4Real Forums: Learning to sew

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Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
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Topic: Learning to sew

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pumpkinmom
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Joined: March 28 2012
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Posted: July 30 2012 at 3:41pm \| IP Logged

I have a desire to learn some sewing skills to do some craft projects. I had a sewing class in 8th grade, but haven't done any sewing in 20 years. And I was terrible at it when I did. I have relatives that could teach me, but I really don't want to arrange a time and would rather teach myself at home at my own speed. What are some good resources for this? I bought Sewing with Saint Anne from CHC last year, but it has been sitting on the shelf since then. Maybe this would be a good place to start. I don't have a sewing machine, but I am willing to put one of my Christmas list, if needed.

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Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch

knowloveserve
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Joined: Jan 31 2007
Location: Washington
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Posted: July 30 2012 at 4:40pm \| IP Logged

Any sewing machine will come with a basic instruction booklet that tells you all you need to know about how to load a bobbin, thread the needle and start sewing. I don't think you need to purchase any books at the beginner stage personally. The machine's booklet will tell you the basics. You tube can fill in the rest.

I am self taught. I started off hand sewing on my dh's patches when he was military and hemming pants for the children. Then we got a machine and I sewed pillowcases, curtains, baby blankets and cloth napkins. Straight lines are easy.

Then I learned a couple other stitches and began sewing baby carriers (mei tais) from online tutorials. I read a couple more tutorials on how to sew a basic skirt and make a few "up cycled" clothing items.

To this day, I wouldn't know how to follow a pattern purchased in the store but I use my machine on a weekly basis for all sorts of projects.

Best piece of advice is to simply not be intimidated and dive right in. You'll learn as you go. You'll do great!

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Ellie
The Bleeding Pelican

JennGM
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
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Posted: July 30 2012 at 5:03pm \| IP Logged

This thread on learning to sew has links to all our past discussions and great ideas. Hope it helps some.

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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to

& ds1

'03 & ds2

'07
Family in Feast and Feria

pumpkinmom
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Location: Missouri
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Posted: July 30 2012 at 6:18pm \| IP Logged

JennGM wrote:

This thread on learning to sew has links to all our past discussions and great ideas. Hope it helps some.

Awesome! Thanks!

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Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch

JennGM
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
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Posted: July 30 2012 at 8:50pm \| IP Logged

Learning to sew can be very project oriented. There are certain skills you want to learn, add on slowly. Typically there is a tote bag, pillow with zipper, maybe applique on the pillow, apron, pants...each one builds on the things you learn. The fun thing for you is to pick your projects that will be motivating and pleasing to you.

There are loads of free sewing ideas online (although make sure you understand the instructions completely -- don't want to get you discouraged.

Or you could use a book, such as Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time which has cute "modern" type projects.

I also thought this book The Sewing Machine Classroom: Learn the Ins & Outs of Your Machine was very helpful.

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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to

& ds1

'03 & ds2

'07
Family in Feast and Feria

KC in TX
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Joined: Aug 05 2005
Location: Texas
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Posted: July 30 2012 at 9:46pm \| IP Logged

The biggest thing to remember is mistakes happen. Don't focus on them, just keep moving.

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KC,
wife to Ben (10/94),
Mama to LB ('98)
Michaela ('01)
Emma ('03)
Jordan ('05)
And, my 2 angels, Rose ('08) and Mark ('09)

The Cabbage Patch

mamaslearning
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Joined: Nov 12 2007
Location: N/A
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Posts: 927

Posted: Aug 03 2012 at 8:23am \| IP Logged

I love to sew and will be teaching my oldest to use the machine this year. We are going to jump in with a simple skirt, but here is a site with free tutorials on teaching kids to sew. It's also helpful for an adult!

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Lara
DD 11, DS 8, DS 6, DS 4
St. Francis de Sales Homeschool

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