Tag: sewing

  • Top 10 Easy Sewing Patterns for Beginners

    If you’re new to sewing, the prospect of choosing your first project can be both exciting and overwhelming.

    Fortunately, there are plenty of easy sewing patterns available that can help you build your skills while creating something beautiful and useful.

    Here are the top 10 easy sewing patterns for beginners to get you started on your sewing journey!

    1. Tote Bag

    Why It’s Easy: Tote bags are simple to sew and require minimal materials. Plus, they’re super practical for everyday use!

    Pattern Link: Simple Tote Bag Pattern

    2. Pillowcase

    Why It’s Easy: Making a pillowcase involves straight seams and basic techniques, making it perfect for beginners.

    Pattern Link: Pillowcase Pattern

    3. Elastic Waist Skirt

    Why It’s Easy: An elastic waist skirt is forgiving and doesn’t require complex fitting. Just sew a few seams, and you’re done!

    Pattern Link: Easy Elastic Waist Skirt

    4. Simple Apron

    Why It’s Easy: Aprons are straightforward to make and great for practicing your sewing skills. Plus, they make excellent gifts!

    Pattern Link: Easy Apron Tutorial

    5. Drawstring Bag

    Why It’s Easy: A drawstring bag is a quick project that teaches you basic sewing techniques while being fun and functional.

    Pattern Link: Drawstring Bag Pattern

    6. Simple Headband

    Why It’s Easy: A headband is a quick and easy project that only requires a small amount of fabric and minimal sewing.

    Pattern Link: Simple Headband Tutorial

    7. Bean Bags

    Why It’s Easy: Bean bags are a fun way to practice sewing straight lines, and they’re perfect for kids’ playtime.

    Pattern Link: DIY Bean Bags

    8. Sewing Machine Cover

    Why It’s Easy: A sewing machine cover is a practical project that helps you protect your machine while allowing you to express your style.

    Pattern Link: Sewing Machine Cover Pattern

    9. Coasters

    Why It’s Easy: Coasters are a quick and satisfying project that allows you to practice sewing curves and straight lines.

    Pattern Link: Easy Coaster Tutorial

    10. Fleece Blanket

    Why It’s Easy: A fleece blanket is one of the simplest sewing projects, requiring just cutting and sewing straight edges. Perfect for practicing your skills!

    Pattern Link: Easy Fleece Blanket Tutorial

    These ten easy sewing patterns are perfect for beginners looking to enhance their skills and create beautiful projects. Whether you want to make something for yourself or a thoughtful gift, each pattern provides a fun and rewarding experience.

    So grab your fabric, thread, and sewing machine, and let your creativity flow!

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  • Top 10 Sewing Kit for Beginners Dressmakers Guide

    When learning how to sew, start with just 10 essentials in your sewing kit:

    • Fabric Scissors
    • Tape Measure
    • Pin Cushion
    • Tailors Chalk
    • Dressmaking Pins
    • Paper Scissors
    • Sewing Needles
    • Sewing Threads
    • Thread Un-picker
    • Bodkin

    Sewing kit essentials

    Learn more about the sewing kit essentials and shop top-quality picks using the links below:

    • Dressmaking Scissors – Buy quality dressmaking scissors and use only to cut fabric. Scissors are easier to use than cutting wheels.
    • Snips – Use snips to unpick stitching. They may take some practice. Avoid seam rippers, as they can tear your fabric.

    Purchase the highly recommended tailoring scissors with free snips for under £20. Shop now below: Milward Dressmakers Scissors Amazon.

    • Threads – Buy quality thread that will noy snap easily, such as brands like Coats and Gutermann. They offer a wide selection of threads in different colours.

    Highly Recommended Gutermann threads starter box under £15. Shop now Value Pack Gutermann Thread Amazon.

    • Tailors Chalk – Buy simple triangular tailor’s chalk in white and one color. Other options include chalk pencils, which snap easily, and dissolving pens, which can take a few days to fade.
    • Tape Measure – For measuring bodies, fabrics, elastic, and other items when sewing.
    • Dressmaking/Tailoring Pins – Simple metal pins are fine. Avoid decorative pins with large heads, as they can get caught in the sewing machine.
    • Pin Cushion – For storing your pins while sewing and keeping your workspace tidy.
    • Paper Scissors – Use these to cut dressmaking patterns. Never use fabric scissors to cut paper, the paper will will blunt them.
    • Spares for Machine – Keep spare parts for your sewing machine, including extra needles and light bulbs.
    • Bodkin – A tool for pulling elastic or cord through a garment. Great for making pyjamas and drawstring bags.

    Top Tip
    Many dressmakers use rotary cutters for cutting fabric. However, they can slip easily, so fabric scissors may be better for beginners.

    Where to Buy Sewing Kits?

    Sewing kits are available in many online sewing stores including:

    For handy boxes to store your sewing kit essentials, see ’40 of the Best Sewing Kits for Beginners’ for more sewing advice.

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  • Top 10 Sewing Books for Beginners

    Sewing books are perfect for beginners, who want to learn to sew but do know where to start.

    Sewing books for beginners make a perfect gift for friends and family. Yet it can be hard to know which sewing book to choose.

    Discover the top sewing books for beginners below. Many are under £15!

    This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

    1. Great British Sewing Bee Book

    2. The Sewing Book, 300 Sewing Techniques

    Perfect for beginners, this book covers 300 sewing techniques. It includes everything a beginner needs to know about sewing. Shop ‘The sewing book‘ now!

    3. Tilly and the Buttons book

    Learn to sew clothes in just one afternoon with ‘Make It Simple’. A book full of quick and easy to follow dressmaking projects for beginners. Shop ‘Make It Simple’ now!

    4. Dressmaking the Easy Guide book

    Dressmaking the Easy Guide is the perfect next step book for any beginner who wants to learn how to make their own clothes. Shop ‘Dressmaking Guide’ now!

    5. 30 Step by Step Beginners Projects

    This book Simple Machine Sewing, will help to build the skills and confidence of any beginner. Contains 30 easy to follow projects, including how to make bags, home accessories and clothes. Shop Now!

    6. Sustainable Sewing Book – Zero Waste Save Planet

    This Zero Waste book shows you how make clothes from one piece of fabric, creating no waste. Perfect for the eco-warrior in your life, shop now!

    Top 10 Best Sewing Books for Beginners

    The best sewing for beginners UK books are listed below. Included are books for complete sewing beginners to confident dressmakers. Covering everything from how to stitch basic stitches, to pattern cutting and toile making.

    Best books for learning how to use a sewing machine and basic stitches:

    These beginner-friendly books are perfect for learning how to use a sewing machine and get confident with basic stitches.

    Best books for learning dressmaking and pattern cutting:

    Want to dive into dressmaking and pattern cutting? These books are the best for learning the essentials and beyond.

    Can you learn to sew from a book?

    Yes, you can learn to sew from a book. Sewing books offer step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and tips on techniques, fabrics, and patterns. For faster progress, pair your reading with a beginner-friendly online sewing class to practice and get expert feedback.

    Where to buy sewing books U.K?

    1. Amazon: Amazon is a great place to find a wide variety of sewing books at competitive prices.
    2. Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble is another great option for finding sewing books. 
    3. Craftsy: Craftsy is an online retailer that specialises in craft supplies, including sewing books. They offer a wide variety of books, from beginner guides to advanced techniques. 
    4. Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find unique and handmade sewing books. You can find books by independent authors and designers, as well as vintage sewing books.

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