Today I want to share some ideas that might help beginner sewists along the way. These are 15 things I wish I knew when I started sewing.

Whether you've bought all of the sewing basics that you need, maybe even invested in a new sewing machine and some gorgeous fabric, or simply have a tiny travel sewing kit and that's it, you're in the right place. You’re brand new to the art of sewing, and you are ready to learn how to sew. As you might have guessed, in order to learn how to start sewing, there is a lot you need to know before you get going. This guide, How to Start Sewing, has you covered with some beginner tutorials, ideas, projects, and more. If you’re dreaming of making gorgeous projects but starting to feel frazzled and confused on exactly how to start sewing and where to being on your how to sew journey, AllFreeSewing is here to help. On this site, you will find hundreds of beginner and easy sewing projects as well as the sewing basics you need to know in order to learn how to sew and jumpstart your sewing hobby. The reference pages below are your first steps. Sign Up For More Free Patterns

If you’re ready to learn to sew and you already have a good sewing machine, while there’s a learning curve, getting started is easier than you think.

Here’s my roundup of the best learn to sew online tutorials and classes for beginners. I’ve included tutorials from my favourite online craft tutorial streaming platforms BluPrint and CreativeBug. There are a LOT of learning

Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.

Sewing patterns are a gateway to sewing, but first you have to get past the envelope! Here's tips for how to read a sewing pattern and avoid frustration.

Easy sewing projects are best for beginners. They contain simple patterns, clear instructions, and straight lines. It's great if they don't use a lot of fabric too. Many of these simple sewing projects can be

Discover 7 amazing sewing projects for beginners including blankets, toys and so much more. Learn how to sew, hand stitch and run a sewing machine.

Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.

Finding time to sew can be tricky when you're a busy person juggling a lot of things. Here's 15 ways to make time to sew no matter how busy you are.

Sewing terms are important once you introduce yourself into the world of sewing, this way, you can be more vocal and conversational about your new projects.

This is a tutorial that will teach you how to sew with your hand. Here you will learn how to do a running stitch, back stitch, slip stitch, and more

Learn how easy it is to install a basic zipper with these sewing tips on Installing a Basic Zipper in dresses, pillowcases, pouches, totes, and more.

This Sewing School is for you! You can learn to sew with these easy to follow videos and articles. Perfect for beginners and those who want to brush up their sewing skills,

Want to know the correct sewing machine settings? Learn everything you need to know about the stitch length with this detailed sewing tutorial.

Five basic hand sewing stitches all sewers NEED to KNOW. Even if you sew mostly by machine, you'll need to know these stitches for many projects.

Quilting made easy for beginners. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to quilt, choose materials, and create your own unique quilts.

Much like many other complicated new skills, learning how to sew means learning what to do before you sew. When it comes to learning how to prepare fabric for sewing, is prewashing fabric that important? If you are planning on making a big project, you want to make sure you prepare your fabric, pattern, and machine properly before you start sewing up your project. All of these preparations can seem tedious and boring, but it is very important! You want to give your fabric and projects a fighting chance to be flawless! Just like you scrub down your veggies and wash your space before cooking, you need to learn how to wash fabric before sewing! Unlike washing your clothes and linens, washing fabric is a little more complicated. Since your fabric is still very loose and might unravel, you need to learn to make sure you wash your fabric instead of destroying it! Lucky for you, this guide goes over the eternal sewing question: to wash fabric before sewing or not! Once you read our tips for preparing fabric you'll learn everything you need to learn how to wash your fabric. Sign Up For More Free Patterns >>>

Basic hand sewing skills are necessary for some sewing projects. Through pictures and video tutorials, beginners can learn basic hand sewing techniques.

Tiny Sewists - Teaching kids to sew

Here are some of the most important lessons I picked up in my first year of sewing. This isn't an exhaustive list, but these are some of the things that I struggled with or that confused me at first. These tips and tricks should help a beginner who is just learning to sew.

(Please note that affiliate links have been used in this post.) I started quilting in 2007 / 2008. My sisters bought me a small Singer Promise they found listed as a Black Friday deal from Target o…

I love to sew but I haven't for a while. Here are 8 great sewing projects for beginners. Try them out and learn some basics!

This sewing machine needle guide will teach you about sewing machine needle sizes and types and give you a free printable chart cheat sheet!

We've gathered up 100 of the most useful blog posts to help you learn to sew, use your sewing machine, handle different fabrics and more...

Basic Stitches Britannica Online Encyclopedia Dressmaking is a craft of making dresses. It is the basis and the start of the fashion world. When you make dresses, you will be called a dressmaker or historically, modiste. Learning the basics of...

