18 replies to this topic

[Wildcat]

I kinda new to sewing (the last sewing lesson I had was in Home-Ec in high school).

I was wondering, where would be the best place to start?

[Metanoia]

At the beginning!!!!

A good idea would be to work out what the first thing you would like to make is, and then break it down into what you need to learn how to do (zips, buttons, pleating...???) And then ask specific questions in the forums if you need help. Plus the internet is your friend. Sometimes I find ways of doing stuff via google cause people put up tutorials if they are nice.

[morgan-aleghieri]

Look around in 2nd hand book stores/Op Shops for sewing books/guides as well - I hear tell the Reader's Digest one is good? I picked up a smallish book on embroidery the other day, and that had diagrams with at least a dozen different stitches and whatnot, amongst other things.

[DonnaLee]

I concur with everything so far.

One thing about sewing that I think has got me where I am is practice, practice, practice. Don't give up if something isn't turning out (your unpicker is your friend). Read instructions carefully and ask lots of questions (believe me you never stop learning) no matter how silly you may feel - we were all there once.

You could try for a first project something simple like a pair of shorts (kids shorts are so simple). Have a look at easy patterns from commercial pattern suppliers (such as Simplicity - they have a whole section dedicated to this) and try a couple of them to get used to the terms and techniques.

Just go for it!

[Atory]

I found it good to start off with something with a lot of straight stitches. Sewing gets harder as soon as you have to do a curve and even more so when it's something like attaching sleeves (I'm still mediocre at sleeves). An easy and cool costume to make when learning is a kimono. I've made so many now and yet I've never made one for myself.

I agree with DonnaLee, an unpicker is a must; in fact I would say it's more important in sewing than a sewing machine.

[Last_Chael]

I totally agree Donna! As I've said to Bek many times, Practice is the only way you'll get better. You can read books, and stuff, but there's nothing compared to getting in there and doing it yourself! get some scrap fabrics, and sew away! Start with easy projects (I started with hemming hankies) and work your way up. And try not to be discouraged if something doesn't work. Mistakes are really great, coz you learn from them, and learn new skills and ideas from them!!

Atory that's pretty brilliant! I've been sewing since I was about 5, and it was only last year that I sewed my first grament with sleeves!!

[Wildcat]

*takes notes* I do have unpicker! *holds it up and waves it around*

I plan on going op-shopping this w/e to look for costume additions. But I will keep my eye out for any sewing books/patterns as well.

Thanks! Your advice is greatly appreciated

[Last_Chael]

Woohoo! Well that's an excellent start!!

Actually altering clothes is another great way to start It means that you don't have to make the entire garment, but you can modify it to suit your purposes. Most alterations generally aren't too difficult (take up hem, altering sleeves etc).

Good luck!!

[Metanoia]

lol... would you believe that I have a pile of mending and hemming to do on every-day clothing... and some of it has been waiting nearly two years. I hate doing that stuff. I know it would take me like 5 minutes for each garment... but ick! Even my work pants that I'm wearing now need one of the hems fixed and I've safety pinned the waist cause I haven't fixed the little clip at the top yet. lol

[Cat M]

I would:

1) buy a copy of the reader's digest complete guide to sewing. (or the DK or other brand alternative). You can pick up older copies of this quite cheaply if you hunt. They have step by step pictures and explanations of how to do EVERYTHING from how to use and read patterns through to creating ruffles or bias binding. If you need to do something new that you've never done before, it's the best place to have a quick look. If you don't understand then...

2) ask online here. No one is going to laugh at you or think that you're not 'good enough' or something like that if you ask a basic question. We all have to start somewhere and we've all asked basic questions in the past too!

3) don't cut corners!!!! If the book/someone says to baste in a zip before sewing it... don't try to cut that step and go straight to sewing!

4) press/iron seams as you sew. It gives everything a more proffessional look and you'll feel much more proud of your work at the end for it!

5) Where possible, start using basic fabrics such as cotton. Slippery fabrics (satin), stretch fabrics and leather are awful fabrics to try to learn to sew with!

