Learn to sew and cut from scratch. Tricks of sewing knitwear on a conventional sewing machine. About pleasant bonuses of female hobby
Sooner or later, each of us needs the help of a tailor, and well, we go to the studio. There they will darn us, and sew, and sew. But why not try yourself as a tailor, not only to save money, but also to diversify your skills, learn how to create beauty, and always be ready to darn something at the right time. Fortunately, in the 19th century, the sewing machine was invented, which greatly simplified the process of sewing, and now it is not difficult for you and me to start.
To get started, we need a sewing machine, a simple task and enthusiasm!
Which machine to choose
There are three types of sewing machines:
- computerized;
- electronic;
- electromechanical.
Electromechanical sewing machines are the best for beginners, as they are the easiest to use. Nevertheless, they have a huge number of necessary functions, and a very affordable price, which is sometimes also not unimportant. When you reach the next level, you can sit down at the electronic typewriter, it has much more functions, but the price is correspondingly higher than the previous one. If finances allow, then you can start with this machine. As for computerized machines, they are for professionals, they perform any thematic functions and the sewing process itself at the highest level. However, they are the most expensive and are not needed for simple tasks such as sewing on buttons and darning socks.
Introduction to the sewing machine
Next, you should read the instructions, which you will definitely find in addition to sewing machine. Explore all the features in as much detail as possible and decide which one you want to start with. Usually these are simple stitches that can be applied to any piece of fabric. Take the one that you won’t be sorry to spoil, don’t expect everything to turn out right away, in sewing, as in any other business, you need to have patience and perseverance. Having mastered one seam, move on to another until you have explored all the possible seams on your sewing machine. Your initial task is to learn how to make straight lines.
The lines are mastered, it's time to sew
There are many magazines and websites available on the Internet that make it quick and easy to learn how to sew on a sewing machine. Your task is to draw from there correct information. pattern instructions, step by step description the entire sewing process, information about how much and what kind of fabric is required for a particular model. Find simple models skirts, aprons, handkerchiefs, learn to do small things, fill your hand and go to new level, creating more complex elements of clothing. It is very important to find a competent resource and follow the instructions in detail.
To get started, tune in yourself, and set everything up for your convenience.
Place the sewing machine on a stable table so that it is neither too high nor too low from you so that 
there was no need to slouch or constantly reach up. Remember, the sewing machine needle is on your left, everything else is on your right. Partly in the correct setting is the key to success, be careful. Insert the needle as securely as possible, it should hold firmly, without staggering or slipping out. The needle is inserted with the hole up, and the sharp side remains below. Next, the spool is what the thread is wound on, passed through the thread take-up onto the bobbin. After turning on the mechanism and making sure that the bobbin is wound, put it in the lower part of the sewing machine, there is a special hole for it.
The whole procedure that we describe is in the instructions for your machine and it may differ slightly from ours, nevertheless, follow the instructions, since each machine has its own characteristics and its own range of actions, one has 15 functions, the other 100, one most of the settings are manual, the other either requires a minimum of settings, or the settings are computerized. When you make sure that the needle, thread, bobbin are in place, all the settings are adjusted, and the fabric is already under the needle, and is waiting for its long acupuncture session, you need to adjust the line, that is, tighten the upper and lower threads so that the thread does not weaken or tangle , then make sure the buttonhole is in the fabric and not on the outside of the fabric.
When the machine has made a seam, it should not shrink, it is important that the thread does not burst either during sewing or at the end. It also never hurts to adjust the bobbin thread tension according to the instructions. Then, when you take hold of the fabric, make sure that it does not come loose during the sewing process, fasten it with pins. Most of your fabric should be to the left of the needle, the rest to the right. In order for your product to turn out beautiful and without irregularities, be sure to make sure that the lines are straight and even, so that they do not fly away or peel off anywhere, this is very important. To prevent the fabric from unraveling, fasten the thread at the beginning and end of the stitch. If your sewing machine does not have a reverse function, make the knots yourself and hide them so that they are not visible on the line.
Next, try to make simple lines and bring this skill to automatism. Simple stitches do not mean that they just need to be done on pieces of fabric and thrown away, although this is a good exercise for practice, you can also sew something with simple stitches, for example, try sewing together several different small handkerchiefs, with beautiful ornaments, you will get one large scarf, which can stylishly cover your head or hang on your shoulders.
That is, you will practice, and you won’t even have to throw away the experimental material. You can also take ripped jeans and turn them into designer ones. Take pieces of fabric of a small size and a pattern and material that attracts you. Turn the jeans inside out, place your small pieces of fabric over the holes and darn. When you're done, flip the jeans right side out and voila, paneled jeans like no other have, your first designer piece. Keep in mind, if you try, you can master a whole new level of sewing, make friends with your sewing machine, and everything is in your hands.
Video lesson
Learning to sew on a sewing machine is not easy. It is necessary to study all the possibilities of a sewing machine, be able to use special paws and devices, skillfully make loops on a typewriter and other operations. It is also important to be able to adjust the sewing machine so that skipped stitches do not appear in the line, and the thread does not break.
