Sewing advice please?

Question

Here's my story. When I was in the sixth grade I had enrolled in a simple homeliving class and I signed up for a more difficult class in seventh grade. I had only sewed very simple things in those classes. I had tried to sew a simple skirt but the Simplicity pattern wasn't that simple. I had the hardest time just cutting out the fabric. It kept tearing too easily. So after four years I want to attempt sewing again. What kind of pattern should I use? Can I get an easy pattern on more durable paper? What sewing machine should I get?

Answer 1

I have been sewing for almost 40 years, and I just replaced my $3,000 electronic machine with a plain $80 one from Sears. I don't like all the fancy electronic workings. So I suggest a plain machine with mechanical workings. It will last longer, it requires less care, costs less to work on, and is much easier to figure out how to work. I have not even opened my book on it and I am using it like crazy. As far as the patterns, the paper is even thinner than before. They save money by using thinnner paper. Here is what I do; I determine which pattern pieces I need for the item I am making. I cut them out, then fold the un-needed pieces and put back in the pattern envelope. Then I spread out my pattern paper pieces and smooth them out nice and flat. While I am doing all this, I have my fabric washing and drying. If you wash and dry AFTER the garment is made, it will shrink and get out of shape. Do it before. This will also keep you from getting surprises in the fabric. If it's bad fabric, at least you haven't sewn it yet. Buy lightweight woven cottons first. They are easier to handle and much easier to sew. Don't buy a stripe or plaid or a texture that you need to match. And remove the fabric from the dryer BEFORE it is completely done. Fold it in half with the right sides together and smooth it out. Then fold it very nicely so the fabric is flat and not wrinkled. Just these small preparation steps will make sewing so much easier for you. As far as patterns, start with a pillow case (you don't need a pattern for that), a curtain or tablecloth. Or a plain shirt pattern that has two pieces, front and back. Start simple. A success with something simple will lead you to more complicated items with success. Good luck and happy sewing!!!

Answer 2

For a beginning sewing project, the kids in school make pajama pants. Simple pattern with two pieces, just three seams, elastic at the waist and hemmed at the bottom. Look in patterns books for patterns marked as easy/simple or beginner. Most fabric stores will have a clerk that can answer any questions you have and help you select a pattern and fabric. There are some community ed classes that teach beginner classes and the sewing machines are provided. Maybe call your local community center or school to find out. Good luck!

Answer 3

Get a good machine from a Thrift Store, charity type. Salvation Army, Goodwill, and such.

Basically you want a starter machine, simple, zig-zag, foot pedal, easy bobbin winder, loader.

Now, make a set of curtains. Is the simplest pattern there is, basically square, hemmed edges. Now get a box of single edge razor blades and take the seams apart, detwig , (remove the old cut threads) and make again.

This is basic practice and after you become proficient at assembling and re-assembling you will have relearned some of the basic stuffs and be ready to move onto more challenging projects.

Sun dresses should be next. These have the human form in the pattern and a few seams that can be frenched or rolled over.

You can also find many of those patterns at Goodwill thrift stores also.

Your purchases will be helping people in need of food and stuff and you will not be adding to the production of plastic cause it is already made, and most likely is made of metal.

Answer 4

I would recommend getting your machine from a sewing machine store. They do have lower priced models and used machines. They will give you free lessons on it, which I really think would be a big help to you. It would also help to take a refresher class on sewing too.

I don't why your pattern tore. Cut out the pattern pieces you need. Iron them flat with a very low setting on your iron. Lay them out on your fabric. Use good sharp straight pins, put them in perpendicular to the cutting line. And use a good sharp sewing scissor to cut it out. The right tools for the right job make the task easier.

JoAnn fabrics should have some sewing classes over the summer

Answer 5

What fabric were you using for the skirt? My first guess is that it was something that frayed easily which would make it hard for a beginning sewer to use. I'd stick to cotton and cotton blends until you get used to sewing. Maybe flannels for the pajama pants mentioned above.



Then a good scissors is key. If any spot on the scissors is dull it makes cutting extremely hard and messy.



Try the patterns that are labeled easy, beginner or for dummies. They all tend to be simple with good instructions. I don't know of any patterns on more sturdy paper but here's what I do: tape the pattern to a window (or light table if you're lucky enough to have access to one) and then tape paper (either tissue or newsprint if you want something sturdier) over the pattern and trace the piece with all markings. Then you use the copied pattern piece to cut the fabric. That leaves the original pattern intact in case you need to change sizes (since most are multi sized until you cut them) or refer back to it.

Answer 6

The paper is a lot thinner than it was when I was a kid. Make sure you cut it away from the big sheet with a little left over all around, and then pin it flat to your fabric. Don't pull on it. Use straight pins and run them lengthwise. Make sure you don't distort the fabric where the pins are. Use as many pins as possible so the pattern can't shift.



If you buy patterns from a smaller company like Folkwear or Sensibility, the paper will be nice and thick, but then you get distortion when you pin it to the material. So you can't win either way.

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Answer 7

Another tip for cutting fabric with pattern on it. You need to cut the pattern piece off the larger sheet. It will have an arrow on as to which way it should be on the fabric. The arrow means to go with the length wise grain, so even if the pattern is crooked on the material that's the way it is. Also some pieces will be to place on the fold. You have to pin the pattern on the fabric. Put your pins closer together if it's giving you a problem with moving.

Get a new pair of scissors to cut fabric with. Use it for only cutting fabric so it doesn't dull.