So you have decided that sewing is a skill you would like to master. Good for you! It can be a satisfying and rewarding hobby, and learning to sew can benefit your budget if frugality is what you seek. There are some things you will need in order to embark on this journey.
You will need a nook.
Your sewing room should be well lit and should provide ample room for measuring and cutting. It should include a system of organization for tools and supplies including an ironing board, an iron, and a filing system for fabrics and patterns.
You will need a machine.
Consider purchasing an older machine at a thrift shop, garage or estate sale, or an online auction website. Older machines are frequently inexpensive and sometimes free. Because they are more easily maintained than today’s technologically advanced machines, they can be excellent first machines for the sewing novice. Be sure to ask for the necessary cords, pedals, manuals, and accessories. If there is no owner’s manual, you can search online for videos which will help you learn the machine’s mechanical parts and their functions.
Should you desire to buy a new sewing machine, you may shop at local dealers, in large discount stores, or at any number of online vendors. A beginner will not need an expensive machine with advanced features, so a suitable machine can be purchased for approximately $300 or less. Smaller shops may have higher prices, but may also offer more personalized service with in-store tutorials or classes, and may provide repairs as well. The Mother’s Day and Christmas seasons are excellent times to shop because machines may be discounted.
The top selling brands in the U.S.A. are Brother and Singer, but there are also other brands of good quality. Complex sewing machines with automated or electronic functions may cost thousands of dollars, but conscientious comparison shopping should provide you with a good beginner machine. You may want to request the opportunity to test a machine in-store before you buy.
We listed three machines it considered perfect choices for beginners: the Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine at $150, the Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine at $120, and the Singer 7258 Sewing Machine at $180. The study showed these machines to be user friendly and straightforward with easy-to-use knobs and functions.
You will need some tools.
Assembling a comprehensive sewing kit is essential. The beginner will need several basic items:
• Chalk pencil – with chalk colors which will show up on dark or light fabrics
• Fabric shears – for cutting only fabric
• Hand needles – multi-packs in assorted lengths and eye sizes
• Pins – multi-packs with plastic heads of various colors
• Scissors – for all purpose cutting
• Seam ripper
• Sewing gauge – for measuring
• Snips – small scissors for cutting in close spaces
• Tape measure
• Thread – basic shades of white, black, gray, and cream, or colors to match your chosen fabric
You will need supplies.
Clothing patterns are given sizes based on body measurements. To ascertain which size you need, you should measure at the fullest parts of the bust, waist, and hips, while wearing the undergarments you plan to wear underneath the new outfit. Most outlets will offer easy sewing patterns which will include charts to calculate the size needed. If your measurements fall between sizes, choose the larger size. While patterns are based on standard sizes, they can be adjusted to better fit your shape.
You may purchase patterns and notions, i.e. zippers, buttons, thread, etc., online, in fabric stores, or in large discount stores when you purchase the fabric for your project. There are many internet outlets which offer sewing patterns for beginners. You may shop at www.mccall.com, www.sewingpatterns.com, and www.simplicity.com among many others.
You will need the know-how.
As you begin your sewing quest, there are many resources available right at your fingertips. The internet abounds with websites which include such things as downloadable e-books, helpful photos and graphics, beginner sewing projects, step-by-step instructions, crafting support groups, Q&A forums with sewing experts, newsletters, and instructional videos with detailed sewing tutorials. In addition to the links listed below, be sure to check social media sites.