Learning How to Sew with Sew Caroline

We’re going back to home-ec class on our lifestyle blog today!  And there’s good news for all of you aspiring Martha Stewart’s of the world…Caroline from Sew Caroline is here to teach you how to sew!  She creates some amazing stuff out of her adorable home craft space and has great tips for you newbies!

5 Tips for Stress-Free Sewing

SO, you’ve got a sewing machine and you don’t know where to begin? I was there once, too.

About six years ago I was gifted a sewing machine for Christmas without any knowledge of how to use it. I learned as much as I could from the Googling, and more specifically YouTube. In the span of just a few years my sewing machine has become my best companion and I hardly go a day without using it. SOMETIMES, though, it is hard to know how to get from point A (“I’ve got this sewing machine….”) to point B (“I love using my sewing machine!!”). Here are a few tips on getting from point A to point B.

1. Know your machine. Before you begin your very first sewing project, be sure to “get to know” your sewing machine. Each brand/style has it’s own details of doing things, but all machines essentially run the same. Read your manual, and when the manual isn’t sufficient or detailed enough for you, look up YouTube videos that will help you learn how your machine works! (ie. learning to thread your machine via YouTube is A-OKAY!)

2. Have essential tools on hand. There is nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of cooking dinner and realizing you’re out of that one last ingredient! The same is true with sewing. While each project requires it’s own set of particulars, there are several tools you’ll ALWAYS want to have on hand: a tape measure, pins, a good pair of fabric scissors, iron + ironing board, quality thread, and a water soluble/disappearing pen.

3. Choose the right project. When you’re excited to get started on your new sewing machine, choosing the right project is essential. You don’t want to delve into something too difficult on your first go around! I would suggest sewing an easy project such as a pillow cover, burp cloth, or a simple tote bag. Pinterest is OVERFLOWING with so many wonderful and simple sewing projects to quench your creative thirst.

4. Choose the right fabrics. For stress-free sewing, choose the right fabrics for your different projects. There are SO MANY different kinds of fabrics to choose from: quilting cotton, voile, knit, rayon, silk, poplin, canvas, muslin, duck cloth, lawn, laminate, home dec, and the list goes on! There is definitely a time and place for each of these fabrics, but when you’re first starting out, it would be wise to start with quilting cotton. Quilting cotton is non-stretchy, has an easy to sew weave, and can be made into many, many beautiful things!

5. Don’t be afraid to TRY! SO many people are terrified to begin sewing because it seems intimidating and daunting. Let me let you in on a little secret: it’s not! Trial and error will become your best friend and you’ll be amazed at the quick progress you’ll show in no time!

When you think you’ve conquered the basics of your machine, you’ll be ready to sew other, more complicated things such as garment patterns, detailed bags, or even a slip cover for your couch! Sewing really does bring a whole other realm of possibilities!