Sewing Patterns For Beginners
What are some good sewing patterns for beginners?
I was given a sewing machine a while back. I would like to put it to use instead of letting it collect dust. I was wondering what some good patterns would be to practice with. Some look so easy, but I just know if I put the work into it I might mess it up. Any suggestions?
You’re the fifth person to ask this today! Two here, one as a comment on my blog and another on a sewing forrum! Here’s the answer I have been giving! If you work from a pattern, follow the instructions carefully, and try it on for fit while you are making it, then it’s not too difficult at all!. Try to pick simple patterns at first and make a few “at home” items such as pajama pants, a night shirt, and then move up to more complicated clothes. Don’t try to make skinny jeans or a strapless prom gown for your first clothing project! Sometimes making simple clothes in special or expensive fabrics and doing it perfectly looks better than fancy super-detailed clothes in cheap fabrics that aren’t sewn quite right. A simple straight skirt in fine wool is a fashion classic and one you can wear for years, and it’s not very difficult to make! Or a flowing dress in a nice fabric can be dressed up or down and it’s perfect for everything from job interviews to evening, depending on accessories.
I give lessons in sewing and I recommend Kwik Sew’s “Kwik Start” pattern for the first few clothing projects. Each pattern is like a sewing lesson in an envelope. They are easy to follow and designed for the beginner. Here’s Kwik Sew’s pattern’s for beginners: http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_thumbs.cfm?Cat=Learn_to_Sew&Level=KWIK_Start&QL=KwikStart I often start beginners with a polar fleece project. It needs no edge finishes, no pressing, and it’s super easy to cut and sew. And when you are done you have something warm and toasty for cool fall days.
For students who are more interested in fashion sewing and sewing an office or work wardrobe I direct them to simplicity’s It’s so easy line. There are many sets of versatile separates for work, school, or for fun.
http://www.simplicity.com/c-160-its-so-easy.aspx is the start page for the collection. http://www.simplicity.com/p-1857-its-so-easy-missmiss-petite-dresses.aspx This dress set is a favourite of my student and me. I’ve made it for myself a couple times from rayon challis in summer florals, sort of an instant gratification pick-me-up sewing project. The simplicity catalogue is full of many interesting and fashionable patterns.
Simplicity has an extensive help section for beginners, http://www.simplicity.com/t-classroom.aspx and Kwik sew has started a user forum where you can ask for help or talk about general sewing http://www.kwiksew.com/forum/index.php About.com has an extensive sewing site packed with stuff for the beginner, including a list of tools you need: http://sewing.about.com/
Once you master the basics burda and Vogue Patterns are the high fashion options. Vogue has designer patterns and burda has the latest from the fashion runways. burda is sometimes 2 years ahead of department store fashion. And patterns are constantly updated for the latest fashions.
If you are patient and willing to put in a bit of effort, and you understand that there is a learning curve to any new skill, then it’s totally worth doing. Anything worth doing takes a bit of time to master. It’s like dance, you don’t start by dancing the role of the Swan in Swan Lake at the Met after one ballet lesson, you start with the easy stuff then use that as the base for the complicated stuff. I do love sewing and I think it’s worth it to learn how, even if you never make anything more than few simple things like pajamas and t-shirts.
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