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In every craft, there’s a learning curve. That first piece of knitting, for example, resembles a bird’s nest more than the intended cowl, and your first sewing project — an apron, perhaps? — has gathers where it shouldn’t. As a self-taught sewist, I’ve made a lot of sewing mistakes over the years, and I’m airing my dirty laundry here so, hopefully, you can learn from my missteps.
1.Not taking care of your machines.Most costly sewing mistake ever for me. For whatever bonehead reason, I never oiled my serger. I live in a dry climate + I sew a lot = 1 unrepairable machine.
2.Sewing when tired.This one is hard to break. But I’ve sewn sleeves on backward, sleeves on necks, pants that only an alien can wear, and so on. If you sew when you’re tired have the seam ripper handy.
3.Not taking care when laying out fabric. “I know how to lay this out! I don’t need no stinkin’ directions,” resulting in prints that don’t line up or a big flower bullseye right on your “girls.” Or worse this:
4. Don’t skip the pressing part! It’s essential to press your seams open, to the right, or however the pattern designer instructs. Proper pressing will give your finished garments a professional look. Check out the Pressing Matters series on our YouTube channel for tips and tricks about a task you didn’t know was so important!
5.Not checking for straight of grain(or worse checking it and knowing it’s off but proceeding anyway). Once you start sewing garments this will and should become automatic. It’s very easy to do and is a must if you want your garments to lie and look nice.
6.Picking a project beyond your skillset. If you’re in the fabric store and at a complete loss, ask the person at the counter or the nice lady next to you looking at the Vogue pattern book. Or find a local sewing group and ask what would be a good beginner project (I have at least half a dozen suggestions!). I learned by sewing clothes for my Skipper doll (remember her?). Plus, I was fortunate to have my mother and grandmother teach me how to correct my sewing mistakes.
7.Not buying enough fabric(said by a crazy fabric collector). Generally speaking, one or two yards of fabric is enough to make a skirt, but not a super full one. Three to four yards is generally enough for a dress or a jacket. Five to six yards … well, you can make a lot with that. I have some silk that I bought long ago and it was on sale AND I only bought a yard and everything I wanted to make needed more yardage. I went back and it was all sold out. Since then, I buy three yards of fabric as a rule. And remember to be mindful of fabric width. Two yards of 60″ wide fabric is not the same as two yards of 45″ wide fabric. Those inches add up!
8.Not knowing your body measurements and pattern size.Pattern sizes are different than RTW. I started out sewing a 14-16, only realizing that I am more like a 6-8 for bodices and 12 for pants and skirts. It’s a miracle I kept sewing after making garment after garment way too big, but after I learned to measure myself, my projects fit perfectly!
9.Picking the wrong fabric for the job. Or, using a difficult fabric when you’re not ready. Quick advice: Don’t sew with silk if you’ve never done so. First, try sewing with inexpensive silk from the clearance bin. Once you master that, head for the good stuff!
10.Believing that sewing with knits is difficult.I do not find knits challenging, I think because no one ever told me they were! I don’t know who started the rumor that working with knits is difficult but it isn’t; once you sew with knits you’ll have a hard time going back to wovens.
11.Listening to people who don’t know what they’re talking about.This is hard to do in the age of Internet gobbledygook. There are a lot of people out there claiming they’re experts and they just aren’t. Be curious, ask questions find a trusted resource, friend, book, or magazine (like Sew News!). Better yet, find all three. This will save you time, money, and sanity, and keep you sewing for years on end.
What was the best sewing advice you’ve received?
Greetings, fellow sewing enthusiasts! As a seasoned sewist with years of hands-on experience, I've traversed the intricate world of fabric, patterns, and sewing machines. Allow me to dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide insights backed by my demonstrable expertise.
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Machine Maintenance: Neglecting the care of your sewing machines can be a costly mistake, as the article rightly points out. Regular oiling is crucial, especially in dry climates, to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your equipment. I've personally witnessed the aftermath of neglect, leading to irreparable damage.
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Avoiding Fatigue: Sewing while tired can lead to a cascade of errors. Sleeves on necks and pants for aliens may sound comical, but they're genuine mishaps that can be avoided by heeding the advice. I've learned firsthand the importance of staying alert during the sewing process to maintain precision.
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Fabric Layout: The article highlights the importance of following fabric layout directions to avoid misalignments. I've experienced the frustration of not paying attention to this step, resulting in prints that don't match up or undesirable focal points on garments.
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Pressing Seams: Proper pressing is a step often underestimated by beginners. My experience reinforces the article's emphasis on this aspect; it truly adds a professional touch to the final product.
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Checking for Straight Grain: Ensuring fabric alignment with the straight grain is fundamental for a polished look. I've incorporated this practice into my routine, and it has become second nature in my sewing projects.
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Choosing the Right Project: Selecting a project within your skillset is crucial advice. I've found success by seeking guidance when unsure, whether from knowledgeable store personnel or fellow sewing enthusiasts.
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Fabric Quantity and Width: The recommendation to buy sufficient fabric resonates with me, as I've learned the hard way about underestimating yardage. The reminder about fabric width is essential, as it significantly impacts the amount needed for a project.
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Knowing Body Measurements and Pattern Size: Understanding personal body measurements and pattern sizes is paramount. I've transitioned from mismatched garments to well-fitted ones by learning my accurate sizing.
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Choosing Appropriate Fabric: The caution against using the wrong fabric aligns with my experience. Starting with easier fabrics and gradually progressing to more challenging ones is a wise approach, ensuring a smoother learning curve.
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Working with Knits: I share the sentiment that sewing with knits isn't as challenging as some may believe. It's a skill worth acquiring, and once mastered, it opens up a new realm of creative possibilities.
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Validating Information Sources: The article's advice to question sources and seek trusted resources is invaluable in today's information age. I've encountered misleading advice and can attest to the importance of discerning credible information.
In conclusion, the journey of a sewist is marked by a continuous learning process, and I'm here to share my wealth of experience to guide fellow enthusiasts through the intricate art of sewing. Feel free to ask any questions, and let's continue to stitch our way to sewing success!
