I still remember myself being completely illiterate in sewing. If someone told me that I would pick sewing in my thirties and continue doing it on weekends rather than playing sports, I wouldn’t believe them. I ordered and paid thirty dollars for a sewing revision after damaging my favorite jacket, but when it didn’t make sense, I asked how difficult it could be. That one single idea turned into a new hobby, an obsession even.
I’ve always amused myself on my journey. I went from knowing how to sew only a button to crafting tote bags, making pants, tailoring shirts, and eventually creating my clothes. My sewing journey wasn’t as smooth as weaving a piece of cloth, and to my surprise, I had no experience. But, there were moments of amusement, frustration, success, and several interests that gave me the definition of a new interesting hobby that amazed me.
A novice with no seamstress experience, read about me on how I made seamless projects while bearing the struggle of peak discomfort.
1. The Big Purchase: Bringing My First Sewing Machine Home
As I walked into the store for my first sewing machine, I felt that I did not belong there. The aisles were filled with sewing veterans who knew their feed dogs from their bobbins. On the other hand, here I was in complete ignorance, looking up ‘What sewing machine is suitable for a complete beginner?’ on my phone. The initial excitement and challenges I faced when I first started sewing were overwhelming but also thrilling.
So, I chose one that came across as cheap and did say that it was the sew-along machine. Upon reaching home, I unboxed it like an Apple product although I wasn’t aware of half the parts. I placed it on my dining table which quickly turned into a messy sewing area.
2. Threading the Machine: My First Defeat
According to the manual, threading the machine seemed quite easy but as usual, the reality was different. As I was threading the needle, the thread broke. On attempting again, the thread intertwined creating chaos. After an ample span of 20 minutes, I lost hope and switched to watching a video on YouTube instead. It was easier watching a professional guide through the entire process and I was able to do it on the third try.
The bobbin was yet another challenge, and even as I had to wind one, I didn’t even know what a bobbin was. It looked like a bird’s nest after I wound it for the first time. When I finally did it right, I felt like I had just scaled Everest.
3. My First Stitch: Bedlam on Fabric
I placed a fabric scrap under the needle and pressed the foot pedal after putting a thread on the machine. I started the machine and of course, I threaded the machine, but by doing so I created a thread disaster – before I could take a closer look, the bobbin’s fabric came off, and I fiddled around underneath it to find a bunch of loops which this side of the cloth was covering, and from then on I learned to that more such forms are called a “bird’s nest”.
After everything, it was time to set everything again and try once more. Scattering seams were the new norm on the fabric, and so was it shifting from its original place, this happened during the sewing process which surprised me to experience how difficult sewing a straight line was. On my tongue were the words, “This is fine, it’s meant to bring enjoyment right?” Spoiler: It eventually was, but that day was not.
4. How I Learned the Fundamentals: Exploration, Mistakes, and Lots of Coffee
Fabric Drama: Mastering Basic Techniques
Starting with ordinary cotton seemed like a reasonable option and it was… kind of. The first case I worked on was a plain, classic squarish pillow, however, it ended up resembling a trapezium. As for my next project utilizing satin, it was everywhere. One time, the fabric was gobbled by the machine, and for half an hour I remained in tears trying to get out of that mess.
Pro Tip: Visiting a thrift store can be a great way to find affordable and unique fabrics for beginners.
Thread Tension Woes
It’s not surprising in war that thread came to be my greatest enemy. Did the thread remain too tight? It would crack. Too loose and the tight stitches have a dim chance of survival. I had to struggle with that thread tension dial as well as troubleshoot the reason for my skipped stitches, so it took quite a number of hours. Or at least I had a vague idea of what good tension should look like.
5. My First Real Project: Trimester Bag Disaster
After attempting some basic exercises I decided I could make a basic trimster female and proud momma bag for my mother. I guessed that it would be a simple rectangle with a handle. Sounds pretty simple, right? Statistics would indicate otherwise!
I stitched the handles to the wrong sides and had to remove them and re-sew everything. Then I noticed that the bag’s sides were not equal in length. It was basically a Picasso bag—though my mom cherished it and I understood that sewing indeed needs a lot of patience.
6. Tools of the Trade: Revamping My Arsenal
Having done a few of my earlier projects, I learned that the fabric scissor set I had was not cutting it, quite literally, so I bought myself proper dressmaking scissors, a seam ripper because I had to sharpely remind myself that I always made mistakes, and a cutting mat. These tools made everything bearable and rather less irritating.