Quite difficult to sew knitted fabrics. Some sewing machines of old releases, such as Podolsk, Chaika often skip stitches, appear in the loop line from below. To "cope" with such fabrics, you need to use the tips from the article We sew knitwear without gaps and looping.
In addition to the simple stitching of the edge of parts, there are a number of more complex operations, which require not only knowledge, but also experience. For example, it is quite difficult for an inexperienced seamstress to complete the finishing stitching of the collar corner, replace the zipper in a leather jacket, etc. Even to hem jeans on a sewing machine, you first need to learn how to do it right.
Before sewing, adjust the sewing machine
Before sewing on the sewing machine, it is necessary to adjust the stitching, i.e. the tension of the upper and lower threads. The thread in the stitch should not loop, the interlacing of the threads or otherwise the knot of the stitch should be in the fabric, and not on the surface.
The seam should not shrink after joining on a typewriter. It is easy to check if the thread tension is correct as follows. They take a piece of fabric with which they will work in the future, fold it in half and grind almost along the fold (at a distance of 0.1-0.2 cm). Stretch the resulting seam, if it breaks, look at which thread has burst - the top or bottom, and loosen the tension of one of them. Check the stitching and adjust until the stitching stops tearing.
With insufficient tension of the upper or lower thread, a defect sometimes occurs - the "grin" of the seam. When ironing, the details of the product move apart and threads become visible in the seam. To eliminate this defect, you need to increase the bobbin thread tension and adjust the upper thread tension.
This is a universal guide for threading any sewing machine and winding the bobbin. A video with professional commentary will help you learn how to properly thread your sewing machine.
1. Before how to sew on a machine prepare the details of the cut first. Check the alignment of the parts to be sewn, be sure to baste the seam or chip off with tailor's pins.
22. Elastic seams on knitwear and other stretchable materials are best done with a zigzag stitch 0.1-0.2 cm wide, stitch length 0.2-0.3 cm.
23. If a seam on an elastic fabric should not stretch, you can lay an inextensible tape under it.
24. Before sewing velvet parts on a sewing machine, the sections are swept with two parallel lines, and the stitching line is laid between them. Grind parts from velveteen and velvet with a weak thread tension.
25. Seams that carry a large load (shoulder, sewing in sleeves, joining the bodice with a skirt, the seam of the seat of trousers, etc.) are performed in two lines, and in some cases a braid or fabric edge is placed in the seam.
26. Finishing stitches they are laid on the front side of the product, but in those cases when Lurex threads or thick threads of the "iris" type are used for them, they are tucked into the shuttle and the line is sewn from the inside.
27. In knitwear and fabrics with a metallic thread, when sewing, the threads often pull out with the appearance of puffs. To avoid this, you need to use only new sharp needles and silk or polyester threads. In addition, a strip of paper or tracing paper can be laid under the stitching seam.
28. Strips of paper can be inserted when the machine produces skipped stitches on some fabrics (very thick synthetic knits, silks, genuine leather, suede). You can try, without changing the thread, to replace the needle with a thicker one. But it is better to pre-install a special needle for leather, knitwear or other fabrics that are difficult to sew on a sewing machine.
See Sewing machine needles.
29. In all types of garments, collars, cuffs, sides, leaflets, pocket flaps are made with a gasket. The lining material depends on the fabric of the upper. For a coat, this can be a bead, dense interlining, calico with an adhesive coating. For suit and dress fabrics, thin interlining, coarse calico and madapolam are used. For very thin silk and cotton fabrics, transparent nylon, cambric or very thin interlining should be used.
30. Do not make sewing and finishing stitches too small, the stitch length should not be less than 1-1.5 mm. The standard needle pitch for forming a straight stitch is usually in the range of 3-3.5mm.
It's always depressing to be new to something. Often, when learning something new, our imagination and style are far ahead of our actual skills. Although this is unpleasant, on the other hand it can be motivating. Learning to sew from scratch on your own is easy if you learn the right information and do everything in stages. Sewing is a completely hands-on experience.
Reasons to learn to cut and sew
There are many reasons to want to learn how to sew on your own. From the desire to learn a new and very useful skill or to show Creative skills to a way to save money or even just out of necessity. First of all, the craft of sewing is so multifaceted - it is sewing clothes, and tailoring home decor, and creating beautiful things for children or grandchildren, and fakes, and patchwork, and recycling of old things and much more. And recently, independent sewing has been referred to in such terms as “stylish”, “innovative”, “fashion-forward”.
At the same time, many are stopped by the very thought of the technical components of sewing: winding a bobbin, that if the needle breaks or the thread runs out on the spool, how to insert a zipper or make loops ... Little things overwhelm, it all seems too complicated, and therefore many never try learn to sew, despite the desire. But the benefits of learning to sew outweigh the unfounded fears.
How to learn to sew clothes from scratch? It is quite possible for everyone to master the craft of sewing, with motivation and practice. On the other hand, it is important to know and remember that sewing is a process that requires patience. Gradually, mastering step by step, from simple to complex projects, sewing will teach you to be a patient and passionate person and you will want to sew all the time.
