Does anyone sew?

[ashjohnson80]

I want to learn to sew but I have a few questions,

First, what kind of machine is good/where to get it & costs

Second, can you teach yourself from books or does everyone have to take a class?

Thanks in advance.

 

[huckster]

i sew on buttons.. does that count???

 

[Sthronds]

As for buying a machine, I'm not an expert. I went with a Kenmore since Sears is reliable and had a good warranty. It's not fancy but I like it. As far as taking a class, it's up to you and what you want to do. I took a class to teach me how to use and read patterns. They always looked a mess to me! I know a lot of people who taught themselves and have been quite successful. I am just the type of person who wants instruction. Good luck! (sorry, I wasn't much help!)

 

[ashjohnson80]

I ususally teach myself a lot of stuff, so I might try that first, I taught myself how to write in HTML and worked as a webpage designer for a while, I also taught myself how to crochet and some other stuff so I might be able to do it, I think I just need to find the right equipment.

 

[Randi]

do you want to make things or mend things? I think it is actually easier to learn how to make something first. find a simple pattern, the envelope should have lots of info on what you need. Sometimes the clerks are also knowledgeable. Then read the instructions that come with your machine and go for it!
I have 2 Singer machines. One is a fancy high end one that does lots of stitches, and the other is a basic one but it has the "arm" that comes off so I can slide on pants legs for hemming. I use both depending on what I am making. But for a beginner, stick with the basic inexpensive model. No sense investing a lot of money until you see if you will like sewing.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

I have a Baby Lock Machine. My husband bought it for me almost 10 years ago. I love it STILL.

It cost about $400. I don't know what else is out there, but my mom has an inexpensive Singer that messes up constantly. She hates the thing.

 

[ashjohnson80]

I want to make things, like clothes and curtains, and it would be nice to be able to hem pants too since I'm 5'4 and sometimes can't get the right length.

 

[Shugardrawers]

Most sewing machine stores have classes, generally free if you bought the machine there but by the same token the machines are quite expensive. I bought a mid range well known brand at Walmart. Then I ordered the videos from here http://www.youcanmakeit.com/ The videos are real outdated looking, probably made in the late 80's but the concept is the same. Some techniques have changed, like most people don't use seam binding any more but still, they are a really good solid learning tool. Check them out.

 

[beckmrk04]

My MIL is teaching me how to sew. I got a basic sewing machine for around $100 at Wal-Mart. I can do basic things with it- and while I'm learning, that's all I needed. Right now I am making over-the-seat travel organizers for my nieces for our car ride to WDW in May. It will hold their crayons and some toys and coloring books. I found cute Mickey fabric at Wal-Mart, and I designed a pattern, amd MIL is helping me figure out how to actually do it!! So far so good.

I would recommend going with a BASIC sewing machine until you need to upgrade, and then if you hate sewing, you're not out too much money. I must say, sewing is harder than I thought it would be! If I didn't have my MIL, I'd be sunk! I'd also reccomend a class- it's easier, for me at least, to see how the machine is being threaded and all that stuff, and if you have questions, you can ask.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

I could if I tried/wanted to....mostly "repairs" and way back.....sewing in our jeans to make them even more straight-legged!...Anyone else do that???

I am going to be 40... soon and still bring stuff to my mom for her to sew (dog toys, repairs)....She even bought me this sewing machine from a garage sale a few years ago....haven't touched it

I just remembered I did sew a topper from "scratch" and by eye (without any pattern) for my kitchen to sunroom window....that did turn out pretty good...

 

[luvdzne]

Sorry, I can't help you, look at my tag. Why sew when you can go to the store and buy it? (MHO )

 

[Mishetta]

For me, I need someone to "show" me how to do something...I'm very visual. I can't learn (to sew) just by reading. There are classes offered through adult education as well as some fabric/craft type stores which really aren't that expensive. I would (I should) sign up for one of those. Also, as others have posted, I would just get a basic, non expensive, sewing machine to start.

I'm a shame to my dear Mother who was an awesome seamstress all her life. She learned to sew when she was just a child & then as she became an adult, she went to Paris to study in a well known Couture school & was certified. She created her own patterns & made me several replicas of Designer After 5 dresses. Then there's me....I can barely sew a button on!

Good luck to you.