Question by FashionistaRockstar: SeWING????
I really want to learn how to sew(for my fashion designs and home sewing.) But were can I learn? And no I don’t have any family member who knows how to sew, and I live in an apartment complex so…….. Also what materials will I need to do this and about what’s the price range? Thanks fort the help!!!!!!!!
Best answer:
Answer by wellaem
Just buy a real cheap sewing machine…Probably about 0. Buy a simple pattern. they will say easy/ On the back of the pattern, it will tell you what you will need for notions (elastic thread, or whatever), and will tell you how much fabric to buy. Inside the pattern, there will be really clear instructions. I’ve been sewing for a long time, however I have started to buy most things because the expense is quite a lot, and with all the time involved, it is much cheaper to just buy some things. It is quite rewarding though, and a great hobby. Have fun.
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August 17th, 2010 9:53 am
Check around your area for craft stores. Most offer beginning classes in different areas of crafts.
As for materials, you at least need a sewing machine. A decent one can run you $100-$200. I have a Singer that I use for small jobs. All other tools are subject to what you are making and if you really need them. I recommend good scissors that you only use for fabric, a measuring tape, straight pins, and of course thread.
Practice, practice, practice sewing and adjusting your tension. This was were I usually got hung up. Experiment. Have fun with it! Sewing as a whole can be relaxing.
August 17th, 2010 10:19 am
Learning to sew takes time; don’t expect to be an expert after a lesson or two. However, after a lesson or two, you will (most likely) have most of the basic skills you’ll need to practice with to become that expert.
I’d recommend a simple sewing machine (about $100.- new if you shop well) that goes forward and reverse, doing straight and zigzag stitches. Almost any machine made nowadays will do that. (Salesclerks may give you a funny look if you ask if the machine does this, since most now do.) I have been sewing most of my own clothes (and lots of other stuff) for many years, and have a simple machine that does just those things. It’s enough. You will also need thread and fabric, but it’s best to buy those after you know what you want to do. You can safely buy fabric at thrift stores, but don’t buy thread there. Old thread oftentimes snaps when you try to sew with it. Oddly enough, old fabric’s fine, though. You can find it on eBay, too, by the way.
Most fabric shops have sewing classes from time to time, some even have individual lessons available. If they don’t, sometimes they know who in town does teach sewing. You can also ask around at temple or church. The things you’ll really need to know first are: care and use of your machine, how to choose and read a pattern, what fabric to buy and where to buy it in your area. For an easy beginning project, start with pillows. They make great Christmas gifts, too, you know. Then, you can graduate to totebags, which also make great gifts! Have fun. (Email me for how-to’s on those, if you like.)
If you cannot find or take classes for some reason, go to a fabric store and ask about Simplicity’s learn-to-sew patterns. They teach you as you go. It’s not the best way (there’s no one there to answer your questions) but it can work if you need to do it that way. Read the instructions carefully (out loud is truthfully best, even though you may feel like an idiot doing it) before starting, and then read through them again as you go along.
By all means, feel free to email me with any questions you have about what I’ve written. Click on my avatar for an email link.
August 17th, 2010 10:32 am
listen to thejanit
great advice
I really like my kenmore machine, $100 new
i really like the auto needle threader too!
August 17th, 2010 10:44 am
Many sewing machine and supply stores have ‘lessons’ you can take. As do many community colleges. They are your best bet if you don’t have a friend or family member that sews. Their prices are reasonable… and they are there to help, where as the store may be more inclined to not cover the basics. There are patterns made by different companies that cater to those with little or no real sewing experience. Start with something simple with mostly straight lines, like pocket rod curtains or place mats or pillows until you get the feel for the machine and the way it all comes together… and you can move on from there. And buy yourself a ‘seam ripper’… what is sewed, can be taken apart if you make a mistake.
August 17th, 2010 11:30 am
A new site has just opened and is free to join – it is in the beta stage of development and will soon offer classes online for only $5.00 per class.
http://www.wwsewing.com is a member site that allows you to create a profile similar to myspace.com however you also have access to what will be the world’s largest photo gallery of sewing related images.
Come see what it’s all about and join in on the fun!
Creative Feet make it fun to learn to sew… http://www.creativefeet.com