What is the best way to learn how to use a sewing machine?

I want to learn how to use a sewing machine. I want to learn how to make clothes and quilts. I love crafts. I make floral arrangements, wreaths and photo albums. I've sold many of my designs. I want to learn a new skill.

What is the best way to learn how to use a sewing machine?
Learning How to Sew





Great, you want to learn how to sew! Start out with a good foundation. Learn basic stitches by hand first. A good way to start is to use a kit that teaches 12 functional hand stitches. The kit %26amp; materials can be viewed at:





www.ezstitchsampler.com





Lots of people think they should get a pattern and hop on a sewing machine. This is wrong, wrong, wrong! Anyone who sews should understand the mechanics of sewing by using their hands first. After you've mastered the elementary introduction of hand-stitching, take a class at your local community college if it is offered, or from a fabric store. You'll learn how to lay-out a pattern, read the symbols, talk about fabric weaves, and cutting.





A good foundation is better than a shaky one. Starting out blind on a mechanical device beyond your control can be frustrating to say the least. If clothes designing is where you'd like to go, believe me, it will involve knowledge of hand sewing %26amp; machine work. People don't realize the value of hand sewing first. Look at the example of the traditional kimono, why are authentic ones so expensive? Beyond the fact that the fabric is exquisite, it is also completely hand sewn!





Good luck! You can do it.
Reply:Ask a friend who has one to show you how to use it. It's easier to be shown than to learn from a book. Use patterns for the clothes. You can make your own patterns for quilts.


http://www.simplicity.com/


has a sewing basics area.
Reply:Gray Wolf, For me the best way to learn something is to go at it head on. You'll learn better by doing things yourself. That way it's your own personal work that you'll enjoy %26amp; learn from your mistakes.
Reply:You learn best by doing it hands on. Check for a Sewing for Dummies book. Also this site is great. There are a lot of patterns on here and a lot of them are super easy to figure out. Best of all, you can print them off your computer.


www.youcanmakethis.com
Reply:If you have a machine, start with it. Get out the manual and familiarize yourself with the machine and its abilities. Select a project that is do-able for a beginner and jump in. Get a pattern with good directions - maybe starting with a tote bag or pillow pattern. You will need to learn the "lingo" of machines and sewing. Read your manual and just learn what you need to on the project you select. You will discover new things you want to learn to do as you go - each time, look it up in the manual and give it a try. Good Luck.
Reply:Learning how to sew is very easy. Usually the only thing that stops people is the fear of the unknown and making mistakes. All mistakes are a learning process...sometimes mistakes become a new fashion element and/or new creations. In short...dive right in and start sewing.





Sewing patterns are like blue prints...just follow the directions. If you have questions, there are a lot of websites that can help out. For instance this site has projects for beginners, intermediates and advanced as well as an index for anyone who has specific questions: http://sewing.about.com/library/blfeatur...





Another site: http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_...





A free online book for beginning sewers: http://craftandfabriclinks.com/sewingboo... You can also check out books in your local library or find some great books at a book store.





Learn to sew classes are usually held at fabric stores or sewing machine dealers and maybe in a community center. They would be a good source as well. Teachers have hints and tricks that make sewing easier that experience has taught them and not necessarily learned from books.





By the way you described yourself, I got the impression that you are someone who can dive right in and learn. Start out with easy projects. Some of the websites I listed have easy projects for your use. Begin with the easy projects and increase the difficulty level as your successes increase. Pattern companies have "easy to sew" patterns for you to choose from that includes clothing.





The most important part of sewing for me is the way I embellish the projects with techniques that I have picked up by attending classes with other sewing enthusiasts and by browsing bookstores. Also, check out the sewing shows on the public broadcasting channels with Nancy Zieman, Sue Hausmann, and Martha Pullen etc. They give out lots of information that you can use to add to your projects that make them truly unique.





Just remember, that sewing is a learning process. Mistakes can and will happen to the best of us. Just be easy on yourself and don’t get overly critical or stressed out. Enjoy the creativity it brings you!
Reply:if you are crafty you can teach yourself,


the newer machines are a lot easier and have a lot of really great features, i'd recommend buying an inexpensive machine, not the cheapest though.


You will want it to be able to do more than straight stitch. Watch for one on sale, you can really save a bunch.


Check the library for books about sewing techniques and beginner projects.


Old sewing books have got great tips and finishing techniques so check thrift stores and such for those old books.


Happy sewing