What Do You Need to Learn Sewing?

Learning how to sew might seem intimidating at first if you’ve never worked with sewing needles or a sewing machine before. With a little bit of time and patience, however, learning how to sew can be a fun and easy activity. This guide will help you understand how to get started learning how to sew, including the best methods and the tools you’ll need. Follow along to find out how to make the learning process easier so that you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills.

What is Sewing?

Sewing was first done by pre-modern peoples to stitch together animal hides for clothing and shelter. They used animal bones and other natural materials in place of sewing needles. Over time, sewing became modernized, and tools and techniques were developed. The modern sewing needle followed iron needles in the 14th century and eyed needles in the 15th century. By the 20th century, the sewing machine had been invented and popularized.

Today, sewing is primarily done by hobbyists who like to create garments and other items for themselves and others. Sewing is also a popular cottage industry. Small businesses handcraft custom garments and sell them online. Hand-crafted clothing is known for being long-lasting and durable while also having unique details.

Benefits of Learning Sewing?

Learning how to sew provides both mental and physical benefits. When done as a hobby, sewing has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. When you sew, you focus all your attention on the piece you’re creating. This can distract you from outside stresses and provide you with time to process your emotions and what’s going on in your life.

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Sewing requires fine attention to detail. Your brain must focus on the movement of your hands as you sew, which can build fine motor skills. Sewing also improves the dexterity of your fingers and may loosen the joints in your hands. Sufferers of arthritis and other pain in the hands and fingers have noted that sewing has helped alleviate pain. Companies that make sewing tools also offer tools that should be easier to use in the face of this pain, like ergonomic rotary cutters and lightweight irons.

Sewing allows you to explore the boundaries of your creativity. When you decide to work on a project, you need to first decide what you’re going to make and how to make it. You’ll be both designing the piece and creating it.

People who sew their clothing themselves are given the freedom to custom it. They can make one-of-a-kind pieces that fit their exact measurements. If you’re interested in exclusive and unique clothing, learning how to sew will teach you to make them yourself.

Is Sewing Easy to Learn?

Sewing can be difficult if you haven’t received proper instruction on it. There are many different stitch types and techniques used when sewing. If you’d like to learn machine sewing, you’ll need to know how to operate the specific machine you’re using as well. Luckily, you can learn how to sew through online tutorials and videos, books, and sewing classes. Online tutorials and books can provide you with the basics of how to sew and sewing classes can provide you with hands-on instruction.

If you’re interested in taking a sewing class, you have two course delivery options: in-person classes and online classes. In-person classes are taught at sewing centers, studios, schools, and shops. In these classes, an expert instructor will give in-depth demonstrations and guide you and your classmates through sewing projects. Some in-person classes will provide all the necessary materials, while others will ask you to bring materials to class.

Online sewing classes are available if you can’t make an in-person class. These classes are also led by an expert instructor, but they take place over an online video conferencing platform like Zoom. Online classes are a flexible learning option as they can be taken from any interruption-free environment where you have access to a stable internet connection. Be aware that online classes will require you to procure all necessary materials or purchase a kit from the host. You can find sewing classes in your area on CourseHorse.

If you’re in the New York City area, you can sign up for Sewing 101: Basics with The New York Sewing Center. This beginner-level class will teach you all about the necessary equipment and terminology. By the end of the class, you’ll walk away having made a drawstring bag, a zippered pouch, and a skirt or drawstring pants.

There are several sewing classes offered online that you can sign up for today, including The New York Sewing Center’s beginner-level class. Santa Monica College also offers a sewing boot camp that will teach you the foundations of sewing as you work on project-based exercises.

What You Need to Know Before Learning Sewing

If you’d like to enroll in a sewing course, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you should decide whether you want to take a hand-sewing class or a machine-sewing class. You can achieve similar results with both methods, but there are some differences.

