Sewing is a dream that’s achievable for just about everyone. Although it is a skill that one can improve on over time, it’s also a skill that a person can jump into relatively quickly. And if you’re a person who has always wanted to try it but was unsure about whether you wanted to begin your adventure, let me tell you that it’s a good time to start sewing. All that’s necessary is a desire to learn and a road map to get you started.
I can’t help spark your desire for sewing, but I can give set you on your path towards sewing. If you’re serious about wanting to start sewing, then all you have to do is to follow the path that I’m getting ready to layout for you. For beginners, the following steps are often quite helpful: 1) Get a sewing machine, 2) Assemble your toolkit, 3) Learn how to properly use your machine, 4) Gather your patterns for your first project, 5) Purchase your fabric, and 6) Begin to sew. Yes, it’s as easy as that, and I’m going to help you each step of the way.
Purchase A Sewing Machine
The first thing a person new to sewing should consider is to purchase a sewing machine. Having your own machine that you can get to know from top to bottom is infinitely better than having to borrow someone’s machine or even renting one. Although all of the different features found on modern sewing machines might seem overwhelming at first, you only need to look for a model that has a straight stitch and an adjustable zigzag stitch. Those two features will cover the majority of the work you’re going to be doing.
Assemble Your Toolkit
Once you’ve secured the machine that you’re going to use, the next step is to assemble your basic toolkit. One of the most important tools in your toolkit is going to be a pair of fabric scissors, but that’s only the beginning. You’re also going to need an iron, ironing board, pins, tape measure, and a seam ripper. Of course, that’s only the basics of what you’ll need, but that will get you started. Over time you will undoubtedly add to it.
Gather Some Basic Sewing Machine Proficiency
The next thing that you’re going to need to do is to learn how to properly use your sewing machine. That obviously is going to start with you reading your sewing machine’s instructions. However, the instruction manual is only going to give you a tour of the machine’s features, and how to set it up. To learn basic stitching, you’re going to have to consult another guide and then put some practice into learning it.
Plan Your First Project
The next thing that you’re going to want to do is to plan your first project. When you have a basic idea of what you want to do, you’re then going to want to gather some patterns for that project. There are plenty of free patterns out there that are available on sites such as Love Sewing. When choosing a free pattern for your first project, try to choose something that’s simple to do. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Purchase Your Fabric
Most of the steps we’ve carried out so far might border on the side of being tedious, but choosing your fabric is when the fun really begins. Your pattern is naturally going to inform you of what types of fabrics you might choose, but there’s still a lot of freedom that you can exercise in choosing your fabric. Just be sure to keep in mind the fabric’s innate properties—how the fabric hangs, or how it feels and looks—when selecting a fabric you haven’t previously used.
Let’s Get To Work!
The last thing that you’re going to want to do is to practice, practice, practice! Once you’re familiar with your machine, have the equipment and materials you need, and know what your project is going to be, then just jump right into it. Don’t worry about making mistakes, just go ahead and do it. The best way to learn how to sew is to just do it. And don’t be too hard on yourself. You will inevitably end up messing up some of your projects as you expand your skills, but that’s okay. It won’t take too long for you to learn the art of sewing and in no time you’ll be making works of art that will inspire other people to take up sewing.