14 things I wish someone told me about sewing as a beginner! 

It was a sad day when i finally got my sewing machine and realized that it was a sewing _machine_ and not sewing _robot_ 😔😋

I'm 75 years old and have been sewing since I was 12. I learned from both my Mom and at school. The two things that my Mom taught me and are part of my sewing habits are taking time in the beginning with fabric prep, layout and cutting. I almost never cut and sew a garment on the same day. It was and still is easier to cutout two different patterns in one day than trying to cut and sew just one garment. The second thing is pressing as you go!! I learned and expression years ago the pressing irons away you sins!! Besides, pressing forces you to slow down and pay attention to what you've done and you still have to do!!!

No.1 lesson that I need ingrained into my mind: Do not rush. I repeat, _do not rush_ . It backfires. I keep skipping little steps, because I think I can wing it, and well, I usually cannot. I would spare myself so much unpicking, readjusting, fixing and screaming, if only I didn't have an attitude of a seasoned pro with skills of a beginner.

One of the many things my home economics teacher would say was "the inside of your garment should look as good as the outside."

My BEST tip - as an experienced sewer is simply this. This is most necessary when youre struggling to finish a complex or creative garment. We can make a big mess when sewing. Esp when youre being creative...bits of lace, bias, diff coloured threads fabric scraps, pattern alteration scraps cut offs, snipped threads and trimmed fabric bits, overlocking cabbage everywhere...and you start to struggle keeping clean straight lines in your sewing. Youre starting to get mentally tired....you keep losing your quick unpick, or clippers, or your glasses. Your scissors are never where you need them. Youre running low on pins, and the diff types are being all mixed up! Suddenly you have NO NEEDLES - WTH?? Nothing seems to be working and youre ripping seams more than keeping them. This is the time to STOP. Sit down with a cup of tea. Watch an Evelyn Wood video. Then dust yourself off, your quiet sobbing can stop.! :-) Tidy up and clear away ALL your sewing. Swipe up all your pins with your magnet wand, sort thru them put it all away, tidy your sewing box. Sort out all the bits and bobs, vacuum even, dust your bench off, and if you dont sleep on it - cleaning away everything and start afresh - works wonders, for your mind and sewing environment. It can change everything. !!!

Take a break is important when I am hungry and/or tired. The dress or quilt will wait for me while I rest after I have eaten a meal! 😅

For years my mom had a tailoring workshop and even though she never teached me how to sew (she tried like once when i was 7 and it didn't stick at al, which is why i am here rn), and literally all of these tips and tricks has been drilled into my head. I would also add: - did you know, that there are different pins for different fabric and even magnetic clamp/weights and sewing clips so you don't have to pierce the fabric at all? - did you know that there are adhesive sprays and water soluble plastic for fabrics that can't be pinned or fabric that have so much hair and fluff that it's impossible to pin them and see seam lines? - did you know that pressing not even stiffens but also shrinks some fabrics and you should start by steam pressing whole roll of fabric before doing anything? - did you know that you can sew flimsy fabric through paper to stop it from sliding left and right? - did you know that there are several seam markers other than chalk, namely soap, pen marker, pinwheel, and mindblowing marker that disappears under iron which is awesome for silk that doesn't like water in any shape or form? - did you know that your mockups should have at least twice the extra seam fabric to allow for adjustments?

These tips are all fantastic! Thanks for sharing them!! Here's the whole list for reference, if anyone needs it. I added my own addition for #15. #1 - There are different sewing machine needles for different fabrics. #2 - Change your needle #3 - Don't be scared to cut your fabric #4 - It's okay to make mistakes (this was a HUGE one for me) #5 - Take your time, it's not a race (in reference to the speed of sewing on the machine) #6 - Patterns need to be adjusted to fit your body #7 - Clean your machine (I'm super guilty of this one too) #8 - Take a break when you're tired #9 - Sewing is so much more than learning to use your machine #10 - Pinning is more important than it seems #11 - Test everything! #12 - Pressing is important. Don't skip it EVER! #13 - How important grainline is #14 - It's not a race, slow down (in reference to taking the time to enjoy the craft of sewing) #15 - Prewash your fabrics if you're making a garment that you intend to wash. Nothing's worse than putting all that effort into finishing a garment, wearing it once, then finding it misshapen and shrunk after the first washing. This is especially important for natural fibers like cotton.

