How to learn to sew and cut from scratch yourself?

Where and how can I learn to sew on my own? Many people ask this question because learning to sew your own clothes is a profitable and exciting creative activity, and sometimes additional income. If you can learn how to sew clothes with your own hands, you can always sew simple things for quickly growing children, replace a zipper in a jacket or jeans, sew curtains or furniture covers and, as a result, significantly save the family budget.

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Many people think that in order to learn how to sew clothes on their own, the main thing is to buy a good sewing machine with many operations and learn how to cut. Unfortunately, this is a big misconception, since the construction of a pattern has nothing to do with the technology of sewing clothes, and in addition, any pattern has to be adjusted during sewing, adjusting it to the figure during fittings. You can learn to sew on a machine, master the technology of sewing a particular product, but fitting can only be done with a lot of professional experience. The first fitting of a dress or any other clothing is the most important stage of tailoring. During the fitting, all inaccuracies in the construction of the pattern are finalized and the cut details are adjusted to fit the figure, according to your measurements.

To learn how to sew professionally, you will need to spend a lot of time, since any theoretical knowledge must always be supported by practice. Even a qualified seamstress with years of practice always feels the need for new knowledge.

However, many people start sewing “from scratch”, mastering sewing technology and cutting techniques from various fashionable women’s magazines, online resources, books and other sources, which is quite commendable and justified. Our website “Sew.ru” is one of such resources, with the help of which you can learn to sew and cut yourself. All practical materials on the site were prepared by sewing production specialists. Author of the site is Aksakova Natalya. Education: sewing production technologist. Teacher of cutting and sewing courses, owner of the Silhouette studio and the Internet studio Skirts Plus.

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Reasons to master cutting and sewing

There are many reasons to want to learn how to sew on your own. From the desire to learn a new and very useful skill or to show creativity to a way to save money or even just out of necessity. First of all, the sewing craft is so multifaceted - it includes sewing clothes, sewing home decor, creating beautiful things for children or grandchildren, fakes, patchwork, recycling old things and much more. And recently, self-sewing has been mentioned in such terms as “stylish”, “innovative”, “fashion forward”.

At the same time, many are stopped by the very thought of the technical components of sewing: winding a bobbin, what if the needle breaks or the thread runs out on the spool, how to insert a zipper or make loops... The little things are overwhelming, it all seems too complicated, and that’s why many never try learn to sew, despite the desire. But the benefits of learning to sew outweigh the unfounded fears.

How to learn to sew clothes from scratch? Mastering the craft of sewing is entirely possible for anyone, with motivation and practice. On the other hand, it is important to know and remember that sewing is a process that requires patience. Gradually, mastering step by step, from simple to complex projects, sewing will teach you to be a patient and passionate person and will want to sew all the time.

The main motivating reasons to learn to sew and cut from scratch on your own:

Consider how sewing promotes self-esteem and develops a sense of independence. Whether you're repurposing store-bought clothing or creating a completely new item, it's an amazing feeling to know you can do it yourself!
Sewing helps you save money. For example, whether you need to replace a zipper, hem a pair of jeans, or fix a rip, all you need is two scissors, a sturdy spool of thread, and a reliable sewing machine.
Once you learn to sew, you will never meet your “reflection.” Perhaps a woman worries about this more than a man, but in general most people are intimidated when they find themselves face to face with someone who is wearing the same clothes.
Sewing encourages you to express your individuality. Today it is especially important to be “obsessed” with brands. But making your own clothes means you're not limited by "authoritative" opinions on what's fashionable or should be worn this season. You dictate the trend yourself! And believe me, you will have a completely different attitude towards shopping. Visiting the mall will become more about finding sewing inspiration than spending money. Perhaps you'll set your sights on a particular fabric, color combination, or finish, find a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe, and really impress your friends and acquaintances.
Sewing allows you to repurpose almost anything made from fabric. Old curtains can be turned into elegant pillowcases, a used blanket can become a new shower curtain, a man's shirt can be turned into a cute dress for a little girl or a fashionable skirt, and an old sweater can be turned into a decorative pillow.
Sewing can also provide new career potential. Having practiced and gone from a beginner to an experienced specialist, you can sew custom-made decorative towels or make a luxurious bedspread, repair upholstery on upholstered furniture or do amazing things, sew bags, accessories, clothes for pets.
Why not try sewing couture clothes yourself, creating your own masterpiece with the help of patterns and fabric guides. Without sewing skills, fashion designers cannot be made.

