I’m working writing out “my sewing story” because so many of you asked where I learned to sew. It’s turning into a self-reflection on my creative life and is taking longer than expected. Gotta get it just right, you know! But it’s coming. I’ve also had lots of questions about where to start if you want to learn to sew. So if you fit in that category, this post is for you!
1. Start simple. The worst thing you can do to yourself is go out and buy a commercial pattern, materials and end with disaster. (Not saying it will happen, but if it does you won’t forget it!) Beginning sewing is about confidence. Build your confidence with simple projects. I still do this when I’m feeling lost or just messed up a project. I go back to bows and zipper pouches. They are easy but useful and cute. They make me feel better and encourage me to keep going. If sewing isn’t fun, it’s not worth it. Find your own happy projects.
2. Learn something new each week. A new technique that will make your sewing more professional and better. I believe in learning and remembering. Part of the reason I started sewing 101 posts was so I wouldn’t forget how to do things!
3. Love it. Stop being discouraged and just have fun. Just realize where you are in your sewing story and keep going. If every new sewer looked at bigger better seamstresses and got discouraged, no one would be sewing. We all start there.
Sewing 101 is a weekly series. Check out the rest right here.
such great suggestions! I thought that I was great at sewing since I worked in a quilting shop, though sewing skirts are completely different! ;-)
Also, read the manual of your machine learn which feet do what.
Great advice! The more one sews the more they’ll love it! Satisfying and practically useful while being creative…nothing better! And the starting simple thing is key! I tell my daughters who are anxious to sew complicated items this all the time for the very same reason of NOT having them get discouraged and hate sewing after a fail that simply wasn’t in their league yet. It will come! :)
Thanks for the suggestions, they are great! I also agree with reading your machine’s manual, I have to read mine almost every time I sew. Also, I think many of us are perfectionists and think if its not perfect its a disaster (I know I do anyway). Embrace the imperfections!
I’ll just say amen to #1! Lots of bloggers post tutorials with pictures of almost every step, that can be really helpful for a first project.
Hi Kate..great advice..my cushions are far more professional than when I started and I still enjoy making them ‘cos I buy fabric I can just imagine being made into them!
Thanks this is encouraging! keep the lessons coming : )
Exactly what I needed today! Thanks
This is a great post! And just like some others said, it is exactly what I needed to hear today! Thanks, as usual, for the tips. ~Lori
Hi Kate……I would just like to say….I think you’re amazing!!!! I love your crafts and you are also very inspiring….I have a wee man of 7 months now and he is deffinately full of beans!!!! Just now I’m finding time to get back into sewing….reading your blog has inspired me and also thought me how to relax and start simple again and enjoy being creative….you’re fab!
Thanks so much for sharing…..XXxXXxxx
Niamh…x