I learned to sew in school when I was in 7th grade. I came from a confusing and dysfunctional home, and when my dad decided to buy me a sewing machine (which was a great surprise that he would do that), it became my best friend. It gave me something wonderful to do when I was bored, comforted me when I was sad, made me feel that I had something worthwhile to offer when I felt uselss. It remained my friend for many years. Then, at some point, I put my "best friend" in the closet and went on to pursue more sophistcated forms of art. But now, much later in life, I am back, my friend is out of the closet, and I realize that my other pursuits were fun for a time, but nothing can replace my sewing machine. So if I have something to add to your wonderful list, I would say, go to this friend for therapy, for sanity, for joy, and even for an opportunity to give to others, and to make them happy with a homemade gift, which is increasingly rare in our society.

I cannot stress enough how important slowing down and not rushing is. If you don't enjoy the process, don't even think of taking up sewing. I've had many of my friends coming to me asking me to teach them because they somehow, somewhere found a pattern they loved. None of them ever got to finishing the project. So, make sure you like the creating process, not the outcome.

The difference between looking homemade and looking great is pressing everything as you go!! Dont ever skip it!! It’s so sad that sewing isn’t taught in schools anymore. I didn’t have anyone to learn from in my family and learned so much in my school sewing classes.

Just talked to my mom. She also said she would measure the back half of her waist separate from the front half. This helped with creating a skirt (straight line) that fit like a tailor-made garment.

Oh I can't believe there are so many people like me! Skipping steps, rushing ahead. I've just retired and I'm still on the hamster wheel. I have to remind myself that sewing is not my job, it's my retirement pleasure. No time clock or boss! Just me. I love all the tips you give and refer back on them all the time. Slowly and patiently gets me a new wardrobe.

#3 - when you start with secondhand and unwanted fabric also makes me feel better, not just in preparing for more valuable fabric but also for sustainability reasons!

My biggest lesson that I wish I'd listened harder to when Grandma taught me to sew - the more intricate / complicated a pattern is, the more hand sewing you're likely to need to do - lots of designer brands do lots of hand sewing in their process! Hours of practicing hand stitching is never wasted time, if you're going to do sewing. :)

I can still here my sewing teacher, (Mrs. French at A.C. Davis Senior High School, in 1965) say, "Press as you sew for a professional look." She was so correct. Thank you for your video. Please stay safe.

For years i thought the only reason the needle would need to be changed is if it broke or got bent. I would sew forever on the same needle! And clean the machine?! I had no idea! What i put my machine through!! It was years before i learned these basics! When i started sewing, it was clothing i made. Along the way, i switched to quilting. Not a decision really, it just happened. You are inspiring me to return to my roots! After all, there is no rule that says we are either dressmakers or quilters, but not not both. Thank you!

I have experienced all of these. The one thing I relate to the most is, do not sew when your tired! I have sewn sleeves on inside out doing this 😂

I was so fortunate that my mother sewed, because she taught me most of these things before I ever started sewing.

1. Prewash you fabric and iron. If not washable, steam it like crazy and let it shrink. 2. Measure three times cut once. 3. Keep your fabric scissors just for fabric. 4. Make yourself a sewing term cheat sheet. (As a beginner I needed this. It’s on my wall with terms and definitions.) 5. It’s ok to take your time. 6. Your iron is your friend. It covers a multitude of sins. 7. Pre wind several bobbins before starting a project. 8. Every project needs a machine cleaning after and a new needle. 9. Read your machine manual for tips on maintenance. 10. If you need help find a community to ask for it.

I taught myself to sew (and draft patterns) from some Enid Gilchrist pattern books my mother gave me. They actually taught the importance of pressing, seams allowances, grainlines, etc. When I started out I was so scared I pinned everything like a maniac just in case. I still pin but not as fanatically. My worst situation was when my ex rang me one Thursday and said she needed a cocktail frock for Saturday evening. I had to buy material and draft a pattern before I could even start. I was still sewing beads on with 10 minutes to spare and vowed never to do it again. The dress won prizes at the Canberra Show that year so I didn't do too badly.

