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Most pattern companies have a collection of easy patterns for beginners. Opt for these to make first. We’ll need to learn how to walk before we can run! Choosing easy patterns is a way to not only build new skills but also to boost our confidence.

Patterns that require closures like buttons, buttonholes, and zippers may be a little too advanced and should be saved for your later projects. Choose patterns that are loose fitting, require no specialty closers or fastenings, and only have as few as 5 to 7 pattern pieces. 

Choosing a suitable fabric is also crucial. Stick with easy-to-sew fabrics like woven cotton or polyester with little to no stretch and that are light to medium weight. Working with slippery fabrics like silk charmeuse or textured fabrics like velvet requires technical know-how on handling them and is best saved for later projects after you’ve accomplished a few basic sewing patterns.

Now that you’ve gotten a hold of a beginner sewing pattern read it carefully. Before attempting to cut out the pattern and fabric, reading the instructions from beginning to end prepares you for every step. If there’s a part that you are unsure of, you can rely on a little Google search on the technique and term. Nowadays, a simple internet search will give the answers instantly.

This is also the case with pattern reviews. Much like any product you see online, most commercial pattern companies will also have reviews on their products. It helps to learn how other sewists tackled the same pattern you are about to sew.

Most people will say it’s difficult for them to find the motivation to learn sewing, especially on their own, and honestly, I find it hard to be motivated to complete any sewing project. I used to say that I never had the time.

I’ve learned that changing my perspective on this helps. Rather than searching and grasping for motivation, I rely on momentum, which sounds less tedious and easier to obtain.

For example, I always have the time to shower, which is necessary for all of us, right? So, I relate the act of showering with sewing. After showering, I’ll do an hour of sewing or whatever that needs to be prepared before sitting at a sewing machine. Over time, this becomes a habit, and you build momentum. Find a task you often do and piggyback on that task by learning how to sew.

If you’d like to learn skill-building techniques before tackling a garment or homewares project to sew, our Beginner’s Sewing Course is perfect for you! Each chapter will teach you the basics of sewing, from how to operate a sewing machine, hand sewing, selecting the suitable fabric for your project, choosing your pattern size, and more! This course is super comprehensive but enjoyable to follow, and you can take it at your own time and pace and repeat it as many times as needed. You’ll be using sewing terms and techniques in no time!

Happy Sewing!

Carla

Beginner's Sewing Course Instructor

3 Seam Guides that will help you sew accurately!