Beginner sewing advice: choosing a machine, essential tools and easy first projects

[HDJHH112E]

Hi all, I was always utterly useless at school at anything other than sewing on buttons, but I have been thinking for a while about taking up sewing as a hobby.

I will be looking at Youtube videos on how to start but would appreciate an idiots guide of what helps you with making your own things.

I don't even know what sewing machine would be a good one to go for!

Any tips/dos/donts would would much appreciated, thank you

This is a really well established sewing machine shop.

https://jaycotts.co.uk/

Tote bags are a great starting point, they start very very basic,just 2 rectangles and some webbing, then you start adding variations as you get more confident, a flat base, pockets, zips, lining, matching fabric handles, rolled handles, adjustable straps. But all of them are useful, they can be used for your weekly shop whether they’re fancy folding in a little pouch or bog standard basic in a pretty fabric.

@drspouse I want to do a cushion actually, but the zip bit was putting me off - an envelope would be much easier thanks!

A tote bag - brilliant suggestion thank you @InfoSecInTheCity