Sewing.
If any of you have ever tried it, you know how much fun it can mean for your home, once you get over those first few intimidating hurdles. After I wrote a little something in this post, {five no-sew ideas} I received an email from Dana that went a little something like this:
Hey! I really love your blog, and I especially loved that last post on no-sew ideas for around the home. I found that super inspiring! I am thinking of purchasing my first sewing machine and I was wondering what your favorite tips are for sewing? Any help you could give would be awesome. I’m such a novice. Thank you!
Jamin purchased my first sewing machine for me on Mother’s day around five years ago, per my request. And it sat covered in dust while I cowered in the fetal position, completely intimidated by what seemed completely overwhelming at the time. If I could go back in time and hold my own hand, here’s a few things I’d recommend to get started, and once you do, a few good tips and tricks to follow.
• Once you move past threading that bobbin, you’re good.
It all starts with breaking out that instruction manual on your shiny new machine. Read your directions to see what the heck you’ve gotten yourself into, or even better, invite a friend over who totally knows what she’s doing, and make a party of it. Between my mother in law and a few friends’ help over the years, I’ve had enough of a backup team to give Martha Stewart a run for her money. No lessons needed. Honestly, I just got some scrap fabric, and it’s true what they say. Practice makes perfect. Well, sustainable anyway.
Start small and move on from there. You’ll be a sewing expert in absolutely no time at all. I always say that if I can figure it out, anyone can. ;}
• Invest in a great pair of scissors.
I’m sure there’s a scissor snob club out there. Though this one may come as a total shocker, I’m not a scissor snob. ;} I just purchased a nicer pair from our local craft store {All metal} for a little more {probably around thirty dollars} And they were worth every penny. I wish I’d known this when I started, because I thought I could whip out any old pair of scissors from around the house… and be good.
See me, hacking away at fabric until 2 in the a.m. I wanted to pull out all of the hairs from my skull. See me after purchasing said nice scissors, later form-tackling Jamin from across the room when he busted out the good stuff to open the Pop-Ice. It’s amazing that no one died.
Nice scissors. They’re worth it.
• Always always always always always always always always always always always wash your fabric. If there is ever a remote chance that your fabric may get dirty, if its covering a large area, or if you live in a home with children or dogs or dust…
But if you forget, there’s also happy endings. I mean, hey. Chesterfields sure do make me happy, after all. I must confess, every now and then I still cheat, and I’ve gotten away with it a LOT in the past. (I am totally tempting the vomit gods on this one.) But really. When in doubt, wash. The. Fabric.
• Measure twice, cut once.
In fact, measure three times. Measure three times before you even order your fabric, and you will save yourself hundreds of dollars in a short amount of time. Once, when I first started, I forgot to convert feet into yards. Rookie (embarrassing) mistake at its finest. So guess who ordered three times the amount of burlap that she needed? ::This Gal:: I don’t really follow patterns (I’ve only tried two in the five years I’ve been sewing) Sometimes ya need to triple check. It’s true what they say. When in doubt, count it up again!
• The hardest part is cutting.
Once you learn how to thread the bobbin, this comes in a close second. And when you’re ready to start your project, I honestly find cutting the most tedious part. You need to stay on your game, and make sure you cut those lines straight. A few of you mentioned earlier that you can clip your fabric, and then tear it, and it will tear in a straight line. This has been true for me in the past, but I recommend trying it on a practice piece first, because I haven’t found it ideal for all fabrics. Sometimes it can warp your design, or fray too much for the yards that you have. Just choose your ripping wisely. But it is a fantastic tip!
For cutting those lines, I find that measuring as I go against a line that I trust {that sentence sounds weird} on my coffee table or on the floor is always a safe place to work. Being patient can pay off big time.
• That reverse button is not for fun. It’s mandatory.
No, really. I once considered it optional. But after every stitch, I’ve found it very worthwhile to follow up with the reverse button a few times at the ends, to strengthen your piece and lessen the chances of it ripping later.
• Stay focused.
Once you get in the groove of pushing that fabric through the machine, it can feel like a mindless thing because it can be relaxing. Don’t be fooled, because the seam ripper is your bff, if you do. Stay on top of it. Even the simplest of moves can be the reverse of what you thought they were. I find that while it’s relaxing, don’t use it as your chance to totally zone out on your vacay to Tahiti. This one may sound dumb, but if you’ve ever sewn before, you probably know what I’m talking about.
• Pace yourself.
Take it with a grain of salt, because we all work differently. But work on it in small stretches, if you’re a newbie. Breaking it up can make things a little more manageable, and I am not a newbie. Emerson’s space was a lot of cutting and sewing, and it took me quite a few days to work on it all. I found that dividing it all up can make it easier.
• The iron is your best friend. So are pins.
Use them to help you achieve straight hems and lines. Also, I totally cheat and use a guide to make sure I stay on the line. It attaches to my machine with a magnet, and it sits oh so happily as a guide. It’s like my little security blanket when I need it. Particularly with massive amounts of big bulky fabric. Tada! You’re in business.
• It’s not you, it’s the machine.
