Sewing

sarenu1 · July 2014

Anyone know of some good tutorials? I need to start with the basics? Videos would be the best.

ElleBeeDub · July 2014

Any particular projects/types of sewing?

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

The Crafty Gemini has really great tutorial on YouTube. She explains everything really clearly, including little details that people who have been sewing for a while usually forget to mention. IMO it's a great resource for beginners, and it's best to jump in learning on a project rather than messing around on scraps of fabric.

sarenu1 · July 2014

Into+the+Kitty said:

The Crafty Gemini has really great tutorial on YouTube. She explains everything really clearly, including little details that people who have been sewing for a while usually forget to mention. IMO it's a great resource for beginners, and it's best to jump in learning on a project rather than messing around on scraps of fabric.

Thank you. I will start with this. I have absolutely no training on the sewing machine and have basically been playing with stitches for the little projects I've done (fixing a hem, sewing inserts and wipes, fixing a seam in my yoga pants).

sarenu1 · July 2014

ElleBeeDub said:

Any particular projects/types of sewing?

I'd like to make some pillow cases, leggings, tunics, and jumpers for my daughter, and possibly try my hand at making a skirt for myself. I'm also going to play with my older Flip covers. The PUL is still great, but they need new elastic and the edges are wearing.

I may play around with tailoring some blouses, I have some older blouses that I would love to wear, but they never fit me right (either the bust fits and the waist doesn't or the waist fits and the bust doesn't).

Unknown · July 2014

This content has been removed.

sarenu1 · July 2014

theultimatesak said:

can i jump in and ask a dumb question:

is there somewhere i can learn about different material types? i have no idea what type of fabric i need for a particular project when i have one i want to do

No you cannot MK-Jack my thread.

Kidding, this is a good question. I know with patterns they actually tell you what fabrics to use, but if you do something without a pattern, how do you determine what to use. And there are a mess load of cotton fabrics out there. What's the difference?

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

theultimatesak said:

can i jump in and ask a dumb question:

is there somewhere i can learn about different material types? i have no idea what type of fabric i need for a particular project when i have one i want to do

The best way I found was just buying lots of types of fabric to get my hands on them, or going to stores to feel the fabric and see what type it was.

Otherwise, you can google the type of fabric (the clothes etc that will come up in google images can usually give you a good idea about drape and all that).

A lot of online fabric stores also will give information not just about the weight of the fabric, but also what type of projects it would be good for, or how the fabric drapes. https://www.fabricmartfabrics.com is one I really like for apparel fabric, and they give lots of information.

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

Also, pay attention to what you're buying when you're clothes shopping. Lots of retailers include the fabric type in the description of the item, so you can learn a lot about types of fabric and what they could be used for there too.

joyfultrex · July 2014

the one thing they had us do in high school sewing class and how I start out all of my beginning 4-H kids is to take a piece of lined paper and practice sewing the lines with no thread. after that draw curves on a piece of paper and do the same thing. It just helps you get a feel for your machine without worrying about actually making something/ dealing with thread. Then I agree just jump into a project. Learn by playing around.

Unknown · July 2014

This content has been removed.

Love4Science · July 2014

Lurker here. Sewing is one of my loves. My suggestion for figuring out what fabric to use is look at what you're wearing, then figure out what it's made of. Or go to a place like JoAnn's and just touch things. Does it feel like it might do what you want it to do? A jersey skirt will drape, a cotton skirt will have more structure.

I would also start with an easy project. Leggings are tough because they use stretchy fabric which is a whole other world of sewing (you have to use special stretching stitches otherwise all your seams will rip!). Tunics can be hard as a first project because they often require darts, grading, etc. Tunics are a great second or third project.

My mom started me on quilts because it's all straight-line cutting and sewing, and I've slowly moved on to projects that require more construction techniques like bags, skirts, dresses, bibs, etc. But it sounds like you are more clothing-oriented, so here are some of my favorite tutorials for "easy" stuff. And remember: 1) Measure twice, cut once and 2) It's just fabric, you can always pick out your stitches.

