I have always wanted to learn to sew. I do not mean sew on a button that fell off or a loose hem. I mean really sew- a dress, a skirt, pillowcases, curtains. I have a small sewing kit, with needles and pins and thread, but the world of sewing has always seemed overwhelming and confusing to me....How do you use a pattern? Do they come in different sizes? Do you have to trace the fabric onto the pattern, or use them as a cut out and cut around them, and are they reusable? What about sewing machines...why are there so many different types of sewing machines? If I buy one kind, does that mean it makes only certain things? What is the difference? And what on earth is a bobbin? How do some women sew clothes by hand and manage to make straight lines? Can you accidentally sew your finger to the fabric when using a machine? Rather than be forever afraid and overwhelmed by this most useful craft, I've decided to try to learn it and see how skilled I can become. My goal is to make myself dresses, lovely, feminine summer and winter dresses, as often as I need them, and not depend on the availability of what is in season and in style at stores. I am not often impressed by the selection I find in department stores and boutiques. Either the fit is beautiful but the color does not flatter me, or the pattern is unappealing, or the skirt is too long or too short, or the overall look is too plain. Often I think to myself "If I could sew on some flowers here this would be perfect!" or "If I could shorten the hem to a more flattering length I would wear this all the time!"
The idea of being able to pick the fabric, the colors, the style and length and pattern of my dresses entirely (it's self-made couture!) has motivated me in my quest to learn this skill. I've begun looking into classes. Most classes teach sewing with the use of a sewing machine, but many allow the students to use theirs if they do not have one to bring in. My other option is to buy an inexpensive sewing machine and a book that teaches sewing, and attempt to learn by myself. I have not yet decided which way to go, but within a couple weeks I expect to be sewing, one way or the other, and I'm very excited about it!
Hi - I just did a blog search for "sewing" and found your blog. Maybe I can help a little with your questions. (Please note that I am not by any means an expert, but have been sewing on and off for at least 45 years, took sewing for several years in 4-H, and took some sewing and textile classes in college.)
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be long and sound overwhelming, but please don't be discouraged. As in learning all new things, sewing is very confusing at first. You start out simple and work your way to difficult.
First, get yourself a basic beginner's sewing book. For now, you should stick with Coats and Clarks, Simplicity, or maybe Vogue. You can add to your library later. Don't be afraid to make notes, highlight or whatever in your book. It is yours to use.
Secondly, how do you learn best? Do you find it easiest to watch something being done and then try doing it yourself with some help? Are you good at looking at a book and figuring things out yourself? Do you work well in a class with other people, or do you like one-on-one instruction?
Personally, I recommend starting by taking a couple of absolute beginner's classes and get some one-on-one help. Go where you can use their machines to start with. (You may find that you hate sewing!)
Sewing patterns: Using a pattern comes after you learn some basics about how to handle fabric, learn to use a sewing machine, and can sew a fairly straight line.
Yes, patterns come in all sizes, shapes, and levels of difficulty. Some you use as they are and some are easier to use if you trace them - depends on the brand. If you are careful you can reuse patterns. For clothing, you will probably need to learn how to alter the pattern, too. Oh, never pay full price for a pattern. Wait until they go on sale for at least half price or better yet $1.99. I can help you with more pattern info later.
Sewing machines: There are sewing machines that sew only forward using your knee or feet to run the machine (like the old treadle machines) to multi-thousand dollar computer machines that do fancy embroidery. There are heavy duty machines for sewing heavy denim, upholstry, backpacks, tents, etc. There are sergers that sew, overcast, and trim the seams all at the same time.
The most versatile and easiest machine to learn on (and use!) is a basic machine that sews forward, backward, and maybe has a variety of zigzag stitches. As with everything, some brands of machines are much better than others. Ask people who sew about the brand and model of machine they use and what their likes and dislikes are (and take notes!). If you would like, we can discuss this later, too.
A bobbin is a small spool that is wound with thread and is almost always inserted inside the sewing machine machine. The bobbin thread (sometimes called the bottom thread) locks with the upper thread to form a stitch that doesn't unravel. (Yes, usually stitching can be removed if you make a mistake. You can actually buy a seam ripper. I have several.)
Sewing a straight line without some kind of guide is something I can rarely do, although there are seamtresses and quilters who can. There are guides that attach to the sewing machine or are sometimes even printed on or pressed into the machine. There are several ways to mark seams that you sew where the guide doesn't help. You will learn these in a class or from a sewing book. Using some kind of a guide is perfectly normal and highly recommended.