It's not a race, it's a hobby . And a useful one . 😁

Oh gosh--I know those late night disaster spirals very well. Especially because so much of my sewing happens after the kids go to bed.

When I first started sewing (pre internet teenager) I did not realise there was a difference between the high hip measurement and full hip measurement. Couldn’t work out why things were tight on my hips 😂🤦‍♀️

I wish I knew you when I started sewing. Beginner sewist life without Evelyn in a nutshell : 1)spend 30 minutes on making an ugly stitch 2)spend 1 hour on unpicking the ugly stitch 3)redo the stitch 4)stitch turns out exactly as ugly as the first one 5)crying 🤣

When I watch how others sew soooo fast, I was feeling bad because I'm trying to increase my speed in relation to how well I sew. SILLY ME. I'm teaching myself to sew and I am so very grateful for your wise and common sense knowledge. You have a beautiful personality and attitude. I look forward to catching up on your past videos, and keeping up with the new ones. So much knowledge to be gained. Alot of this information i knew since I've been crocheting for 50 years, and the same rules apply. DUH....sigh!

I replied to a comment and ended up typing an epic about needles, so I thought I'd share how I made my life easier with everyone here. A hack for knowing which needle (without squinting) is in current use in your machine: on the side of the housing of my machines, near the bulb; I put some 5cm (2") wide clear packing tape. On this I write the type and size of the needle in fine sharpie pen. When I change the needle/s, I get a tissue with some methylated spirits/rubbing alcohol on it and wipe it clear. The tape is to protect against the pen actually staining the housing. I have 3 machines, each with my tape writing area on them. Putting needles away is another ballgame entirely (especially when you have 2 extra machines requiring specialty needles), this is how I organised my rabbit-hole. Storing needles: I use a small card file set, it measures 14.5cm (5 and 3/4")across, 9.7cm (4") high, and 11.5cm (4.5") deep. It has 26 dividers. In each of these divisions I have put a rectangle of edge-stitched double layered felt. These hold my needles securely and I don't lose track of them. Have you guessed yet that I am organised to the point of freaky (that's what Hubby says!). This holds ALL of my needles for hand sewing, machine sewing, over-locker/serger sewing, and my cover-stitch machine needles in one place. How you'd organise your own needles is up to you alone, but I have organised mine in the following way. Hand needles: Fine sharps, General sharps, Crewels, Quilting, General ballpoints, Tapestry, Beading, Darners, Wool Chenille, Bodkin, Heavy Utility (mattress,carpet, upholstery, etc). Sewing Machine: Universal 70/10 and 80/12; Universal 90/14 and 100/16; Ballpoint 70/10 and 90/14; Jersey 70/10, 80/12, and 90/14; Stretch 75/11 and 90/14; Microtex 60/80 and 90/14; Jeans 90/14, 100/16 and 110/18; Embroidery 75/11 and 90/14; Metallic 80/12; Leather 90/14 and 100/16; Twin, Triplet and Drill needles; Overlocker/serger machine 75/11 and 90/14; Cover-stitch machine 80/12 and 90/14. This little box is quite full, but if I were to halve it into another file box, the dividers wouldn't sit perpendicular - I can fit my fingers into the front of it, so that's fine for me. I have gone the whole hog and printed out little info charts for each needle type and glued them onto each divider - this was especially good for my hand needles, I was able to work out which had got put in the wrong package by mistake (I had a lot to sort!). Essentially, I just googled each type of hand needle that I had in named envelopes/holders and I learned what each type had for size, diameter/gauge of shaft, length of eye, shape of eye, shape of point, etc. If you google "Schmetz needle guide", you'll find a chart that will show you all about machine needles! Getting back to the hand needles: when I am using one, I leave the felt rectangle on it's short edge so it sits higher than the dividers - the felt is flexible so I can close the file box neatly. Now, I don't have to try to remember which needle I'm using, it sticks out like a sore thumb! Any leftover thread can be wound around the needle once it's in the felt (wind in a figure eight fashion, loosely so you can remove the needle). Still reading? I hope I haven't overwhelmed you. I do get carried away. Much love, Lyn

