So you want to learn how to sew on a machine? A beginners checklist

[SpottedFrog]

I find myself repeating the same thing over & over, so I've cleaned it up & embelished it a little & it's here for the taking

You want to learn how to sew on a machine? Great! Once you get through the initial learning phases it's pretty easy. Sewing on a machine is very much like learning to drive, at first it can seem very daunting because there is so many different things to learn, some dealing with the machine, the machine itself, some seemingly having nothing at all to do with the machine (cutting, pattern reading, etc). Just like adjusting your seat and mirrors & finding the wiper and light switches before you pull out onto the road, getting to know the machine itself is the first step in sewing. Working from patterns is more akin to learning all the laws of the road, merging, yeilding, what to do in an emergency- all terms that you need to understand the proper definitions in order to carry them out correctly.

Actually the first thing I reccomend doing is just grabbing some scrap fabric & playing with the machine.  If it's been sitting it likely needs to be cleaned & oiled, break out the manual & look up the tutes for both those functions & do 'em. Grab that scrap and go through all the things the machine has, try out all the stitches, see what the feet do, make a button hole, whatever. Spend a day with just the machine.

Now your first real sewn item, a pillow. Either get a pattern or follow a tute, there are lots to be had out there, find something simple in a fabric you really like. Next, I reccomend aprons as the next 'non-sized thing but involves more than a square' project (and they are useful!). Use a pattern if possible to get familiar with them. Terms, phrases & things like cutting layouts are going to follow the same style whether you are making dresses or chair cushions.

Next, get a measuring tape & paper to make notes, find a willing accomplice and practice measuring them, and get them to help you measure yourself. This is a BIG part of sewing is knowing your measurements so you can find the right pattern. Go just look at patterns (not the picture book), open a drawer & grab any ol' anything & read it. Using that, figure out what pattern size you are. Read the fabric requirements, read the notions list, write down any terms or phrases you don't understand. Grab a few patterns you like & read them, too, even fancy or complicated looking things (just looking, remember?). Go home & look up the stuff you took notes on. Yes, I'm telling you to do homework But it's worthwhile, I promise.

Now you are ready to go pick a simple pattern & try it.
Hit the store for an "Easy" or "beginner" pattern. Wraps and elastic waist items are obviously more forgiving than fiited garments requiring zippers.

I know this looks like a six week course 'just' for a simple dress, but sewing has a much larger learning curve than most realize. If you are off school & work (i.e. have all day free for a significant period of time), you could easily go through all my reccomendations in a week and have a dress for Saturday night.

Buying a machine:  http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=214760.0
Following patterns: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=234650.0
Cutting: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=222004.10
And of course the Sewing Machine Q & A stickied at the top of this forum!!

Good luck and Happy Sewing

[Aislynn]

This ought to be stickied at the top of the forum!  You are my hero, Penlowe, and this is why.

[angeltreats]

What a great post, Penlowe!

I just wanted to add - when I took a class, at the very start our teacher had us sew on lines drawn on sheets of paper, with the machine not threaded.  It was very helpful to learn to sew in a straight line following seam guides, to be able to follow smooth curves etc.

[SpottedFrog]

Good point Angeltreats! I remember doing spiralss & squares as practice as a kid. I'll add that in but not this second.

[Aislynn]

Oh, something else that people first approaching patterns get freaked out about: the sizing differences.  It's not only disheartening, but frustrating, trying to find your RTW 10 in a pattern line-up and end up halfway between a 16 and an 18.  Being prepared helps.

[karmickaboom]

Good point Angeltreats! I remember doing spiralss & squares as practice as a kid. I'll add that in but not this second.

I did that too! Now I know how to ease my daughter into sewing with a machine. How old is a good age? She is 8 and very intelligent...but very proud and doesn't take direction well.
I love that I now have the instructions written down and it isn't just something Mom is saying.
She is one of those who loves structure...she will see you as the world's sewing expert who has shown the way.
You are wonderful for writing all of this out.

[SpottedFrog]

...but very proud and doesn't take direction well.

I have one of those too, she's more likely to want to learn to sew than my older daughter too... sigh.

[pino_i]

i love the direction you have given me. i just started sewing and the day i got my very first sewing macchine (on 7/5/08) i started making pillows. i made 4 pillows for my front living room couch and now I'm stumped. i thought f making an apron but didn't know. well now i know. thank you so much 

[dpbluec]

One thing my teacher had us do was thread, then sew on scrap - over and over again, with a different stitch type and length each time.  Got used to the buttons and dials and threading with ease really quickly.

Great list by the way - wish I had that a year ago LOL

[KimberlyD]

Thank you, This is just what i needed!