How difficult is it to learn to sew?

[frazzled101]

I can knit, and I taught myself how to crochet in lockdown and have made many items.

Now Im considering learning to sew. There's a place an hour away from me that does a 2.5 hr taster session that I'm thinking of going to.

In September there's a college near me offering a 12 week course (but that's ages away!)

Once you learn the basics can you teach yourself more? Is it very difficult to learn?

No it's not difficult. I can use a pattern, make simple clothes, make curtains, alter the length of clothes. I have a sewing machine too. Enjoy the taster, do the college course in September

What sort of thing are you hoping to make OP? If you can follow knitting/crochet instructions you should be fine.

I'm sure that you can get plenty of hints and tips on here/youtube. Pay special attention to laying out the pattern on material and you are already half-way there.

Probably the most important thing is learn how to use/maintain your sewing machine. Learn how to fix the tension and use the right needle for the fabric you plan to sew.

Start with simple things (like cloth bags). Don't attempt prominent zips or button holes until you have a few "makes" under your belt. Blouse collars aren't especially easy either (take you time to trim the edges and trim them properly).

@Madcats it would be lovely to be able to make some basic clothes. At the taster session that I'm going to book you make a cloth bag as your first item.

I say this having grown up with a mum who took herself off to tailoring classes etc.

The big bonus of going to a class might (not) be that the teacher will swoop about and show you how to fix sewing machine mistakes (aka unpicking). Also you might meet some newbie sewing buddies and learn the best places to get cheap material/haberdashery.

It depends on your personality, I suppose.

Resist the temptation to not bother to iron the seams flat and, for the moment, don't try to sew with sheer fabrics or jersey.

Skirts can be a good first garment to make as they can be made of two pieces sewn together and hemmed. You'll need to have say an elasticated waistband otherwise you would need openings/fastenings from zips or buttonholes.

PJ bottoms are similar, though four pieces, and are loose fitting so sizing them shouldn't be much of an issue.

It's such a nice feeling finishing something and wearing it.

Loads of online videos.

Although if you've never used a machine before an intro class is probably not a bad plan.

I'm currently teaching my 6yo and I'm guessing you're a whole lot better at following instructions than him. So I think you'll be fine.
Start on simple things
We had to start with basics of hand sewing but we are now doing pattens - soft toy this weekend, pillowcase next weekend (he chose some fabric he liked)

Find a class and you will get on fine, get some basic techniques under your belt and you'll be away

This is one of the things I love about talking to crafty people, the optimism and positivity!

I taught myself when DD was tiny. I can fairly proficiently make an array of clothes now, and can draft basic patterns myself. IG is an amazing resource, and I really like The Fold Line Facebook group.

@thefatpotato thanks I've just submitted a request to join that Facebook group.

If you can knit and crochet then you already have a good understanding of construction and how things can come together, so you can totally do this! Even if you were brand new to crafting there are so many helpful videos out there.

My piece of advice is to measure yourself honestly. Your shop clothes size is unlikely to match up with a pattern clothes size (and not all patterns go by 10-12-14 etc). Take your true measurements with a tape measure and pick a pattern size based on that. Depending on how busty (or not) you are don't go for something too fitted to begin with as you don't want to be worried about fitting to begin with.

Personally, I wouldn't pay for a class to learn to sew a shopping bag. But then again, I'm quite stubborn!

I think basic sewing is easily self-taught. Would highly recommended Tilly and the Buttons patterns for a beginner as there are lots of photos to guide you through. Also, get used to your machine - I've recently made DS an apron for school, and some bunting for our Jubilee Street Party - no patterns involved, just general sewing comfort

My seeing

Learning to sew is about learning technique. So if you do a course you will learn how to use a sewing machine, and you learn things like needle up & down etc, and how to thread a the machine - it's a huge part of it.

Then you have to learn about fabrics and what sort of favourites are suitable for what kind of clothing or pattern - but if you've worn clothing all these years you probably have a fair idea about that anyway.

Sewing your own clothes is amazing & I'm sure you'll really enjoy it. There are also lots of cool independent pattern companies making great designs now.

You will always make mistakes. All of us do. I've been sewing for many years and I still make mistakes from time to time. It's part of learning

I taught myself some basics during lockdown. You tube is a good, free resource (especially if you need to rewind and watch the same fiddly bit a dozen times!).

It can become a bit of an expensive hobby though, as you will want to buy all of the pretty fabrics, and all of the patterns, and all of the gadgets etc etc.

If you want to try making clothes, look at Waves and Wild patterns. They’re quite easy to follow, quite cheap, and there’s sometimes some free patterns to download from their website.

I I like the look of the Waves bra top @Bigthicksliceoftoast - have you made it?

Pattern companies I like - cashmerette especially for curves and built in full bust adjustment. Papercut patterns. The Assembly Line.

@TheClitterati no, not tried that one. I can wizz off a quick bucket hat ready for a day out though.

I bought quite a few of the baby clothes patterns, but then had to tidy away the sewing machine once said-baby took an interest in it!

I second Tilly & the Buttons for having ultra clear instructions. I did their Make Friends with a Sewing Machine online course but if you've got a real life workshop to go to that's even better. A lot of problems with your sewing machine can be sorted with a good clean and a new needle.

I also did a 6 week evening class in dressmaking years ago and attempted a Cheongsam dress, which was probably a bit ambitious for a beginner. I imagine you'd cover a lot in a 12 week course so things like zips and buttonholes and the importance of pressing.

Yes to PP who said it is addictive. You can do a lot with a basic sewing machine and a few stitches but if it's dressmaking you want to get into a one step button hole maker is highly desirable.

Good tips here - I have basic knowledge but would love to improve.

It’s easy to learn the basics and get great results, especially as you already have some textiles skills. Then there’s always more to learn, so you never get bored. It’s brilliant. Dive in!

Admittedly this company were based to near where I lived, but there seemed to be an unspoken rule that children growing up in the 70's had to wear Clothkits clothing. The fabric came with the pattern marked on it and you just had to cut it out and sew it.

I think some of the youngeer members of the family have takenthe company over and relaunched it. You can still get a few "kits": www.clothkits.co.uk/collections/womens-clothkits

It struck me that this website was quite good for indicating how easy a make each pattern would be (and has some lovely fabrics).

Ah that's nice. I had clothkits clothes. I still have a quilted dressing gown and a clothkits doll with clothkits clothes!

This is the doll I have!

www.clothkits.co.uk/collections/home-page-rag-dolls/products/new-1970s-new-original-clothkits-rag-doll-sewing-kit-kitty-blue-2600

it's hard for me, at least to get to a factory equivlent standard... but good luck to OP. Probably it's easy enough for most people.

@Madcats that's a blast from the past
Looking through the kits they still sell I remember making the baby changing kit pattern for a family friend when I was about 12!