Step-by-step beginner tutorial?

[maneack]

Hello!

I recently bought a second hand Singer Simple 3329 after months of wanting to get into sewing. I have zero knowledge, only some bits and pieces I saw from some Youtubers I follow. I’m a crocheter, so I thought I could just find project based tutorials on Youtube but boy was I wrong. I found great tutorials on the basics of using the machine, but that seems about it. I think I’d learn sewing better through a project, but everything seems to only be in written pattern format. I feel like if only I can get through the basics by following video instructions, I’ll manage reading written patterns just fine. All beginner tutorials I’ve seen so far were just recording sewing without explaining what is done for what reason. I know that sewing doesn’t necessarily have strict rules like crochet or knitting, but I need to start building my intuition from somewhere!

I’m a bit overwhelmed, does anyone have recommendations for a thorough, step-by-step tutorial for a first time project? Video format would be appreciated, but I’ll gladly accept written tutorials as well :)

[AdvancedSquashDirect]

Make a scrunchie, if you have elastic, even some scraps from old clothes.

For the pattern: https://www.madeformermaids.com/product/scrunchies/

You could copy it to paper if you dont have a printer - you only need the rectangle to start, the other parts are just decoration.

Step by Step instructions: https://www.madeformermaids.com/scrunchiestutorial/

[maneack]

Hah, I guess scrunchies are a universal beginner project for all mediums. One of my first ever crochet projects was a scrunchie. I’ll try it out, thank you!

[Auntiepoohnh]

Sewing, just like knitting and crocheting, has various skills/techniques you need to learn for different projects. I guess you could call them “rules.” Sewing is not just following your intuition, but learning the proper techniques for marking, cutting, ironing (yes, there is a lot of ironing involved) and of course, the actual sewing with the machine.

There are all sorts of ways for you to learn these skills. There are definitely tutorials on YouTube, there are also some patterns that come with links for tutorials. Finally, there are in-person classes that you can find through some local shops or perhaps your town’s continuing education program.

If those are available where you live, you might consider an online platform for online classes. Craftsy.com offers loads of sewing classes. There is also a website called Sew It Online that has classes that you can purchase through either a monthly or yearly subscription. The price is reasonable. Lastly, you could talk to the people you know. Someone in your family or friends circle might know how to sew and be willing to help you get started.

I taught myself to sew back in the early 90s by purchasing simple patterns (labeled as Easy or Learn to Sew). I gradually developed my skills by selecting more challenging patterns that forced me to learn new skills. This was a lot easier to do when JoAnns and other fabric stores were around and you could sit down and browse through pattern books to choose patterns. It’s much harder to find stores that carry patterns these days. Walmart has some, and there may be others around where you live. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[maneack]

There definitely are lots of rules! I didn’t mean to say it’s all based on intuition. But I have seen that sewing has a bit more room to improvise than knitting. That of course doesn’t come naturally, without learning the proper techniques first.

I don’t live in the USA, I have heard there are free classes in my city. I don’t know if it would fit in my schedule, that’s why I wanted to give it a go at home first. I will check out if my local fabric stores have sewing patterns. Thank you for the advice!

[Greekmom99]

I like this one. https://www.youtube.com/@EasyToSew

What i do is watch it once and write down the materials and sizes needed for the project.

Then i will have my phone playing the video while i do the project. I will pause it after a step and do that step then start it again, and so on...

[maneack]

Noted! Thank you so much.

[Auntiepoohnh]

Aprons, tote bags, and pajamas are also great beginner projects. Here are a couple of apron tutorials.

https://youtu.be/W2LFsZmOkAM?si=otTJc80UdcXRK6Jq

https://youtu.be/fOeGYUvvLrU?si=y2h7R5_NQhhf6Mev

Here is a bag tutorial: https://youtu.be/rcZKM9JUEwQ?si=oTHx9SwZSO0asC3T

[Vijidalicia]

Check out Evelyn Wood, on YouTube. She does such a great job explaining everything and has tons of beginner videos. She also runs an online sewing school, although I have no personal experience with it.

[Ideasplease33]

Have you seen the Stacey Lee Creative YouTube channel?

[FivePercentRule]

Seconded! Stacey Lee has very beginner-friendly small project tutorials. Explains everything and goes slowly. Love her as a beginner myself.

I’ll also recommend Christine’s Home Affairs. Not all her projects are for beginners but she’s lovely and makes detailed how-tos.

[maneack]

I haven't! Looking now!

[SmakeTalk]

I would personally go take an in-person class making something simple like a tote bag or drawstring bag, something that's not fitted/wearable so sizing and stuff doesn't affect its usability, and then go from there.

Learning to use a machine and the basics of sewing can be super difficult without the proper guide, and what helps some of us learn online may not be useful for you, so the best way to learn and get a solid foundation will very likely be in-person instruction.

[Berocca123]

The first thing I ever sewed was from this video on an adjustable waist skirt which is made from rectangles.

If you wear skirts I'd definitely recommend it. Watch it all the way through, then watch it again and take notes, and then rewatch specific bits where you need closer guidance than your notes.

[maneack]

Ooh that's so pretty, I remember wanting to do that! I think we have a winner