6) start small and work your way up in levels of difficulty. (eg. my first two cosplays were made predominantly from clothes I already had or could buy. I also started using patterns rather than trying to draft them myself. The moral of the story is don't try to draft a pattern for Trinity's PVC body-suit as your first sewing attempt!

[Last_Chael]

Hahaha actually Metanoia, I just bought a whole heap of new skirts that all need to be taken in at the waist, and most of my new dresses need taking in around the top (I'm so in between sizes at the moment gah!) but like you, I hate doing that sort of stuff! Actually most of my pants have buttons missing too

Cat, you've made some great points there! I really must get the readers digest book! I've seen plenty of auctions for the older one, but I'm really interested int he newer one. I almost bought it, but then mum threw away the advertising thing for it, and I was very upset! I must track down a copy!

[Metanoia]

1) buy a copy of the reader's digest complete guide to sewing. (or the DK or other brand alternative). You can pick up older copies of this quite cheaply if you hunt. They have step by step pictures and explanations of how to do EVERYTHING from how to use and read patterns through to creating ruffles or bias binding. If you need to do something new that you've never done before, it's the best place to have a quick look. If you don't understand then...

I also find an invaluable source is my sewing machine manual. It says how to do things like ruffles, button holes, etc... and its all for my machine so its step by step instructions REALLY work!

[Wildcat]

Woohoo! Well that's an excellent start!!

Actually altering clothes is another great way to start It means that you don't have to make the entire garment, but you can modify it to suit your purposes. Most alterations generally aren't too difficult (take up hem, altering sleeves etc).

Good luck!!

Great idea! I'd rather alter than make a whole new outfit from scratch at this stage... LOL I have already found a base dress for my new Lolita outfit, all I need now is an old wedding dress I can take apart (hopefully the op-shop will have a cheap one I can destroy) *grins*

[gene_chan]

wow this is cool~ ^^I am also still new to sewing - i can hand sew bit thats my limit at the moment. ^^ I know my next big sewing project is one of my cosplays for manifest.

[Metanoia]

(hopefully the op-shop will have a cheap one I can destroy) *grins*

Try the retro shop (op shop) in town!! Is down next to dragons blood creations.

I know my next big sewing project is one of my cosplays for manifest.

Manifest?? What about AVCon!!!

[gene_chan]

ah yes AVCon! I am in a group cosplay for that - we are still deciding on how to do our costumes ^^ we are doing Ouran High cosplays.

As for Manifest, I'll be definatly be making on of my cosplays - I have to make a Kariginu (Japanese nobility kimono from the Heidan Period) ^^

[DonnaLee]

lol... would you believe that I have a pile of mending and hemming to do on every-day clothing... and some of it has been waiting nearly two years. I hate doing that stuff. I know it would take me like 5 minutes for each garment... but ick! Even my work pants that I'm wearing now need one of the hems fixed and I've safety pinned the waist cause I haven't fixed the little clip at the top yet. lol

I am so there!!!

My 7 year old went around school for about 6 months with her hem down - actually my eldest daughter did too until she was so sick of it she sewed it up herself. I was at one stage offered all this work mending etc - I ran!! Blah don't do my own let alone someone elses - even for money. (except for my mom- I'll do anything for my mom).

Great idea! I'd rather alter than make a whole new outfit from scratch at this stage... LOL I have already found a base dress for my new Lolita outfit, all I need now is an old wedding dress I can take apart (hopefully the op-shop will have a cheap one I can destroy) *grins*

Woo hoo - go for it - dive right in. With so many enthusiasts around you, we'll have you addicted to sewing your own stuff in no time.

Edited by DonnaLee, 30 January 2007 - 10:21 PM.

[Wildcat]

Woo hoo - go for it - dive right in. With so many enthusiasts around you, we'll have you addicted to sewing your own stuff in no time.

LOL! Too late! I'm already addicted!

[morgan-aleghieri]

Excellent - our quest is over before it has begun. The lazy adventurer rejoices!