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Starting up a new hobby, Sewing :)?
Sunday, September 13th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
BOOMCHIKABOOM asked:
So I’d love to start sewing my own clothes. I see lots of clothes I like in magazines and can’t find them anywhere, or I see something in a store but there’s something little I don’t like about it. What supplies would I need to start (what kind of sewing machine ect.) and what is easy for me to begin with??
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So I’d love to start sewing my own clothes. I see lots of clothes I like in magazines and can’t find them anywhere, or I see something in a store but there’s something little I don’t like about it. What supplies would I need to start (what kind of sewing machine ect.) and what is easy for me to begin with??
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September 17th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Hobby Supplies
To start out, I would get a nice little sewing machine that does your basic stitches… you won’t need anything fancy at first. I own a Bernina and have been very happy it with for quite a few years. If you start sewing a lot, I would recommend a overlock machine that will speed up your sewing and will make nice edges. You will need thread, pins, measuring tape, good scissors (I would spend some money on them since it is a pain to cut with dull ones), marking pencil or chalk. Fabric depends on what you would like to sew. You probably will need an iron and ironing board as well. Since you are starting out, I would recommend either a good friend that can help you through something or a good book for starters.
You can start out with pants, shirts, skirts, dresses etc. It depends on the pattern you choose. I would look for simple pockets etc for starters.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Hobby Supplies
A simple sewing machine to begin with. One that does just straight stitch and maybe zigzag. That is the least expensive and can be traded up sometimes for a fancier one.
Sewing box: Scissors, pins, tape measure, hand needles, thread to match fabric, pattern, and fabric are the basics.
If I were you I would get a book like Simplicity Sewing Techniques or the old Readers Digest Sewing.
If you have never used a sewing machine, start with unthreaded needle and sew up a ream of notebook paper following the straight lines. When you have mastered the foot control, like driving a car, then make a pillow. then try some curved lines and make a round pillow. then you are ready to try clothing that you will actually wear.
Love from a former sewing teacher!!!
September 21st, 2009 at 8:29 am
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I’m just learning myself, and would recommend you go to your local sewing shop and ask about classes. It’s much easier to do that than figure out things from a book. Once you’ve got the basics under control, the stuff in the books will start making sense!
Definately get an overlocker. I bought the second cheapest available in the shop and am really happy with it. It is really worth paying the extra hundred dollars for one that is easier to thread up! As for sewing machines, get a basic model. Look in the trading post. Mine is an old bernina, like they usually have in schools. Nice, simple, reliable and easy to get fixed. Make sure you find out how often to service it. My grandmother’s machine works like a dream and she’s had it about 50 years. Even if you get right into this new hobby and want a fancier machine, you’ll still use your reliable old straight sewer.
If you can find someone to teach you, learn to pattern your own stuff. It will give you so much more flexibility in what you make. This is the first thing I made. (Didn’t follow the formula for the gussets, 10cm square is about right.) Now I’m going to get a fellow SCA member to teach me how to make early Tudor garb! I’m terribly excited about it!
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Hobby Supplies
Kudos for taking up sewing.
Start with a cheap machine. Drop in bobbins tend to be easier to manage than bobbin cases.
If you’ve never sewed before, start with something SIMPLE!
You do NOT want to buy a complicated pattern, expensive fabric and then mess it up. Even if you have someone experienced to help you, start small.
When I was in 7th Grade sewing, we made in this order:
A drawstring gym bag
A gingham apron
An A-Line skirt.
And because I was so proficient, I moved into advanced Vest.
Pick a pattern, then buy the ingredients listed. You don’t really need to buy everything in the store at first. Also get a scissor, pins, needles, an measuring tape, a sewing gauge. You can sometimes find a beginning sewing kit with all the essentials. I think I’ve seen them at WalMart.
And an iron is essential. Press everything. That’s the key to good sewing.
And wash your fabric before cutting!
Email me if you have any questions I can help you with.