While the number of sewers and sewists is a tall order, sewing as an industry is projected to generate $3.21 billion in 2021.

This includes all the people who took up projects to fill the hours they spent homebound in 2020 and 2021. Anecdotally, Millenials are still considered the fastest-growing partitioners of sewing and tailoring.

The hobby not only allows people to make unique garments and ornamental displays, but it allows them to share unique projects on social media and gain insight, advice, and connectivity in tightknit (pun intended) social groups.

However, sewing for beginners is not quite as simple as buying some fabric, a needle, and posting to Instagram. Whether you are learning how to sew by hand or with a sewing machine, there are some basics you’ll need to get and some common skills to learn.

In the following article, we’ll give some tips on how to sew and where to start your new hobby.

Sewing Equipment Basics

Sewing has its tools of the trade and specialized lingo, so you can expect to pick up new equipment as you go and plenty of new skills and terms as you explore the hobby.

However, you’ll need some basics to get started, and that begins with a spot to lay out your equipment, measure your fabric and move needle and thread unimpeded. The area should allow for good movement and have adequate lighting so you can see all the small parts and measure accurately.

While there are man tools you’ll need, here are some basics:

  • Sewing scissors and shears
  • Embroidery scissors
  • Thread snips
  • Pinking shears
  • A rotary cutter and mat
  • A seam ripper
  • Measuring instruments (ruler, tape measure, etc.)
  • Cardboard cutting board
  • Seam gauge
  • Marking tools (fabric marker or tailor’s chalk)
  • Pins, clips and, pincushions
  • A thimble
  • Sewing needles and threads

And, of course, you’ll most likely need a sewing machine.

If you add all this up, plus the price of fabric, your new hobby has just taken on a budget of a cottage industry. There’s no doubt that as a hobby, sewing can cost a bit of coin to get started, but the tools of the trade tend to last, and as long as you have some sturdy basics, you can get started on smaller projects as you build your sewing kit and your expertise.

Sewing for Beginners Basics

One of the first things you need to practice is some basic stitches. The versatile straight stitch, the zig-zag, and the blanket stitch are among these.

Also, it would help if you practiced these stitches on different fabrics while using the appropriate needles.

Practice necessary skills like sewing on buttons the correct way, straight zippers, and if you are feeling especially ambitious, a French seam. Furthermore, make sure you can cut and mark in a straight line and follow a basic pattern.

Lastly, if you have acquired a sewing machine, make sure that you can change out the needles, feed the thread, and are familiar with its mechanics before you get started. This way, if a problem arises, you’ll be prepared.

Talk to Experts

When in doubt, call in the pros. Sewing for beginners can seem daunting, but don’t be afraid to reach out to your sewing machine manufacturer, your local seamstress, or one of our experts for help.

Many people will take a few online classes to help them learn sewing basics and terminology to get them acclimated.

Are you ready to start sewing? Contact us today to get started.