Icecream Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Does anyone know a good book that will teach me to sew? I am not very good. Anyhting I did learn at school (not much) I have forgotten.I just want to do some basic stitching first, as well as learning how to start and finish properly, so that I can sew bits of cloth together to make fun things for the children or repair clothes. I can hand sew for those things, which is what I want to learn. If I progress any further then I might purchase and learn to use a machine, but stitching by hand is good enough for now, and if it teaches me to cut cloth properly (i.e straight and without fraying) that would be great. I was lucky that the cloth I used for Katie's pirate costume was easy to cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supergran71 Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Does anyone know a good book that will teach me to sew? I am not very good. Anyhting I did learn at school (not much) I have forgotten.I just want to do some basic stitching first, as well as learning how to start and finish properly, so that I can sew bits of cloth together to make fun things for the children or repair clothes. I can hand sew for those things, which is what I want to learn. If I progress any further then I might purchase and learn to use a machine, but stitching by hand is good enough for now, and if it teaches me to cut cloth properly (i.e straight and without fraying) that would be great. I was lucky that the cloth I used for Katie's pirate costume was easy to cut. There are loads of books Emma, but for such a beginner as you, a class to learn to sew would be better, or if you can't stretch to that, I am sure there are some on line tutorials, there are for painting so I am sure there will be some for sewing as well. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Emma, Singer and Simplicity have a range of very good books, assuming that you mean machine sewing. You will need to arm yourself with a basic book that will show you various seams, construction of darts, zip insertion and various other techniques. Basic patterns that are easiest to use would include the Simplicity 2 hr range- all patterns have a guide on how to construct their clothes. Basic rule as a beginner is to choose simple designs and good good selection of fabric. If you have any questions at all please feel free to send me a PM as I am an experienced seamstress with many years of experience. Once you get the hang of it the sky's your ceiling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icecream Posted October 11, 2008 Author Share Posted October 11, 2008 Thanks Angel. I want to start with some basic sewing off the machine. Supergran, it is impossible for me to get to any classes with having the children, but thank you for your suggestions. I guess I'll have to have a look to see what I can find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 (edited) You can pick up machines for around £100 and are worth every penny! At the very least you need one that can do button-holes in 2-3 stages. Even better if you have one that is an automatic one - these are a great boon - I'd be lost without mine, Try looking on Amazon for a basic instruction book - they have loads. A couple of websites to try for techniques would be :- www.isew.co.uk and threads magazine. Both of these are for the more advanced sewer but do give good advice, guidance and how-to's Making your own clothes is so satisfying. I made my own wedding dress and the kids Christening gown so I saved loads of money and each piece was unique. Over the years I have made loads of clothes and I am fortunate to own an embroidery machine so this is put to good use making presents. Edited October 11, 2008 by Angel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emily Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I don't know about books for complete beginners, I think you're better off going for a class for that but when you do start sewing I recommend the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing as a reference book. It's quite big and heavy but it's one of those books you'll always go back to if you keep sewing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Singer does a whole range of sewing books that are excellent for beginners and for those who want to improve / learn new skills and who have more advanced skills. Many of their books are smaller but full of advice. Easily available at Amazon. Also I have a computerised sewing / embroidery Janome machine (memorycraft 9000) so I go to the Janome site - all major makes have their own websites for advice, ideas, problem shooting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icecream Posted November 20, 2008 Author Share Posted November 20, 2008 Thanks guys. Even if there were any classes around I couldn't get to them as I don't drive, hence the thread. I am not very good at creative stuff, but would really like to do some costumes for the girls. I'll see what I can find then. Thanks for the suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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