The main motivating reasons to learn to sew and cut from scratch on your own:
- Consider that sewing promotes self-esteem and develops a sense of independence. Whether you're redesigning store-bought clothes or creating a brand new item, it's an amazing feeling to know you can do it yourself!
- Sewing helps save money. For example, if you need to replace a zipper, hem a pair of jeans, or mend a hole, all you need is two scissors, a strong spool of thread, and a reliable sewing machine.
- Once you learn to sew, you will never meet your "reflection". Perhaps a woman worries about this more than a man, but in general, most people hesitate when they find themselves face to face with someone who is wearing the same clothes.
- Sewing stimulates the expression of one's individuality. Today, it is especially relevant to “be obsessed” with brands. But making your own clothes means you're not limited by "authoritative" opinions about what's trendy or should be worn this season. You dictate the trend! And believe me, you will have a completely different attitude to shopping. Visiting the mall will become more about finding sewing inspiration than spending money. Perhaps you'll take a look at a particular fabric, color combination, or finish and find a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe and really impress your friends and family.
- Sewing allows you to repurpose almost anything that is made from fabric. Old curtains can be turned into exquisite pillowcases, a used duvet can become a new shower curtain, a man's shirt can turn into a cute dress for a little girl or fashionable skirt, and from an old sweater - a decorative pillow.
- Sewing can and does provide a new career potential. With practice and progression from beginner to expert, you can sew custom decorative towels or make a luxurious bedspread, fix upholstery on upholstered furniture or do amazing things, sew bags, accessories, pet clothes.
- Why not try sewing haute couture clothes yourself, create your own masterpiece, enlisting patterns and fabric guides. Without sewing skills, fashion designers are not obtained.
Sewing is good for health - that's a fact. According to scientific studies, sewing calms the nerves and promotes the proper functioning of the body. If sewing helps patients with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder to overcome the disease, then certainly it will help us to relax after experienced stress, for example, received at work. Sewing stimulates the mind - in choosing fabrics, patterns, designs and the process itself. Sewing skills, measuring and sewing, nourish the brain cells, preparing them for more complex tasks in the future. Isn't it amazing?
I want to sew - where to start, what to do?
Before we get into the practical basics, it's helpful to understand some sewing terms. We can prepare everything we need to start sewing, but the instructions for the first DIY project can be misleading if they add sewing terms that we don't understand.
Buying Handicraft Tools
Sewing as a new hobby can be ruinous if you decide to buy all the possible sewing equipment that is available. We are just learning the craft, and while we do not need to purchase complex sewing tools, it will be enough to have:
- Scissors: large for fabric, small for cutting thread, with serrated blades (for cutting edges). Sharp sewing scissors help keep the cutting precision, preventing hand fatigue. It is worth choosing high quality scissors and spending a little more money. Tip: Clean your blades regularly and oil them periodically; avoid over-extending the blades by trying to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once.
- Seam ripper (mistakes happen when sewing, and this tool removes unwanted stitches: the fine tip allows you to select individual threads, and the rounded tip removes stitches along the entire seam without tearing the fabric).
- A measuring tape is an essential sewing tool. It is advisable to have several copies, including a tape measure for measuring body parameters.
- Tailor's pins and pincushion (usually filled with sawdust or pieces of wool impregnated with lanolin, which prevents the pins from rusting; special cushions are filled with abrasive material: such a filler removes dirt and rust, keeping the tips of the pins sharp and smooth).
- Tailor's rulers: 1 m; a template for marking and measuring, a template for allowances, an isosceles square, a cutting pattern.
- Marking tools (special chalk, marker). A very useful and economical marking tool that will be available to everyone is a bar of soap.
- Assortment of needles for hand sewing.
- Assortment of threads.
- Needle threader: An optional tool for hand sewing, however, it is difficult for someone to thread the needle and may be needed.
- Steam iron and ironing board, special fabrics (in extreme cases, a piece of muslin) for pressing. Pressing and ironing are an integral part of most sewing projects.
- Sewing needle.
- Round cutter (cloth cutting disc) and self-healing cutting mat to protect other surfaces from damage.
To work on a simple sewing project, such as a large woven bag, sachet, or decorative pillowcase, you only need a few tools: a tape measure, a needle, thread, fabric, and sewing scissors.
Before you learn how to sew your own clothes, create crafts or do other sewing projects, it is necessary to master the basic stitches.
While modern sewing machines have virtually eliminated the need for hand sewing, there are still areas where hand stitching is essential for a high quality finish:
- running stitch;
- basting stitch;
- seam "back needle";
- long stitch;
- secret (invisible) seam;
- overcast seam.
Choosing a sewing machine
First of all, let's clarify that there are three types of sewing machines for sewing at home: mechanical, electromechanical and computerized. The motor of an electromechanical machine is powered by the mains, but everything else is controlled by gears, levers and switches. For those who are just immersed in fascinating world sewing, it is better to recommend starting with a mechanical model. The beginner tailor should not be intimidated by the sheer number of options, especially since high-tech machines have so many features that most of them may never need to be used in the sewing process.
