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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not be able to sew?

23 replies

Oldisthenewblack · 04/02/2016 16:22

I have quite a few items of clothing that are still totally wearable except for a few holes here and there. I'd like to have these items repaired but I can't sew. And the prices I've seen for alteration services are quite high per garment. Is it THAT hard to sew up holes in clothes? Are there any easy tutorials? And I do mean easy....

Not sure this is in the right section actually but hey, I'm sure I'll find out Grin

OP posts:
BaBaBaBoomBoom · 04/02/2016 16:24

I find sewing really easy, but my mum taught me when I was younger. It's been so useful!
However, I'm not sure how I would do learning now. I tried to teach myself to crochet and it didn't go well..... Good luck!

LadyIsabellaWrotham · 04/02/2016 16:26

If they've gone at the seam then it's normally an easy fix. If it's a hole in the middle of the garment then it's trickier.

Pointlessfan · 04/02/2016 16:30

I'd love to be able to sew. I have learnt how to do a lot of things from Youtube, worth a look?

Original poster
Oldisthenewblack · 04/02/2016 16:31

LadyIsabella - yes, it's seems on all of them. That I can remember anyway. I know it's probably incredibly easy to do, but I am entirely unskilled in this area. I used to give such items to my mum to sort out, but she has now selfishly become partially sighted so is unable to assist. I think it was a ploy to get out of doing my sewing....

OP posts:
Original poster
Oldisthenewblack · 04/02/2016 16:32

Seams I meant, not seems. Can't sew, can't spell.

OP posts:
AnUtterIdiot · 04/02/2016 16:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Oldisthenewblack · 04/02/2016 16:33

Pointlessfan - yes, I may do that. Oh god, I'm nervous just thinking about it. I hate anything fiddly. I'll probably have a major strop just attempting to thread a needle.....

OP posts:
Owllady · 04/02/2016 16:36

You just have to practise :) I think they do beginners courses in most areas. Have you looked what courses your local college are doing? Churches usually do sewing groups too for all abilities, you could just turn up with your project and someone will help you

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 04/02/2016 16:45

I was taught to sew at about 4 years old so I don't find it particularly hard. I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help on YouTube or WikiHow.
Bababa have a look at the FibreFlux videos on YouTube for crocheting. She's really easy to follow!

YBR · 04/02/2016 16:46

I think you might ask your mum to describe how to do it and thus help you gain sewing skills?

Original poster
Oldisthenewblack · 04/02/2016 16:53

YBR - my mums also a bit deaf, and we frustrate each other and we'd probably end up in a fist fight, so may just go to classes Grin

OP posts:
Veritat · 04/02/2016 16:54

Have a look at YouTube, there are loads of useful videos illustrating basic sewing and mending techniques.

drspouse · 04/02/2016 16:56

What are the clothes? Tshirts, blouses, skirts, jumpers? Different things need different techniques and some of them are better off with an iron on patch, some you can only really mend by hand, some a sewing machine is easier.

Flossyfloof · 04/02/2016 17:10

Do you know what? my Aunty would be delighted to show you how to sew and crochet and knit! Could you put up a notice in the post office or something like that? It is something that I think is much easier to be taught than to teach yourself.

RaisingSteam · 04/02/2016 17:34

If you are talking about mystery-t-shirt-holes that is a different matter! Not sure how I would mend those. IMO mending needs to be practically invisible to be worth the effort.

The thing is, sewing is like cooking.

You can get a long way with books but a video/person to show you helps
Basic equipment will get you started but if you get serious a machine will help
It's within most people's ability to do the basics
The materials are cheap but it costs a lot to get someone to do it for you
There are masses of websites.
You can save a lot of money if you can shorten trousers and skirts and mend holes/tears, never mind make curtains.

TBH you can get a good book on general sewing from Amazon for about £5.

I'm not sure how so many people have avoided learning. Did a generation not do it at school? Is there a market for lessons? We did needlework at primary school in the 1970s but that does sound rather distant now Smile

Junosmum · 04/02/2016 18:14

youtube is your friend.

Just practice if the clothes aren't going to be worn due to the hole then have a go at mending.

HaveIGotAClue · 04/02/2016 18:18

It's very easy to sew up a seam (take it from someone who has 10 thumbs).
It's just like 'in and out in a straight line'.
The simple things you need to look out for are puckering (pulling thread too tightly), or going off track! Most people use chalk (not real chalk or tacking). It's strangely soothing.
My grandmother was a seamstress. I did NOT inherit her skills.

HaveIGotAClue · 04/02/2016 18:20

The one thing I hated though was cheap needles - a thimble made me worse. So you'll need good needles. A thick needle is for thick fabric, a thin one is for thin fabric.

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious lol. But I learned the hard way!! -sore thumb way--

CointreauVersial · 04/02/2016 18:22

Gosh, I can't imagine not knowing how to sew, but I suppose I have the luxury of a DM who sewed for a living! Also, my school were very hot on sewing, and we all had needlework lessons for the first three years. I still use the embroidered needle case I made at age 11.

You seem to be getting some great tips, so I urge you to have a go! It makes such a difference, being able to put up hems, fix buttons, sew on badges and so on. Very satisfying to save a garment you couldn't otherwise wear. Then maybe try a simple craft set, which is "fun" sewing as opposed to boring?

Roussette · 04/02/2016 18:32

Do have a go, I just blunder along with my sewing. Despite the fact I used to make some of my own clothes, I gave up proper sewing years ago.

OP, as others have said, the basics really aren't that hard, just practise a bit on something that you would otherwise chuc out.

I love watching sewing on Great British Sewing Bee though - inspirational.

amarmai · 04/02/2016 20:08

so many ways to hide holes.

1 holes in socks = pull the 2 sides of the hole together and straight stitch sew on machine
2 holes in the seams -straight stitch sew on machine following original seam lines or increase the seam width if necessary
3 holes in the middle of anything-put a sequin on top of the hole and add a few more here and there
4 holes in a hemline-increase the size of the hem to turn the hole underneath
5 holes in a neckline-use a velvet or silk ribbon to sew over the neckline on top of the holes
6 holes in the crotch-pull in the seam line in the crotch and straight stitch a new seam bringing the holes inside the crotch
7 patches and embroidery can also cover holes
8 darts can be used strategically to include holes in the inside

Savagebeauty · 04/02/2016 20:14

I can't sew at all.
Couldn't at school.
I paid someone to sew name tags in school Grin
I luckily have a friend who's a seamstress.

amarmai · 04/02/2016 23:17

i didn't know how to sew-i just did it=needs must=no biggie .

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