topic Re: Beginner to Sewing in Home

Beginner to Sewing

IHeartFashion — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 05:53:31 GMT

I've always wanted to learn to sew my own clothes... nothing too fancy, but maybe a wrap skirt, or to fix a dress that has a torn hem or doesn't fit quite right.

I would LOVE to eventually do fancier things, so I need some help from sewing experts.

1. Would you start with a really good sewing machine or start smaller and trade up as your skilled progressed?

2. What is a good sewing machine for someone who wants to make clothes (like summer dresses and wrap skirts) at home, as well as do things like sew patches on uniforms for my boys or fix hems or pockets for my husband?

3. I checked locally at Michaels for a sewing course, and none of the local ones have a starter class. Is there a good online class I can take?

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to start this hobby, I always wanted to learn and feel like it would really make me more self sufficient so I don't have to pay so much to get something tailored or tape up hems.

Thank you!

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Kachina624 — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 06:11:35 GMT

I bought my first sewing machine, a heavy, metal Singer model, in 1964. The only fancy stitch it does is zigzag. I've never felt like I needed another machine and am still using this one, although I don't sew much anymore. I think I paid about $140, which was a princely amount back in those days, but it's paid for itself 1000 times over. I've made my office work wardrobe on it for years, did children's clothing, made draperies and pillows, mended a million things, hemmed thousands of pants and skirts, even made a vinyl canopy for a boat.

Keep in mind that the fancier a machine is, the more there is to go wrong with it. I'm all for keeping it simple; I doubt most people ever use most of the features on the expensive electronic machines. You certainly don't need them for basic sewing. The only accessory I have is a gadget that makes beautiful buttonholes.

Go to some of the brand stores like Singer and get demonstrations. Ask questions. They might even know where you could get lessons.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Desertdi — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 06:33:07 GMT

If you decide to sew......keep it a secret. Otherwise all your friends, relatives, neighbors, etc., will be bringing you things to alter or repair (!) I speak from experience.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Newshound — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 06:33:32 GMT

Hi -I agree with the other poster the simpler the sewing machine the better- my SIL and I have both sewn alot and used and have owned a number of machines and are now back to old,sturdy Singers that go forward and back only!! A machine that can do zig-zag and maybe buttonholes are all you will need.You can teach yourself how to sew,patterns have alot of info. and the clerks at the fabric store can probably help you to select fabric for your first few projects I just got done making some reversible fleece dog coats for a couple of our dogs..it is really fun and dont forget you tube for tutorials also!

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Newshound — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 06:35:49 GMT

I also forgot to say that sewing things for the home like curtains is a really good way to learn about your machine and a way to do a bunch of straight seams.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

sfnative — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 07:04:47 GMT

@IHeartFashion wrote:
I've always wanted to learn to sew my own clothes... nothing too fancy, but maybe a wrap skirt, or to fix a dress that has a torn hem or doesn't fit quite right.

I would LOVE to eventually do fancier things, so I need some help from sewing experts.

1. Would you start with a really good sewing machine or start smaller and trade up as your skilled progressed?

2. What is a good sewing machine for someone who wants to make clothes (like summer dresses and wrap skirts) at home, as well as do things like sew patches on uniforms for my boys or fix hems or pockets for my husband?

3. I checked locally at Michaels for a sewing course, and none of the local ones have a starter class. Is there a good online class I can take?

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to start this hobby, I always wanted to learn and feel like it would really make me more self sufficient so I don't have to pay so much to get something tailored or tape up hems.

Thank you!

@IHeartFashion

Answers in order:

1. Sewing Machine: I wanted to replace my Pfaff about 6 years ago, so went to all the cheap places like Target and the like. Without a doubt, the Singer machines I evaluated there were junk. and would never purchase one. I'm guessing there are "quality" Singers, but I didn't see one. Ended up going to a "sewing and vacuum cleaner store." I know this sounds weird, but there are thousands of them in the U.S.. I would recommend purchasing the best machine I could afford, because over the years, purchasing and purchasing and purchasing will be very expensive for you. Buy a Bernina, Elna, Janome or Pfaff and go for the middle grade. Farther down the road, purchase a serger to accompany your sewing machine, which will finish edges (sooooooo important) and much more.

