Simple Tips For New Sewers
Just ask this leading retailer of sewing machines and accessories and they’ll tell you that their products are in demand. There’s little doubt that sales of sewing machines in NZ have increased in recent years, and many of those machines have been sold to new sewers. It’s part of a trend of getting back to basics – things like home baking, gardening and sewing are a throwback to the good old days and reflect the very fashionable retro vibe currently being experienced in New Zealand and around the world.
When it comes to things like baking and gardening, there is no shortage of advice. And the same applies to sewing. There are a few simple tips that anyone new to sewing can employ to make their hobby an enjoyable one. If you’re in that category, they’ll make for handy reading:
- There’s nothing more dispiriting for a beginner than taking on a complicated project and failing. So one of the best tips for new sewers is to keep things simple to start with. This lets you get used to your new sewing machine and give you the confidence you need to step up to more complex projects. A simple bag, cushion cover or even a hairband is a good place to start, with plenty of online patterns and tutorials available to you.
- In your enthusiasm to get started, you might forget to read the instructions. This is a big mistake. Many sewing projects fail because a crucial step has been missed and this is usually due to not being across all of the instructions. So, our tip is to take your time and read up on what you’re supposed to be doing before you start doing it!
- Novices often complain that they are confused by the words and phrases used in sewing. For example, what is basting? And how can you tell the right side and the wrong side of the fabric? By knowing these terms, you’ll avoid the confusion that brings a halt to many sewing projects, so invest in a good sewing instruction book, find an online glossary, or simply use Google when you come across unfamiliar terms.
- This is not the time to be buying expensive fabrics. As you learn to sew, it will often be a case of trial and error, so any mistakes will see you waste money on that high-priced material. Start your new hobby with cheaper fabrics so the mistakes you make won’t be costly ones. However, you should always buy the best thread you can as the cheaper stuff can break easily and cause more headaches than it’s worth.
- Here’s a tip that experienced sewers swear by; always wash your fabric before you start a project, especially if you’re making a garment. As you know, fabrics tend to shrink when they’re washed so it’s obvious that you want them to shrink before you start sewing, or your newly-sewed garment might not fit you after its first wash.
- And here’s another tip that seasoned sewers treat as a golden rule: constant ironing during the sewing process shouldn’t be overlooked. Pressing pieces as you go helps to keep the seams straight and this is very, very important. Many frustrated sewers will tell you that crooked seams can ruin a garment and it won’t hang correctly.
By following these simple tips, you’ll gain greater mastery over your sewing and produce excellent results sooner. By doing that, you’ll turn a new interest into a lifelong passion.
