Are you new to sewing and want some help getting started?
Sewing is a fantastic hobby and being able to make your own clothes is really satisfying. It enables you to create a unique and personal style with clothes that really fit. There is nothing better than when a friend asks you ‘where did you get that dress from?’ and you can proudly say ‘I made it!’
Starting any new hobby can be overwhelming though and we are here to help you get started with dressmaking. We’ve brought together our top tips and resources with beginner sewing patterns to get you started with this new creative hobby. Let us take you on a sewing adventure!
Our top five tips for sewing for the first time
Supplies
When you first start sewing there are a few items you need, this includes: sharp dressmaking scissors (for cutting fabric), a seam ripper (for when things don’t go quite right!), thread, a measuring tape, pencil (to mark your pattern and make notes), pins and snips (or sharp embroidery type scissors to cut threads). You will also need a sewing machine, ideally you could borrow one from a friend or relative to test out. If you decide to buy one we can recommend the CXL301 sewing machine from Janome, which we both used when we first started to sew.
Fabric
Cotton fabrics are the easiest to start sewing with as they have a bit of structure so are easier to pin together and put under the sewing machine. Buy some less expensive fabric for your first couple of projects, up to £8 a metre. Either visit a fabric shop and ask the shop staff to point you in the right direction or buy online. Look for light to medium weight cottons (avoid anything for furniture, upholstery or accessories). Online fabric shops which sell a range of beginner friendly cotton fabrics include: Fabrics Galore and Sew Me Sunshine to name just two!
Sewing Patterns
We have brought together our top 10 sewing patterns for beginners here. These simple dressmaking patterns have easy instructions and a simple design. They are a great place to start if you’ve not made a garment before and all use cotton fabrics. We’ve only listed patterns that come in a printed format as this is easier to get started with, rather than downloading a digital PDF sewing pattern which you can print at home.
We’ve also put together a special collection of blog posts called The Pattern Tutorials, which will guide you through how to use sewing patterns. We cover everything from reading the pattern envelope to measuring yourself properly.
Joining the sewing community and finding inspiration
The best thing about sewing, apart from making your own clothes, is being part of a fantastic community of makers. Anyone you speak to in the sewing community will always say how friendly and helpful other dressmakers are. If you want to meet other sewists in real life then follow us on social media and sign up to our newsletter where we share events happening around the world. We publish a weekly blog post called The Sew Reporter, which is packed full of inspiration and will keep you up-to-date with the latest sewing news. If you prefer videos then head over and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch our vlogs.
If you have specific questions or just want to share what you’re sewing right now, join our friendly Facebook group.
If you are looking for ideas on what to make, a great place to browse if our thousands of sewing pattern reviews by members of the sewing community.
The Fold Line
To find out more about The Fold line, what we do and all the resources we have available on our website for dressmaking, head over to our Start Here! page.
Happy Sewing,
Kate & Rachel.
