Picture an electric blue polyester-satin tube dress with spaghetti straps and a beaded appliqué — on a seven-year-old. That was my first sewing project, and it was not a costume! Since then, I’ve learned to deploy my glam style instincts more selectively, and I’ve also learned a whole lot more about sewing.
Here are a few things I wish I’d known when I first heard that blue polyester’s siren song:
Seam Finishes For the Win
Finishing the raw edges of your seam allowances adds polish to everything you make, and you’ll feel like a pro. Your pattern instructions probably have tips on basic seam finishes, but there are many options — have several in your toolkit. These days, serging is my favorite quick seam finish, and when there’s time, I love a French seam or a flat-felled seam. If all of these terms sound like Greek to you, don’t worry! Sewing is a technical craft, and learning the vocab is all part of the process.
Good Fit Is Everything
When you sew, you can not only envision and express your personal style, you can make those one-of-a-kind outfits fit like a dream, no matter what your size or how your figure changes. Learn the basics of what good fit means and how to alter patterns to meet your needs. It just takes practice, and you can do it!
Muslins Matter
“Make a muslin.” It’s one of those rules sewers hear and just … ignore, right? A muslin (a test garment using the main pattern pieces, in a fabric that behaves like the fashion fabric) is always worth the time it takes. It’s your go-to secret for great fit and finding out if the style is right for you before you cut into that amazing silk tweed or scuba knit.
Get Obsessed With Fabric
Matching up the right fabric to the right style takes experience, but the more you can learn about different fabrics right up front, the better. If you have a local fabric store, go say hey and get to know the pros there, and ask questions!
Find Your Groove
There’s a rhythm to sewing — set up your space so it’s easy to do every step as you go, and don’t put off essentials (like pressing) until the end.
Invest For Big Returns
As soon as you catch the sewing bug, start investing in the best equipment you can afford, especially your sewing machine. Get tools that will last, and as you advance, keep investing in your creative passion. Fun fact: I learned to sew on my grandmother’s Singer Featherweight, a legendary machine that collectors covet. I still use it today!
Most of all, I wish I’d known how much being able to create my own wardrobe would let me express who I am. From tailored jackets to swimwear, I’ve learned that I can make anything. I love finding a fabric that scares me and looks impossible to sew, and making something gorgeous with it. But I’m never going back to electric-blue polyester satin — once was enough for that!
It’s a really helpful article for anyone who owns a sewing machine. I would like to add that every sewing machine owner should always strive to get good repair and maintenance services to keep their machine in good working condition. You can find more information about the sewing machine repair services we provide on our website. Check out our website
Love the tips
I would like a copy of this article.
Please send a copy.
Nice. I understand about the lack of knowledge. I learned a LOT from working in different garment factories that saved me SO much time and energy.
Looks interesting.
I want to learn more
I wish I knew that patterns default to a B cup and what to do about that many years ago. 🙂 And how to make a sloper. Ye gads.
“What good fit means” link no longer works – 404
Hi Morgan. Once you click on “What Good Fit Means” you will get this download. https://www.craftsy.com/post/how-to-take-your-own-measurements/
If you have any questions, please email or call customer service.
Sarah
Craftsy
Neither link works
Hello Iveth,
Thank you for contacting us. I am sorry to hear that you are having issues with the links. I have successfully tested each of the links in the article and have included troubleshooting instructions below for you to try.
If you are using a mobile device, please delete your internet history. To clear your cache, please click the link below and select the appropriate browser:
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Sincerely,
Sarah
Craftsy
Links still do not work!
Resend the links! Refresh your computer then please resend them. Thanks.
I live with in an apartment. What should I look for in a sewing machine before purchasing?
More attention needs to be put on the feet of a sewing machine rather than the machine itself. Having and knowing the proper ‘feet’ will make sewing so much less complicated.
I live with n an apartment. What should I look for in a sewing machine before purchasing?
I am old and have so much trouble trying to use the threader any hints please
Get not that automatically does that. I don’t know much about sewing yet. I purchased my first machine last year but upgraded it this year.My new one is a Brother Pacesetter PS500 and I just love that it threads its own needle.
My best needle threading tip is to lick-moisten the back of the needle, cut the thread end straight and (on a machine needle) know about how far from the tip the eye is. I’ve had good luck with these. If all else fails, keep trying another tip ! Keep sewing, don’t give up!
Hold a piece of white paper behind the needle. That helps to see the eye. Wet your finger and put it on the front of the needle. The thread is drawn to the eye when the front of the needle is damp
Hello Jean,
Very interesting tip! Thanks!
Craftsy
I have a strong magnifying glass that helps me see better. Also extra good lighting.