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How to start sewing?

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Tools or kit you need to make

Before we start creating or repairing our own clothes, we must have certain tools on hand to help us make. The first thing we will need is a sewing machine, the essential tool of every tailor, there are very good brands that work for sewing a variety of projects. The Singer and Brother brands are a good choice for beginners, starting with one of these machines is ideal to get started. Other tools we will need are obviously the thread and the needle, they are perfect to repair small things of our clothes, like broken socks or add buttons. The sewing tug will be our ally, in case we make a mistake in the seam, the careful tearing of the seam will help us to undo any unstable point. Apart from all that, other basic things we will need are: Fabric scissors, pins, tape measure and sewing clips.

Basic terms of sewing

To start entering this world of clothing, you have to know some terms or techniques that are used a lot in this process, these terms are basic, so when you begin to enter this world, your sewing vocabulary will expand naturally.

Suffice:
It refers to long stitches that can be made by hand to hold fabric pieces together temporarily, then be removed.
Backstitch:
It is a kind of stitch that refers to that before starting and ending a line should be with a foothold. Start by giving a part of stitches and then fasten the stitches by pressing the foothold button to sew them together.
Hem:
It is the most common type of double hem that is made to the ends of the sleeve or leg of the pants to prevent them from melting and hide the rough edge.
Selvage:
It refers to the well-woven edge that runs on either side of a piece of fabric to prevent it from melting.
Topstitch:
It is a stitch designed to be seen on the outside, can be used as decoration to define and add details.

How to use patterns when making?

Since we have our basic tool and we know the basic terms of sewing, it remains to choose a simple pattern to start making.

Choosing the right pattern to start creating garments is very important, choose a pattern that teaches us something and generate a good result to motivate us to re-create another sewing project.

Some simple sewing patterns for beginners are as follows:

Pants elastic waist:
Even if it doesn’t look like it, producing pants is a good way to start making.
Antero Shell:
Built with very basic and sleeveless lining, it is sewn quickly and with only little fabric, which makes it a perfect pattern for beginners.
Donovan skirt:
What you learned with elastic waistband, you will put it into practice here, you will apply them to a skirt that is elegant and easy to cook.
Willow Top:
To practice their biasing. Practice darts to generate a tight shape around the bust and perfect the union of biases along the neckline and armholes.
Linden sweatshirt:
There is nothing more satisfying than making your first sweatshirt, you will gain practice with sewing stable fabrics without senger, it is the perfect starting point if you are new to this type of fabric, just like in sewn raglan sleeves, which are easier than a standard sleeve.
Island Top and made dress:
If you’re looking to improve your knitting skills, but still stay in the friendly range, Top Island is the perfect place to start.

Here are some patterns you could start using to improve your dressmaking skills.

What kind of fabric to start making?

To choose the type of fabric to buy, there are several variables to take into account, one of them is, hand woven and woven. Woven fabrics are a little more beginner friendly, some fabrics are twill and double gauze. Knitted fabrics are of an elastic quality, making them more comfortable to wear.

Other important variables when choosing a fabric are weight and material. You have to consider the garments that we will make to choose the fabric, for example, light fabrics like linen are ideal for scarves, they are semi-transparent, but they tend to keep the press better. The batiste is medium weight, which makes it ideal for dresses or tops. Denim and cotton canvas are suitable for jackets, pants and handbags.

Tips for beginners

Start with the simple:
Simple patterns are perfect to start learning, creating loose and elastic pants are ideal for practicing.
Practice in scrap metal:
This refers to testing the machine and some points or techniques on scrap or reused fabric, to feel things and not waste expensive fabric.
Read the whole pattern:
It is a good habit to help familiarize yourself with the steps and techniques of the pattern.
Try your garment as you go:
When you are creating a seam, quickly test the clothes, to make sure the fit is the right one you want, it is easier to make adjustments, as you are doing it step by step, rather than after the fact when the piece is completed.
Enjoy the process:
Do not rush to finish the garment, be as careful as you can and do not pressure yourself, mistakes are common when starting something new, everything is part of the learning process.