learning to sew

There is nothing more rewarding than learning to sew beautiful and useful things for yourself, your home, family, and friends. I taught myself to sew using books and video tutorials, and you can too! Here are my favorite resources for sewing information and inspiration!

 

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Years ago I decided I wanted to learn to sew. One of the first pieces of clothing I made for myself was the simple Taproot tunic from Taproot Magazine. Sewing a tunic is great for beginners – tunic patterns can easily be adjusted – lengthened or shortened, half-sleeve or full sleeve, and of course, tunics are forgiving in fit.

Although I have sewn often over the years, I still consider myself a beginner, especially when it comes to sewing clothing. Those patterns, so daunting! Unfolding them and trying to decipher all the markings and notations…I have to admit it leaves me feeling overwhelmed and well, rather incompetent.

A sewing class would be ideal, but I don’t have the resources – time or money, for taking classes. So instead I use primarily books and online tutorials.

 

Resources for the Beginner

If you are a beginner seamstress like me, there are two excellent books that have helped me learn to sew: Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time. This book is so well written, it is like sitting down with a friend as she shares her knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration. I especially appreciate her encouragement! The projects start with the easy and move to progressively harder sewing. And they’re all great projects! Each lesson teaches an important sewing skill and when you finish the book, you have an excellent foundation.

The second book is specific to quilting: First-Time Quiltmaking: Learning to Quilt in Six Easy Lessons. There are four simple projects that take you step-by-step through the process of creating a quilt. The quilts are lap-sized and can be finished relatively quickly, giving you the confidence and satisfaction of creating something useful and beautiful. This would be a great project if you wanted to make a lovely handcrafted gift.

Online Tutorials

Oh You Crafty Gal will guide you step-by-step with her free online tutorials – everything from the basics of your sewing machine to more advanced steps like reading those pattern notes!

Want to make something quick for yourself? Or a quick homemade gift idea?

When I don’t have a lot of time, but want the satisfaction of creating something for myself or as a handmade gift, I make zipper pouches! A girl can never have too many zipper pouches. Easy and quick, let me guide you through the steps.

Zippered Pouch Tutorial – How to Sew a Zippered Bag

Tilly and the Buttons offers a variety of paid online classes, from beginner projects to more advanced. I’m planning to take her Learn to Sew Jersey Tops this winter. I figure the cost of the class will pay for itself if I can master making jersey tops for myself and my girls.

I’m excited to get back to sewing, and I have several projects planned that will be easy enough to complete, but stretch my skills as a seamstress as well.

Do you have a challenging craft you enjoy?

Is there something you have always wanted to try?

Happy crafting! 
~ Michelle