Learning to use a sewing machine?

Posted November 5th, 2009 by admin




So last week I went out and bought sewing machine. Its not the best out there… I got a cheap one until I knew what I was doing. I didn’t want to break it or something. Anyways I was wanting any advise on how to get started, and also how to read patterns… how much fabric to buy when Im getting ready to start a new pattern. I have bought 3 patterns for dog beds, I thought those would be kinda easy to start with. When I was in 9th grade I knew how to use a sewing machine but that was a few years ago, and I don’t really remember.

Im having my third baby in 2 more months and Im trying to find things to make it go by faster. I am a stay at home mom and have all the time in the world to take up new hobbies, but I just don’t know how to read the patterns and figure out how much fabric I need. Any help would do a lot for me, Thank you! Also if you have any ideas of starter projects to do. Let me know
honestly I don’t want to take apart our dog bed. I didn’t want to make somehting that big yet. i have a great dane so his bed is huge. My aunt just got a little yorkie and I was thinking about trying to make a dog bed for her.
The patterns have the different peices that I need to cut out and I think pin to the fabric if I remember correctly. But I could be wrong.




5 Responses to “Learning to use a sewing machine?”

  1. Deb

    i’ll list some different sites for you and give you a few pointers. http://www.burdastyle.com has some great free patterns and has many tutorials on different aspects of sewing. the patterns that you bought do they have pattern pieces or just instructions on what size pieces to cut. i’ve been sewing for 40+ years and i still take the directions out for a pattern and read them. on the back of the pattern envelope it will tell you how much yardage to buy and what notions you need. in the instuctions it will also give you a diagram of how to lay the pieces out. make sure you have a good pair of fabric scissors and don’t cut anything but fabric with them so they stay sharp. if you did sew a few years ago it will all come back to you once you get into it. i would sugest maybe a pillow as your first project. if you want to start making clothing a really easy project is sleep pants with either a draw string or elastic waist. good luck and if you get stuck you can e-mail me from my profile.

  2. hygrass

    tons of videos from you tube

  3. SewDelish

    If you know someone that can sew, getting them to show you the basics is fun and a great way to learn.

    You could start by making baby rugs (hemming the edges) and burp cloths. Baby items are great projects to make as they take little fabric and make up fairly quickly. Progress to using store bought patterns as your knowledge and confidence grows. You can also do a yahoo or google search for learning to sew tutorials. Check out my blog for some sewing projects. I have more to come, so keep checking back. http://sewdelish.blogspot.com/

    I teach children as young as 7 to sew on a machine so I am sure you will have no problem once you get the hang of things. Good Luck and congratulations on your pregnancy.

  4. D G

    Do you already have a old dog bed? what I would do is take it a part carefully and then get a newspaper and copy the pieces on to that to make your own patter. 1 you can see how the pieces fit together. I have done this with my kids clothing when they were tatter but I like the pattern also I did this with making my own costumes. Congratulations on your baby.

  5. dsherry6@verizon.net

    I have always sewn. I started in Home Ec in jr. high eons ago. It is mostly trial and err. There are now patterns called "Patterns for Dummies" and ther is also "Sew Easy" by either Mcalls or Simplicity. My first machine was bought when I was pregnant with my first child. I made halloween costumes, chorus concert costumes and dancing school stuff. If you have a Joanns by you be sure to sign up for their news letter. They also have classes. But I just learned trial and err on my own. Buy some cheap fabric and just make seams and use the stiches you have. You can do it! GOOD LUCK

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