Any Advice on Learning to Sew?

If there is a fabric store in the area, you might ask them if there are classes or at least someone that might be able to take you under their wing. I met a wonderful woman who helped me embroider my daughter's 1 yr birthday blanket with her name and birthday. I am looking up a lot of stuff online myself. There are a lot of helpful tutorial videos online. I am learning a lot. Good luck and if you have any questions, feel free to msg me.

Local fabric stores often have classes or can tell you where to go. Especially if you can find a specialy store (not Joanne's which is a mega chain). Smaller specialty stores or quilt stores have really knowledgable staff. I recently took a class in Washington DC at a sewing school so I know those exist too. If you know anyone who sews you could also ask for a lesson. The basics are pretty easy and in 1-2 hours with instruciton on a machine, you could get started on your own. So it is worth takng an afternoon for yourself and traveling ot tak ea class because hands on is best.

You coul probably find a pretty inexpensive sewing machine (uner $100, e.g., Brother or Kenmore) or a used one online. But it is best to go to a store and talk to experts and tough the machines. You could probably teach yourself from the instruciton book, but it really helps to have someone walk you through things like threading the machine. Sewing itself is pretty easy, but threading and widing bobbins can be infuriating :)

And they can probably tell you about lessons!! There are "easy sew" patterns targeted at new beginners or quick projects and they are fairly straight-forward. It is just a matter of getting used to the language and instructions, since all patterns are pretty much the same. Plan to start with something simple like a square pillow or a simple pocket drape. Square lines and simple hems. Set up a workspace on a flat desk or folding table, and having an iron nearby helps. Some scissors and straight pins. 2-3 colors of thread. Ask for help if you need it. Ladies who sew love to talk about sewing..

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I taught myself to sew, and here's how I did it.

I asked my mom for a sewing machine for Christmas about five years ago, and she got me one. Not a very expensive one, but it's nice.

I bought a few VERY simple patterns (aprons, shoulder tie dresses for my daughter.) and just followed the instructions. They are fairly simple to follow.

I checked out a book at the library on "learning to sew" or some such thing to understand what all the terms in the pattern meant, etc.

Once you get the hang of very simple things, it comes pretty naturally. I've made Halloween costumes of my own design, and with a pattern made pants, dresses, stuffed animals, doll clothes, pillows, etc...and I love it.

Just go for it!

I just started sewing about 6 months ago, but I was able to take a few lessons to get me started. If you have anyone at all that can show you just how to get started with your machine (i.e. threading the needle, loading/winding the bobbin, etc), then you can find a TON of things online to make and free tutorials and patterns everywhere. I did learn how to read a pattern during my last class and have made several things from patterns, but even if I come across a term or a stitch I don't know, all I have to do is Google the term and there is an answer out there in cyberspace. I have had SO much fun with it, so I highly recommend learning any way you can. Most things, I've just had to experiment on and see how it goes. I just finished making my daughter's Easter dress. It had a zipper in it, which I've never done before. It took a couple of tries, but I finally got it and it is adorable. I like sewing so much that I convinced my husband to buy me a very inexpensive embroidery machine to use for small projects. His hope is that I will start a little business and sell some things to pay for it. Maybe on etsy? I'm looking into it.

Anyway, I would suggest a book at the library or Google (you tube has great stuff too) beginning to sew and see what you can find. I was also amazed at how helpful my sewing machine's instruction manual was. I got my machine from Overstock.com. It is a computerized Brother machine and it was around $100. I love it! So easy to use and has some decorative stitches. Good luck! Once you start, it can be addicting. I only wish I had more time to do it. :-)

I learned to sew by watching "Sewing with N." on PBS TV. It was much more helpful than the how to books I had. However, I did know the basics of how to use a machine before I started watching the show and trying new things.

It's easier to learn to sew if you have a friend who can show you a few tricks to start off. Perhaps you can trade babysitting for a few sewing lessons.

great question.

I was going to suggest goggling it on you tube like if you want to make a pillowcase dress for a little girl search for that on youtube.

You might also just try messing around and see what you can do. have a little faith that once you figure out a straight line see what all you can do with that and then naturally explore from there.

i made a drawstring bag and a little cover for pocket tissues. I have pretty much no sewing knowledge and managed it ok. PM me and i'll hunt around and find the blogs i used for directions.

my old handmedown machine broke i'd love to get a replacement.

oh and don't forget borrowing books from your library, if they have a book mobil or something that might come out near your area.

Honestly, if you're in a REALLY small town, you'd probably be able to find quite a few people who do a lot of sewing. Ask your neighbors if they know anyone who'd be willing to give you some pointers.

If you don't already have a sewing machine, my mother (and I) would swear by Singer brand. My mom has had hers since she was in college, and it still works perfectly to this day. She's never had to take it for any kind of repairs or maintenance, either.

Like I said, I'd try asking around your town. Smaller towns tend to have more people who've continued to pass sewing down to their kids.

Sewing is so fun. I wish I had more time to do it.
My mom sewed almost ALL of our clothes when we were little so I got my first sewing machine pretty young. I think part of sewing is knowing your machine really well.
You live in a small town, but surely you have a church or two. Have you tried making checking to see if there is anyone there who sews that might be willing to help you out a little bit? Some of our churches have ladies that get together to make quilts to auction off for Relay for Life, etc.
Just an idea.
Also, if you buy patterns that are for "beginners" , you can begin by making simple things. Patterns tell you what you need and give pretty easy to understand instructions.
After you get a knack for it, you may find you don't even need patterns for making certain things.
Get a few simple patterns, experiment with different fabrics, get to know your machine.

Have fun!

awesome question! I've been looking for a class for myself actually.

Contact your local high school Home Ec teacher. They may offer classes as a night school program. Call churches in your area, they may be able to put something in the church bulletin, or know someone who sews.
If there is a technical school near you they often have sewing classes.

May be worth taking a class, just to get started. Ask for the class for mothers day or a birthday.

I was thinking stay at home moms should offer sewing classes to kids, teens and adults. I bet lots of people would be interested.. so many people are into crafting.

I am a terrible sewer. I have no patience. I wish I had tried harder.
I guess it is never too late.

There are some great quilt shops in the KC metro area most
offer beginning quilting class that often cover using your machine.
If not most of the employees are normally more than happy to assist
you. If you do not own a machine some quilt shops are also
dealers for different companies. Do not buy a machine from JoAnns
or Hancocks even though they are name brand machines (Brother)
they have issues. I've had friends buy machines and they don't work
they exchange them and they still don't work. Sometimes local rec
centers offer sewing classes. Good luck and happy sewing.

What my mom did to get me to learn how to sew all sorts of different lines (straight, curvey, right angles, ect) is she took a piece of paper drew shapes and told me to guide the needle on them. I'm pretty dang good at a straight line now-a-days! Oh she wouldn't have the machine threaded at all.
No fabric stores anywhere? Well when you go to the nearest town with a fabric store, ask the ladies there what their advice is.

I love the blogspot Make It and Love It. She gives you tutorials on how to make alot of different items and gives sewing tips. http://www.makeit-loveit.com/

For learning new techniqes (like binding) I will look it up on you tube and usually will find a video tutorial.