Of course, a computerized sewing machine takes care of many things, such as adjusting tension, remembering settings, and creating consistent stitches from start to finish and you may need it in the future, but it's good to focus on learning the basics of sewing with a good basic machine. To get started, all you need to master is the variable length straight stitch, zigzag and buttonhole sewing functions that most modern models offer in automatic mode.
It is equally important to have a mechanical typewriter in your collection as a backup before it's your turn to buy an electronic or computerized typewriter. Computerized machines require regular maintenance that you cannot do on your own, as well as eliminate possible problem in system, management work cars.
Regardless of your sewing skill level, there are a few basic features you will need when choosing a mechanical sewing machine:
- The basic sewing machine should have at least a special buttonhole foot and a regular foot. Modern entry-level sewing machines come with a lot of presser feet, which is a good thing. Additional accessories and presser feet can be purchased if desired, but it is important to make sure that your machine is compatible with them (markings: foot attachment adapter low, with an inclined needle bar).
- The choice of stitches (at least 10-15) will make the basic model more versatile.
- Speed regulation.
- Needle up and down function.
- Stitch length and width adjustment function, important to fine-tune each stitch (you may need different lengths and widths to create basic elements, buttonholes, stretch stitches).
- Reverse stitch function.
Save a lot of time and effort by purchasing a mechanical sewing machine with a vertical rotary hook (top-loading bobbin with transparent cover) and automatic needle threading (although this feature is not available on most entry-level sewing machines, but a needle threader tool can be purchased separately ).
If you prefer to learn the basics of sewing on your own, at a relaxed pace, then the free online lessons available, or the paper version of the tutorial, will be a good guide to the world of sewing. They will guide you through all the steps, from sewing in a straight line to creating buttonholes. Can you learn to sew on your own? Of course yes, but don't expect perfection right from the start, remember that learning to sew takes a lot of time and practice and it's okay to make mistakes. The beginning should be accompanied by the creation of simple sewing projects, such as household items. Tailoring can be a daunting task for absolute beginners, so it's easier to start with bedspreads or decorative pillowcases.
How to learn to cut from scratch?
Making a base pattern yourself is easy if you know how to do it. It is better to sew your first piece of clothing from an inexpensive fabric in order to forgive yourself for some mistakes that are most likely inevitable in the first steps.
Making accurate measurements of body proportions is the key to learning how to cut your own and well-fitted clothes. All you need is a measuring tape, preferably a tape measure.
Learning to take measurements
Ideally, measurements are taken on underwear, swimwear or tight-fitting clothing, standing in front of a mirror to see that the tape is in the correct position. Depending on which piece of clothing we have to sew, we make the appropriate measurements. To create a blouse pattern, we need to know the total length, shoulder length, chest circumference, waist circumference and sleeve length; for trousers - waist circumference, hip circumference, overall length and bottom size; for a jacket - the circumference above the chest, the circumference of the waist, hips, sleeve length, waist length, overall length, shoulder and back circumference.
Marking the measuring points will make the process much easier. For example, the neck: for the circumference of the neck, we mark the center of the clavicle bone in front and the dominant bone in the occipital part, when measuring, the tape should touch them, closing over the jugular notch. We measure the length of the shoulder from the base of the neck to the tip of the shoulder, where we feel a rounded bone. We determine the length of the sleeve by measuring the distance from the end of the shoulder to the wrist, while the arm should be freely lowered. Armhole Depth: This point is located horizontally on the side seam, and vertically it should be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 cm under the armpit. The best way- put on a T-shirt, look under your arm and mark where the seams converge into a cross. Do not mark too high or too low because this will pull the sleeve into the armpit or make the armhole too low.
We start with simple patterns
Training begins with the construction of skirt patterns. The straight skirt pattern will lead to other styles, including pencil skirts, trumpet skirts, "circle skirts". Having studied all the tricks on how to learn how to make patterns on your own, you can create almost any style.
Let's move on to the basics
For women, this is usually a cut of a bodice with a round neckline and a narrow skirt. This silhouette dress has the same construction method as the round neck bodice. Based on you can add different types sleeves or change the neckline.
Choosing courses of cutting and sewing
The choice of cutting and sewing courses depends on how much you want to learn in each lesson and what you generally expect from the training. There are programs for learning the basics of sewing and sewing only basic models, for sewing underwear, for sewing children's clothes, guaranteeing how to quickly learn to sew.
There are expensive courses that offer programs that last a year or more, bordering on the professional level, ready to teach the design and design of clothes, also aimed at people who decide to become professionals in sewing, perhaps as designers or textile-related specialties. . Big role plays the competence of teachers. What is the point of paying money for cutting and sewing courses in which the teacher is essentially self-taught, having completed short-term courses.
On the other hand, given the huge amount of information on sewing available in special books, DVDs, YouTube videos, on many websites and blogs, does it make sense to pay for courses to learn how to learn how to cut yourself and master the "secrets of sewing" ( which have been disclosed for a long time). True, some people like the social aspect or how sewing courses organize learning.