Hand sewing is great for beginners because all you need is a sewing needle and thread. This method is also very precise because you have more control over the sewing when you use your hands versus a machine. You’re able to decide where the stitch will go, the length of the stitch, and how you want to attach it to the fabric.

Hand sewing can be more time-consuming, which is why some people choose to machine sew instead. Machine sewing is quick and efficient, making it a more convenient method of sewing. Sewing with a machine also makes your project look a degree more professional than hand sewing because machines can produce exact straight lines. Sewing machines can be expensive, so it’s recommended that you look for a used or refurbished machine to get started.

Most foundational sewing classes will not require you to have any prior experience sewing. These classes can teach you about both techniques and terminology. Some machine sewing classes will teach you how to use a machine, but others may expect you to bring in a machine and already understand how to use it. If you do decide to take a machine sewing class and have no experience using a sewing machine, you’ll need to see if the class teaches the basics of machine sewing.

What You Need to Learn Sewing

You’ll need a few basic tools to get started with sewing. As you become more experienced, you can look into purchasing other tools and materials to enhance your projects. To hand sew, you’ll need hand-sewing needles and thread. To machine sew, you’ll need a sewing machine that you know how to operate and sewing machine needles. Sewing may not be intuitive to you at first, but with a little patience and dedication to learning, you’ll be sewing in no time.

In-person sewing classes tend to provide supplies for students. You may be required to bring in your sewing machine if you’re taking a machine sewing class, but plenty of classes provide these as well. When signing up for a class, check the class page to see if there is a materials list.

Hand-sewing Needles

Most sewing needles used today are made of steel and coated to protect them from corrosion and other damage. The type of hand-sewing needle you buy will depend on the project you’re working on. Some needles will pierce through certain fabrics and materials more easily than others. Needles vary in cost, size, and length. Before purchasing sewing needles, you need to research which ones are most appropriate for your project.

Thread

There’s a wide variety of sewing threads available. Most projects can be completed using an all-purpose thread, but you may want to purchase something more specific for what you’re working on. Extra-fine thread is useful for lighter projects while extra-strong, upholstery, or top-stitching thread will help you when working on heavier projects. Specialty types of thread are also available if you’re working on a project that has unique features.

Sewing Machine

Deciding to purchase a sewing machine shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sewing machines can be expensive and require care. There are many different models of sewing machines that are appropriate for a wide variety of projects. For beginners interested in sewing as a hobby, it’s recommended that you purchase a domestic model sewing machine. These machines are fairly simple to use and can do most tasks that hobbyists will be looking to do, like sewing clothes and accessories.

Once you have more experience with machine sewing, you might be interested in investing in another machine. Industrial sewing machines are useful for sewing layers of fabric together. They also can be used for longer periods without overheating. Whichever type of sewing machine you decide to purchase, it’s recommended that you consider your needs and your budget. You can find used and refurbished sewing machines in local thrift stores and online.

Sewing Machine Needles

Beginning sewers often make the mistake of choosing the wrong type of sewing needle. This can lead to broken needles and poor stitch quality. This can be prevented by researching the type of needle that’s needed for your machine and fabric type.

Universal needles are the commonly used needles and are recommended for beginner-level projects. These needles can be used with a variety of fabrics. Finer needles should be used for lightweight fabric while larger needles are appropriate for medium and heavyweight fabrics.

Key Takeaways

Sewing can be difficult to learn without proper instruction. There are in-person and online sewing classes that can teach you the foundations of sewing as well as stitch types and techniques.
Before you begin learning how to sew, you should decide if you want to hand-sew or machine-sew. Hand-sewing is ideal for beginners but is time-consuming, whereas machine-sewing is convenient but may be more expensive if you need to purchase a sewing machine.
To start hand-sewing you’ll need sewing needles and thread that are appropriate for your projects. Machine sewers need a sewing machine they know how to operate and sewing machine needles that work with their machine and fabric.
You can contact CourseHorse to find out more about online and in-person sewing classes that are available to you, as well as the private group sessions that they offer.