This happened with my bff, Ally. She wanted to learn to sew for a long time. Ally has been wanting to join my classes. She even bought a Brother sewing machine from Walmart on the last Black Friday sale!
Finally, Ally joined the classes in the Summer. She learned and even started her own little side hustle of sewing women’s tops! 😊
Let me tell you. This is not just the story of one Ally. This is a story of each sewing enthusiast who has a question: ‘How to start sewing?’
Many people like Ally may want to learn this awesome skill. But they may not have time due to work, family, or any other responsibilities. TBH- Do not worry. You can still LEARN it!🔥
Hence, I decided to write this guide to help everyone like Ally. With the 9 basic tools and 7 easy steps in this article, you can learn to sew online. I ensure that all the information and tips are beginner-friendly and easy to understand.
So, get ready and begin your learning!
How To Start Sewing?
You may feel overwhelmed when you start sewing for the first time. Think of it as the first day of school- a little scary but full of excitement!
I always suggest this to all beginners: START WITH THE BASICS!
This is a practical skill that needs your physical presence. This online tutorial will guide you through those steps to start sewing.
For that, the sewing tips I have shared below will definitely help you:
Step 1. Gather These 9 Main Sewing Tools:
1. Thread:
A sewing shop has so many threads. They differ in color, texture, size, type, strength, etc.
To finalize the sewing thread at the beginning:
- Any beginner can start learning to sew using cotton thread.
- Try pulling the thread with your fingers to check its strength.Â
- Use a stronger thread so it will not break when you add stitches. A weak thread can break due to tension.
Beginners Can Choose This Thread:
All-Purpose 100% Polyester Thread (of Size 50 or Tex 27)
Why Is This Thread Best For Beginners?
- Its stitches are not too thick.
- It fits the universal needles perfectly and glides smoothly while adding stitches.
Secret Tip:
Since you are starting, use thread in black, white, or grey shades. Such colored stitches are easily visible.
2. Hand or Machine Sewing Needles Pack:
I use needles from Singer and Universal most of the time. You can choose your favourite one!
Try using different needles on your machine to check compatibility.
Beginners Can Choose This Needle:
Universal Size 80/12 sewing machine needle.
Why Is This Needle Best For Beginners?
- It suits medium-weight fabrics.
- It will not skip stitches or break thread when used on beginner-friendly fabrics like cotton, flannel, etc.
3. Scissors:
I suggest keeping two scissors handy. One for fabric cutting. One for cutting paper for patterns.Â
Pro tip:
Never mix these two scissors. Use each one for its original cutting purpose. Otherwise, their blades will blunt faster.
4. Pins:
Bobby pins and safety pins keep your fabric in place before sewing.
5. Bodkin:
A Bodkin is a mini pinching tool. It’s useful for sewing narrow or small items like thread, cord, or tape through tiny gaps.
E.g., you can use bodkins:
- If you want to insert elastic in the waistband or cuffs.
- If you want to turn the fabric tube inside out to make piping.
- If you want to replace the drawstrings of pajamas, hoodies, or skirts.
A bodkin has 4 main types, such as:
- Ball-point: It is a long, blunt-tipped, needle-like tool.
- Pincher: It is a tweezer-shaped tool with small gripping teeth. It has a sliding ring too.
- Binding-type: It’s a tweezer-shaped tool. It is used to hold and clamp elastic bands.
- Flexible Threader: It’s a bendable bodkin with an eye. It bends and navigates through circular pipings.
Beginners Can Choose This Bodkin:
A pincher (tweezer) metal bodkin with a sliding ring. It should be 3 inches/ 75–80mm long.
Why Is This Bodkin Best For Beginners?
- It firmly clamps elastic.
- It does not slip on the fabric.
- It is safe and beginner-friendly.
6. Fabric Chalk:
It’s useful for marking the pattern on the fabric.
7. Measuring Tape:
It’s used for measuring the fabric before cutting. You can also use a ruler instead of a measuring tape.
8. Seam Ripper, aka Stitch Unpicker:
Sometimes, we need to rip the seams if sewn incorrectly. Or, we also rip them when we need to alter the clothes.
This is when you need a seam ripper. It flawlessly cuts the thread without damaging the fabric beneath it.
Its ball glides smoothly below the thread stitches. Simultaneously, its blade cuts the thread on top.
It is also used to open buttonholes without tearing the fabric around them. I even use this tool to remove tightly sewn tags and labels on clothes.
They are perfect for smoothly removing basting stitches.
9. Iron (With Steam Would Be Better):
As a beginner, you must discipline yourself to iron each cut fabric before final sewing.
An ironed fabric helps you get the right measurements. It also stops the fraying of fabric threads.
Step 2. Get A Working Sewing Machine:
As a beginner, your teacher or coach will always ask you to start with hand-sewing. This is the crucial phase. Your fingers and eyes get used to sewing stitches, cutting patterns, etc.
Once you have practiced enough, you can shift to a sewing machine.
Avoid choosing machines with electronic screens or digital buttons at first.
To become a good tailor, you must learn to rotate the knobs for stitch length, stitch thickness, tension, etc. You need to learn to thread the bobbin, use thread guides, thread the needle, etc.
So, I suggest that you start with a simple or second-hand manual machine at first. Practice on it for a few months.
Even after many years of sewing, I prefer pre-owned sewing machines from trusted brands such as Singer, Juki, Pfaff, Usha, Brother, etc. You can get such machines at local sewing stores at an affordable rate.
But, Why Should You Get A Pre-owned Sewing Machine As A Beginner?
- You will save funds for your future sewing projects.
- Mostly, beginners are told to sew simple projects like tops, skirts, and pants. For such practice sessions, you don’t need an advanced machine at first.
