Learn to Sew: December 2014

Tips for Beginners working with intermediate/advanced patterns

As a beginner, it is imperative to practice your skills before starting any project. But sometimes, we just want to dig in and make something pretty! Here are a few tips to dig in. Find a project that you like and purchase the pattern.

*Find and purchase a pattern that you want to make. Patterns come in commercial brands (McCalls, Butterwick and Simplicity are the most reliable and correct and easy to follow commercial brand patterns) or designer brands (various pdf or paper pattern versions). Note: if you purchase a pdf pattern, be sure to follow the printing instructions. There is usually a test square. Print that page first and make sure your settings are correct. If you print square is incorrect, the rest of your pattern pieces are also incorrect.

*Read through ALL of the pattern first, including any pattern language you do not understand. Use resources (see below) for clearing up anything that you do not understand

*Purchase all of your materials, notions, and project supplies (purchase extra fabric, just in case you make a mistake cutting).

*Purchase inexpensive fabrics and notions, and practice the techniques contained in your pattern instructions.

*Read twice (measure twice)/cut once. Watch for special instructions, such as PLACE ON FOLD, cut 1, cut 2, extra fabric needed for one way design, etc

*Take your time! Cut out your pattern pieces, following any instructions given to attach your pattern pieces together (where necessary). Some pdf patterns are printed on standard sized paper, and some pieces need to be taped together. Follow the attachment instructions (tape lines, etc.)

*Purchase good thread. It is well-worth the cost. Cheap thread creates a lot of lint and will tend to break—often.

*Before beginning your project, make several bobbins so you can quickly refill your bobbin case if a bobbin runs out. As a rule, I make 5 bobbins for each project.

*Purchase the correct interfacing, fleece, etc. These types of materials are numbered on the bolt to help identify what type each is. When you visit the fabric store, bring slips of paper and safety pins with you, and label each piece as the clerk cuts your purchase. This will reduce confusion when you get ready to cut out your pieces.

*Once you begin sewing your project, do it one step at a time. Follow your pattern one step at a time and take your time.

*Take breaks. Put on your favorite music. Have a cup of coffee or glass of wine—enjoy yourself!

*Keep your seam ripper handy and carefully rip out seams that are not professional.

*Make sure your iron is clean and you have a good ironing surface or clean ironing board cover. Purchase some cleaning paste for your iron in case you need to clean your iron. Anything that is on your iron plate will get onto your project. Once it melds into your fabric, your project is ruined. This paste can be purchased at Walmart, usually in the laundry detergent isle. Never scrub your iron plate!

*Make a “test” project from cheap fabric first. You can work out all of your misunderstandings without any regrets!

*Just go for it—try it out. If your project is a flop, learn from your mistakes and try again. You will succeed eventually! There are no mistakes, just opportunities for creativity (a quote from someone but I cannot remember who).

*Most importantly, don’t rush to complete your project. Enjoy the process and you will enjoy the results. Have fun!

Sewing Help Resources

· You Tube videos

· Fabric Stores (ask the employees for advice; most are very knowledgeable)

· Contact the designer of the pattern for clarification (most are happy to help)

· Facebook—join a sewing group related to that specific pattern designer. Also join groups for people who love to sew—these are great places to ask questions and get help.

· Sewing guilds—join or visit a sewing guild meeting. There are usually plenty of men and women who love to teach beginners new skills and advance their newly developing skills.

· Get a group of new sewing friends together. You will be delightfully surprised! Everyone has a different set of skills and sewing knowledge to bring to the “sewing table.”

· Check your local library for free sewing classes, contacts for sewing help within your community, and books!

· Your bookstore (online and the store) has plenty of resources for honing your sewing skills.

Great Sewing Websites for All Sewing Levels

http://www.sew4home.com/

http://www.sew4home.com/images/articles/patterns/0963-Sewing_Basics_Resource_Guide.pdf

http://www.allfreesewing.com/Basics-and-Tutorials

http://www.euronotions.com/pdf/Schmetz_Sales_Guide.pdf

https://www.taunton.com/promotions/pdf/Threads_ThreadEssentials.pdf

http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/presser-feet-help

http://sewingschool.org/2011/03/16/basic-sewing-machine-troubleshooting/

http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/stitch-reference