Is it possible to teach myself how to sew?
Question:my mom got me a sewing machine and I don't know how to sew. can I teach myself from a book?
Answers:
Of course! Start out by "playing" with your sewing machine on scrap fabric, until you get the hang of sewing a straight line. You can also run a piece of masking tape on the bse of yourmachine so that you can line the fabric up with is when you are sewing a seam.
I started out making things without pattern. I made a simple skirt by sewing a tube with an elastic waitband and hemmed bottom. Then I started embellishing. There are also a tom of EASY patterns out there. Look for the ones that say simple or 2 hour pattern. Start with inexpensive fabric and buy yourself a good seam ripper because you will make mistakes, but it won't take long before you're sewing like a pro. I am completely self-taught, and I have made professional quality window treatments and decorative pillows, as well as clothing. Have fun with it!
Yup. I will guess that 80% of home sewers teach themselves. Read the owners manual until you understand the machine. Then go to the library and get a book. I just jumped into a Simplicity pattern for a simple pair of shorts. I've been sewing for 40 years, and used to make all my kids clothes, and husband's shirts.
You can go to the library and get books that will help you with different techniques. You can also go to a fabric store and look for easy patterns. They will be marked as "easy" in the pattern books. The booklets included with the patterns will give you the necessary techniques for that pattern in easy step by step directions. The more that you sew the more you will learn. Most people working at fabric stores can also give you a lot of help with whatever you need. They can also offer advice if you have a problem with your machine, the fabric, pattern or questions about instructions.
When I took my first sewing class in Jr. High, my first project was a pillowcase, the second was an apron. I still have the apron! I still make pillowcases too!
More Related Questions & Answers...