Sewing Lessons

Sewing has become more popular than ever, and with so may items to sew and all the great fabrics and embellishments out there, it's just so much fun. Learning to sew can be a wonderful thing, after all you can be so creative.

I WANT TO SHARE MY LOVE OF SEWING WITH YOU

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Author Unknown

I have been sewing since I was 9 YEARS OLD (49 YRS) a long time isn't it, but I love it.

My favorite things to sew are for Children, Weddings, Proms and Anything fancy. I also sew home decor , and many different crafts. I guess you could say I dabble in all things creative.

My goal is to share my knowledge with you.

It can be overwhelming at first but don't let it, there are many simple projects you can start with such as:

1. Pillows

2. Baby blanket

3. Simple skirt such as pencil style

4. Tote

5. Tablecloth, table runner, napkins etc..

6. Pencil skirt

7. Straight Valance

8. T shirt

9. Aprons

10. Pants & Shorts

or a pattern of your choice. There are a lot of patterns to choose from, starting with a simple pattern in one of the categories shown above.

Amy Butler Patterns In Town Bags

The basics you need to get you started are:

Sewing Machine

It doesn't have to have all the fancy stitches, a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch and buttonhole stitch will do in the beginning. I started with a Singer Pedal Sewing Machine years ago, Today I have a Husqvarna Rose Sewing and Embroidery Machine.

Scissors and Shears

Shears are usually 6-9 inches long, bent handle with large holes for fingers and an smaller one for your thumb and is used for cutting fabric.

Scissors are used while sewing to clip threads, clipping curves, trimming seam allowances etc..

I use Fiskars brand, and Olfa Rotary Cutter with ergonomic design, there are other brands to choose from, you may find one that will become your favorite.

Dressmakers Pins

These are used to pin pattern to fabric, pin seams together for sewing, hems and more.

Marking Pencils

Marking Pencils mark darts, pleats and other pattern markings

Measuring Tape

Dressmakers Ruler

Sewing gauge

It is used to mark hems, buttonholes, tucks and pleats.

Pressing Tools

Sewing Machine Needles

The right size for the type of fabric you are using.

Fiskars Soft Touch Scissors 10''

Oversized cushion grip handles are specially designed to reduce discomfort in the thumb and fingers by absorbing pressure caused by squeezing. A spring gently opens the scissor after each cut, making this scissor ideal for heavy users and for people experiencing weakness in their hands. A slide lock keeps the blade closed for safe storage. Adjustable screw allows the blade tension to be modified. Ambidextrous. Stainless steel blades.

120'' Tape Measure

Fiberglass measuring tape. Large numbers and scale.

Washout Marking Pencil 3 Pack

Dritz Extra Long Satin Pins 300/Pkg

Nickel-plated steel pins in a reusable plastic storage box. Size 21.

An apron, pillow or simple skirt would be a great starting point, or you may have another choice.

The pillow will get you used to cutting and stitching a straight line.

To make a 18x18 inch pillow, you would need to add a 1/2-1inch seam allowance. Make a paper template of the pillow with the seam allowance included. A cotton fabric would be economical to start with, since you are learning.

Once pattern is prepared, pin to the fabric and cut out. Sew around the pillow leaving an opening for turning. Press the pillow and insert pillow form. Hand sew opening or sew velcro to the opening.

When sewing the simpliest project it can turn out amazing, adding some extra color, putting a print fabric together with a plain fabric or adding a flower.

Throw Pillows

Accent Pillows

Bed Pillows

Neck Pillows

Body Pillows

Novelty Pillows

Lumbar Pillows

Floor Pillows

The sizes of pillows vary, the size can be 18x18" 16x16" etc., fabrics used for pillows can be cotton, denim, jacquard, upholstery fabric, use an old shirt, old sweater, even taffeta for a really elegant pillowl