Teach Yourself How To Sew For FREE

Have you wanted to learn how to sew but you thought it would cost too much for sewing lessons or classes?  Or have you thought it was possibly too time consuming? Well, worry not. I will share with you some tips on how you can learn to sew while saving money as well as learn quickly. 

Sewing is a skill that requires focus and repetition. You can read a few things on how to start but in order to learn you have to start sewing. Practice, practice, practice is the quickest way to learn to sew. However what you practice is very important. There are many things you can sew. Depending on what you plan on sewing will decide what you should practice. If you want to sew quilts you may have to practice stitching lines. If you want to sew clothing you must practice construction and different types of seams. If you would like to sew hand bags or purses you must practice sewing thicker fabrics and materials. If you would like to sew couture you may have to practice hand sewing. Let’s dive into the tips.

1. YouTube

Youtube is a great place to learn new things and to gain knowledge. There are so many videos on YouTube and lots of variety. If one video doesn’t resonate with you then you can easily watch another or multiple to make something make sense. YouTube was the best way for me to learn many tips and tricks on my sewing journey. 

2. Pinterest 

Pinterest is a great way to view quick tips on things if you are a quick visual learner. Pinterest has many short videos, charts and small documents that can help you understand things you are learning or teaching yourself. Like YouTube, Pinterest has a wide variety of videos or you to search through to find the right one that will teach you what you are looking for.

3. Looking inside clothing

Looking inside garments and accessories is a great way to see how things are constructed. You may not know how to fully put it together by looking at it, but you can see the work it takes to make something as well as challenge your brain to figure out these things like a puzzle. The inside of a garment tells you a lot about the quality, how long it took and the techniques the seamstress or tailor used. Look inside your garments or accessories to really get a feel for professional sewing and take notes and begin researching questions.

4. Alter clothing

When you alter clothing most times you have to undo things and then redo them with new measurements or materials. This allows you to not only see how that part was sewn but also gives you practice on sewing. Altering clothing was the main reason I started sewing because I wanted to make my clothes just for my body type and then I wanted to make clothes for my body type. It gave me my start in the sewing and fashion world and to a great way to make some cash.

5. Take part your clothing and sew them back together

Instead of just looking inside your clothing you can also take them apart and put them back together. Seam rip all the seams one at a time, remove all loose thread and iron each piece as flat as you can. Then sew the item back together in entirety. This will help you learn construction and patterning. Be sure to take notes, measure seam allowance and iron all seams after sewing them.

6. Sewing Blogs

Check out lots of sewing blogs like mine. These will have many hidden gems, free sewing patterns and lots of resources to help you along your sewing journey. Blogs can give you insight on Do’s and Don’ts that will hep you save money, time and hassle along your sewing journey.

7. Beginner Sewing patterns

Use beginner sewing patterns that have step by step instructions. This is the most strait forward way to learn and because of that you may have to pay a few dollars for sewing patterns. However you can also find free sewing patterns on blogs, social media pages and google. Ewing patterns hold a lot of information such as how to construct projects/garments, some include a glossary and they help improve your overall technique. Practice the same sewing pattern back to back until you can make that project without the instructions. Sewing is all about memory and repetition.

8. Free Sewing Classes

You can find free sewing classes being hosted in your area. Many sewing lovers host free sewing classes that the community can attend. You can find out about these on Facebook groups, TikTok, sewing blogs and google. Sometimes you can even find them on Eventbrite. Free sewing classes can teach you a lot and give you many resources to continue learning. I host a free sewing class once a month for beginners to give them a chance to get the feeling of sewing and take advantage of the resources I provide to continue learning on their sewing journey. Sign up here for a sewing class.

9. Local Libraries

Local libraries are more than just books and computers. Some libraries are beginning to partner with non profit agencies to bring art centers to artists and crafters that need equipment and materials to use in the library. Many suppliers and machines are available such as at transfer cutting machines, sewing machines, 3D printers, scissors, rulers, fabric and more. heck out your local libraries to see what is available to you. Denver Public Library has an art center available called ideaLAB click here to check it out.

Check out the YouTube video about this blogpost post to get all the details on how you can learn to sew for free. Click here.