I've been sewing for more than 50 years (EEK!) and have made all of these mistakes, many of them more than once or twice. :-) I was taught to sew in Home Economics class in junior high; our teacher was wonderful but didn't teach us all these little tips. The things I always do now are 1) making a copy of the pattern, saving the original in case the garment needs to be made in another size or if I'm doing extensive alterations, and 2) stopping completely and pondering my next steps, especially when altering a pattern. Sometimes it takes days/weeks for me to move on to the next step. Like you said: it's not a race. There are fabrics in my stash that I can't bear to cut because they are too beautiful. Sigh....

Some of my best sewing has been done after midnight. Not lately, granted, but when I was younger (much, MUCH younger) I could stay up all right sewing "just one more seam".

I've just started sewing, haven't put together a garment yet, though I've got my pieces cut out for a very simple one, working up the nerve to sit down at the machine. I am so grateful for your work, and the work of a few others like you. I cannot imagine trying to learn how to sew without the wealth of knowledge from all over the world, available to us today.

I have sewn for 50+ years and have never made a mockup for myself.The only time I made one was for my busty daughter. I was taught to measure, measure, measure your patterns to make sure they will fit. Never go by the measurements on the pattern. Preparationis very important and always test your fabric for stitching. I was always taught about needles for different fabrics. I guess I had a very good teacher.

Hello, pleas allow me to tell you what a pure delight you are. I'm 66 yr old man, I've sewn a few small things, but I'm going to do more and also start learning to quilt.. Back to you.. :) This video is so wonderful your smile in contagious and you've made learning just a whole lot more fun.. Thank you for spelling it out in a fun and entertaining way.. Hugs to you hun... OH I have to say it,, you are just a doll and so cute. ok bye,,,

Yes! The time. The prep work. I had no idea that sitting at the machine is only a small part of it.

Something I am coming to learn in the "late beginner" phase: I can hand baste a lot faster than I can pick out and resew a wonky seam!

One of my favourite (online) fabric shops writes in their fabric descriptions what needle you should use. While I now know which to use I totally can appreciate that they do that for beginners! But I wish someone would have told me that styles that don't suit me when I tried them in stores, probably wont suit me when I made them myself too. Its not only the fit... some things are clearly not for my body type! (and I needed many years to realize that!) And I hated to pin... and basting... Now I pin AND baste everything. Yes I could probably sew without basting, but my results are much neater with basting.

I requested a sewing machine for my 14th birthday (30 years ago) and was self taught for many, many years. I developed habits that were inefficient because I was learning through trial and error. I wish I’d had RU-vid back then, especially hearing things like “it’s ok to make mistakes”. Thanks for doing this! Great job.

I really struggle with the fabric cutting anxiety 😂😂

Ha! My mom was always frustrated by her sewing machine. She would have my dad look at it. Invariably, all he would do is change the needle and rethread. It was usually miraculous how much better it worked. I don’t think this scenario ever changed. 😂😍🤣

I'm teaching myself to sew. Not garments, yet. Tool bags and canvas totes. But your beginners advice is great! The main one that applies to me is to practice and not worry about mistakes. I bought a bunch of cheap fabric to practice with and learned so much!

Another sewist explained that what pressing does is fundamentally alter and sculpt the fibers of the fabric. Good sewing is at least 40% pressing. Prep fabric by pressing. Cut pieces, then press. Sew seams, then press. You’re taking a plane and turning it into a three dimensional object.

Still laugh at my amazement upon discovering that the bobbin thread could indeed be a different color! I remember the joy of using a blue jean needle for the first time. And let's not even mention how dismayed and disgusted I was the first time I cleaned under the metal plate. Loved this video!

I couldn't agree more. And i have to add THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD PINS

One of the biggest problems I’ve seen: lifting the fabric up while cutting. Leave it, and the edge of the fabric shears, flat on the table for much better cutting.

