Needlecrafts Sewing Sewing Basics

Before You Learn How to Sew

Sewing machine and sewing supplies abstract illustration

Illustration: The Spruce / Ashley Deleon Nicole

When you want to learn something new, it can seem like the whole world knows more than you do and even knowing what to search for can be a major challenge. The best way to learn anything new is to take things one step at a time. Starting to sew is simple if you can find the information you need and take things one step at a time. Do you need to know about sewing a seam? How about how to sew a dart?

Learning how to sew is a totally "hands-on" and "learning by doing" experience. Follow our sewing lessons, one step at a time, to make the most of your sewing time.

Sewing Terms and Definitions

Sometimes it seems like the people in the know are speaking a different language when you are learning how to sew. Don't panic! There is help available. Learning how to sew and communicating with people in the know, is much easier if you understand sewing terms.

Shopping for a Sewing Machine

Most sewing will require a sewing machine. There is so much about sewing machines on the Internet it can be very overwhelming to anyone learning how to sew. If you have a machine, you also have a manual for that machine. A sewing machine manual for your sewing machine makes learning to sew much easier and prevents sewing machine frustration. Knowing the parts of a sewing machine, helps you communicate and understand how things work.

Sewing Machine Care

Many times people are given a sewing machine and want to dive right in and not wait for a sewing machine manual. If that's the case for you, you can find most basic information online and get going. Although the machines shown in internet guides may not match your sewing machine, the machines shown were chosen to provide as much visible information as possible. Be sure to learn the basics before you start to prevent damaging the machine.

Learn How to Sew a Seam and Other Techniques

Seams are a mainstay to most sewing projects and a great place to start learning how to sew. Seams that have straight sewing and even seam allowances are a must for a professional-looking project. Learn how to sew a basic seam is one of the first steps in learning how to sew, then move on to other sewing techniques to learn how to sew almost anything.

Pressing

Do you know the difference between ironing and pressing as you sew? Do you know the tools that are available to get the job done? Find the key information you need to avoid a homemade look and have professional, eye-catching results.

Hand Sewing

Hand sewing is a great way to keep your hands busy and accomplish a project when you are on the go. You'll find tutorials on how to sew various hand stitches and projects to keep in your car or by your television chair at the link.

Get Started Sewing

Practice, experiment, and research! Start with a simple project using basic sewing tools. A simple tote bag, a sachet, a throw pillow cover one of the ten easiest free sewing patterns will help you learn how to sew the basic sand overcome hurdles that may have been stopping you from achieving everything you can imagine.