- Most of the old machines are well-maintained, smooth, and sturdy. They are made to last long and offer the same service as a new machine.
Step 3. Learn Sewing Machine Basics First:
No one expects you to be a Sewing Ninja on the first day.Â
Once you master the basics of handling a sewing machine, you can easily handle an advanced machine for complex patterns.
So, What Should You Do In The Initial Sewing Days?
- Start with simple cotton fabric. Measure, mark, and cut patterns using this fabric.
- Practice passing thread from thread guides correctly.
- Try winding and unloading the front and top bobbin.
- Start adding simple seams and pleats.
- Practice ripping the seams using seam rippers.
- Try sewing zig-zag or straight stitches.
Step 4. Start With Simple Patterns:
I give students these starter tasks: sew small grocery bags, pillow covers, tote bags, or face masks.
These items are the first ones because their patterns are easy to understand.
Practicing these patterns is like building a foundation for your skills. Take it slow.
In the initial days, it’s okay even if you cut the fabric wrong. Mistakes can happen. Trust your gut and try again until you cut the fabric with the right patterns.
But What About Fabric?
I always suggest choosing cotton, linen, hemp, etc., at first. These woven fabrics are not too thick or too thin. They are not too stretchy or slippery. So, they are perfect for beginners.
Once you master sewing with these fabrics, you can sew lightweight fabrics like silk, satin, etc.
You can even try thick fabrics like jute, denim, etc. Each type of fabric needs different needles, machine settings, and stitch styles.Â
Secret tip: In my early days, I used to cut a newspaper to make a pattern. I used to mark it on canvas paper, and then cut and stitch it. This routine of paper stitching helped me practice stitching easily. This is an Indian trick that I learned from my mom.
7 Essential Steps To Operate a Sewing Machine:
1. Set Up The Machine:
Set your machine on the sewing machine table.
Connect the power cable to the machine and the foot pedal.
Switch on the power button.
2. Wind The Bobbin:
Put one end of the thread spool on the bobbin. This thread color and type should match the top thread.
Fill the bobbin using the bobbin winder. Put the filled bobbin in the bobbin case. Locate the needle plate and fix the bobbin case there.
Don’t Have A Bobbin Winder?
Don’t worry! I also did not have a bobbin winder at first. I used this hack–Â
Use your machine’s wheel to fill the bobbin. Put the bobbin in a screwdriver or a long pencil. Keep the thread’s end in the bobbin.
Gently touch the edge of the bobbin to the machine’s wheel. Now, rotate the wheel quickly. The bobbin fills automatically with the wheel’s rotations. Stop when it is filled.
3. Pass The Thread From Thread Guides:
As per the numbers on your machine’s arm, pass the top thread through the thread guides. Finally, pass the thread through the lever and needle hole.
For starters, keep the stitch length at 2.5 or 3. These stitches are not too short or too long.
4. Catch The Bobbin Thread:
Gently turn the machine’s wheel to move the needle down slightly. The bobbin thread becomes visible. Pull both threads to the back. In this way, you catch the bobbin thread at the needle plate.
5. Start Sewing:
Move the lever slightly upwards. Place the fabric below the presser foot. Use cotton or linen fabric initially for practice.
Lower the lever. Push the foot pedal and move the needle.
And start sewing. I suggest starting with straight stitches first. These stitches are easy to practice.
6. Add Backstitches:
We need to secure seams after completing all stitches.Â
At the end of the fabric, sew 3-4 stitches forward. Hold the lever. Sew backwards.
Again, sew forward to safeguard the seam.
7. Cut The Thread:
Rotate the handwheel in the opposite direction to lift the needle.
Move the presser foot upwards. Take out the fabric.
Cut the top thread and bobbin thread from the fabric with scissors.
In this way, stitch all cut parts of the fabric together to form your masterpiece!
3 Important Tips To Become Better at Sewing:
1. Fix The Bobbin Properly:
Threading and winding the bobbin is a must if you want firm backstitches. Put it in the bobbin case to fix the tension.
If you fix it improperly in the bobbin case, the fabric may get loose stitches. Vice versa, too-tight stitches can break the thread in between while sewing.
Find the BALANCE!
2. Set The Tension On The Top Thread:
Like bobbins, the top thread is also crucial in the stitching process. Adjust the tension disc, stitch length, and stitch type.
Lower the lever and then sew the fabric. Otherwise, you will get loose or messy stitches on the other side, too.
3. Never Pull Or Push Fabric Forcefully While Sewing:
Always guide your fabric gently towards the moving needle. Otherwise, the fabric can be torn or damaged if you pull or push it.
The machine’s feed dogs will automatically move the fabric forward after each stitch.
Key Takeaways:
Many beginners feel anxious when learning sewing. need to follow the right steps to get it done!
Keep all necessary sewing tools handy. Always start with a simple fabric like cotton. Practice patterns on paper. Use the handwheel without a needle to adjust sewing speed.
Sew simple straight stitches. You can sew advanced stitches with practice. Go at your pace. And don’t worry if you mess up the stitches. It happens to everyone.
With constant practice, you will master this skill! If you need any more help starting your sewing journey, send me an email with your query!
Best wishes!
FAQs:
1. What is Seam Allowance?
It is the small gap between the stitch line and the fabric’s edge. It prevents the fabric’s border from fraying. 1.5 to 2 cm seam allowance is considered normal for any garment.
2. How To Hand Sew?
To hand sew, thread the needle through its eye first. Cut the thread at the other end. Tie a knot on its open end to secure it. Take the cut fabric piece and pass the needle back and forth through it to form even stitches. Tie a knot to lock the thread at the last stitch. You can try basic stitches like running stitch, backstitch, or whipstitch.