I'm sewing for the first time in probably 20 years, and my first project was a "15 minute" skirt..... well 2 long days later and several redos, I had my lovely garment. Lesson, sooooooo much to relearn and remember.

#8... you will be picking out everything you sewed once you are tired! Taking a break is really good advice.

I had 3 good sewing teachers: 1. MUM who taught me as soon as she could trust me with a needle. My aunt who was a tailoress and my needlework teacher Mrs. Woodard.

I enjoy your tip videos! I loved that you said that sewing is NOT a race. When friends ask me what I have sewn lately, I wish I could tell them about ALL that I have learned in prepping to sew my future items. Instead, I am left to say nothing yet.

My grandmother was a tailoress and my mother sewed from the age of eight. My tip is iron! Sew and then iron every step!

‘Slow down and enjoy the process’ such the top tip!

I can remember my home ec teacher saying, "I'm hearing a race car!" which at the time was really just funny and annoying. Turns out she had a really good point! Slow down!

For me, there seems to be the belief today that you can buy a pattern and a length of fabric and you'll somehow learn to sew. When I learned to sew in the late 1950s/early 1960s we learned to sew, by hand, a variety of processes long before we were let loose on a pattern or sewing machine. Alongside that, we did some theory when we learned about different types of fabrics, their properties and uses. Then we made something. Our teacher would regularly stop us during the classtime to explain something to us. We had a really good grounding in sewing and dressmaking so by the time we left school we had the confidence to tackle just about anything. The only things we didn't learn were tailoring and pattern alterations. Having said that I never had to alter commercial patterns apart from the length of the skirt. Maybe I was just lucky and had a standard shape but of course as we get older our shape changes. Alongside that and the complete lack of standardisation in modern patterns I now have to alter every pattern I use. In respect of the 14 things you wish someone had told you we were taught all of them and I'm so glad we were. I used to take them for granted until I realised through social media that these basics don't appear to be taught anymore.

Press it! Yes, must press everything! Makes all the difference. Glad you included this one in the list. I wish I had been told when I started sewing.

I appreciate sewing is more than learning to operate a machine. My mother taught me to operate her machine. When someone would compliment my skills and ask if she taught me, she'd let them know she showed me how the machine worked but I taught myself to make a dress! (Books in those days, no videos, and lots of mistakes!) And yes, good garment construction takes time. I once made a 2 hour dress over the course of 3 days. I love that dress for the fit, the construction, the pattern matching at seams, the crisp pleats. I feel so good every time I wear it!

I was fortunate enough to learn to sew in a class in 8th grade. I was taught the basics. I remember hating to have to learn the parts of the machine because I just wanted to SEW. We learned about grainline and why the pattern pieces had to be laid out a certain way. We learned to press our seams between each step. I learned different ways to install a zipper. I was given an excellent foundation I have carried with me my entire life. Changing the needle often was NOT something I remember learning except the hard way. I took a sewing construction class in college for non-fashion students. That is where I learned how to make alterations. Still remember the best fitting pants I have ever owned. Of course, that could be because they are the only pants I’ve ever made for myself.

I have been sewing for 55 years, and only recently learned about making a test garment! The tip that has been passed down in my family (one of my great grandmothers was a dressmaker) is to keep your shears sharp and only use them on fabric. I'm sure you have mentioned this elsewhere, so forgive my stating the obvious.

i’ve been an artist my whole life and now i’m a theatre design major (so costuming is a big part of that) and i’m just now learning how to sew... sewing is so different from all other art i’ve done in the past. i’ve always been able to pick up crafty things pretty quickly, so i’m trying to be kind to myself about sewing and not expect to make a perfectly functioning dress in my first week - your videos help remind me that it’s a process and that i’m not failing just because i couldn’t make my own patterns right off the bat haha, and of course, not to beat myself up about “failed” garments.

The older I get the more I realize how lucky we were in my family to grow up with a grandma who was a seamstress. In fact we learned all sorts of needle work, not to mention cooking, etc. from her. Young people (and us old techies) are lucky to have RU-vid! Great list!

Slowing down and enjoying the process is my favorite advice of yours along with the true time it takes to make a garment.

