way when you get good at sewing you'll have this skill ready to go. My first zipper was scarily wonky but just a couple of weeks in I am really proud of what I can produce. It is easier than you might think!
- Watch some tutorials. When I started to read about how to sew I got very confused very quickly so I started to watch some tutorials. This made each stage much easier to understand because I could see someone doing them. There are a lot of bad tutorials on Youtube so be careful but a couple of good ones to look out for are Whitney Sews and Craftygemini. They both offer lots of tutorials that are simple clear and easy to do. I also really recommend Craftsy. This is an american site that offers tutorials for all crafty things (not just sewing) and sells patterns etc. For beginning to sew I really recommend Sewing Studio by Diana Rupp (I wish she'd do more tutorials), although this is a paid tutorial it is really worth the fee. They also have some free tutorials, definitely check out Kirsten Link's Bag making basics.
- Don't buy the cheapest machine you can find. I did this as you can see in my previous post and I very quickly ended up buying an upgrade. I am afraid with sewing machines you really do get what you pay for. Buying a machine is a mindfield but some things to bear in mind are - get a well known make so when you need it repaired or bits replaced it can happen, get an automatic button hole, and as many stitches as you can afford. Also worth testing the machine out so always go to a dealer, not a big chain store.
- Start with something relatively easy, like curtains, or a pillow case.
I find it best to develop skills as I go, on the job so to speak, rather than learn everything then try and remember it all. A-line skirts are also fairly straight-forward (I have just completed my first one).
- Attach yourself to some sewing groups on Facebook (or where-ever). When you run into problems, the people on there have been sewing for years so will be a wealth of information and help. They can also give constructive feedback on what you produce.
- When buying fabric online buy a fat quarter. You never quite know what you are getting for your money when you buy fabric on the internet so I have found it a good idea to just buy a fat quarter (a quarter of a metre in a square). This is much cheaper, you get to see and feel the material and there are plenty of things you can make with a FQ. I have decided to sometimes buy more, and sometimes not, but at least you get a tester first.
- Tell people you are learning to sew. Others love to give advice and lets face it when starting out we want to absorb all the knowledge we can. Its great to find out lessons learned by others and also it can be re-assuring to know that we are sewed darts on the wrong side...
- Search out other sewing blogs (like this one, well done :-)). There are so many out there, it is great to connect with other sewing enthusiasts and build your community.
- Trial and error is the best way to learn. It's all good and well watching tutorials, reading books and listening to others (all great things that will definitely help you) but sometimes you have to dive in head first. Great sewing can only come from practice. Don't be afraid to try something new; it doesnt matter if you balls it up (just don't use your beloved material on the first go!) because the more you try something the better you'll get and the more confident you'll grow.
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