2. See points made in #1, plus: purchase a sewing machine in which the bobbin is inserted by sliding a little door to the right and lays FLAT in the machine. Some machines require you to place the bobbin in a housing, which you then have to hold onto, ease down into the machine and attempt to slide into place on the left. The is a pain in the neck, not easy and a bad decision for a beginner!

3. Joann's may have classes, as they sell sewing machines, or at least used to. However, I would highly recommend taking a block of courses from an instructor whose profession is doing just that. Try local fabric shops and the internet for leads. When learning an art such as sewing, hands-on instruction is to very important vice online courses.

A couple of hints: if your sewing project calls for a specific weight of thread, purchase that weight of thread. Please don't go cheap here, as you'll regret it; in addition to the presser foot that comes with your machine, budget to purchase a quarter inch seam foot, a zipper foot, a Teflon foot and a clear plastic presser foot; if your project uses cotton, wash the fabric first, dry on low heat, then use spray starch while ironing it; purchase a "rotary fabric cutter," which can be found near the scissors; purchase a quality pair of shears and a small pair of scissors; for pinning, purchase long pins with plastic heads,like butterflies - the old type pins are shorter and have glass or plastic heads; when pinning fabric, place the pins perpendicular to the edge of the fabric, versus parallel to the fabric (old fashioned way and not recommended); ***get to know and understand that sewing with cotton, wool and knits require different techniques.

Once you have your machine, read the instructions, then remove your pressure foot. At this point, get several pieces of paper from your computer printer. On one, draw a "picture frame" 1 inch from the border, then another picture frame one inch inside fist and so on. Now, without the presser foot on, start "sewing" directlu on those lines. On another piece of paper, draw a swirl and "sew" over that line. On the last piece of paper, draw a frame, then an "X from corner to corner of that frame. Now sew away.

There is so much more to sewing that needs to be said, but I'm sure you'll find a great class and will learn enough to get you on your way to sewing for the rest of your life.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

sfnative — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 07:12:59 GMT

@newshound6 wrote:
Hi -I agree with the other poster the simpler the sewing machine the better- my SIL and I have both sewn alot and used and have owned a number of machines and are now back to old,sturdy Singers that go forward and back only!! A machine that can do zig-zag and maybe buttonholes are all you will need.You can teach yourself how to sew,patterns have alot of info. and the clerks at the fabric store can probably help you to select fabric for your first few projects I just got done making some reversible fleece dog coats for a couple of our dogs..it is really fun and dont forget you tube for tutorials also!

@IHeartFashion

@Newshound

I'd suggest starting out with a simple apron pattern or one for pillow cases. Be wary of clerks. Bring along an experienced friend.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Big Sister — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 08:07:10 GMT

I started with lessons from a great teacher in a community college. I still have my old Singer and while I don't sew much anymore, I did love

creating clothes for me. You will feel so accomplished and proud of yourself. I still have dresses I made in the 70's that I can't part with. I look at them and realize how perfectly they were sewn and I'm proud of that.

I do recommend lessons, for sure.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

nysmom — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 08:54:22 GMT

Congratulations on finding such a great new hobby! My granddaughter is very interested in getting a sewing machine (thanks to the Project Runway show). I told her that I would teach her how to use my sewing machine after she mastered simple hand repairs on her clothes. We put together a nice little hand sewing kit for her from my extra stash of supplies.

If all goes well, I would like to buy her a sewing machine and was also wondering what to buy. I agree with the other members who posted that a simple sewing machine is better. My mother had a very sturdy Singer machine from the 60's and then inherited a more complex machine. The newer machine was always going in for repairs but the old Singer kept chugging along.

You may consider going to your local Senior Center and placing a notice on their bulletin board for sewing machine lessons. Our older neighbors have a wealth of information and are often happy to teach certain skills. (I agree that pillow cases are a great first project!) Best of luck to you and have fun!!!