Pajama pants (uses flannel or regular cotton) - https://mycottoncreations.blogspot.com/2010/07/christmas-eve-pajama-pants-tutorial.html

Wrap Skirt (I made it out of regular cotton but you could use other types- this is really easy for a piece of clothing) - https://smileandwave.typepad.com/blog/2012/07/home-made-wrap-skirt.html

Tank top dress (this is a great chance to try out elastic thread and it's really straight forward. I made 2 in an afternoon and used cotton shirting for the skirt. I'm pregnant and this is the most comfortable kick-around-the-house dress ever.) - https://asmallsnippet.com/2011/09/wanna-make-dress.html

unaveragejane · July 2014

My aunt also loves the online tutorials on Craftsy and has been able to do several for free.

Brandiewine11 · July 2014

If you want more hands-on learning, some of the community colleges around us have 1 night classes for sewing a specific project and you can learn a specific technique. I also took 2 classes at the shop where I bought my sewing machine. It was awesome and I learned a ton that I could apply to lots of other things. It was pretty inexpensive.

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

I'm going to MKjack because I have been obsessed with these shorts since I saw them. I think they'd be great for like, a date night, and they look so adorable on the blogger, but I don't have the guts because I think they'd probably look ridiculous on me.

https://apairandasparediy.com/2012/07/diy-sequin-shorts.html

unaveragejane · July 2014

Into+the+Kitty said:

I'm going to MKjack because I have been obsessed with these shorts since I saw them. I think they'd be great for like, a date night, and they look so adorable on the blogger, but I don't have the guts because I think they'd probably look ridiculous on me.

https://apairandasparediy.com/2012/07/diy-sequin-shorts.html

Those are cute! But they would definitely look weird on me. And since I was raised in an awkwardly out-of-date must-be-modest-at-all-cost manner, I would feel compelled to make them longer or wear pantyhose with them (which would be a terrible idea with sequins).

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

unaveragejane said:

Into+the+Kitty said:

I'm going to MKjack because I have been obsessed with these shorts since I saw them. I think they'd be great for like, a date night, and they look so adorable on the blogger, but I don't have the guts because I think they'd probably look ridiculous on me.

https://apairandasparediy.com/2012/07/diy-sequin-shorts.html

Those are cute! But they would definitely look weird on me. And since I was raised in an awkwardly out-of-date must-be-modest-at-all-cost manner, I would feel compelled to make them longer or wear pantyhose with them (which would be a terrible idea with sequins).

I feel like they would look awkward too much longer than she made them, it would be too much IMO.

I think they'd look cute with pantyhose, and I don't think it would be a bad idea with the sequins if you lined the shorts with a slinky charmeuse or something. But the no open toed shoes with them!

Someone make them so I can live vicariously through you and your adorable shorts!!

stoneycakes · July 2014

@Unaveragejane, I was going to post a funny picture of sequined capris as the solution to your problem and then I saw so many pictures of them, I started thinking they were cute, haha.

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

stoneycakes said:

@Unaveragejane, I was going to post a funny picture of sequined capris as the solution to your problem and then I saw so many pictures of them, I started thinking they were cute, haha.

*runs off to google*

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

Lol @stoneycakes were these the ones you thought were cute? Cause I am totally wearing a pair:

ETA Also that is my super flat, awesome tummy.

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

@unaveragejane‌ Google for sequin shorts and a blazer. Super cute, much more conservative look that lots of people pair with some black tights. Just ignore that lots of them are getting paired with super short shorts and go with the length in the DIY tutorial

Mandmeesh · July 2014

Into+the+Kitty said:

I'm going to MKjack because I have been obsessed with these shorts since I saw them. I think they'd be great for like, a date night, and they look so adorable on the blogger, but I don't have the guts because I think they'd probably look ridiculous on me.

https://apairandasparediy.com/2012/07/diy-sequin-shorts.html

omg. I love these

joyfultrex · July 2014

theultimatesak said:

joyfultrex said:

the one thing they had us do in high school sewing class and how I start out all of my beginning 4-H kids is to take a piece of lined paper and practice sewing the lines with no thread. after that draw curves on a piece of paper and do the same thing. It just helps you get a feel for your machine without worrying about actually making something/ dealing with thread. Then I agree just jump into a project. Learn by playing around.

wait a second...did you change your screenname?