Sewing is good for your health - that's a fact. According to scientific research, sewing calms the nerves and promotes the proper functioning of the body. If sewing helps patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder overcome their illness, then it can certainly help us relax after experiencing stress, such as at work. Sewing stimulates the mind - in choosing fabrics, patterns, designs and the process itself. The sewing skills of measuring and stitching nourish your brain cells, preparing them to take on more complex tasks in the future. Isn't this amazing?

Profile education in educational institutions

An option for those who are ready to connect their life and work with sewing. Before deciding to take such a step, you need to clearly understand what profession you want to get - a seamstress, a tailor, a cutter, a technologist, a designer, or maybe a fashion designer? Despite the fact that all of these areas are directly related to the art of sewing, each of them approaches it in its own way.

Finding a suitable educational institution will not be so difficult, since all these professions are in demand and popular. However, if this is your second higher education, immediately check the cost of education - this factor may be decisive in your choice.

Photo: stitchedincolor, freepik

I want to sew - where to start, what to do?

Before we get into the practical basics, it's helpful to understand some sewing terms. We can prepare everything we need to start sewing, but the instructions for our first DIY project can be confusing if they include sewing terms that we don't understand.

Buying handicraft tools

Sewing as a new hobby can be ruinous if you decide to buy every possible piece of equipment that is available for sewing. We are just learning the craft, and while we do not need to purchase complex sewing tools, it will be enough to have:

Scissors: large for fabric, small for cutting threads, with serrated blades (for cutting edges). Sharp sewing scissors help maintain precise cutting, preventing hand fatigue. It's worth choosing high-quality scissors and spending a little more money. Tip: Clean the blades regularly and lubricate them periodically; Avoid overextending the blades by trying to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once.
Seam ripper (sewing mistakes happen, but this tool removes unwanted stitches: the fine tip allows you to pick out individual threads, and the rounded tip removes stitches along the entire seam without tearing the fabric).
A measuring tape is a must-have sewing tool. It is advisable to have several copies, including a tape measure for measuring body parameters.
Tailor's pins and pincushion (as a rule, they are filled with sawdust or pieces of wool soaked in lanolin, which prevents the pins from rusting; special pads are filled with an abrasive material: this filler removes dirt and rust, keeping the tips of the pins sharp and smooth).
Tailor's rulers: 1 m; template for marking and measuring, template for allowances isosceles square, cutting pattern.
Marking tools (special chalk, marker). A very useful and economical marking tool that will be available to everyone is a bar of soap.
Assortment of needles for hand sewing.
Assortment of threads.
Needle threader: An optional tool for hand sewing, however, some may find it difficult to thread the needle and may need it.
Steam iron and ironing board, special fabrics (in extreme cases, a piece of muslin) for pressing. Pressing and ironing are an integral part of most sewing projects.
Sewing awl.
Round cutter (disc blade for cutting fabric) and self-healing cutting mat to protect other surfaces from damage.

To work on a simple sewing project, such as a tote bag, sachet or decorative pillowcase, you only need a few tools: measuring tape, needle, thread, fabric and sewing scissors.

Before you learn how to sew your own clothes, create crafts, or take on other sewing projects, mastering basic stitches is a must.

Although modern sewing machines have virtually eliminated the need for hand sewing, there are still areas where hand-stitched seams are essential for a high-quality finish:

running stitch;
basting stitch;
back stitch;
long stitch;
hidden (invisible) seam;
overlock seam.

Choosing a sewing machine

First of all, let us clarify that there are three types of sewing machines for sewing at home: mechanical, electromechanical and computerized. The motor of the electromechanical machine is powered by the mains, but everything else is controlled by gears, levers and switches. For those who are just plunging into the fascinating world of sewing, it is better to start with a mechanical model. A novice tailor should not be intimidated by the number of options, especially since high-tech machines have so many functions, most of which you may never need to use during the sewing process.

Of course, a computerized sewing machine takes care of a lot of things like adjusting tension, remembering settings, and creating consistent stitches from start to finish and you may need one in the future, but the right thing to do is to focus on learning the basics of sewing with a good basic machine. To get started, all you need to master is straight stitch of various lengths, zigzag and the buttonhole function, which most modern models offer automatically.

It is equally important to have a manual typewriter in your collection as a backup before it comes time to buy an electronic or computerized typewriter. Computerized machines require regular maintenance, which you cannot do yourself, nor can you fix a possible problem in the system that controls the machine.