Learn how to combine and use fabric scraps for any sewing project. Create your own colorful patchwork fabric for any easy sewing project.

When you’re a sewer, it means learning how to sew a variety of patterns, sizes, shapes, and textures. One of the things that scares a lot of beginning sewers is learning how to sew rounded corners, but it really doesn’t have to be that intimidating. To learn how to sew rounded corners, it just takes […] Read more...

Appliqué is a fun way to express yourself with fabric. Learn How to Applique Like a Pro by following these easy steps. It's easier than you think.

Want to learn to sew? There are so many different options for anyone who wants to Learn to Sew. I've made a of several Learn to Sew Tutorials and Classes.

Preview and watch past seasons of Teach Yourself to Sew.

There lots of new techniques and terminology to learn, but the laundry list of supplies needed for quilting is a bit long and sometimes confusing.

Have you been wanting to learn how to sew, or are you a self taught beginner who wants to learn even more? One of my biggest regrets in highschool was not

Sewing Kit Essentials How to Thread a Sewing Machine How to Make a Sash How to Make Cording/Piping How to Install a Zipper - EASY! How to Make a Buttonhole without the fancy presser foot! How to Make a Pillow Cover with Velcro Closure How to Make an Elastic Waist Skirt How to Hem Pants {no Cuff} How to Read a Sewing Pattern How to Cut Out a Pattern To Mend or Not to Mend Bias Tape | How it's Made & How it's Used Shop Amazon - Introducing Designio Series - The Latest Sewing Machines from Brother

Learn how to use a seam ripper for different fabrics with this video sewing tutorial on how to sew using a seam ripper properly.

Don't stress over the tension dials on your sewing machine. Find out when and how to set and adjust thread tension.

Quick and Easy way to add a zippered pocket to any sewing project. Great for Pouches, Handbags, Purses, Tote Bags, and Jackets/Coats

