Start Fashion Sewing Today! Part 1

Helping You Achieve A Fashion Sewing Flying Start!

Do you want to learn how to fashion sew, improve on tired, old, rusty skills or learn something brand new?

Wondering where on earth to start?

Well, you’re already on the right track by being here, at Fashion Sewing Blog!

I’ve written this post (part 1 of 2) as always, to attract new members of the fashion sewing community, to inspire and encourage more of you to pick up a needle and thread and create!

But I also want to include those of you, returning to fashion sewing after long absences, or those readers who lack confidence in their abilities.

Together, let’s get back on the right fashion sewing track and begin to create clothing worthy of any high street store!

Below, you’ll find the first 3 initial tutorial video’s that I’ve chosen from my free online demonstrations at FashionSewingBlogTV which I believe will go a long way to help you with that ‘bump start‘ we all sometimes need.

Start Fashion Sewing Today

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Okay. Before we get down to the basics, have you seen my FREE beginner workbook, created some time ago at Fashion Sewing Blog.

I’d certainly recommend you download it. You may find one or two hints and tips there. I’ll talk about it more, a little later on in the post. Meanwhile, download it now by clicking -

Colleen’s Free Beginner Workbook For Fashion Sewers

Got It? Let’s begin with an old favourite!

How To Thread A Sewing Machine

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Back in November 2010, the post ‘Get To Know Your Sewing Machine‘ was written to introduce fashion sewers to one of the main tools of the fashion sewers trade.

Contained within the article was a tutorial video, giving students a step by step guide on how to thread a basic sewing machine.

Sound a good place to start? Let’s have a look!

Do you feel a little more confident now?

I do hope so! Do read the full article as you’ll find some other great hints and tips, for example -

How to look after your sewing machine -

1 – Refer to your manual with regards to your sewing machines capabilities.
2 – When your sewing machine is not in use, keep it covered. Dust really effects performance.
3 – Clean the inside of your sewing machine fortnightly, (dog feed plate / bobbin area) to keep it free from filaments (minute fibres from fabric) so that it runs smoothly.
4 – Monitor and maintain you sewing machines oil. When topping up, do so sparingly.
5 – Dependent on use, look to service your sewing machine every twelve months.

How To Thread A Needle

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Okay, so we’ve looked our sewing machine and after a little practise, the ‘mystery‘ of setting it up for use has been solved. What’s next?

Hand sewing is one of the most important aspects that a fashion sewer needs to learn and get right. Our sewing machine can only do so much, and there will be times when it’s put to one side, replaced by hand sewing.

Why?

Two reasons!

1 – Sewing machines can not always reach certain areas within a garment no matter how hard you try.
2 – Hand sewing WILL give you a more professional finish to a sewing project.

Worthy of a little time and attention I hope you agree!

Let’s start with the very basics!

I guess patience is the key. Hand sewing can be a long and laborious chore dependent on your sewing project and skill level.

Have a look at my ‘Hand Sewing Video Playlist‘ where I demonstrate some of the fashion sewing (hand sewing) techniques that really will improve you no end.

Understanding Sewing Patterns For Sewing Projects

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If you don’t understand your sewing pattern, then you’ll soon find your resolve fading, the frustration rising and feel an overwhelming desire just to throw the whole fashion sewing concept in the bin and go do something else.

STOP!

Before you do, let me see if I can help you leap that hurdle to push you forward to fashion sewing success.

I have written comprehensively about understanding all aspects of sewing patterns in past articles, but I’d like to recommend one, entitled – ‘Understanding Sewing Patterns for Sewing Projects‘.

The article talks about, and demonstrates the importance of being able to understand the many markings found on sewing patterns.

Sewing pattern markings are generally a system of symbols, rather than written words, printed on every sewing pattern piece. These symbols indicate what the sewing pattern is asking, in order to achieve a specific task during the construction of your sewing project.

I hope my video explains it a little better!

If you’re still a little unsure on the subject of sewing patterns, why not read another of my articles – ‘Sewing Patterns, Understanding The Basics‘.

I’m quite sure (and confident) that if you spend a little time reading, viewing and digesting it’s content, you will feel vastly more confident.

Conclusion

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The key to fashion sewing success is PRACTISE!

Therefore, I’ve purposely split this post into two parts so as not to overload you with information.

Download my free beginners workbook, as I suggested, where you’ll find fashion sewing exercises (both machine and hand sewing) and lot’s more helpful guidance to give you a head start in this wonderful creative art form.

Take your time to digest the information I have supplied and use it to gain that all important advantage.

In part two, we will continue in the same vein.

If you do have any questions, then please feel free to contact me.

Happy fashion sewing

Colleen G Lea