Regardless of your sewing skill level, there are several basic features that you will need when choosing a mechanical sewing machine:

A basic sewing machine should have at least a dedicated buttonhole foot and a regular foot. Modern entry-level sewing machines come with a lot of presser feet, which is a good thing. If desired, you can purchase additional accessories and presser feet, but it is important to make sure that your machine is compatible with them (markings: adapter for fastening the feet, low, with an inclined needle bar).
The choice of stitches (at least 10-15) will make the basic model more versatile.
Speed adjustment.
Needle raising and lowering function.
Stitch length and width adjustment feature, important for fine-tuning each stitch (you may need different lengths and widths to create basics, buttonholes, stretch stitches).
Reverse stitch function.

Save a lot of time and effort by purchasing a mechanical sewing machine with a vertical rotary hook (bobbin loading from the top, with a transparent cover) and automatic needle threading (although this feature is not available on most entry-level sewing machines, but the needle threading tool can be purchased separately ).

Is it possible to learn on your own?

If you prefer to learn the basics of sewing on your own, at a relaxed pace, then available free online lessons or a paper textbook will be a good guide to the world of sewing. They'll guide you through every step, from sewing straight lines to creating buttonholes. Is it possible to learn to sew on your own? Of course yes, but don't expect perfection from the start, remember that learning to sew takes a lot of time and practice and it's okay to make mistakes. The beginning should be accompanied by the creation of simple sewing projects, such as household items. Sewing clothes can be challenging for complete beginners, so it's easier to start with bedspreads or decorative pillowcases.

Common mistakes made by beginners

Don't start sewing hastily; this will lead to mistakes the first time. You definitely need to try on the item before you start sewing. You can’t start with complex fabrics. Leather and velvet require experience. Be sure to wet-heat treat the fabric, otherwise the item will be deformed during the first wash. You need to check how the machine works, whether the settings for the type of material are correct.

It takes more than just talent to learn to sew. Purchasing the right tools and sewing machine, practicing cutting, knowing fabrics, all this will help you quickly achieve the desired result.

How to learn to cut from scratch?

Making a base pattern yourself is not difficult if you know how to do it. It is better to sew your first piece of clothing from inexpensive fabric in order to forgive yourself some mistakes that are most likely inevitable during your first steps.

Taking accurate measurements of body proportions is the key to learning how to cut your own clothes and fit them well. All you need is a measuring tape, preferably a tape measure.

Learning to take measurements

Ideally, measurements are taken on underwear, swimsuit or tight-fitting clothing, standing in front of a mirror to see that the tape is in the correct position. Depending on what piece of clothing we have to sew, we take the appropriate measurements. To create a blouse pattern, we need to know the overall length, shoulder length, chest circumference, waist circumference and sleeve length; for trousers - waist circumference, hip circumference, overall length and bottom size; for a jacket - chest circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, sleeve length, waist length, overall length, shoulder and back circumference.

Marking the measuring points will make the process much easier. For example, the neck: for the girth of the neck, we mark the center of the clavicle bone in front and the dominant bone in the occipital part; when measuring, the tape should touch them, closing above the jugular notch. We measure the length of the shoulder from the base of the neck to the tip of the shoulder, where we feel the rounded bone. We determine the length of the sleeve by measuring the distance from the end of the shoulder to the wrist, while the arm should be freely lowered. Armhole depth: This point is located horizontally on the side seam, and vertically it should be located approximately 1.5 to 2.5 cm under the armpit. The best way is to put on the T-shirt, look under your arm and note where the seams meet in a cross. You don't want to mark too high or too low because this will pull the sleeve into the armpit or make the armhole too low.

Let's start with simple patterns

Training begins with constructing skirt patterns. The straight skirt base pattern will lead to other styles including pencil skirts, tube skirts, and circle skirts. Having studied all the techniques on how to learn how to make patterns yourself, you can create almost any style.

Let's move on to basic patterns

For women, this is usually a cut with a round neckline and a tight skirt. The dress in this silhouette has the same construction method as the crewneck bodice. Based on the base, you can add different types of sleeves or change the neckline.

Useful tips

Before sewing from scratch using your own patterns, it is better to start by making models using ready-made patterns offered in fashion magazines. This will allow you to gain experience in creating drawings.

It is better to buy fabric with a reserve: in case during the experiments some of the materials are damaged or the craftswoman makes the calculations incorrectly.