For a while, I hated sewing and hated the results I was getting. My once-competent machine would snag, and the under stitching would tangle up in unmanageable knots. As it turned out, my feed dogs were messed up and my machine needed maintenance. Who knew? I had no idea my machine was overdue for a tune up.
Even after maintenance, it didn’t help my problem and I found myself dreading every single project. So I finally dumped my machine last year for an industry-grade Janome. {Major sale + Amazon = Best decision ever.} Everyone you talk to will have a different experience, but make sure your machine is working correctly. It can make a big difference in your world.
It is totally worth it to learn the basics of sewing if you feel up to taking on something fun and new… It’s saved us thousands of dollars in our home, and it’s so rewarding once you take on those projects! I hope this helps, Dana!
What are some of your favorite tips + tricks for sewing basics? We’d love to hear!
Jenny@EvolutionofStyle says
I love these tips! I have to tell you, it make me feel 1000 times better reading that cutting is the hardest part – because it so IS! I thought it was just me – I mean, how hard can cutting be, right? Very hard. 😉
You’re making me want to pull out my machine and invite my mom over for lunch, since she’s got crazy sewing skills and could keep me from losing my mind.
Rita Caldwell says
Sage advice!! Great post!
Shelley says
My mom taught me to step away when things don’t go right and you get frustrated. Take a small break, a day or even a week to attempt again with fresh eyes and a new spirit. It will work wonders! Because we all know its not very fun to keeps ripping out the mistake over and over.
ashley @ the handmade home says
AMEN!
April says
I started sewing from knowing nothing in 2006 when I was in my mid-twenties. I agree with all your advice here but one thing I would add is use people to help teach you if you can. I called up my Granny who has been quilting and sewing for years to just give me the basic crash course and it was not only a memorable time spent learning from her but also I was able to do things hands-on with her machine before taking the plung and buying one myself. I will also always be able to say that my Granny taught me how to sew…..which I love. I know not everyone has that option, but if you can…find a sewing mentor that is patient and will take the time to show you the basics instead of reading a bunch of instructions.
Mindy says
So true! All of it! I hated the cutting too, until I decided I was going to make a quilt and I bought one of the quilter’s cutting boards and a rotary cutter. (If you play the sales right, they aren’t that expensive.) Best decision ever. I use it for everything now, and I honestly don’t remember how I sewed without it!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Say what?!!! I will have to try this!! 😉
Carla says
Oh my stinkin heck…go, GO NOW, and buy a rotary cutter!!
Cynthia says
Totally agree, Carla! Don’t cut another straight line without it. It’ll change your life. And it can sometimes even *gasp* make the cutting part kind of fun!
Amy Tilson says
Yes! Get the big wide quilting ruler out of the clear plastic, too, maybe even a long metal ruler with a cork back. These make cutting with a rotary cutter a breeze! It will change your life!
robin @ The Designest says
I’ll second the “measure three times before you even order!”
In the beginning it is intimidating, but once you get started you’re like ‘Wow – I can make anything!’
Carla says
Amen on the good scissors!! And I had to laugh about tackling your hubby when he used them on the pop ice. Everyone in this house knows the rule – DON’T TOUCH THE YELLOW HANDLED SCISSORS!!!
Jordan says
Ok, so this is going to sound like the weirdest non-compliment type of compliment, but bare with me while I explain…I love design blogs. Like…major self control to not spend hours going from blog to blog (your included) each evening. Even though most blogs do the obligatory random posts of “my house isn’t perfect, see?” and show all the laundry piles, dishes in the sink etc… your blog is just different. I don’t EVER leave your blog feeling like I cant seem to pull my house together…even if you show a space that I love and want to implement somewhere in my home like, yesterday…I always click away feeling inspired and encouraged to try something for MY family and not for the hidden pinterest camera that’s never coming to my house. To do what I REALLY want to do and not be as concerned with what others houses may have going on in them. Even though I gravitate more towards the cottage-y type style for me, I LOVE, love, love your blog (and house!). Your blog encourages me to make our spaces FUN and US…I don’t want what Im trying to say…just that I love your blog and your house attitude 🙂 Im always encouraged by you…and usually laughing while at it!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Jordan! Your non-compliment compliment 🙂 really means so much. What you just wrote is truly what we try so hard to do… Thank you. That means so very much!!! Rock on with your own awesome home! Hugs to you sweet friend!
Jamie says
Amen to that… This is why I continually come back for more!
Cynthia says
My best tip is don’t try to learn with expensive fabric, it just adds to the pressure. Find some similar fabric in the clearance bin, or buy an old sheet at the thrift store and try it out with your cheap fabric first. Then you build up your confidence and you aren’t repeating ($30/yard, don’t screw up!) over and over in your head.
Debbie says
Totally agree on the scissors. I am left-handed and my very first pair of scissors were left-HANDLED….so lefties be aware, they are not the same as left-HANDED scissors!
Stacy says
These are good words to sew by! I always say it isn’t a project unless that seam ripper has come out, hahaha! Practice makes perfect too, and I wish I would’ve started off with much simpler projects than I did (a tote bag or throw pillow instead of wrap dress from a vintage pattern), that would’ve saved me so much frustration!
