The beginning sewer
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Congratulations on your decision to learn how to sew. Whether you want to sew for yourself or for others, trying to determine where to start can be overwhelming. The best method is to begin with basic skills and projects and build on them as you become more skilled and confident.
Of course the first step is to learn to use your sewing machine. Your local Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum store will be more than happy to connect you to a class on sewing machine use. A good knowledge of how to use and trouble shoot your machine will make your sewing experience more productive.
The next step is to gather basic sewing supplies including a good pair of fabric shears (to be used for fabric only), a steam iron and ironing board, rotary cutter and mat, pins and pincushion (I happen to like the magnetic kind), marking pen or pencil, thread appropriate to your project, and a seam ripper. There are hundreds of other supplies but these can always be added later.
Once you have learned to use your sewing machine and gathered basic supplies, you will need to pick a project. The following are a few suggestions for easy projects to complete as you begin your sewing journey:
-Sew a pillow case. This project will teach you basic skills such as cutting fabric, sewing straight lines and hemming. Later on you can learn to add applique or embroidery designs or use decorative stitches for embellishment. Â A link to an easy pillow case can be found at: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/
-Sew a rag quilt. The nice thing about a rag quilt is that the raw edges show. With the raw edges showing, corners that don’t quite meet are hidden. Done in soft flannel, this makes a very nice lap size throw. Again the skills gained with this project will be applicable when you take on bigger or more complicated sewing projects.  an easy rag quilt pattern can be found at:  https://so-sew-easy.com/how-to-make-a-rag-quilt/
-Sew a baby blanket. This can be as simple as a square piece of flannel or fleece. Or use large squares or sew colorful strips together. This project adds the additional skill of learning to make a mitered corner and binding a quilt. The best part is that the project is easy and can be completed quickly. There is nothing like a successfully completed project to give you a boost in confidence and encouragement to start another. The following link will take you to a page with an easy baby quilt made from long strips and is very easy. Â https://sew.guru/poccu#https://www.vanessachristenson.com/2013/09/v-and-co-jelly-roll-jam-quilt-free.html
Connecting with other sewers also is a good idea. Your local Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum store has many classes and groups that will introduce you to other beginners and to more experienced sewers. The information you gain through networking and through seeing other projects is very valuable and inspiring.
Have fun as you start the amazing and satisfying world of sewing. Remember that everyone was a beginner at one time.
Of course the first step is to learn to use your sewing machine. Your local Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum store will be more than happy to connect you to a class on sewing machine use. A good knowledge of how to use and trouble shoot your machine will make your sewing experience more productive.
The next step is to gather basic sewing supplies including a good pair of fabric shears (to be used for fabric only), a steam iron and ironing board, rotary cutter and mat, pins and pincushion (I happen to like the magnetic kind), marking pen or pencil, thread appropriate to your project, and a seam ripper. There are hundreds of other supplies but these can always be added later.
Once you have learned to use your sewing machine and gathered basic supplies, you will need to pick a project. The following are a few suggestions for easy projects to complete as you begin your sewing journey:
-Sew a pillow case. This project will teach you basic skills such as cutting fabric, sewing straight lines and hemming. Later on you can learn to add applique or embroidery designs or use decorative stitches for embellishment. Â A link to an easy pillow case can be found at: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/
-Sew a rag quilt. The nice thing about a rag quilt is that the raw edges show. With the raw edges showing, corners that don’t quite meet are hidden. Done in soft flannel, this makes a very nice lap size throw. Again the skills gained with this project will be applicable when you take on bigger or more complicated sewing projects.  an easy rag quilt pattern can be found at:  https://so-sew-easy.com/how-to-make-a-rag-quilt/
-Sew a baby blanket. This can be as simple as a square piece of flannel or fleece. Or use large squares or sew colorful strips together. This project adds the additional skill of learning to make a mitered corner and binding a quilt. The best part is that the project is easy and can be completed quickly. There is nothing like a successfully completed project to give you a boost in confidence and encouragement to start another. The following link will take you to a page with an easy baby quilt made from long strips and is very easy. Â https://sew.guru/poccu#https://www.vanessachristenson.com/2013/09/v-and-co-jelly-roll-jam-quilt-free.html
Connecting with other sewers also is a good idea. Your local Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum store has many classes and groups that will introduce you to other beginners and to more experienced sewers. The information you gain through networking and through seeing other projects is very valuable and inspiring.
Have fun as you start the amazing and satisfying world of sewing. Remember that everyone was a beginner at one time.