About the making mistakes point: when I started sewing somebody told me that mistakes are a great learning opportunity. Of course I didn't want to make mistakes and I tried to avoid them at any cost. This resulted in me overthinking and stressing over every piece. Let me tell you...it wasn't fun. I then started making mock-ups for more complicated dresses and it really helped me to let go and just try different things without fear of making mistakes. The great thing about a mock-up is that you can detect your mistakes and learn from them so you don't make them again when sewing the real piece. Now I'm at that point where I like the small mistakes I made because they make my clothes my own and they are unique because of it ❤️

I learned to sew many, many years ago from my mom. She is now in her late 70s and when I visited her last Summer, we sewed together! I totally agree with the pinning tip. I always had trouble with inserting sleeves until I started using a lot of pins, like 20 per sleeve. Pressing is also very important. I keep my ironing board up the entire time I am sewing. I raise it up to the same height as my sewing table; so, I just have to turn my chair to use it. Don't be afraid to hand-crank the machine for a precise pivot point. Also, really take your time in cutting out and marking your fabric. Darts and pleats are so much easier when you have marked them, carefully. Last week, after more than 40 years of sewing, I drafted my first pattern from an existing garment. I even changed the neckline! Turned out great.

I was taught all of these in a Home Economics class in high school, but, being headstrong and impatient, thought I could skip most of these rules - so have learned the hard way, haha. The only thing I did follow carefully right away was cleaning my machine.

I took my old machine into the Singer sale/repair shop, they told me my pedal had “burned out” and couldn’t be replaced. My Mom took a quick look, removed about a pound of compressed lint from it, it’s good as new. That’s experience! Check everything yourself, the repair shops just want you to buy a new machine.

15. If you know you suffer from Perfectionism, get some therapy THEN start sewing. 16. If you think ready-made garments don't have mistakes in them, it's just because you don't know where to look. 17. Your fabric choice will affect your garment almost as much as your sewing skills. 18. If you think sewing your own garments is cheaper than buying them, you couldn't be more wrong. 19. Not all fabrics are suitable for all garments. And, not all fabrics are of the same quality. 20. The layers of fabric and thread that you don't see in a garment are just as important as the thread and fabric you do see. 21. Don't cut your patterns; trace them - they aren't cheap!

I remember smiling at the turtle emoji on my new machine... like, who would sew that slow? Wow did I regret that thought. I used that function, a lot. Thx for the video!

I learned to sew about 15 years ago and its been about 10 years since I last sewed. Your videos have convinced me to start sewing again. Im about to cut into my fabric (after creating a mock up) and I'm super nervous about cutting into it. So this was good timing.

So happy you mentioned that it's not a race two times! :-D I'm a really slow sewer (a bit too slow :-P). But I'm very meticulous and look over most things a couple of times before I go to the sewing machine. Because of this I rarely have to find my seam ripper or do things twice (or more). In addition to this the iron is my best friend. It can improve your work so much, and I love it. But have to say that being in different Fb groups for sewing can really take your motivation away because of the fact that it feels like many are racing through everything and it's almost a competition in who can produce the most, the fastest. I try not to focus on it, but not fun seeing others produce multiple garments in one weekend and you know it will take you weeks to do the same. I'm really for slowing everything down, taking your time, being accurate, not taking shortcuts (like skipping pressing) and more ;-) So love that message on multiple levels.

Thankyou for those tips as I am just learning to sew I will not forget the 14 tips as I have wrote them down and pinned them to my notice board by my machine

I'm a self taught sewer and 5 years ago this video would have prevented all my gray hair. Grain line, yes! It's not worth trying to get by with less fabric by ignoring grain line.

When I got married 30 years ago, I had to do all the sewing before the big day for my own dress, my daughter's Bridesmaid Dress, my younger daughter's Flower Girl's Dress & also my 3 year old son's Ring Bearer Outfit. Needless to say, there were a lot of sleepless nights at the sewing machine while the family were sleeping & I had never really been taught anything about following a Pattern. So, although everything looked fine on the outside, underneath there were lots of raw seams & no facings etc - you know how it goes, lol. I was literally flying by the seat of my pants 🙂

In my creative journey I learned that many mistakes can actually be technics for other projects and effects. So don’t be hard on yourself. Learn and take the time to correct because the results are worth it!

