Just how difficult is learning to sew?

[Wanderingnomad]

I'm on a roll of trying things that scare me (see my other thread). One of those things is sewing - I was awful at it at school and recently I've been thinking I'd like to give it a go. There's a beginners class near me where they teach you the basics and you make a gathered skirt but I'm scared I'll end up really flustered and not enjoy it at all!

Anyone learned to sew as an adult? I'm not very coordinated which is why I think I struggled with it in the past, so stories from clumsy people who managed to learn would be appreciated

I would definitely go and try it out. Most classes are keen for you to be successful. Sewing is like anything. the more you practice the better you get. Classes I have been to in the past have been a really positive experience.

I'm the most clumsy person ever, but I've sewn since I was a child.

I think it's about concentration.

It's also methodical. Just follow the steps and it all works out. Which, is better than cooking.

You'll find an Adult class completely different.

I will if you will! I did textiles at GCSE and enjoyed it but haven’t done much since (although I’ve picked up crochet as an adult). I’m also looking at beginner’s classes near me to start over. There’s one to make a simple bag which looks good. I’m really keen on the idea.

Do you have a sewing machine? Give it a go. If you get stuck there is some great stuff on youtube on how to do things like zips etc.

Go to the class; you won't know if you'll enjoy it unless you try. Take it slowly and methodically as someone said upthread. Follow the instructions, don't cut corners (literally!) and above all, don't be too ambitious to start with. A wedding dress is not a good place to start...

I'd go and give the class a try, they will be pleased to help you, and will want you to be a success at it.

A skirt will be simple, just sewing in straight lines. Pin and tack all your work to help make it easy. The thing with sewing is that if you go wrong, you can unpick it, and try again!

Just think, this summer you could be wearing a pretty skirt that you made yourself.

I did. It's still a hobby. I've a very cerebral type of job and the working with my hands part provides some much needed balance.

Without wanting to brag: I'm pretty good these days (5 years in). That's not due to any particular talent on my part but simply a question of taking my time (this is not my job, after all, I have no need to make deadlines) and investing a lot of attention into every single detail.

Started pretty much along the lines of what you describe (simple gathered skirt). Have since graduated to full blown ball gowns.

Now I've a closet full of ball gowns (fun to sew) but still haven't attended a single ball in my life.

I hated needlework lessons at school but taught myself dressmaking when I started work and wanted to make clothes. Now, after a long gap, I've joined a sewing group where I've learnt quilting and craft sewing. It's brilliant fun and (as pps have said) not difficult if you're methodical and do the right things in the right order. Go for it!

Go for it.

I replaced the zip on a charity shop tracksuit top today - under the supervision of a tutor.

I'm not going to organised classes, there's a fabric shop near work that does weekly lessons for a tenner a time.

The sense of achievement I have bringing something else into use is fabulous.

Definitely give it a go, you will find you are not alone and I'm sure there will be other beginners in the same boat. I always was good at sewing but for various reasons dropped it about 20 years ago. I had an overlocker given me and to be honest I was a bit scared of it and it had barely been out of the box. Went on a 'introduction to overlocker' course recently, and when the tutor asked who had not actually used their overlocker since getting it the entire group put up their hands! Turned out the lot of us were worried we couldn't thread it properly.

Oooh go on OP, give it a go.

I got myself a machine a few years ago and have made a few tops (a couple came out v well), pajama bottoms, bags etc. however wanting the confidence to do more I’m starting a dressmaking class in a few weeks. My mum was a brilliant dressmaker but sadly no longer around.

And my coordination is medically diagnosed as poor!

Thanks everyone for your encouragement!! I don't have a sewing machine at home now but growing up both parents were good at sewing - my dad would always take up items of clothing for me and my mum knits beautifully and used to make her own clothes.

I think my problem with sewing was probably as much due to my impatience as lack of coordination I get impatient with fiddly tasks and try to take shortcuts. But I think doing a class may be helpful as long as they can start from the absolute beginning. I know nothing about sewing machines at all!

Do it you'll have fun.

I strongly believe that schools shouldn't mark things like textiles, cookery, music, PE until the GCSE course as people then spend the next however many years thinking their rubbish at it after one bad mark and not try it again as adults but these can be things that give you amazing outlets in later life. Its not about how good or bad it is at the end its about having great fun and enjoying the process.

Another way to start, is to look for a craft sewing day. Lots of fabric/sewing shops offer them and they can be for quilting, free machine embroidery, teddy bear making - basically all sorts. It might sound intimidating but they are usually designed so a non-sewer can come away at the end of the day with something. Plus, I've found you have a great laugh whilst you are doing them.

I am clumsy but I have always done it. Someone told me I was talented the other day and I realised I have never thought of myself as talented at it, I think of myself as naturally rather rubbish so I just plug away at it, unpick things when they go wrong, etc

I like making things with kits, as they tend to come with clear instructions and you don't have to faff around getting all the bits together, but it is easier than it used to be now there is so much help available online. There are some great blogs and YouTube videos explaining how to do things. Just start simple and build up.

In WH Smiths at the moment there is a magazine called Simple Steps to Sewing. It's £9.99 so not cheap for a magazine, but it has taught me all sorts of things I didn't learn in classes. It's fantastic for beginners, can't recommend it enough.

Do it!
I used to make loads of stuff (including wedding dress for me).
Think of the curtains and cushion covers you could do. So easy - all straight lines.