So You Want to Learn to Sew

Either you're learning handsewing, or you're thinking of getting a sewing machine, or someone's bought you a sewing machine, and you want to learn to sew. This is a delightful journey, and I'm very happy for you, but there are things you need to know FIRST.

1. Prewash Your Fabric

Fabric stores are dirty places. Some fabrics are treated with chemicals that you need to wash off. Some fabrics have extra dye sitting on them that needs washing out. And if you're working with cotton, cotton ALWAYS shrinks the first time you wash it. You want that to happen before you cut out and sew something with it. Please, please, please pre-wash all your fabric before you sew with it!

2. Decide What You Want to Sew

Sewing bags, making an elaborate quilt, and sewing clothing are all different skills. Rather than try all of the types at once, pick a category and stick with it for a while, until you feel confident. Then, you can move on to sewing something else.

3. Learn About Types of Fabric

You'll want to use the right fabric for the job. Which fibers your fabric is made of is less important than whether it's woven or knit, and what kind of weave is used. If you're using a sewing machine, you'll also want to make sure that you're using the right kind of needle for the type of fabric you're working with.

4. Make Peace With Needle Replacement

If you use a sewing machine, you will replace needles often. Each sewing-machine needle lasts for about 8-10 hours' worth of sewing before it needs to be replaced. The brand doesn't matter; I usually use Schmetz because it's inexpensive. Make sure you use a jersey or stretch needle if you're working with knits. In fact, if you sew garments, you'll probably want to have at least 2-3 different types of needle on hand to swap out when you change fabrics.

5. Read Your Manual

If you have a sewing machine, it should come with a manual. If it didn't, you can always find a copy online by doing a search for the machine's model number. Read. Every. Page. Sewing-machine manuals have important information like how to thread your machine, how to wind your bobbin, and tips for solving common problems. They also tell you what things like the feed dogs and presser foot are, so that you don't get tripped up by words like that when talking to other sewists.

6. Use a Pattern

Pattern-making is a separate skill from being able to follow a pattern. It is much, much easier to learn how to read a pattern than it is to make a brand-new pattern when you're first learning to sew. This goes double for clothing. Learn how to take your measurements, and use a store-bought pattern to make something relatively simple first. You can learn pattern-making after you've gotten the hang of sewing things. Be sure to read all the information that comes with the pattern before you cut anything out. There's usually a cutting guide to help you get the most out of the fabric that you have, a glossary of symbols and techniques, and a guide to what seam allowance is included.

7. Fasteners

If you're going to make bags or clothing, you will eventually need to learn how to sew zippers, buttonholes, Velcro, snaps, or other fasteners. These aren't difficult, but you do need to work carefully. Use sew-on Velcro; sticky-back Velcro should never go through a sewing machine, ever. You can do this. I have faith in you.

8. Take Your Time

Sewing is not a race. Go as slowly as you need to, and don't be afraid to pause in the middle of a seam. It's better to sew carefully than to rush through something and have to take out half the seams and re-do them.

9. Iron Early, Iron Often

You will probably spend as much time at your ironing board as you do at your sewing machine. This is normal. Pressing seams helps them to look nicer. Pressing fabric before you cut and sew helps avoid mistakes. No matter what kind of thing you sew, you will need an iron.

10. Don't Get Discouraged

Your first project might not look as nice as you were hoping. That's OK! You're learning a new skill. The second try is guaranteed to look better. Plus, even if it's wonky, you still made a thing! That's something to be proud of.