Common Beginner Mistakes

The most common mistake made by beginning craftswomen is trying to sew without training or rough work. In sewing, as in cooking, the first pancake is always lumpy. However, this should not become an obstacle to improving your skills: you need to force yourself to make a product perfectly, despite the difficulties that arise.

Beginners especially often make the following mistakes:

It is believed that straight stitching does not require practice. Despite the simplicity of the technology, a seamstress without experience may not succeed the first time and will not be smooth enough. You need to start with plain paper (for convenience, take a squared notebook sheet), you can even do it without threads. Over time, they move on to napkins, sheets, curtains and pillowcases.
They are in a hurry, ignoring the rules for performing this or that technique. In order to hone your skills, you need to be patient and follow all the recommendations in the instructions, even if sewing curtains with a lambrequin will take several weeks instead of the planned one.
They sew without trying on. When making clothes, you absolutely cannot skip such an important stage. Ignoring fitting is only possible if the craftswoman regularly sews things for the same person and has already gained enough experience for this. After basting, you cannot proceed to stitching until the seamstress is sure that the product “fits” the figure perfectly.

Choosing cutting and sewing courses

The choice of cutting and sewing courses depends on how much you want to learn in each lesson and what you generally expect from the training. There are programs for teaching the basics of sewing and sewing only basic models, for sewing underwear, for sewing children's clothing, guaranteeing how to quickly learn to sew.

There are expensive courses offering programs that last a year or more, bordering on the professional level, ready to teach clothing design and styling, also intended for people who decide to become sewing professionals, perhaps as designers or textile-related specialties . The competence of teachers plays a big role. What's the point of paying money for cutting and sewing courses, where the teacher is essentially self-taught, having completed short-term courses.

On the other hand, given the huge amount of information on sewing available in special books, DVDs, YouTube videos, on many websites and blogs, does it make sense to pay for courses to learn how to learn how to cut yourself and master the “secrets of sewing” ( which have long been revealed). It is true that some people like the social aspect or the way sewing courses organize the learning.

Basic T-shirt pattern

And here is a pattern for a real basic T-shirt made of thick cotton jersey, with a set-in sleeve. Even complete beginners should not have any difficulties here. Everything is described in great detail in the sewing instructions for the pattern.

Size range from 36 to 60, 4 heights.

Learning to sew on your own

Sewing on your own is useful and enjoyable, but if you are not patient enough or your first results do not meet your expectations, this can lead to disappointment and giving up on the idea of learning how to sew in general. We don't want this to happen and are ready to start a new exciting hobby, following step by step all the useful information on how to learn to sew yourself, improving each new skill by completing a few simple sewing projects.

Choosing an item to sew

It's best to start with stylish clothes, such as an easy-to-make skirt that is gathered at the waist, has a belt and patch pockets. This is a great project to learn how to sew on a sewing machine, work fabric, add buttons, finish hems, sew on pockets, try your hand at inserting a zipper.

Other models for beginners that will help you practice your skills and learn how to sew: tops (one-piece, sherbet, boho style), a dress - a sundress or a fashionable dressing gown.

Selecting a pattern

Tailor's patterns help make the work easier when constructing patterns; with their help we make the necessary curves (for example, armhole lines, side seams, draperies, location of loops, marking of allowances).

Cutting with seam allowances

Seam allowance is the amount that is added to the pattern pieces, the distance between the stitching line and the edge of the fabric cut. Seam allowances required:

to process seams and edges of fabric;
leave enough space between the cut edge and the stitch line and allow for wear and tear on the fabric;
leave enough fabric around the edge where the seam allowance pieces come together to give the front a seamless look.

The allowance for straight seams is usually about 1-1.5 cm, for curved seams (armholes or collars) - 0.7-1 cm.

Sewing on a machine

The creative possibilities of a sewing machine are almost limitless. But before you use it to sew products, you need to get to know your sewing machine well, which will solve almost any problem that you may encounter. Read the instructions, practice things that seem unclear. And before using a machine to sew clothes, it is better to practice with various seams on pieces of fabric that you won’t mind throwing away.

Top pattern

We practiced on the apron, now it’s time to sew something a little more complicated - a basic top. A very successful model. The pattern for it is simple. Given for Russian sizes from 36 to 60, for 4 heights.

You can sew such a top from cotton jersey, then it will be a T-shirt for every day, and if you sew it from silk, it will be a more elegant, even evening top.