7. Creating My Sewing Routine: Stitching Consistency into Life
One of the biggest game-changers in my sewing journey was establishing a consistent routine. I realized that to truly improve my sewing skills, I needed to dedicate regular time to practice. So, I started by setting aside a specific day and time each week for sewing. For me, Sunday afternoons became my sewing sanctuary. It was a time I looked forward to, a break from the hustle and bustle of the week.
Having my sewing machine and basic supplies readily available made a world of difference. I set up a small corner in my living room as my sewing station. This way, I didn’t have to waste time setting up and could dive right into my projects. Trust me, having everything within arm’s reach makes sewing a much more enjoyable hobby.
I also invested in a sewing journal. This little book became my sewing bible. I used it to track my progress, jot down any mistakes or adjustments, and plan future projects. It was incredibly satisfying to look back and see how far I had come. Plus, it helped me stay organized and focused on my goals.
As I became more comfortable with the basic techniques, I started exploring more complex patterns and projects. I didn’t shy away from experimenting with different fabrics and techniques. Sure, I made plenty of mistakes along the way, but each one was a valuable learning experience. I learned to embrace the imperfections and see them as stepping stones in my learning process.
Joining online sewing communities and following sewing blogs was another great move. Connecting with other sewing enthusiasts provided a sense of camaraderie and motivation. I picked up new techniques, got inspired by others’ projects, and even made a few sewing buddies along the way.
One of my favorite things was to repurpose scrap fabric from thrift stores or old clothes. It was a fun and eco-friendly way to create unique projects. Plus, it added a personal touch to my creations.
As my skills improved, I started creating my patterns and designs. It was incredibly rewarding to sew clothes that fit my style and preferences. The key to all this progress was consistent practice and patience. I didn’t see improvement overnight, but with each project, I got a little better.
By incorporating these tips into your sewing routine, you can create a consistent and enjoyable hobby that allows you to express your creativity and develop your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, making time for sewing can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that brings joy and satisfaction to your life.
8. Milestones: When My Sewing Skills Just Make Sense
When I sewed the first seam and it came out perfect, I knew I was ready to take on the world. For most of my career as a seamstress, my stitches often looked as if I had no vision. This changed when I purchased a needle plate and started using its guidelines for fabric alignment.
Another major one was learning to use a pin on my fabrics to keep them in place while sewing. Because I was too lazy to use a pin, I ended up with uneven stitches and seams that just would not match. However, once I started using the pins there was a notable difference in the quality of my work, at least for a beginner.
9. Troubleshooting: How I Became a Sewing Detective
Each erroneous step offered me a learning lesson. Did I miss some stitches? The needle was me checking, and ensuring it was not dull. Tangled threads? It tended to be my threading or the bobbin tension it was me who found out.
I also came to appreciate the breaks when I became too agitated. Simply walking away from it for about ten minutes most of the time made more sense than directing my fury at the machine.
11. Progress and Pride: From Amateur to Aspiring Tailor on My Sewing Journey
And here we are today, only I have made tote bags, pillowcases, and even hemmed a couple of jeans. I won’t go so far as to say they are perfect but they get the job done. The most memorable stitch in my history is that fix I did on that jacket smoothing over a few bits of thread that were slightly out of line but who cares as it managed to get the ride out.
10. Lessons I Learned and My Advice for Fellow Newbies
If you are considering sewing as a male, throw away the stereotypes. Yes, sewing is boring, and marrying the perfect one is usually the difficult one, but once you learn, it is practical and creative, not as hard as you may think, here’s what I suggest:
Start Simple: Don’t force complex projects on yourself right from the start.
Be Patient: Expect the mistakes, the errors how you do it.
Use Online Resources: You would be amazed at how helpful youtube and sewing forums can be.
Invest in Tools: Great tools do make a difference.
Becoming interested in sewing has become a hobby for a lot of people. Sewing has taught me patience, creativity, and more, hence it’s quite a skill to have. Plus, it’s satisfying to sew one’s torn clothes or make some pants on one’s own. Look, if I can learn this in my youth and know next to nothing in this area, then you better believe you can too. So get a machine and some thread and give it a shot, you might even shock yourself with what you do.