Learn to sew on your own
Sewing by yourself is rewarding and enjoyable, but only if you are not patient enough or your first results do not meet expectations can lead to frustration and abandonment of the idea of learning to sew in general. We do not want this to happen and are ready to start a new exciting hobby, following step by step throughout useful information about how to learn to sew by yourself, improving each new skill by completing a few simple sewing projects.
Better start with stylish clothes, for example, an easy-to-make skirt with a gathered waistline, with a belt and patch pockets. This is a great project to learn how to sew with a sewing machine, sew on fabric, add buttons, sew on hemlines, sew on pockets, try your hand at inserting a zipper.
Other models for beginners that will help you develop your skills and learn how to sew: tops (pivot, sherbet, boho style), dress - sundress or fashionable dressing gown.
We select a pattern
Tailor's templates help to facilitate the work when constructing patterns, with the help of them we make the necessary curves (for example, armhole lines, side seams, draperies, location of loops, marking allowances).
Cut with seam allowances
Seam allowance - the amount that is added to the details of the pattern, the distance between the stitching line and the edge of the fabric cut. Seam allowances are required:
- to process the seams and edges of the fabric;
- leave enough space between the cut edge and the stitching line and take into account the wear of the fabric;
- leave enough fabric around the edge where the seam allowance pieces come together to make the front look seamless.
The allowance for straight seams is usually about 1-1.5 cm, for curves (armholes or collars) - 0.7-1 cm.
The creative possibilities of a sewing machine are almost limitless. But before you use it to sew products, you need to get to know your sewing machine well, which will solve almost any problem you may encounter. Read the instructions, practice things that seem incomprehensible. And before using the machine to sew clothes, it is better to practice with different seams on pieces of fabric that you would not mind throwing away.
How to learn to sew clothes for yourself?
Many online resources specialize in sewing lessons that will show you how to learn how to sew clothes from scratch. It's also much more inspiring to sew items that we actually want to wear. But necessary condition is the desire to learn and learn new things. Without an elementary share of patience and perseverance, we will only lose time. Before moving on to the sewing process itself, we choose the model we want to sew, and the next step is to create a pattern on paper using our measurements.
We fold the fabric in half and inside out and transfer the paper pattern to it, fixing it with pins, and outline it with chalk along the edges. To facilitate the cut and not deform the fabric, it is important to use sharp scissors. Having cut out all the details, we proceed directly to sewing. One of the first elements of sewing clothes is a tuck. A properly made tuck will fit into the fabric and add a form-fitting silhouette to the clothes.
How to quickly sew curtains and lambrequins yourself?
Curtains are a good practice for beginners who are familiar with the basics of sewing. For the first sewing project, we choose a light cotton fabric, that is, with a structure that will facilitate the sewing process (a mixture of cotton or cotton with linen). When the necessary knowledge is gained, basic processing can be applied to almost any type of fabric.
Curtains can be sewn to the length of the window sill, below the window sill or to the floor; what will determine how much fabric is needed. For curtains to the floor (which will add picturesqueness and softness to the room), the height from the eaves to the floor, the hem for the hemming (45 cm) determines how much fabric is needed. For pleated curtains, the width of the fabric is calculated 1.5 times wider than the actual width of the window opening (standard width of curtain fabrics: 140 cm, 280 cm, 300 cm).
The fabric must be washed and dried before sewing, then carefully ironed, removing all wrinkles and folds. This is an important step so that the finished curtains do not shrink and the seams do not fray during the first wash.
- Trim the edge.
- For the hem seam, turn the side edges 1-1.2 cm (to the wrong side of the fabric) and iron.
- We tuck another 2.5 cm and iron. We pin the double bent edges with tailor's pins (heads to the right of the seam, which will allow them to be easily removed during stitching) at a distance of 10-12 cm from each other.
- We sew with a straight seam, placing the stitch line at a distance of about 3 mm from each inner folded edge.
- We tuck the bottom edge 1-1.2 cm and iron it.
- We tuck another 10-12 cm and iron, fasten with pins in the same way as for the side edges.
- We sew the lower part (at a distance of about 3 mm from the inner folded edge) with a straight seam, but to make it more reliable, we use a reverse stitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
- The drawstring or "pocket" for the cornice is done in much the same way as the bottom edge. We turn the upper edge 1-1.2 cm and iron it.
- We twist it again by 5 cm and iron it; fasten with tailor's pins.
- We sew, laying a line that fixes the folded edge, securing with a reverse stitch at the beginning and at the end of the seam.
To create a lambrequin on the assembly, cut off a piece of fabric relative to the length of the cornice with a filling ratio of 1:3. So, if the length of the cornice is 2 m, then we need fabrics 6 m long and a certain height (40-50 cm). We process the bottom edge and side edges into a hem. We sew a curtain tape to the upper edge, after which we process the fabric.
We participate in competitions
Contests and master classes for sewing lovers are organized by sewing clubs, sewing schools, professional sewing magazines, offering this or that idea (for example, a competition summer dresses) and inviting all sewing lovers to participate. They are organized by any country. The rules for participation in sewing competitions are simple: a photograph of a self-sewn product must be submitted.
Start learning to sew with a reliable mechanical sewing machine, but try to avoid complexity. If you want to learn how to sew clothes, there's no need for the fancy embroidery stitches that are an advantage on a new generation of sewing machines.