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Nuttmeg — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 09:48:59 GMT

@newshound6 wrote:
I also forgot to say that sewing things for the home like curtains is a really good way to learn about your machine and a way to do a bunch of straight seams.

Brother XL2600I sold at Amazon. I like things about this machine, the price, the front drop in bobbin, and the included attachments.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

ID2 — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 11:27:13 GMT

Oh its so nice to hear that someone still wants to sew! I learned years ago in a sewing class in high school. I used to sew everything when I was newly married. When my kids came along I sew all their clothes. Its so nice to look back at old photos and see the lovely things I made! Sorry to say that I no longer sew my own clothes. I do alter my clothes and do hemming and such. If theres something I need for my home that I can't find outright I'll just make it myself. It just blows my mind when I hear women on this board talk about taking a pair of pants to a seamstress and pay someone to hem them! Its so easy just to do it yourself. But I was brought up sewing, so I see things differently.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Goldengate8361 — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 11:31:49 GMT

So glad the OP started this thread. I, too, am wanting to learn how to sew. My problem is that I'm very limited in time that I could attend a class and it seems like most are held during the week while I'm at work. I've thought that what I'd really like to do would be to pay someone to come to my house and give me a private lesson (I'd be willing to pay a premium for this.) do you think any sewing teacher would be willing to do that?

Re: Beginner to Sewing

In-x-s — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 11:45:12 GMT

I have to agree with what most others say --- keep it simple!! I would use youtube myself and do it at your own pace. It isn't that hard to learn yourself. Another must have, besides the sewing machine, is a good iron!! Pressing before sewing makes it much easier.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

CelticCrafter — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 12:03:58 GMT

If it were me and I was just starting out, I would go simple. If you don't like your new hobby you aren't stuck with an expensive piece of equipment.

I learned how to sew 50 years ago on my mothers old Kenmore. Once I started to work and was able to my own machine I bought a Singer and I hated it. I remember begging my parents to replace it with a Kenmore one Christmas for me and they did. It was a true workhorse and lasted 32 years before it started to need constant servicing. It made everything from tiny little doll clothes to heavy woolen winter jackets and anything in between.

I replaced it about 10 years ago with, at the time, a Kenmore top of the line electronic model because I knew it would probably be the last machine I would buy. It's proven itself to be another workhorse. In a strange event here about 4 years ago it was knocked off the cabinet and crashed to the floor. I figured it was doomed but I picked it up, tried all the functions and not a thing wrong with it.

I don't know why I'm telling you all about a Kenmore because, sadly they don't make them anymore but if you could get one reconditioned it's what I would recommend.

I do have a Brother embroidery only machine and that too is a hard worker. If I ever had to replace the Kenmore, I would go with a Brother.

I love to sew, the house could come crashing down around me and I don't think I would look up! I've learned that when I am sewing I cannot multi-task so I need to make sure all other chores have been taken care of before I sit down at the machine.

My other bits of advice would be if you do love it, don't let anyone else use it and buy a good pair of scissors that are used only for fabric and then hide those from anyone else in the house! Touch my fabric scissors and be prepared for the dire consequences.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

qualitygal — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 12:14:51 GMT

See if one of your local sewing centers offers classes. While it might be fun, you want to know what you're doing. Before you invest in a lot of things, do some classes. It's fun to do, did more when I was younger, but never my clothes. My mom could do that, but I had fun on what I did. I've never sold or intend to sell my sewing machine either. It's a portable. But do check it out, you may love it!

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Sooner — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 14:06:29 GMT

My other loved to sew and I do have a sewing machine that has not been touched in 30 years--but it is in a closet somewhere!

From experience on my own, and from my mom, it is hard to beat some of the foreign machines like Bernina. They are smooth, and sew without anxiety and without eating material the way some cheaper machines do.

