What are some easy sewing tips for beginners?

If you are new to sewing, or are just setting up a new household, there are a few things that you will need, and a few tips to make your sewing projects successful.

Lets start with the needs. If you don't have a sewing kit make one. This will keep all your sewing essentials in one place and easy to find. You don't need to buy a special 'sewing basket'. Any old container that is big enough for your tools will work. Always keep it in the same place. In our fast paced lives it's easy to forget where you put something.

Tools:

1. A package of assorted size sewing needles. Eye sizes and length vary. Or assorted needles for your sewing machine.

2. A good pair of scissors that you only use for sewing. Invest a few dollars here. Cheap or dull scissors can pull the threads of your fabric, or leave a jagged edge on your thread when you cut it. This many seem unimportant, but just try to thread a needle with a jagged edge on your thread, and you'll know what I mean. And those pulls in your fabric can be unsightly and ruin your project. There are many brands of scissors and price ranges at your local fabric or hobby stores. Don't use household scissors, they're not built for the job.

3. A seam ripper. You may need to remove old stiches before you can repair something. And even the best, and most experienced sewers make mistakes.

4. A flexible fabric tape measure.

5. Assorted small spools of basic colors of thread. Look at your clothes. What colors do you wear? Also a spool of heavier button thread that will match most of your needs. Special colors can be purchased for specific projects.

6. Straight pins. You may need to stabilize how the pieces of your project fit together before you can sew them. I like the longer pins with a small colored ball on the end. I find that they are easier to handle, and easier to see when it's time to remove them.

7. Fabric chalk. It comes in white or colors, chunks or pencils. Get what you feel comfortable with. Be aware that not all of them are easily removed when you are done. So check the package label to see if it is removable. If you buy chunks you will have to occasionally sharpen an edge so you can get a small clean mark. You can do this with the edge of your scissors or a knife.

Now on to some tips:

1. Plan your project. Even if you are just going to sew on a button, you will need the right tools. More complex projects will, of course, need more thought. You don't want to cut something in the wrong place. If your not sure about something, use your pins and try it out to see if it works. Even a button can be sewn in the wrong place.

2. If you are sewing by hand or on a sewing machine you will need to think about how big the stitches need to be. Clothing needs smaller stitches than a curtain would. Work clothes or children's clothes that are subject to more stressful wear will need smaller stitches than other types of clothing.

3. Don't be afraid of making a mistake. It's just like any other thing that you learn to do. Your gonna get it wrong sometimes. That is what your seam ripper is for. As you gain more experience you will make fewer mistakes. Be patient with yourself, don't get discouraged. You will be more proud of your projects if you fix those little mistakes.

4. Use the right needle for the job. Whether you are sewing by hand or by machine you will need different size needles for different types of fabric and jobs. A pair of jeans will need a thicker needle than a silk blouse. Sewing on a button takes a shorter needle. Fixing a hem by hand you want to use a longer needle.

I have been sewing for 50 years. I have been employed by top designers and have made all kinds of things for all kinds of people. From baby clothes to wedding gowns and leather items.

Look for more sewing hubs in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sundance