Choose the most interesting sewing tutorial for beginners (actually, with a huge amount of information, there are not so many): it should be understandable, well illustrated, include patterns for basic clothing and home decor items.
Start learning to sew small. It is better to have fun and sew something simple that you really like and do it perfectly than to start with something complicated and be disappointed with the result. Keep expectations reasonable as you complete your first DIY sewing project, gradually increasing in difficulty with each lesson. It's good to try your hand at pattern making for a tunic or kaftan dress, or start with a kimono or poncho jacket.
Find sewing friends, participate in sewing communities on websites or blogs. Such participation is valuable not only at the beginning, but throughout the learning to sew.
There is something magical about being able to make your own clothes in the 21st century. We can use patterns created by both famous fashion houses and independent designers and adapt them to our unique style. To do this, we only need to master the basic sewing skills and develop them.
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An article for those who want to learn how to sew at home. You will learn what to make from old jeans, how to sew a hat-sock, culottes, scarves from T-shirts.
Hat-sock at home: a master class
It is very easy to create such a headdress. For this you need to have:
- knitted fabric;
- pattern;
- scissors;
- pins;
- threads;
- sewing machine.
This pattern is designed for head size 54-56. One panel is 28 cm high and 22–23 cm wide.
Pin the pattern to the fabric with pins, cut out the fabric, leaving a 1 cm seam allowance.
This model will help you learn how to sew from scratch on your own, you can repeat this master class at home. To do this, we continue the description of the work.
Remove the pins, immediately stick them into the needle pad so as not to drop or lose. Expand the fabric blank, it should turn out like this.
Now fold it in half, right sides inward, sew here using an overlock or a special line that is sewn around the edges of the product.
Sew the semi-circular seams on the top and bottom sides of the hat. Now fold it in half so that one of the parts becomes the lining of the headdress. Pin the details at the top with pins, sew using the same overcasting stitch.
Here's how to learn how to sew a beanie and cut it from scratch. You will get a stylish new thing, the production of which will take little time. Turn it right side out, put it on and you can go for a walk.
How to make a scarf with your own hands?
A knitted scarf is perfect for such a headdress. You will make it in 5 minutes. To do this, cut off the lower part from the T-shirt under the armhole, slightly squeeze this part from top to bottom to make drapery elements. After that, you can try on a new thing.
If you want your scarf to be fringed, then here's how: cut off part of the T-shirt from the armpits. At the bottom, chop it into strips 1 wide, 17–20 cm long. Tie each pair of the resulting ribbons with a knot. Then make the same knots in a checkerboard pattern, retreating down 7 cm.
By the way, you can decorate a T-shirt with such a fringe to give it a more original look.
As for how to make a similar snood scarf with your own hands, you can decorate it with beads. To do this, the cut out fragment of the T-shirt must first be cut from above and below into strips 2 cm wide, then put a bead on each, fix it from below with a knot.
If you like it when the scarf has a lot of fringe, then cut the blank into long strips. Then each of them needs to be slightly stretched, giving desired shape. To make a snood scarf, you need to sew the sides of these blanks with your own hands. This seam will be on the back.
But these are not all ideas that will tell you how easy it is to learn how to sew at home using unnecessary T-shirts. To implement the following you will need:
- pot or pan lid;
- simple pencil;
- scissors;
- T-shirt.
The next scarf is no less original.
To make it, take:
- two T-shirts of different colors;
- a needle and thread;
- centimeter tape;
- scissors.
Cut the t-shirts along the red dotted lines. Cut out one of the sidewalls on both blanks to get two pieces. Fold each of them in half lengthwise and stitch along the long edge.
Now see how to make a braid. To do this, put the middle of the first part in the center of the second. By sticking your hand here, you will bring the loop of the first workpiece up. In the same way, create a braid further. It remains to sew the edges of the two blanks, this seam will be at the back.
you will succeed beautiful scarf snood, if you sew openwork sewing to a cut off strip of a T-shirt with your own hands.
Cut lots of stripes from different colors of T-shirts for another original scarf. You can tie it in several ways.
Here's how to learn how to sew clothes at home. The following ideas are also very easy to do, suitable for beginner dressmakers, and will allow them to fall in love with this type of needlework.
How to learn to sew a top, vest at home?
For beginner dressmakers, the following idea will also be easy to follow.
To sew a vest of this type, you will need:
- quite dense fabric;
- 2 large buttons;
- thread with a needle or overlock;
- scissors.
Divide the top segment into three equal parts to mark the location of the slots. Complete them. If the fabric is frayed, then overcast the armholes, and if it is a cloth like a drape, then you can leave the slots in their original form.
And the loop must be overcast so that it does not stretch. Sew on buttons, the second can be basted for decoration, the vest is ready.
Now about how to sew a top for the summer with beautiful flower. For it you will need:
- knitted fabric;
- scissors;
- threads;
- sewing machine;
- tailor's needle.
The back and front, in this case, are two rectangles. To make a pattern according to your size, attach an unfolded newspaper to the back, determine the width and length of the future top in this part. In the same way, make a pattern for the front.
