ARE YOU JUST STARTING TO LEARN HOW TO SEW?
Whether you're taking on DIY projects, upcycling old clothes, or want to make your own garments, sewing can be a fun and rewarding hobby. However, as with any new skill, beginners often make a few common mistakes. In this blog post, we'll go over 7 things you should NOT do as a beginner at sewing, so you can avoid these pitfalls and get the most out of your beginner sewing machine.
1. NOT STARTING WITH SIMPLE PROJECTS
One of the biggest mistakes beginners makes is tackling complex projects before they have a solid understanding of the basics. Before you start working on a complicated pattern or project, ensure you have a good grasp of the basic sewing techniques, such as threading your machine, winding a bobbin, and sewing straight lines. Start with simple projects, like making a pillowcase or a tote bag, to build your confidence and skills before moving on to more challenging projects. For more info on easy sewing projects for beginner sewists, check out our Learn How To Sew: Easy First Sewing Project video on our YouTube channel!
2. NOT TAKING ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS
Accurate measurements are essential when it comes to sewing. Whether making a piece of clothing or a home decor item, you need to measure the fabric and pattern pieces correctly to ensure that everything fits together properly. Before you begin a project, take accurate measurements of yourself or the object you're making the item for, and double-check all of your measurements before cutting the fabric.
3. NOT READING THE PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Many beginners make the mistake of not reading the pattern instructions carefully before starting a project. Make sure to read the entire pattern from start to finish, including the materials list and the cutting and sewing instructions, so you know what you're getting into. Also, pay attention to special instructions or tips, as these can help you avoid common mistakes and make the sewing process easier. Need help understanding patterns? Check out our Learn How To Sew: Patterns, Fabric & Supplies video here.
4. NOT PREWASHING YOUR FABRIC
Prewashing your fabric is an important step that many beginners overlook. Before cutting and sewing, prewash your fabric to remove any shrinkage or color bleeding. This will ensure that your finished project will fit and look how you intended it to.
5. NOT USING THE RIGHT TYPE OF NEEDLE
Choosing the right needle for your project is crucial as it can affect how your fabric looks and feels. For example, using a denim needle on lightweight fabric can cause holes and snags, while using a universal needle on heavy fabrics can cause skipped stitches. Use the right needle for the fabric you're working with to ensure a smooth and successful sewing experience.
6. NOT TESTING THE STITCH
Before you start sewing your project, it's essential to test the stitch on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure it looks and feels the way you want it to. This will help you avoid any surprises later on and allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your machine.
7. NOT BEING A PATIENT SEWER
Sewing, like any other skill, takes time and practice to master. Don't get discouraged if your first few projects don't turn out perfectly. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it's normal to rip out seams and redo project parts. Be patient with yourself, and remember that you'll get better with time and practice.
In conclusion, learning to sew can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's essential to be aware of the common mistakes beginners make. Following these tips and tricks, you can avoid these pitfalls and make the most of your beginner sewing machine.
