Sewing for beginners can be intimidating due to nervousness when starting to sew. The important part is getting started because you will never know how easy or difficult a task is unless you do it. Learning how to start sewing as a beginner might seem overwhelming especially not knowing how and what you’d need to get you started. Don’t worry because there’s always a first time for everything, and sewing is not any different.
The only difference is how you start your sewing journey. Starting to sew blindly cans break your interest in sewing. So having the right information before starting to sew is very important. Remember that even the pro sewists were once beginners so keep reading to learn a few tips on how to start sewing.
How To Start Sewing For Beginners
As a beginner, you need to have background information on the tools you need in the sewing industry, the ideal projects to get you started, and some sewing tips for beginners.
Things You Need To Start Sewing
To start sewing, here’s what you’ll need.
A Sewing Machine
Get yourself a sewing machine by either buying, hiring or borrowing. Having a sewing machine at your disposal will give you unlimited time to keep practicing how to sew. An important point to note if you choose to invest in a sewing machine is that there are different kinds of sewing machines.
Even though they all have the same purpose, some are more complicated. As a beginner, you can opt for a simple machine with standard straight line stitches and an additional zigzag stitch. Do a thorough checkup when buying a sewing machine and seek help depending on the projects you think you’ll be handling often.
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Additional Tools
Starting, you won’t need much sewing equipment. But as you go you realize you’ll be buying some more tools. Here are some basic tools that will help you as you learn how to start sewing.
Fabric
As a beginner, you don’t need to buy very expensive fabric. You can even opt to use old bed sheets or buy thrift fabrics to get started. However, you don’t want to invest in very expensive fabric and end up ruining it.
Scissor
You need to have at least two pairs of scissors. In addition, you should have fabric scissors and multifunctional scissors. Please note that fabric scissors should not be used to cut other objects. Use the extra pair of scissors to cut threads, paper patterns, etc.
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Tape Measure
Having a tape measure is important since it’ll help with cutting out paper patterns and fabric.
Pins, Needles, and Threads
Have some pins for holding your fabric and patterns, matching threads, and standard needles.
Learn how to use a sewing machine
As a beginner, sitting in front of that complex-looking machine can feel astounding. However, it’s not as complicated as you think. The only important thing is you learn the basic parts and what each does.
Study the user’s manual and learn everything about your sewing machine. Learn how to thread your machine needle and bobbin thread. Learning the correct way of threading your sewing machine will determine the quality of stitches you make. It will also prevent thread breaking and other hurdles.
Once you have your machine ready, you are now ready to kick start your sewing adventure. But, to have a mesmerizing experience, you need to be equipped with some quick sewing tips to help you sew effortlessly.
Sewing Tips For Beginners
1. Start sewing slowly
Take it easy. Put in mind that you cannot become a pro overnight. Start sewing slowly even if it means each stitch at a time. Sewing slowly will help you with precision and sewing in a straight line. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to add on speed bit by bit.
2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
The fear of making mistakes when learning how to start sewing can be a great drawback. You can never progress if you keep avoiding trying out new things. Making mistakes and correcting them is what will give you the confidence to sew and advance to a pro sewist.
3. Learn sewing terms and symbols
When learning how to sew, you will come across unfamiliar sewing terms and symbols. However, you should learn what they mean because they will help you in pattern layout and the general outcome of your project.
4. Start with easy projects
Start sewing easy projects that do not require complicated details like adding zippers or buttonholes.
5. Remember You are the one in control
You are the one in control. When learning how to start sewing, most time you might think the machine is in control to do all the work. While this might seem the case. You will realize you will be the one in control from guiding the fabric through to controlling the tension.
6. Prepare the fabric before sewing
It’s important to understand the nature of the fabric you choose to use. Some fabrics shrink which can affect the outcome of your sewing project. It’s advisable to pre-ash fabrics like linen, nylon, or cotton. After washing, press the fabric while still slightly damp with a cool iron.
7. Hold your thread tails at the back
Hold your thread tails at the back before making the first stitches. This will prevent them from tangling or being pulled inside the machine mechanism.
Sewing Tips For Beginners On How To Keep Your Work In Place
When learning how to start sewing, you will realize it’s a lot of work to keep those seams in place. Here are two sewing tips for beginners to help keep your work in place when sewing.
8. Press your fabric as you sew
This helps keep seam allowance in place and ease the struggle of folding and having to stop the machine to align the fabric.
9. Use a soluble fabric glue
Apply a thin layer of glue on the seam allowance edge to attach the two fabrics. This is ideal only when you don’t need to open the seams.
Sewing Tips For Beginners On How To Maintain The Sewing Machine
10. Keep your machine Clean
Regularly clean your sewing machine and if possible dust it after every use to remove lint. Keeping your machine clean will save you the trouble of taking it to a specialist for repair. You will be surprised that 75% of what you’d be paying for will be maintained by simple home maintenance.
Must Read: How to Clean Sewing Machine -Sewing Machine Cleaning Tips
11. Change your sewing needles often
Needles get blunt easily especially when you are sewing tough fabrics. Sewing with blunt needles can cause damage to your fabric as well as your machine. Change your needle after a long project or according to the fabric type being sewn.
Must Read: How To Replace Sewing Machine Needle – Replacing Sewing Machine Needle Guide
12. Stitching for beginners can be a bit hard
However, you can sew straight lines even if you are an absolute beginner. The trick is to focus on the fabric stitching line rather than the needle. Then, control your fabric gently through the presser foot making sure the needle is stitching on the stitching line.
Finally,
Learning how to start sewing can be scary especially when you don’t have the right info to get you started. So the number one priority, if you want to successfully master the art, is to learn all the sewing tips for beginners. This gives you a strong foundation and confidence when sewing. Within no time you will be sewing like a pro.
Recommended Readings:
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