Iβve been sewing for almost 30 years and here are 10 things I wish I knew as a newbie sewist. Let me save you some frustration by sharing them with you now.
1. Not all fabrics are created equal. Buy the best you can afford. Buy it if you love it! Donβt buy cheap fabric just because itβs cheap.
2. Change your needle often. Itβs the most likely culprit when your stitches start skipping or donβt look great. Use the correct needle type and size for your project. Get more info on needles here.
3. Thereβs very little that you can do with a sewing machine that canβt be undone. Scissors or overlocker blade are a different matter β they could both potentially ruin a project. Use with respect and caution.
4. Make friends with your unpicker. You will be using it a lot. There is a right way to use your unpicker. An unpicker doesnβt stay sharp forever. But a new one and see what a difference it makes.
5. Take your time applying interfacing. Low and slow is best. That way youβll always get a good firm stick.
And the final five… 10 Things I Wish I Knew as a Newbie Sewist
6. Aim for progress over perfection. Sewing is a skill that takes time, effort and practice to master. Be patient, youβll get there.
7. There is more than one hemming technique. There isnβt just a one size fits all approach to hemming. Different types of fabric, garments and shapes of hem require different treatment. Learn them all.
8. Pattern sizes are not the same as shop sizes. Take your actual real body measurements and compare to the finished garment measurements to get the fit right.
9. You can change the clothes to fit your body rather than your body to fit the clothes. Make for the body youβve got right now. Your body will fluctuate throughout your life. You are worth more than your body size.
10. Donβt be afraid to try. Makes mistakes that is where you really learn. Take risks β thatβs where the magic is!
Do you have anything to add to 10 things I wish I knew as a newbie sewist? Is there something you know now thast you wish you knew then? Let me know in the comments below.
Love & Stitches
Alison xx