That being said, I'll bet you can pick up an expensive machine from the PREcomputerized era that just sews, mechanical and NOT computer drived, several stitches and does it beautifully! Check tag, estate and garage sales! Mother LOVED her two Berninas and said they were a joy to use. Be sure all the needed attachments come with it. Others here can advise on that.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Dusty1 — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 15:16:31 GMT

I am no professional seamstress, but I do love to sew things. I bought my Husqvarna Emerald 118 at a Joanns with a sewing center. I thought I just wanted a nice basic machine. They had classes & I did take them. I had already sewn quite a bit, but it was nice to go over basics like buttonholes, zippers & hemming. 3 years ago I decided I wanted an embroidery machine, so I went to a sewing machine/vacuum shop & bought a Brother 950D (which only means that I can get Disney embroidery patterns on it). I love that machine & all of it's fancy stitches-on the regular sewing part. It is so fun & it sews like buttah! The embroidery part of the machine is great-it only does a 4X4 hoop-but it is soooooo fun. If you can go to any sewing shops & talk about some of the machines do that. Don't make a decision right there, no matter if they do tell you that they are only having a 1 hr special & you have to buy NOW. If you have more than 1 shop that you can go to, go to a couple & see what you learn, how you feel about the machines & what classes they offer. It's an expensive decision to make.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

pattypeep — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 21:40:25 GMT

Depending on your budget, I would get a medium priced machine without too many bells and whistles to start. If you get one that is too "cheap", it might discourage your sewing. I taught myself to sew when I was in grade school with my mother's black iron Singer that only sewed forward. In 1969 after our first child was born, my dh purchased a Singer Golden Touch and Sew for me and I am still using it. I would suggest starting with inexpensive fabrics and make simple curtains, table runners, appliance covers and that sort of thing. As you gain confidence, then you will feel comfortable advancing. I have made everything under the sun including a formal wedding dress for a friend. I do not sew my clothes anymore because it just isn't cost effective (for me). Patterns are very expensive and good material isn't cheap. Go for it and have a blast !!

Re: Beginner to Sewing

151949 — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 21:50:44 GMT

When i was 13 and showed an interest in sewing my parents bought me a kenmore portable sewing machine. It went forward, backward and zig zagged only. I had that machine for 30 years !!! I really got their money's worth out of it. For Christmas 1992 my DH gave me a Singer 20 stitch. OMG I thought I had died and gone to heaven.I still have it - she is one of my best friends. She even goes home to PA with us every summer. I can't imagine not having her in my life. I do love to sew. I have since also purchased a White serger. If I were the OP I would advise starting out with a simple machine until you see how skilled you are and if you love it.

As for classes - they are usually offered at sewing machine stores or fabric stores like Hancock or Joanns.I have also taken a few night classes at the community college - usually in some specific skill related to sewing like tailoring a man's suit.

Re: Beginner to Sewing

Tigriss — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 23:24:35 GMT

Go to a thrift shop and find a good, old, metal sewing machine. You can find them for $10-50. If you know what to look for you will know if it is a working machine. You can find parts online or ebay. OR....Go for a good mechanical stitch machine or a Bother computerized. I have two Brother computerized, one the big Project RUnway with almost 400 stitches. It is the one I use most among my 15 machines. I do own a Janome mechanical stitch, which was my first machine when I got back into sewing full time because I could take it to classes for quilting and the like far easier than my antique machines, which are heavy because they are all METAL. I use my grandmother's old Singer 401A slant. Well, I use them all from the trendle to the hand crank to the hot pink Brother. I collect them anf fix them up. You can fix anything but rust!

If you have a sewing friend, they should be able to guide you to a working sewing machine in a thrift shop, or just get a basic computerize one from some place with a good return policy like WalMart or BBB (they have coupons), so if it does break, you can replace it easily, but if it doesn't you can have a light weight machine with several stitich patterns to handle most of your basic sewing needs with better lighting and auto needle up/down, and variable stitch speed, than a basic old one. Once you do several projects, the $200 or so machine will pay for itself. If you can't spend that much at once, HSN does have a decent selection including Janome with flex pay, but a crappy return policy. I wouldn't get a modern Singer because they just aren't what they used to be. The Brothers run quieter and haven't had issues like the Singers that have been producted since they were bought out.