Teen DD wants to make clothes - where to start?

[Kimfluencer]

Teen DD is desperate to start altering and making clothes. She wants to learn to use a sewing machine, and I’d quite like to learn, too!

Where would you seasoned sewing folk recommend starting?

Classes near us (London) seem really expensive and are aimed at adults (she’s 14).

I also have no idea about sewing machines and which one would be good for a beginner if we were to buy one.

We are total novices, basically! Any tips?

Not sure if there's any where you are but hobbycraft do workshops that aren't too pricey, I'm pretty sure there are sewing ones. she could probably learn at least the basics that way

As you are both starting out you could look on eBay for sewing machines. There are some great bargains on there. Modern machines are very easy to use and will have a great selection of different stitch types. My machine is 25 years old and has 33 different options and it's by Brother so you really don't have to get a brand new one. The older machines are better quality and we're designed to go on for years. Other brands are Singer and Bernina. John Lewis does it's own range I believe.

Have you tried Facebook for out of London courses or if you can find a sewing/fabric shop they sometimes run workshops for the basics and for getting to know your machine.

If you can't find a course there are literally loads of tutorials on YouTube which are really useful when you might need help with using a pattern.

The Great British Sewing Bee books are really helpful (there's two and you can get those on Amazon).

There's so many great patterns out there - try Tilly & the Buttons - her patterns at great for beginners.

Good luck

I second YouTube - you can teach yourself anything just by watching YouTube!

Look for sewing cafes, you can often hire a machine there for less than £10 an hour and they have people on hand who will help and give advice

www.thegoodwardrobe.com/sewing-cafes

Often local tailors will provide initial lessons to a teen for a good price.