Suggestions on Learning How To Sew?

[Lilyofthevalley]

I was in Wallies yesterday, and noticed all the patterns and sewing fabric.
#1 do you save money by sewing your kids clothes?
#2. if so, what is the best way to learn? Books videos???

 

[LabChick]

I don’t buy or sew clothes for children but…

I think the best way to learn is to take a class or workshop. I’ve seen colleges offer once-a-week classes that meet for six weeks or as a single-Saturday-long sewing workshop. Some fabric stores also offer intro to sewing classes.

I would suggest starting with in-person instruction if possible so you can ask questions. After you have a starting base, videos and books (and practice) would help you progress with your abilities.

 

[Almeria]

I had a friend in college who sewed her clothes own clothes, ostensibly to save money. She actually paid more for some things than the rest of us. Thing is, sales have gotten to be very good deals, and clearance items can be had at a sale price that’s cheaper than the cost of the fabric alone. There’s a ton of budget conscious places to shop, as well.

It may not in your area, but I love Gabriel Brother’s . I can get name brand items for dirt cheap. It’s slightly imperfects and overstocks, so you just watch what you pick up. Their children’s selection is huge, and very inexpensive. For me, shopping at places like this is better than sewing the clothes myself–quality is better than what I can make at home, saves me time, and can be cheaper.

 

[mass4life]

I dearly love to sew, it’s one of my favorite hobbies. I just finished sewing several items for my 15-month-old daughter for winter. The reason I like to sew better than buying, is that I have much more choice in what my children wear, and the quality that goes into them is nearly always better.

I am conscious of the places where my clothes are made. There are almost NO clothes made in America anymore, and those that are are of good quality but very expensive. The fabric you buy to sew your own clothes may be made in America, finished in America, or made overseas. I try my best to support American workers in our crappy economy by buying American when I can.

I learned to sew just by watching my mother and helping her cut patterns, pin patterns, press the sewing machine “gas pedal,” and eventually attempting my own simple things.

I would suggest starting with as simple a project as possible, like a pillowcase or pillow, or handkerchief, something that will almost guarantee your success so you don’t get discouraged. Much of sewing is getting to know how your machine works and it’s little quirks. Remember: sewing is not hard, it just takes practice!!! Sewing curves was the most difficult for me to master, so when you begin your first garment, you might want to choose something that is simple and square-necked, or with not many pattern pieces.

Sewing is almost theraputic to me, and it develops the virtues of patience and gratitude for what we have. No, my chidren do not have closets-full of clothes, but what they do have is quality handmade stuff that will last over more than one season because I can make their clothes to “grow” with them, using more than one row of buttons or roll-up pants, jumper-dresses, or jumpsuits with legs.

Best of luck to you. Start simple. Dedicate each project to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. BE PATIENT. I have had to rip out seams more times than I can count!! Read the pattern instructions front to back BEFORE you begin your project, and if there’s a term you don’t understand, you can look it up or ask someone. You’ll be more proud of your garment when you’re through if you take your time in the beginning and follow the directions scrupulously.

God Bless you!

Heather

 

[Meggie]

Lilyofthevalley:

I was in Wallies yesterday, and noticed all the patterns and sewing fabric.
#1 do you save money by sewing your kids clothes?
#2. if so, what is the best way to learn? Books videos???

1. With the sales and hammydowns…no…with the big exception of fancy clothes. there are simple patterns for gorgeous gilrs dresses that can be made with 2-3 yards of fabric (for a little girl) Cost of fabric on sale is anywhere from 2 dollars a yard to 5 for most dress type materials. The greatest part of patterns for little girl’s dresses is that they often include a dress for dolly, which can make you a hero in your daughter’s eyes.
2. Practice easy stuff first.* DONT get into accessories. If the dress looks plain after it is made then go to Walmart again Find patterns that indicate they are easy. If you are sewing for a little girl and the pattern comes with a doll’s dress do that first becasue you can prop the doll up with a stand and make it be your dress dummy for hours. I leaned how to sew by first making square block quilts, then I made dresses for my doll, I have made pj’s and a little dress for my cousin as well as stuffed animals.

