Everything You Need to Know Before You Start Sewing
In recent years there has been a resurgence in the popularity of handicrafts and creative hobbies which is indicative of people wanting to find creative outlets and even side hustles. They are a great way to pick up some cool new skills and to give yourself the chance to get creative. Sewing is just one of many crafts that you can take up and have fun with but it is one of the most popular.
There are many different kinds of sewing that you can learn at home without needing to buy much in the way of expensive sewing equipment. If you want to sew using a sewing machine then you can expect to have to spend at least some money on one unless you’re lucky enough to snag one as a gift. Sewing machines can be bought for as little as a hundred pounds or so, but these machines will be very simple in their functions.
If you prefer to sew by hand, you will still be able to achieve beautiful results but it will take you much longer to complete a project than it would if you were using a sewing machine. A form of sewing called embroidery is used to apply motifs to fabric rather than being used to attach material together. It is an ancient form of art that was popularised in ancient China as a status symbol for the elite classes.
Sewing equipment you will need
The equipment you need depends on the kinds of projects you will be working on, but there are a few fundamental pieces of equipment that any sewist will need. For example, everyone who is hoping to learn to sew will need to get their hands on the following:
- Sharp fabric shears
- Stitch cutters
- Thread
- Needles
- Storage container for sewing supplies
- Measuring tape
- Tailors chalk
- A clothes iron
- Material
The equipment listed above will be enough to complete most basic projects but you will need to read your sewing pattern or project instructions very carefully so you will know whether any extras are needed. Special instructions can include needing an embroidery ring for an embroidery project, consumables like velcro, clasps and closures, ribbon, specific fabrics and heavy duty needles if you are using heavy weight fabrics.
If you are going to be hand sewing then you can get started as soon as you have the above equipment and special bits and pieces required for your project. For those who want to sew using a machine then you should do some careful research into the kind of machine you will need. There is a confusing number of machine types on the market and some of them are highly specialised. For example, you can get embroidery machines that are not suitable for regular sewing projects but are perfect for applying your own designs to material.
If you are looking for a basic, beginner friendly machine that will allow you to create a range of basic stitches and has simple tension control then you won’t need to spend a lot of money. More expensive machines tend to come equipped with more features such as automatic buttonhole settings and more automation. You will need to decide on whether you want to develop your skills on a basic machine or will prefer a machine that will allow you to grow into the more complex settings on your machines as you become a more skilled sewist.
Whatever type of machine you choose and whichever form of sewing you have chosen to pursue, it is important that you remember that practice makes perfect. The chances are that you will not be able to perfectly finish your projects straight away so treat every mistake and every ugly project as a learning experience. It can be easy to get frustrated when something is more challenging than you anticipated but this is part of what makes sewing such a rewarding pastime.
The trick is to make sure you start simple with projects that are suitable for beginners because this will help to prevent you from getting too frustrated in the early stages as you work on your skills and confidence. Choose projects with straight lines so you can really get to grip with your technique before moving onto more complex methods and projects.