Sewing Advice

[BBBear]

I’ve just bought a sewing machine!

But I need some advice..... I had a machine a few years ago but never really got to grips with it and ended up giving it away, but I really want to make my own clothes (I have a fantasy of designing my own wardrobe ever year and making the clothes in the style and fabric that I want).

Last time I had a machine I bought the cheapest machine, bought cheap threads, etc from Amazon, and just picked up advice here and there but I want to do it properly this time.

So my questions are:

What are the best threads to buy?

Is there an online course I can follow? I would prefer an in person course, but obviously can’t.

Can anyone recommend some good beginners projects? I don’t need to jump straight to clothes making as it would also be good to sew cushion covers, bags, etc (I did have a lovely pattern for making kids hair bands).

Are there any forums/websites you can recommend?

I still follow some dressmakers on Instagram from the last time I sewed so I’ll check them out.

This is the machine I have ordered www.johnlewis.com/janome-decor-excel-20-sewing-machine/p955268

I am very excited!

Oooh, I feel your excitement! Janome is a respected brand, good choice.
I use mostly Gutermann or Coats thread; I found the cheaper threads that you get in Aldi etc are OK for a bit of handsewing but my machine doesn't like them.
I find sewing with woven fabrics (like, say, men's shirting) much easier than knitted (eg t-shirt material) because it doesn't stretch under the foot.
I can't really think of a good starter project, but would suggest maybe getting an old pillowcase or something and just getting used to your machine, stitch straight lines and curves, see what you can do with different stitches. Your manual is your friend! Happy sewing 😊

Oh exciting! I took up sewing a couple of years ago and LOVE it! Hoping to find some more time now and space to do more! Sewing Bee is back next Wednesday, did you know?

I watched a lot of Youtube videos when I started out to get to grips with my machine and actual sewing. I did a lot of practise stitches and then found I wanted to just dive right in as I like to learn by doing. I generally just google whatever it is I'm interested in and have a poke about there but there are so many fab tutorials on Youtube.

Tilly and the Buttons is a great website with lovely patterns and lots of blogs with tips and tricks and sewalongs. I also really like Digital Pattern Library, Friday Pattern Company, and Workshop, who have lovely patterns and a shop in my city! Closet Case Patterns is also good and Named Clothing.

Gutermann make good thread, and I bought a thing of 30 different colours off Amazon by Coats & Moon or whatever they're called (something like that) and I've not had any problems with that. It can be a bit more affordable than the Gutermann!

I can't think of any more right now but I'll come back if I do! Hope you enjoy your new machine!

I second using Gutermann thread; using cheaper stuff is a false economy, similarly fabric. Cotton fabric is a good place to start as it doesn't misbehave too much.
There are YouTube tutorials about, for example m.youtube.com/watch?v=IGITrkYdjJs
but just experiment and enjoy your sewing.

Thanks for the replies - I’ll have a look at threads tonight (exciting)!

I think I’ll get some elastic and fabric to make headbands and scrunches first.

I’m pretty sure I made a pair of shorts for my daughter last time I tried - they weren’t perfect but she wore them

If you buy a pattern, base the measurements by what is written on the pattern piece rather than on the back. The last pattern bought had 4 inches of ease built in and the dress looked like a sack!!

Ooh, speaking of patterns - IGNORE THE DRESS SIZE ON THE PATTERN! Most of the "traditional" pattern brands, eg Butterick, Simplicity etc, come up much smaller than modern sizes. Look at the measurements and, if you can, the finished garment size.

I'll second janome, and gutterman. I don't do dressmaking though so no help there!

The Colette patterns Sorbetto top is a good one to start with dressmaking (and it's free!!l
www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/free

I think Tilly and the Buttons have tutorials. I cheated and went to sewing classes for a while back in the good ol' days when we could go out!

Experienced sewer here, there are lots of useful YouTube videos to follow but your results will depend very much on the quality of the materials you use. Good quality thread that matches your fabric so cotton for cotton and synthetic for synthetic, the correct needle for the fabric is important too, sharp for cotton fabric, top stitch for decorative and ballpoint for knit and stretch fabric.
Start with something simple like a shopping bag, lots of free patterns online it will get you used to cutting and stitching a straight line. Move on to a makeup bag or cushion cover so that you can perfect putting a zip in.
Make your first garment something simple like a kaftan or simple top without sleeves and look at some online tutorials about pattern fitting before you start.

@CharlieTangoBanana are there any YouTubers you particularly recommend?

I will definitely start with bags - I’ve got a 9-year old that loves bags!

Sewer here - guttermans or coats are fine.
I’d suggest working through the instruction manual of your machine to really get an idea of what it can do.
To start, I’d go with a pattern suitable for beginners. Love Sewing and Sew magazines have a good range of patterns in, including some for home and children.
If you want to think about dressmaking, then Closet Case Patterns have very comprehensive instructions. Simplicity, McCall’s and, I think, Butterick, have patterns that are designed for people learning to sew.
I appreciate that now’s not the easiest time to get supplies but I can recommend Minerva Crafts for fabric and haberdashery. They are on line only and are operating well.
Good luck and enjoy!