When you learn how to sew making stuffed animals or other toys is what your kids will really love.

*make a square block quilt for a dolly. Cut out squares of fabric 3 1/2 inches big. Your seam is 1/4 an inch the quilt is six blocks high and four blocks long, I think. Sew a column first (six end to end) then sew the four columns togehter.
Then find a piece of fabric as large as the blanket…12" 1/2 x 18" 1/2. put the “wrong” sides facing eachother so the nice sides are out, then sew a border that is 1/8 inch.
Then there is this tape that is really fabric…I forgot what is real name. You want the 1/2’ tape that will cover 1/4 inch on each side. It is already folded over so you use it to cover the edges and sew it…it goes on like a report cover…some types of this tape is iron on…if you can find it use this, if you can’t then the sewing type should come with instructions.

To finish it sew knots in the middle of the blanket where the corrners of the squares meet.

This was my first project, I had just turned seven and my grandmother thought this was the best way to learn…and it was!!!

 

[puzzleannie]

I took home ec in high school, but realy learned to sew from 2 girlfriends, oldest in large families, who sewed their own clothes. Got a simplicity pattern for a whole wardrobe, skirt, jacket, vest, slacks, jumper, used it over and over, made all my clothes when I went off to college. Made my kids clothes when they were little, til the got old enough to turn up their noses at my stuff, and I ran out of time for sewing and the like. Have made 2 wedding dresses, several prom dresses, and all the family 1st communion & baptismal dresses. Not so easy to save money any more, fewer good fabric stores, and what there are have gone from home sewing to crafts as a focus. Good quality fabric is much more expensive than it used to be, and notions and accessories can put a homemade item way over price at discount stores.

 

[bapcathluth]

I suffered through the sewing part of home ec. I loved the cooking part and I still enjoy cooking, but sewing class in eighth grade was the only course in my life that brought me to tears. I cried many nights as I ripped out the stitches.

My mother-in-law is a great seamstress. One thing she does to save money is re-make old outfits. She has made many darling dresses for my daughter from old shirts and dresses of mine. My favorite is cute white dress made from one of my old maternity skirts. She added lace inserts and sewed on a red belt. You would never know it was my skirt.

I think a course would be the best option, but I would opt for sales.
I find outfits for six to ten dollars at good department stores when the end of season clearance comes along. I buy big and save for the next year.

 

[triciafrancess]

Hi, Lily,

I love to sew and made most of my own clothes in high school and college, and back them (1960s) it was cheaper to sew than to buy. Not so nowadays. Patterns, fabric, and notions are very expensive. It’s true you get better quality when you make clothing, if that’s important to you (it isn’t for me), but I think you’ll end up paying more to make clothes than to buy them.

Now that my kids are grown and I have more time, I’ve started quilting. It’s great fun, but you’d be surprised how expensive it is. It’s much cheaper to buy imported quilts at Bed Bath and Beyond than it is to make them. But it’s very creative and I hope my quilts will be passed down through several generations.

Tricia Frances

 

[Joanna]

Sewing isn’t my strong suit. I tried but never really saved money.

Sales are great. When my daughtere moved to Denver she found a place called “The Snob Shop” reselling high-end clothing. I could hardly believe the great clothes and the great prices. That’s where she gets her fashionable clothing. It does spoil you though when you shop the mall$$$$$$$$$$$$. So she is addicted.

My niece revealed her favorite haunt when my daughter visited her in Brighton, MI last week. My daughter found a long 100%virgin Wool coat in a style, size and color she new I wanted for the irresistible price of $7.00. It’s my new winter coat, it’s perfect and I can’t wait to wear it.

But if sewing’s going to be your thing, I’d go with lessons, at least to get started.

God bless you.