September 2006
September is National Sewing Month!, and to celebrate J&O is bringing you Sewing 101! This blog is dedicated to all those who missed the era when sewing was taught in Home Ec. or to all those who haven’t sewed since they had Home Ec. By learning how to sew and use a sewing machine you can open up a world of possibilities for expressing your creativity. There is nothing more wonderful then creating something yourself. Whether sewing for practical reasons, or as an art form, it can be a rewarding, positive experience.
Nowadays, sewing is a lost art that our fast-paced society with its high technology and cheap overseas labor is beginning to leave behind. But here at J&O, we’re sewing enthusiasts and we’re enthusiastic about anything you can do with fabric.
So, for all the “staple gun people” and “hot glue gun people” J&O is introducing you to another tool that is used to transform fabric.
Firstly, if you really want to learn how to sew and you’re serious about it, rid your mind of preconceptions. Sewing is a skill and it’s definitely not the simplest thing to do in the
world. Don’t let the contestants on Project Runway let you think that you can whip up a haute couture gown in a day. It’ll take time, energy and dedication to get good at sewing.
Following is a list of what you will need to start your first sewing project.
A Sewing Machine,
As a beginner you shouldn’t pay any more than $100 for a sewing machine. Gradually as you get better and become more experienced you’ll be able to make full use of the more expensive machines and all their extra gadgets. Right now they’ll just confuse you and get in the way.
A tool kit/sewing box
Sewing boxes are really cute (and expensive) with all their compartments but a regular tool box will serve the same purpose just fine.
In your tool box you’ll need. . .
Good Scissors
It’s important to have a good pair of scissors that you only use for fabric. Paper and other household items will dull your scissors down and you’ll have problems cutting.
Good Quality Thread
Save yourself the aggravation and DO NOT BUY CHEAP THREAD It’ll unravel and it’s not good for the sewing machine. It’s better to pass up that 10 for $2 barrell and buy good quality thread.
Other items you can find in a Starter’s Sewing Kit.
Tape measure, straight pins, sewing needles, sewing machine needles (size depends on your machine) seam ripper( you will need it!), extra bobbins, pin cushion and a needle threader
A good idea is to have a Dressmaker’s cutting board, if you don’t want to mess up your table.
A Simple Pattern
Pick a simple pattern based on your measurements. For help with your measurements follow this link Some suggestions would be Simplicity 4019,4039,4157,4126,4234
Don’t attempt to make your first garment with expensive fabric. Something inexpensive, 100% cotton or a cotton blend that’s easy to handle. No knits, velour, fleece, corduroy, satins or stretch fabrics for your first project. Some fabrics require more experience.
All right, got everything? For the next blog you’ll just need your simple pattern based on your measurements and your good scissors. Stay tuned . . . cause we’re all gonna learn how to sew!
Posts by J&O Fabrics Store
I’m glad I found you via Problogger. My wife and I want to learn how to sew so we can make costumes for our kids. Also comes in handy for resizing pants. My kids have small waists so the pants keep sliding down.
Ah, what a nice intro post! I’m so glad I learned to sew at a young age, I’m always making curtains or hemming the little guy’s pants or something even now ;). Our how-to is up as well if you’d like to check it out!!