To make it more convenient to form a flower, do not sew the shelf and back on the sidewalls yet.
- For the straps, cut two strips 10 cm wide, 50 cm long. Connect each one lengthwise in half, right sides inward. Sew along the long edge, turn the straps on the face, sew them on the wrong side of the front.
- Process the upper part of the product by tucking it twice and sewing it on a typewriter. Here's how to sew the top with your own hands next.
- Start shaping the flower. Cut strips 10 cm wide. In total, you will need about 2 meters of such blanks.
- Fold them in half lengthwise, right side up, iron in that position. Start sewing the flower in a large circle, gradually moving towards the center. Make a frill out of the tape, fixing it in this position with pins. Then each circle is sewn on a sewing machine.
When you have completed it completely, process the top of the back, sew the straps here, stitch the sidewalls. Here's how to sew a top. For beginners, this work will not be difficult. The next one shouldn't be a problem either.
For her you will need:
- well-draped fabric;
- sewing machine;
- crayon;
- ruler;
- needle with thread;
- scissors.
From the fabric, cut out 2 squares with sides of 80 cm. Determine by your size where you need to sew on the right and left sides to separate the arms from the sides. Then you need to sew a top on the shoulders, after which the product can be worn.
If you have old jeans that are rather tired or frayed in some places, you can make a fashionable vest-top out of them. In the photo, it is marked in red how to cut out a new product.
It can be worn as an independent thing, put on over a T-shirt, turtleneck or make such a top the top of a sundress.
In this case, for the bottom, you need to cut a rectangle of cotton fabric, the width of which is one and a half times the volume of the hips. At the top, it is shirred and sewn to the bottom of the top.
If you already have a denim vest, you want to update and decorate it, then sew on lace in the collar area, but narrower ones? on the bottom and on the bar.
In general, for those who want to learn how to sew from scratch on their own, reworking old things is a very fertile topic. The process will be easy and interesting, so you can consider it in more detail.
What to do with old jeans?
If you want to sew an apron, and you have already used jeans for a year, use them.
The main part of the apron will be the top of the jeans. If you want to sew it with a breast, then rip it out of the trouser leg ripped on one side, unfolding that one. Such an apron is trimmed with braid or a strip of colored fabric, having gathered it. From the same material, open the ties at the waist and neck.
If you want to create a flirty apron, then make the bottom frill longer. Pass the belt through the loops to emphasize the waistline.
The breastless apron also looks great. It can be decorated with ruffles and a belt made of other fabrics.
In order not to separately sew on pockets and have a comfortable apron, use the back of the jeans. By the way, from the front and from the panels you can create a couple more aprons.
If you want to quickly turn white jeans into romantic ones with clouds, then take:
- bowl
- sponge
- acrylic paints for fabric;
- gloves.
Pour water into a bowl, add just a little blue acrylic paint, just a few drops, you should get a sky blue tint.
Put the jeans on the cellophane, dipping the sponge into the prepared solution, apply it to the fabric.
Now dilute the paint in a different proportion to get a picture of a slightly different shade. Apply this solution with a sponge to your jeans.
When the background is ready, take the white acrylic paint, do not dilute it with water, draw the clouds themselves.
Now wait until the product dries, then iron it with a hot iron and you can put on beautiful jeans with clouds.
But back to the main topic. From old jeans you can sew a great organizer for small things.
Take the back of the pants with patch pockets, cut it off. If the organizer should be vertical, as in this case, then cut the back of the trousers in half, sew one to the other vertically. If you want the organizer to have several compartments, then sew pockets on the leg. Sew a belt from jeans along the edges of the product so that it does not stretch in different directions.
But the option with a vertical arrangement of pockets, for which you need to cut the back of the trousers to the knees, sew on additional pockets.
Of course, there are many options for what to do. From them you can make a bag, potholders, sitting on a chair and much more. For beginners, this is a great opportunity to learn an interesting craft.
When you get your hands full, you can create other things, such as pants.
How to sew culottes, leggings?
Leggings do not restrict movement, they are comfortable to play sports, work in the garden and just walk.
Slender ladies can wear a short top, a turtleneck with a vest under such trousers. ladies with magnificent forms you can advise on top to wear a spacious shirt with cutouts on the sides, which covers the hips. In such clothes they will be comfortable.
To sew leggings you will need:
- knitted fabric;
- threads;
- linen elastic;
- scissors and related small equipment.
The following is a universal pattern for several sizes, for:
- XL is yellow;
- L is represented by green;
- blue is M;
- and pink is S.
If you have a pattern, transfer the pattern to it. If not, tape two newspapers together and draw it here. You can draw squares on white paper or whatman paper. The side of the small squares is 2 cm, and the large ones are 10 cm.
On the left in the pattern is the back of the leggings, on the right? front. To learn how to sew at home, fold the knitted fabric in half with the right sides inward. Place a pattern on it, pin it around the edges with pins, cut it out, leaving 7 mm seam allowances on all sides. Overcast the edges of the parts.