I love to sew. People tell me all the time that they would love to learn to sew and I thought it would be a fun series for the blog. Each Friday, I will post some sewing tips, as well as a simple project that you can work on to try out your new skills. I am designing the series so that each lesson will build on each other. I'm a total cheap-skate, but if you're going to sew, you're going to need a few supplies. This isn't an ad for any company, these are just products I like. Lesson 1: Supplies You need a good sharp pair of scissors. See those blue scissors-sometimes they come in orange too? Those are not sewing scissors. They are inexpensive, but they are not what you want. You're going to need to spend at least $15 to get a good pair. I have a pair or Gingher and a pair of Zwilling that I've never sharpened in 16 years and still cut a nice clean edge. I use these more often than I'd like to admit. You'll use them to pick out seams when you make a mistake or to cut button-holes. I personally am not a fan of chalk (unless I'm sewing on black and have no other option). Since I don't always complete a project in the same day, I prefer the water soluble over the disappearing ink ones. I really like the Mark B-Gone with the purple on one side and the blue on the other. You'll use this to measure hems and to make sure that you are putting a pattern in the correct spot. These are super cheap. Everything you need to know about fabric is found on the end of the bolt. 1. Tells you the kind of fabric. 2. Price per yard 3. Washing instructions 4. See where it says 044 in? This tells you the width of the fabric. For example, if I buy a yard of fabric, it will be 44 inches wide and 36 inches long. Most cotton fabric will be about 44 inches, decorator fabric will be around 54 inches. I don't recommend starting out w/ silk (it's easy to work w/, but it's expensive), its just the only bolt I had on hand. For beginners, I suggest a cotton or cotton/ polyester blend. I would avoid knits, shears, crepes and satins. If you hate ironing- thin 100% cotton fabric is cheap but wrinkles very easily. I would also avoid stripes, b/c they can be challenging to line up. Something with a small print, that doesn't have a set up or down will be the easiest for newbies. You can pretty much tell the quality of fabric buy looking at it and touching it. Your biggest investment in any sewing project is going to be your time, so splurge a little on the fabric. Check out the clearance racks and remnant bins to get good deals and of course, use those coupons. You can buy inexpensive fabric, just don't buy cheap fabric. WARNING: Buying fabric is very addicting. I think it is way more fun than actually sewing something. Pretty fabric is somewhat magical to me- it has endless possibilities of becoming something amazing. When it comes to machines, you get what you pay for. I love my machine. It's the basic Bernina and doesn't do anything fancy, but it sews a nice clean stitch and don't have the problems and frustrations with my thread always, pulling, jamming, or breaking that I would with cheaper machines. Learning to sew is frustrating enough w/out having to fight w/ your machine. If you want to buy a machine, go visit a few shops and take some for a test drive. Another advantage of buying a machine from a shop is that they often will come with free classes. People tell me all the time that they have a machine sitting in their closet and no idea what to do w/ it. That being said, I know someone that makes several thousands of dollars each month sewing for her etsy shop w/ a cheap machine she got a Target. Tomato pin-cushins are quaint, but I prefer these magnetic ones. It's also great when you spill all your pins on the floor and need to pick them up quick. Sewing needles come in many different sizes. The smaller the number, the thinner the needle. Thin needles are best to use on delicate fabrics, to avoid putting runs in your project (that's super frustrating). For most projects, you can just use a universal needle. If you are sewing on denim or other heavy fabric make sure you use a thicker needle, so your needle doesn't break. Needles get dull and you will need to change them out every few projects. My MIL will only buy Gutterman 100% cotton thread. It is good thread, but I don't notice a huge difference between it and other cheaper threads and so will sew w/ whatever. (I sew blessing gowns for my etsy shop and do use more expensive thread). Your thread color can add a design element, but until you can sew really straight stitches, I would suggest matching your thread to your fabric color. Also make sure you are using a multi-purpose thread, and not one designed for top-stitching or jeans. TIP: When choosing thread color, go a tad shade darker than your fabric. It will match better. Rotary cutter, mat and giant ruler. These are great for quickly and easily cutting a straight edge. This is the longest post I've ever written. If you're still here grab a snack and keep reading. Most posts won't be this long-I promise. That was a lot of info, are you ready for this week's project? I thought we'd start with a simple envelope pillow. For this project you will need: 1. 1/2 yard of fabric at least 44 inches wide 2. thread 3. 16 inch pillow form Step 1: Cut your fabric into two 17 inch squares and a 10x 17 inch rectangle. You can either use all of the same fabric or use 1 for the front and one for the back. NOTE: We are making a 16 inch pillow, but you can easily adjust to any size pillow. Just measure your pillow and add a 1/2 inch of each side for seam allowances. Step 2: Take the 17 inch square that you will be using for the back of your pillow. Iron it. (ignore my wrinkles). I'm using onsburg and it's the same on either side, but if you are using printed fabric, put the pretty side down. With your gauge measure 3 1/2 inches from the top and stick a pin through the fabric. Do this at least 3 times. Step 3: I hope you can see this from the picture. Fold the fabric along where the pins are sticking out. Iron fold down and remove pins. You should know have a fold that is 3 1/2 inches wide along the top edge of your pillow back. Step 4: Place the pillow front-side up. Lay the pillow back on top with the fold side out. Step 5: (I actually forgot to take pics so I had to go back after I already stitched it.) Lay the other back piece along the top edge of the pillow. (Pretty side down) Step 6: Before you start sewing make sure your needle is in the center position. 5/8 of an inch is your standard seam allowance (how far your stitching is from the edge of the fabric). There should be notches on your sewing machine to help you. Just line up the fabric with those notches. Go slow at first so you can sew as straight as possible. You will want to sew all 4 sides of your pillow. Every machine is different but you will want to adjust your Stitch Length (how tight your stitches are together) to between 2.5 and 3. If you are using normal cotton fabric use 2.5, but if you are using heavier decorator fabric set it at 3. Step 7: Clip off the corners. This will help them look more pointy. You can even use the point of your seam ripper to help make the point. Just be careful not to rip out your stiches. Step 8: Turn your pillow inside out through the opening formed by the 2 back panels and shove in a pillow form. If you want you can embelish it w/ bows, buttons, lace, stencils..... Step 9: Admire your work! Step 10: Show off you work and link it up below-I'l love to come and see it. (I'm leaving it up indefinitely so no pressure-when ever you finish-I'd just love to see it) Step 11: Join us next week for lesson #2 (we're sewing my very favorite-don't-need-a-serger to look professional skirt). Questions, comments, suggestions? Step 12: You have graduated to WEEK 2: EASY BUBBLE SKIRT To see where I link up or to add your party, please click here.

This sewing 101 article will help point you in the right direction and get you sewing with ease in no time.

5 Tips To Help You Sew Like A Pro. Learn to sew like a pro, quickly and easily with our easy-to-follow, tips and tricks. Learn what should not be skipped.

Need a refresher on the different types of seams at your disposal? Or maybe you’re starting out and doing research to better acquaint yourself with your

In this guide, I am focusing on different types of threads for sewing. There are many types of sewing thread.