I was asked to go on the radio last week to talk about The Great British Sewing Bee. They also wanted to know about my beginner top tips and that got me thinking about all the things I regularly tell my students when they are starting out!
You can listen to me on BBC Radio Derby here – at around the 50 minute point.
Beginner Top Tips
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s how you learn.
Make friends with your unpicker – you’ll be using it a lot.
Pattern sizes do not relate to shop sizes – go with your actual measurements rather than your usual size.
Your iron is as important as your sewing machine – press every seam as you go.
Aim for progress not perfection. Sewing is a skill that takes time and practice to master.
You are your own worst critic, nobody else will look at your makes as closely as you do yourself.
It’s only fabric, it’s not life & death. Most sewing mistakes can be rectified.
Remember to breathe. Don’t hold your breath while cutting & sewing. Relax.
If things aren’t going right, take a break and come back to it with a fresh head.
Enjoy yourself. Sewing is a wonderful, creative thing to do. Make things that you love!
Take your time, when you’re rushing that’s when silly mistakes can happen.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a stupid question and you should never feel bad for not knowing something.
Do you have any tips that you would add to this list?
I asked this questions in last weeks newsletter and Amanda B said, “Find an excellent teacher like Alison.”
If you would like to have me as your teacher, you can book one to one lessons here or Sewing School course dates here.
Love & Stitches
Alison xx