Yes, you can do damage with the sewing needle, dog feed, and pressure foot to your finger nails, fingers, and even your hair (tie back long hair!). On other moving parts you can bump your glasses, forehead, and/or nose if you get too close. I have bled on projects and even sewn the clothes I was wearing to something I was making. You just learn to keep out of the way and be careful!
Sewing clothes or quilts is kind of like a cross between putting together jigsaw puzzles and building houses. You put small bits together in a certain order to form something whole.
I recommend that you start learning to sewn on machine washable and dryable, inexpensive cotton or cotton/polyester blends - preferrably something with a straight stripe, check, or plaid. (You will find fabric width, care, content, and usually price per yard on the end of the fabric bolt. Don't be afraid to ask for help.) Stripes, plaids, or checks give you straight lines to follow on the fabric. Practice by making some square or rectangle cloth table napkins, tea towels, or even single layer placemats. Then try a simple apron. Be sure to wash and dry and press the fabric first!
Besides a good sewing manual, you will need a steam iron and either a pressing pad or ironing board. An ironing board is preferred when you really get going. I personally prefer the "silver" ironing board covers. (I don't like the pretty patterned ironing board covers because the patterns often show through the fabric making me think that my clothes are stained.)
You will also need three basic pairs of scissors. One pair should be sharp scissors for cutting paper (you might already have a pair around the house). The second pair should be medium priced fabric shears. (I recommend the orange handled Friskars or something similar for starters. Use these ONLY on fabric. Hide them from yourself and other family members if necessary.) And, get a small pair of sharp pointed, straight-bladed scissors for clipping threads and clipping and trimming in tight places.
Do no skip pressing. This is so important. (Yes, you will probably scorch your fingers once in a while. Goes with the territory.)
Next, as to finding fabric for your clothes - finding a fabric store that carries a large selection of clothing fabric could be difficult. The only two stores that carry any clothing fabric at all (that are close to where I live) are Jo Ann Fabric and Wal-mart, and the selection is extremely limited. Seems most people only want quilting and craft fabric.
Sorry for the "book", but I hope this helps a little. Feel free to visit my blog to ask more questions. Happy stitching!
I'm so glad you posted, Pakrat!
ReplyDeleteI got discouraged and quit - I'm one of those who needs to be shown; reading directions makes no sense to me. I'm thinking of trying again - starting with some simple straight-line sewing for my house.
You gals have encouraged and inspired me!
Dear Pakrat, I would love to discuss this with you further! Thank you kindly for the offer, I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the sewing machines. Do they all require a foot pedal? Is this what you mean by "using your knee or feet to run the machine (like the old treadle machines)"...do they have any that don't require this in simpler models?
I am going to go this weekend to look at some sewing machines and get those three pairs of scissors.
Thanks you so much, I am really grateful!
Dear Penelope...
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same feelings as you and like Laura, who posted I DO NOT learn quickly or efficiently by reading directions either. My grandmother left a sewing machine to me and although I was at the same state of not knowing how to thread it or what a bobbin is..much less how to use it, I forged ahead and figured it out. I have been experimenting and have made aprons, and purses, and totes, and hemming jeans, etc. I am altering a skirt I didn't like to fit my 3 year old...I've made a valance, too. I still haven't attempted a pattern, but it's been a blast just sewing by instinct. I'll post some of my stuff on my blog later, but I believe, somethings are cemented in your mind if you just forge ahead and try. It's trial and error, but if you learn to do it without a pattern..(I wouldn't advise if you were making a wedding gown) you will sew by instinct and have the freedom to sew anything, as I'm learning! It's been a blast, and I'm excited to hear of anyone trying to better themselves in domestication.
Good luck! I started with cotton-ish material in the clearance bins and started adding buttons, etc. I also really like denim. I don't make jeans, but it's just durable for alot of stuff.
Have fun! If you start getting frustrated...stop and pick it up later.
Penelope and Laura,
ReplyDeletePlease see my blog for answers about sewing machines. I did a long post. Thanks.
somuchfabric.blogspot.com
That is so exciting that you want to learn to sew! Have you thought about spreading the word at your church? There are usually many talented women just itching to share this traditional skill with young women.
ReplyDeleteI have an older friend who is my quilting tutor, and she has shared her fabric and thread with me and worked for hours on my quilt with me. I sew simple skirts and blouses and it is so nice to be able to make thintgs that are feminine and modest, not to mention the perfect color and fit!!