C.J. Braden • 2 Minute Read
Everything You Need To Get Started With Sewing
Original article published: 5/25/23
Article updated: 9/23/23
Sewing. It's something we see grandparents do, and we think that it might be a big waste of time. But in fact, sewing is an amazing skill that has so many benefits for our life skills and, of course, our clothes! If you've wondered how to get started in sewing, look no further. Here's a quick guide to ensure that you have everything you need at the very outset.
Get your sewing or craft room organized for optimal creation
Get a Toolkit Together
You might think that you need a variety of things to get you started, but while there are really useful things that will make life easier, like bobbin sets for all of your individual threads, all you need at the very beginning is a couple of simple tools, such as fabric scissors, tape measure, pins, a marking tool, a seam ripper to remove any mistakes, as well as an iron and ironing board. These are pretty much all you need at the outset.
You can certainly get a sewing machine as well, but it's worth deciding if you are going to stick with sewing. If it's something that you get on board with, you can invest in a sewing machine later. But while shopping for a machine, it can be overwhelming because there's a variety on offer.
All you need is a machine with a straight stitch and an adjustable zigzag stitch. There are full-size machines, but you can always go to a specialist sewing shop for a bit more advice if necessary.
Check out my organized sewing, craft and workout space in our short video below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
A sewing project could be a fashion garment
Decide on Your First Project
When it comes to deciding what you're going to make or repair first, the best piece of advice is to choose something that is simple and easy to fit and doesn't come with fiddly bits. There's a variety of sewing patterns that most can easily do, and there are plenty of YouTube channels that you can subscribe to and follow along with.
When it comes to looking for easy sewing patterns, you can't go wrong with straight lines and household items such as cloths or small blankets. Making sure that it doesn't have a lot of embellishments can give you that confidence to build upon. You can learn about Sergers to understand some of the best common wisdom related to sewing in the best way, nailing those foundational concepts with ease.
When it comes to that first project, you have to keep ambition to one side for the moment. So, much like DIY, it's all about ensuring that you can get that sense of achievement in something little first while slowly expanding your repertoire.
Use storage cubes for fabric organization
Purchase Some Fabric
This is undoubtedly one of the best parts of dressmaking. It can be confusing when you are starting out, but it's always worth beginning with a fabric that's not too slippery in your hands, such as denim. Slippery fabrics such as cotton can result in a more frustrating experience because they keep slipping out of your hands. The best thing you can do is to go to the store and get a physical feel for the fabrics so you know what you can and cannot work with right now.
Fashion sewing studio
Sewing is an amazingly creative activity but it's always worth starting out small. It's a rewarding hobby and it can make you infinitely resourceful, so make sure that you take the time to learn the basics properly.
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C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.