You are such an inspiration! I am just beginning to learn to sew and as a mama of 5 daughters I can't wait to develop dress making skills.

One step I see seat-of-the-pants sewers often skip is to measure the pattern pieces before you cut out anything! How else can you determine whether a pattern is going to fit your body? Even though I’m a standard size, that step has saved me time and frustration. Love your videos and watching your redesigns, Evelyn!

I wish I knew the backside of the needle pack flipped back....I spent 2 years taking off the whole clear top, dumping them all in my hand, then putting back each one i didn't want to use one by one...I just saw a video this week and felt really dumb...then I laughed. Your tips are super helpful. Thanks.

Number 6!!! Omg. My first pair of pants threw me into fits they fit so poorly. I was 12 and felt like it was my body’s fault. Thank goodness mom told me the pattern is like a sketch and it needs adjustments to become a complete picture.

I am convinced ruffles, rick-rack, piping, color blocking, and all sorts of other trim were invented by a sewist cursing under their breath and making the garment work in spite of massive mistakes. Or maybe that's just me...

My seam ripper and I are best friends. I actually expanded my seam ripping family. Did you know there are different quality levels of seam rippers. Like scissors you get what you pay for and threads too, there are weak ones and strong ones. I sew vintage patterns just for fun. They aren't my size, I just like the puzzle piecing them together and seeing the completed garment.

Preshrink your fabric. This will save you a lot of headaches later. There's nothing quite so frustrating as spending hours on a piece only to have it rendered unwearable after laundering. Always preshrink your fabric. *Especially natural fibers.*

I wished I had been warned about grainline. Also when removing thread from the machine to cut the top thread first, then pull the thread out of needle.

I'm 45 and just learning to sew. I'm excited to see what I learn today! Thanks Evelyn!

..... and it’s not The Great British Sewing Bee! Taking your time is so important, enjoy the journey.

I was taught to sew nearly 50 years ago in 4-H. They did teach all of those things! When I was in my early 20s & just out of college, working my first professional job, I relied on my sewing skills to have the wardrobe I couldn't afford. Buy a dress pattern I loved, then fabrics & notions to make it several times over. I was very proud of my tailored wardrobe. These days, my home décor benefits the same - I've made nearly all of the draperies, my bedspreads, blankets, etc. I am so grateful for the training I received so young in my life that stays with me to this day.

I am a production Patternmaker by trade. Long ago when I taught sewing, my best information about sewing a garment is: Make the first step correct to make the second step correctly. And so on…. Also, tension with your fabric is so important. I have a tip with checking your thread tension. Get a 2 scraps of fabric. Like 5” X 5”. Set your machine to baste stitch. Right sides together, with a 3” tail of thread, baste on the bias. Cut threads 3” on other end. (Best would help to have different colors of thread in your machine. Fold each fabric end with the stitching under your thumb. Tug and pull the stitching. If your thread pops, you will know what thread tension is too tight. Slightly adjust the tension where the thread broke and test again till thread doesn’t break. Good luck. If you have any questions, respond to my text.

I learned to sew in the late 60's, didn't know know about needles, altering patterns. Pinning was taught. Enjoy your videos and still learning.

The positive reinforcement from videos like this is a wonderful thing. I"m currently just practicing on things that my dog has chewed up. and a4 paper. Today. It's the door snake.

So glad I found you. I've been hoping for a community of those who love to sew like I do, and want to improve skills like I do. My friend Alice taught me my sewing (and life) mantra: "When in doubt, rip it out." You all know times when you're admiring how that tough-to-ease-in sleeve with the top-stitching and serging underneath turned out...only to notice when you're ready to move to the next step that the sleeve is on sideways. My mind immediately leaps to something like, "Can't I make this work somehow? It took me so long to finish!" even when i know the sleeve is on SIDEWAYS! So, these days, as soon as I run across a place that looks lumpy or pleated in the wrong place or anything that I admit could be better, I rip if I can.