Sara says
Where do you buy or order most of your fabrics?
Kim says
Awesome tips! I have been sewing since I was about 12 years old. Both my grandmother and mom sewed and they taught me how early on. I am so thankful they did. The tip I have is to dust inside the bobbin case and threading mechanism after each project. Most machines come with a small dusting brush. This will remove the lint build up from the fabric. There are a ton of free online sewing classes. I will do a google search if I have questions on something I haven’t tried before.
Linda says
Thank you thank you for this post! I have been living with my grandmother’s old Singer for 8 years and I am terrified of using it. I can relate to your early stage description of being completely intimidated. (Dust and fetal position may or may not also apply.) Your tips are almost enough to make me want to go figure out how to thread the bobbin with the thread I bought just 2 weeks ago. Oh such a scary idea!
Margaret Hackett says
I’ve sewn for years and these are great tips. One other
great one is get a good iron such as a Rowenta. It’s so important to press seams as you go. Crisp edges make your sewing project much more professional looking.
Denise says
Straight lines needed? Rotary cutter, mat, and quilting ruler. Can be pretty pricey, but with 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, or Hancock’s, it is totally worth it. Before I took a quilting class for the first time, I read 4 books about quilting so I would know the right questions to ask when I had an actual teacher in front of me. I’m not ashamed to say that ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Quilting’ was one of the best. I agree that friends and family who sew are indispensable. However, my mom has been sewing for 50 years (she learned in junior high home ec.) and she periodically takes sewing classes to improve her game. Sewing is definitely a life-long skill, great therapy, and can be a big blessing to others.
Elisa says
Sewing is so addicting! For years I was scared to do it because I kept forgetting how to thread my machine. But once you get the hang of it, it’s amazing. (and now I’m writing my own sewing patterns for kids’ clothes – crazy) Nothing stretches your dollars, or gives more personality to your space than self designed and sewn pillows, curtains, etc. Yours are always beautiful!
Jessica says
Great tips! I’m totall headed out to get a guide!
melissa gray says
Also, I swear by a rotary cutter and a big huge cutting mat with a long clear cutting ruler. All the little grids, angles, it makes it so easy. And you can easily cut 5 yards of fabric in one swoop with a rotary cutter.
Naomi W. says
You did a great job of summarizing some helpful hints!
Lindsey McKay says
Thanks for your post- sewing has always been intimidating to me. Perhaps because my Mum just makes it look so darn easy and I struggle. Every. Single. Time. : )
What is this magnetic straight line guide you speak of?! If you don’t have a picture, could you at least give me the product information so I can find one? Thank you!
I also agree on the rotary cutter business. They are wonderful, and make things go so much smoother!! : )
Marie says
These are great tips! I’m just getting started again (I sewed a lot as a teenager) and cutting is definitely my least favorite part. But there’s one other thing that keeps getting me… I’m in the process of sewing blackout curtains for my due-in-two-months daughter’s room, and I have come up with another tip. When right sides should go together, check yourself like 8 times before you sew those panels/pieces together. And it’s not enough to say, “Remember, Marie, right sides together”, because apparently that does nothing! Today, I sewed the two panels together wrong sides together… twice in an hour. TWICE! Pregnancy brain!
Thanks again for the tips!
Tineke says
Okay…here’s the biggest obstacle for me (and what makes me put away my sewing projects every time [after I have broken down in tears and frustration]): the bobbin gets all tangled up and then the sewing machine jams up! I read that it has something to do with tension, but cannot for the life of me, figure out how to correct the problem. 🙁
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Tineke! I am actually having the same trouble now. I would guess it’s adjusted on the side where you can move your needle up and down. I disassembled our sewing machine just last night because it jammed. It is so frustrating! I would recommend googling it by the brand of your sewing machine. It is so frustrating, though. I am with you!
Jamie says
Rule of thumb when you start to have thread problems – “if it’s messing up on the bottom the problem is something on the top, and vice versa.”
If your bobbin thread is “spider webbing” or tangling try these steps in order:
1. Rethread the top of the machine to make sure nothing has come out of place.
2. Change the machine needle.
3. Try a new spool of thread. Thread does weaken over time especially if left in direct light.
4. Make sure your bobbin is wound evenly, is threaded properly and unwinding in the right direction.
5. Adjusting tension is your VERY LAST resort – most machines handle this automatically.
Some of my other favorites – if your project becomes frustrating, walk away. Never sew when tired. Most everything can fixed except a wrong cut fabric and it’s your last piece. Save working with knit febrics until you become confident with basic 100% cottons.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Um, thank you so much for this, Jamie! This is SO helpful!!!! ;}
Michelle says
I see this is an old post but if someone comes across it again, this is my best tip ever! I learned to use tiny binder clips instead of pins to hold my laminated diaper fabric together. You can’t use pins on laminated mtl or it will leak, so the solution was tiny binder clips and now I use them on absoluetely all sewing projects. The fabric doesn’t shift and the clips never fall off. The mtl feels awkward at first but eventually that goes away. Trust me it is the best tip ever. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
This IS great! Thanks Michelle!