I changed it a few days ago... Sarars128 has been my screen name since 6th grade (1996), it was time for a change/ I was too searchable (if that is even a word)

unaveragejane · July 2014

Into+the+Kitty said:

@unaveragejane‌ Google for sequin shorts and a blazer. Super cute, much more conservative look that lots of people pair with some black tights. Just ignore that lots of them are getting paired with super short shorts and go with the length in the DIY tutorial

They are undeniably cute. And yes, I agree they would look totally silly any longer. (Hello, culottes!) I just don't have the right personality to make them work...or the right occasion. But I saw a lady the other day in the nicest palazzo pants and and a simple blouse, and now I am obsessed with trying to copy the look. I'm pretty sure she was at least 5 inches taller and 2 sizes smaller than me on a non-pregnant day, so we'll see how that goes.

countrycotton · July 2014

I always have the best luck learning new techniques by buying a sewing pattern. They will tell what kind of fabric, stitch, how much fabric, ect. Start with something simple like a slip dress, pillow case or apron. It gets a hundred times easier with each project.

stoneycakes · July 2014

Into+the+Kitty said:

Lol @stoneycakes were these the ones you thought were cute? Cause I am totally wearing a pair:

ETA Also that is my super flat, awesome tummy.

LLOL! Nice kicks, ITK.

Into+the+Kitty · July 2014

unaveragejane said:

Into+the+Kitty said:

@unaveragejane‌ Google for sequin shorts and a blazer. Super cute, much more conservative look that lots of people pair with some black tights. Just ignore that lots of them are getting paired with super short shorts and go with the length in the DIY tutorial

They are undeniably cute. And yes, I agree they would look totally silly any longer. (Hello, culottes!) I just don't have the right personality to make them work...or the right occasion. But I saw a lady the other day in the nicest palazzo pants and and a simple blouse, and now I am obsessed with trying to copy the look. I'm pretty sure she was at least 5 inches taller and 2 sizes smaller than me on a non-pregnant day, so we'll see how that goes.

https://apairandasparediy.com/2012/07/diy-printed-palazzo-pants.html

From the same blog

stoneycakes · July 2014

These are more of an ankle pant, but I think they're cute.

stoneycakes · July 2014

I clearly need to sew more of my own clothes. <---I fixed that for myself when I remembered I haven't sewn clothing for myself since junior high, lol.

freezorburn · July 2014

What does everyone do with fabric scraps of various sizes? I am half tempted to save my cotton scraps so that I can dabble in paper-making, but that would involve storage space that I don't have, and eventually a tub and a screen that I also don't have space for.

unaveragejane · July 2014

freezorburn said:

What does everyone do with fabric scraps of various sizes? I am half tempted to save my cotton scraps so that I can dabble in paper-making, but that would involve storage space that I don't have, and eventually a tub and a screen that I also don't have space for.

I store my fabric in clear tubs, and one tub is reserved just for scraps. I only save pieces that are at least big enough for string quilts. Bigger pieces make good pockets for aprons. Fabrics with fun textures (satin, velvet, linen, burlap) are neat for sensory boards. I just stumbled across this idea today when trying to find some ideas for busy boxes for my toddler: Put some smallish (like 3x5) scraps and strips of fabric in an empty wipes box. The kids can pull them out and put them back in. I think this will be great for DS1 b/c he loves pulling wipes out of the box.

unaveragejane · July 2014

Into+the+Kitty said:

https://apairandasparediy.com/2012/07/diy-printed-palazzo-pants.html

From the same blog

I love those!! I would need the waist not to come up so high b/c I'm short-waisted, but that looks super easy to alter. What material would you use? I'm guessing a dress-weight polyester maybe? How would it look with a linen (or at least a poly blend that looks like linen)?

Also, when I saw the lady at Target in the cute palazzo pants, she was wearing a really cute, simple black woven (silk?) top. It wasn't exactly cropped, but it reminded me of a cropped top for some reason. It hung straight down without being super boxy or baggy. I think the hem went straight across, and it hit b/n her waist and hips. What kind of top is that? (I am so behind on fashion right now.)

freezorburn · July 2014

I think KAM is one of the bigger brands out there. I got a pair for converting my aplix to snaps and doing the occasional snap repair. Pretty easy to use. Gets a bit tougher if you are sticking the snap through several layers of fabric, because then you have to be careful that it doesn't slide around so that it presses straight.

Want a personalized experience?

Sewing

Re: Sewing

Choose Another Board

Search Boards