I have broken too many needles on denim fabric, as I didn’t want to bother with no. 1...now I know how much easier it is to just buy the correct needle. Also, not being afraid to adjust the pattern to suit you (which relates to adjusting for size)...for example, I just made a bag from a pattern that had 3 different styles, but I liked little bits of each one, so I combined them (& added a lining). Patterns are really just a guide!

Such a relief. I'm not the only one to not know such a lot about sewing.

I'm probably the only person that will admit to this: I've never had to iron. My dad ironed his own military uniforms because they had to be perfect. My mother hated ironing and she had a lot of kids; we wore permanent press. LOL. Yes, I was always told TO press but never once have I been taught HOW, especially when sewing. When I've questioned how to press a tricky seam (press curve into shape, press flat [just so you know, if I'm ironing that thing it's GONNA be flat]) I am always told to use a tool (ham, sausage, sleeve board) and never taught HOW to use those tools. This is not intuitive knowledge, definitely not in the age of permanent press/do not iron clothing, fluff/refresh settings on tumble dryers, and wrinkle release sprays. Let the mocking commence.

Practice makes perfect! To get better at some basics, you can make pillow cases or simple skirts. These can be donated to a shelter or given as gifts while you get practice, cutting, pinning and sewing straight seams and ironing and making sharp corners and on and on....

Your enthusiasm about sewing is contagious!

I'm a 55-year-old single man that just bought a 1958 Singer 99k because I just wanted a sewing machine to sew up some curtains and repair some clothing and couldn't see spending hundreds of dollars, I got the singer at auction for $7.00 Since than I have pretty much restored to brand new and have sewn a couple of repairs to some coat pockets. Your videos gave me some courage, so I made some curtains, and they came out great. Your video on needle sizes was also a great help. Thanks !

OMG. I am 81 and wish I had access to all this wonderful information YEARS ago. All the things I have done wrong. And now, to UN-learn the bad habits . It has almost turned me off sewing because I thought a pattern and material was all I needed and made mistake after mistake. I am encouraged to watch your videos and begin…all over again.

Thank you, sewing is like Learning how to drive for the first time. You made me feel better

My #15 - Absolutely NO eating/snacking while sewing… Also, drinking tea during the process might end up in some nasty stains on the fabric…

Valuable tips. Thanks. I always read the comments and I always get many more fantastic tips from the readers !! Thanks all !!

Sewing process is not a race actually - thank for sharing me about it. Honestly, I always feel that I don't have enough time to complete what I started, I've just learned to sew a few months by myself and yes, a lots of mistakes I made and I wished someone shared me things like you did. Thank you.

Evelyn did you hear me laughing? Those were just the best of the list. My real lightbulb moments were that seam rippers don’t have a lifetime guarantee! That cutting lines and sewing lines influence the size of garment, that I never remember what needle I have in my machine and I don’t know what to do with a needle that I change so that I’ll remember what number it is and measuring seam allowances. Seems that I’m always off 1/4”, 3/8”, 5/8 “ where do I measure from? Well needless to say so many things that I’m grateful that in VSS there is no such thing as a silly question you’re the best. Hugs nikki

Hi Evelyn, timely tips for impatient sewists like me and I've done the all nighters sewing just because I couldn't stop and rest lol! . I think getting a garment to fit can be a shock as measuring oneself is a feat! (and an unwelcome truth) ! but accepting that a piece of clothing we make to fit bespoke is amazing and liberating x also another tip which I'm sure you have shared on your channel is buy decent thread as it deteriorates over time or cheap fuzzy thread will break often and cause a lot of frustration x

I started out making doll clothes on my treadle machine (wish I had that machine now). I have purchased several sewing machines and given them all away. I used to have lots of fabric and an impressive beautiful oak with beveled glass cabinet to display (also given away). I did not sew. I let myself be intimidated by my mother's sewing skills and my step-mother's award winning quilting skills. Now, at 71, I am starting at the beginning! Thank you for your videos. I plan on watching them ALL.

I have been following you (under Brenda Logan) for a few years but never get to comment because I'm hand sewing quilt blocks. Thank you so much for all that you do and the wonderful content on your channel! It is so much fun!