S1E10: How to Start Your Sewing Journey
Listen on: Spotify, Youtube, Apple Podcasts.
Current Projects
Theresa: Finish up my winter sewing project, a quilt using scrap fabric.
Cecelia: Sundae Dress
Fun Question: First thing you ever sewed?
Theresa: First things to sew were burp cloths & bibs. First 3D project was a drawstring bag with contrasting fabric. First garment was a Geranium Dress by Made-by-Rae. (Pictured above are a paired bloomers and cute little kiddo shoes.)
Cecelia: First item was a tote bag. First garment was a Shirt No1 by 100 Acts of Sewing.
Supplies to Start Your Sewing Journey
- THINGS TO HAVE: machine, fabric, needles, thread, good scissors, pins, iron, ironing board (or you can hand sew!)
- Borrow a machine from a friend/relative, library, makers space to see if you even like it
- Make smaller items to learn (throw quilt: $100, 2 yards of nicer fabric for a shirt $30)
- Use unconventional fabric (sheets, old clothes, curtains – check thrift/FB)
Find what motivates you
- Halloween costumes/Cosplay
- New Baby – clothes, baby accessories (hats, bibs, burp cloths)
- Home decor – pillows, bowl covers, napkins, curtains
- Modify clothes – hem pants, shorten sleeves, add side panels to jeans
- Sew New Clothes – follow pattern designers (Syd Grahm, Matchy Matchy Sewing Sewing Club, Instagram for inspo), every day clothes or fancy dresses, ME MADE MAY
How to even start, the basics
- If you get a sewing machine, have someone show you how to thread it, and video them doing it, so you can replay the video if needed.
- TWO THREADS: bobbin + top thread
- Hold those threads when you start stitching on the fabric
- Machine pulls the fabric for you
- TENSION: If you’re stitches look too loose or too tight, adjust tension
- THREAD NEST: pull out all thread and rethread
- Practice sewing in a straight line, seam allowance, follow markings on machine
- Sewing knits is different, stretchy fabric can break sewn thread when sewing. Sew with a zigzag if tight or will need to stretch
- YouTube video:
Best qualities for a first project
- Low stakes: don’t use expensive fabric or cherished fabric
- Support: in person class, friend, youtube tutorials (“sew alongs”)
- Quick
- Easy Win
- If a garment: not super fitting
Resources
- YOUTUBE – search for pattern designer
- Seamwork – subscription service, they have a ton of resources and get a pattern credit every month
- Books! – Use library first to vet them, and then if it’s a good one then purchase
Examples of Good First Sewing Projects
Home:
envelope pillow (only has six straight lines)
Baby:
bibs, burp cloths, bloomers (have elastic)
Accessories:
Sam Apron (free) from Helen’s Closet Patterns
Dogwood (waist apron) from Helen’s Closet Patterns
Apron York Pinafore Expansion from Helen’s Closet Pattern
scrunchies – Joyberry Studios tutorial
Tote bags (Purl Soho also has great patterns!)
Garments (stick to woven):
Shirts
Ashton Top by Helens Closet (tank, but has sleeve expansion)
Wavy Vest by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
Shirt Number 1 by 100 Acts of Sewing
Loungewear Set by Common Stitch (In Peppermint Magazine)
Bottoms
Gathered skirt (free tutorial!)
Purl Soho City Gym Shorts (kiddo size here!)
Loungewear Set by Common Stitch (printed in Peppermint Magazine)
Kite Pants by Matchy Matchy Sewing club
Emerson Pants/Shorts by True Bias
Dresses/Jumpsuits
Hinterland Dress by Sew LiberatedÂ
Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory Patterns