Now sew the right half, then the left half on the sides on the wrong side, then sew front and back, and after? step seams. Fold the trousers down and hem here. Fold the top of the trousers, sew, then insert the elastic and you can wear fashionable leggings.
In another way, culottes are called skirt-pants. This is a versatile clothing that will be comfortable for women of different builds.
To sew culottes, recut the following pattern.
As you can see, it is given for several sizes at once, for 44–42 and 46. From above, you will lay the folds, stitch the step seams of the left and right halves of the trousers. Then sew a new thing on the sides and in the center back and front.
Sew a belt to the folds laid on top, bending it in half.
If you want to see how to quickly make a pattern and create culottes, watch the video below:
From the second, you will learn how to sew an off-the-shoulder top:
The ability to sew is a universal skill for many types of needlework. Modern sewing machines have all the functions of factory production and allow you to create high-quality things with your own hands.
starter kit
Buying a sewing machine and learning how to tailor is a good investment, a useful hobby and a source of income in the future. In addition to the unit you will need:
- tailor's scissors (larger, sharper and stronger than ordinary stationery),
- high-quality synthetic threads (preferably 100% polyester),
- needles for hand and machine sewing of different calibers,
- tailor's pins, chalk, tracing paper, ruler and centimeter tape (for patterns).
How to fill up a car
Before each sewing, you need to “charge” the machine in three steps.
1. Wind the bobbin, placing it with the spool of the desired color on the pins.
2. Thread the upper thread (bobbin) by passing it through the thread guide, disc tensioner, thread take-up and needle.
3. Thread the lower thread (bobbin) by inserting the bobbin into the hook under the needle and turning the handwheel several times.
A detailed refueling scheme is usually described on the machine body or in the instructions.
Machine seams
The most commonly used stitches (working) are straight, zigzag, overlock and hidden. A straight line can be made double and triple to increase strength. A zigzag can be regular (for overcasting an edge or decor) and elastic (for stretch fabrics). Overlocking is used to prevent the edges from fraying, and a hidden option is used for dense non-stretch fabrics. A more advanced level is decorative stitches, which are laid exclusively for decoration.
How to scribble straight
The main indicator of product quality is accurate even seams. It is better to train the lines on rough pieces of fabric, scraps or on sewing simple things: pot holders, small pillowcases, clothes for dolls. There are several life hacks for the perfect stitch, as close to the edge as possible: using special feet with separators, for embroidery, double, made of transparent material.
Hand stitches
Often used in tailoring hand seams for rough assembly of product parts and finishing work. Simple and oblique stitches are used for temporary basting. The “back needle” seam completely imitates a machine stitch and looks equally neat from the front and back sides. Overlock (loop) is used instead of overlock. With the help of a hem, invisible from the outside, the bottom of the product (hem, sleeves) is folded.
Types of handicrafts
Between the cut and the finished thing there is a separate layer of skills - handmade.
- Basting - attaching small parts to larger ones.
- Sweeping is a combination of pieces of a pattern that are equivalent in size.
- Basting is a temporary assembly of smaller elements on a larger one.
- Basting - Hemming the edge with straight stitches.
- Basting with and without edging is used for double parts consisting of upper and lower pieces of fabric.
- Basting - inserting a sleeve into an armhole.
- Sewing - a technique for attaching buttons and decor.
- Overcasting - the design of the wrong side of the seam with buttonhole stitches.
Corner hemming
For beautiful design corners, you should immediately learn a special technique, when the hem is made from the wrong side with an “envelope”. Looks even and neat from all sides. Usually used for napkins, tablecloths, kitchen towels and runners, aprons, bedspreads. For ease of marking, cardboard patterns in the form of a rectangle are used. It is fashionable to use pins to fix the arrow. At the end, the hem is ironed out.
Decorative pillow
The first steps are best combined with tailoring simple items interior and clothing. An elementary option for beginners is rectangular products (bed and table linen). A decorative interior pillow does not require special cutting skills. The product consists of two equal square or rectangular parts. Even if the lines turn out to be crooked, everything will hide from the wrong side and outwardly the marriage will not be noticeable.
simple skirt
The design of clothes is a complex process, including the construction of a pattern, assembly and high-quality stitching. The most difficult things in a cut are with a sleeve and a set-in collar. However, there are wardrobe items that completely exclude cutting. The "bell" skirt with an elastic band (or "semi-sun") involves only two side seams and two turn-ups (top and bottom). The length of the skirt can vary according to taste, from ultra-mini to extreme maxi.
T-shirt
A simple "recipe" for a basic T-shirt with short sleeve and round neck. The link to the pattern is in the description of the video. The scheme is suitable for making a regular sleeveless T-shirt, a simple sweater with long sleeve. It is enough to slightly modify the basic pattern (lengthen or remove the sleeve, tighten the cuffs or bottom with an elastic band, leave cutouts on the sides) - and you get a new design.
Basic sewing skills open up many opportunities and make home life much easier. Without the help of the atelier, you can trim the trousers, cut off the long hem, hem the curtains, remake old clothes, cook up a simple sundress, apron, baby suit. And with mastering the basics of cutting, it will become much cheaper to update your wardrobe.