Difficulty in sewing may arise when processing the neckline. But the instructions will help you here too.

But, and that’s not all, for those who want to show their creativity to the fullest, we have a Master Class on painting this very top.

How to learn to sew clothes for yourself?

Many online resources specialize in cutting and sewing lessons, by viewing which you will learn how to learn to sew clothes from scratch. Plus, it's much more inspiring to sew items that we actually want to wear. But a necessary condition is the desire to learn and comprehend new things. Without an elementary share of patience and perseverance, we will only waste time. Before moving on to the sewing process itself, we select the model we want to sew, the next step is to create a pattern on paper using our measurements.

We fold the fabric in half and inside out and transfer the paper pattern onto it, securing it with pins, and outline it with chalk along the edges. To make cutting easier and not deform the fabric, it is important to use sharp scissors. Having cut out all the details, we proceed directly to sewing. One of the first elements of sewing clothes is tuck. A properly made dart will fit into the fabric and add a tight-fitting silhouette to the garment.

Setting the right goal is half the success

Firstly, it is obvious that the finished pattern is focused exclusively on a standard figure, and today, unfortunately, girls with non-standard figures are becoming more and more common. But, by the way, there is a way out of this situation; don’t switch, and we’ll learn how to deal with the sizes of ready-made patterns.

Secondly, due to the fact that the methods of drawing patterns for different wardrobe items are different and multiple, you should select your own cutting technique for each figure. That is, the matter may simply be that the pattern of, say, a blouse from a specifically chosen magazine will not suit you - contact another, and the problem will be resolved.

Thirdly, when working from magazine sketches, you need to transfer absolutely all marks, every inscription onto the fabric as carefully and accurately as possible. By the way, then a situation may well arise that claims against the periodical will be reduced to zero.

How to quickly sew curtains and lambrequins yourself?

Curtains are good practice for beginners who are familiar with the basics of sewing. For the first sewing project, we choose a lightweight cotton fabric, that is, with a structure that will facilitate the sewing process (cotton blend or cotton and linen). Once the necessary knowledge is gained, the basic treatment can be applied to almost any type of fabric.

Curtains can be sewn to the length of the window sill, below the window sill or to the floor; something that will determine how much fabric is needed. For floor-length curtains (which will add beauty and softness to the room), the height from the cornice to the floor, the hem for the hem (45 cm) determine the required length of fabric. For folded curtains, the width of the fabric is calculated to be 1.5 times wider than the actual width of the window opening (standard width of curtain fabrics: 140 cm, 280 cm, 300 cm).

The fabric must be washed and dried before sewing, then carefully ironed, removing all wrinkles and folds. This is an important step so that the finished curtains do not shrink and the seams do not fray during the first wash.

Trim the edge.
For a hem seam, turn the side edges 1-1.2 cm (towards the wrong side of the fabric) and iron.
Fold in another 2.5 cm and iron. We pin the double folded edges with tailor's pins (heads to the right of the seam, which will allow them to be easily removed during stitching) at a distance of 10-12 cm from each other.
Sew with a straight seam, placing the stitch line at a distance of about 3 mm from each inner folded edge.
Fold the bottom edge 1-1.2 cm and iron it.
We turn it in another 10-12 cm and iron it, secure it with pins in the same way as for the side edges.
We sew the bottom part (at a distance of about 3 mm from the inner folded edge) with a straight seam, but to make it more reliable, we use a reverse stitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
The drawstring or “pocket” for the cornice is made in almost the same way as the bottom edge. Fold the top edge 1-1.2 cm and iron it.
Fold it again by 5 cm and iron it; secure with tailor's pins.
We sew, laying a line that secures the folded edge, securing it with a reverse stitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

To create a gathered lambrequin, cut a piece of fabric relative to the length of the cornice with a filling ratio of 1:3. So, if the length of the cornice is 2 m, then we will need fabric 6 m long and of a certain height (40-50 cm). We process the bottom edge and side edges into a hem. We sew the curtain tape to the top edge, and then process the fabric.

Apron pattern

Here's the apron. For those who do not want to deviate from the school curriculum. Why not sew for practice? Moreover, it is so wonderful, the price of the pattern is not high at all, and the sewing instructions are free.

Choose a dense fabric, preferably a mixed one. If you take pure cotton or linen, then your apron will unnecessarily absorb grease stains and wrinkle more than a fabric of a mixed composition.