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Posted on: 5/22/19 9:30 PM ET
I still have my sewing machine, I'm still new and haven't done any projects still and was just wondering where to begin, what are some great beginner projects to do? Thanks.
Posted on: 5/22/19 9:39 PM ET
In reply to sewingnew
The typical beginner home ec projects are either an apron or sweatpants. If you are doing garments start with something simple and not too fitted, like a t-shirt.
Posted on: 5/22/19 9:43 PM ET
If you are truly new to sewing I would suggest a pillow, pillowcase or pyjama bottoms for a first project. Start with cotton fabrics because they’re easy to sew (just pre-wash in case they shrink!)
If you’re close to Atlanta there is the Sewing Guild plus several sewing stores that teach beginning sewing.
If you’re close to Atlanta there is the Sewing Guild plus several sewing stores that teach beginning sewing.
Posted on: 5/22/19 9:43 PM ET
Thanks, but how do I approach that? As in how do I do it
Posted on: 5/22/19 9:49 PM ET
In reply to sewingnew
Congrats for getting into sewing!
I would suggest starting with a tutorial book like SEW - Sew Everything Workshop. That's where I started - it takes you through several construction basics and gives you choice as to how to progress. It comes with a whole bunch of patterns that are reasonably interesting (moreso for women). By the end of the book's lessons you'll be ready to tackle fairly basic patterns.
A site that I liked when I was new was Man Sewing. His projects are incredibly basic but also very useful - things like ironing board covers, aprons, simple blankets, etc. Mostly straight lines and simple curves.
Check out this Margaret Islander video for some early exposure to pinless sewing tactics, which I love (thanks to Kayl for championing this).
Most of the pattern companies also offer beginner patterns - these would be good for early projects. I started with a Burda shirt; any Burda novice pattern would be fine. Another silver lining of working with Burda novice patterns is that because the patterns are pretty simple, it's a gentle entry into the "Burdese" language you sometimes come across in their patterns.
Once you have a few ultra-beginner projects under your belt, you could try something a bit more complex like Free Sewing projects. The founder, Joost, seems very cool. He's made a variety of open sourced sewing patterns. After you put in your measurements, the system creates a customized pattern to your size. He also has incredibly thorough directions to help you construct the garment.
Of course, a good number of forum members will recommend you take a sewing class ASAP. I'm not personally sold on this (my experience was slower by not taking lessons immediately, but no less rewarding), but there are definitely pros to doing so. Do whatever your heart tells you!
I would suggest starting with a tutorial book like SEW - Sew Everything Workshop. That's where I started - it takes you through several construction basics and gives you choice as to how to progress. It comes with a whole bunch of patterns that are reasonably interesting (moreso for women). By the end of the book's lessons you'll be ready to tackle fairly basic patterns.
A site that I liked when I was new was Man Sewing. His projects are incredibly basic but also very useful - things like ironing board covers, aprons, simple blankets, etc. Mostly straight lines and simple curves.
Check out this Margaret Islander video for some early exposure to pinless sewing tactics, which I love (thanks to Kayl for championing this).
Most of the pattern companies also offer beginner patterns - these would be good for early projects. I started with a Burda shirt; any Burda novice pattern would be fine. Another silver lining of working with Burda novice patterns is that because the patterns are pretty simple, it's a gentle entry into the "Burdese" language you sometimes come across in their patterns.

Once you have a few ultra-beginner projects under your belt, you could try something a bit more complex like Free Sewing projects. The founder, Joost, seems very cool. He's made a variety of open sourced sewing patterns. After you put in your measurements, the system creates a customized pattern to your size. He also has incredibly thorough directions to help you construct the garment.
Of course, a good number of forum members will recommend you take a sewing class ASAP. I'm not personally sold on this (my experience was slower by not taking lessons immediately, but no less rewarding), but there are definitely pros to doing so. Do whatever your heart tells you!
Posted on: 5/22/19 9:51 PM ET
simple skirt with elastic waist
curtains for the bathroom, kid's room, kitchen
nightgown
bathrobe
summer dress (find an easy pattern)
curtains for the bathroom, kid's room, kitchen
nightgown
bathrobe
summer dress (find an easy pattern)
Posted on: 5/22/19 9:52 PM ET
In reply to sewingnew
Could you please be more specific on what you need? I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. Sew? Pick a pattern? Find a local ASG or sewing class? Find a YouTube or other online beginning sewing class?
Beginning sewing I suggest a nice cotton pillowcase. Takes about one yard of fabric. I've been sewing for a zillion years and I still enjoy making them when I get bogged down or frustrated with what I'm sewing. If you need instructions I can supply links to video tutorials.
Beginning sewing I suggest a nice cotton pillowcase. Takes about one yard of fabric. I've been sewing for a zillion years and I still enjoy making them when I get bogged down or frustrated with what I'm sewing. If you need instructions I can supply links to video tutorials.
Posted on: 5/22/19 10:16 PM ET
In reply to sewingnew
Quote: sewingnew
I still have my sewing machine, I'm still new and haven't done any projects still and was just wondering where to begin, what are some great beginner projects to do? Thanks.
I still have my sewing machine, I'm still new and haven't done any projects still and was just wondering where to begin, what are some great beginner projects to do? Thanks.
You'll notice most of the suggestions involve primarily straight cuts, with straight seams and straight hems.
Mastering straight bits is very useful when down the road you want to get fancy.You didn't mention your project preference to us. Where do you want to begin? Clothing, home dec or quilty projects? Or are you so dazzled by all of it you want to try a bit of everything?
That's how some of us are.....
Posted on: 5/22/19 11:04 PM ET
In reply to sewingnew
Jalie Galaxie 2, especially the Venus headband. The Venus headband is my goto “I can’t think” sew and is very trendy :)
Jalie Galaxie 1 Espically the Mars zip pouch and the draw string bag.
Any pattern by Liesl Gibson including Oliver and S (kids), Liesl and Co (adults) and The Straight Stitch Society (bags/accessories). Liesl’s instructions are amazing!
It also very much depends on what you would like to sew.
Jalie Galaxie 1 Espically the Mars zip pouch and the draw string bag.
Any pattern by Liesl Gibson including Oliver and S (kids), Liesl and Co (adults) and The Straight Stitch Society (bags/accessories). Liesl’s instructions are amazing!
It also very much depends on what you would like to sew.
Posted on: 5/23/19 2:48 AM ET
I agree that elastic waist skirts would be a good starting point if you want to sew clothes. Maybe one of the skirts from New Look 6730. To sew it, follow the pattern directions, and if you run into problems, come back and ask for help:

-- Edited on 5/23/19 at 2:50 AM --
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-- Edited on 5/23/19 at 2:50 AM --
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Summer
No matter where you are in the world, I hope you are having a pleasant day or evening, whatever applies to you!
SUNSCREEN!!!
5'1" petite, medium sized, proportioned hourglass/pear (but more of an hourglass).
Style: Dressy casual.
No matter where you are in the world, I hope you are having a pleasant day or evening, whatever applies to you!
SUNSCREEN!!!
5'1" petite, medium sized, proportioned hourglass/pear (but more of an hourglass).
Style: Dressy casual.
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