Today we are kicking off a month long series here on Simple Simon and Company called “What I Wish I Knew When I Started Sewing”.
And because we are really excited…and because we like you…and because we just plain old felt like it we are going to start out with a little giveaway! (A mini starter kit if you are new to sewing or a refresher kit if you’ve already been around the sewing block a few times.) Here’s what it includes: a pair of scissors, a rotary cutter, a measuring tape, a box of pins, a fat quarter bundle, and a mystery gift.
Sooooo…if you’d like to enter leave us a comment telling us what you wish you knew when you started sewing OR what you’d like to know before you begin to sew. (And if you’d like an extra entry like us on facebook and then leave us a comment telling us that you like us…because we like when people like us, it makes us feel loved. 🙂
Now, as for this series…it officially begins today and will be filled with sewing tutorials, videos, tips, and tricks. Along with daily advice from some of your favorite seamstresses around blog. (Who will also all be donating a favorite sewing item into a pile that will become a giant giveaway of awesomeness at the end of this month!)
It’s going to be fun and we can’t wait to get started!
So let’s begin with some advice from one of my absolutely favorite ladies in the blogosphere: Kimbo from A Girl and A Glue Gun
So that is all for today. Now go enter the giveaway and we’ll see you back tomorrow when we’ll be getting to know our machines!
I wish I knew that it’s better to have more pins than not enough. Nothing worse than having your fabric shift halfway along a seam and *BAM* all your hardwork looks all wonky. I used to be annoyed at having to remove them so I tended to not pin enough. Way easier to remove pins than unpick a seam and try again. Thanks for the great blog!
I wish I knew how addictive making things was going to be……before I started sewing.
I wish I knew that fabric scissors should be used only on fabric. Not paper or wired ribbon.
I remember my mom making my clothes when I was a little girl, me standing so still so I wouldn’t be stuck by my pin pinning mom! She taught me to sew when I was old enough to pull a needle thru fabric…maybe 4 or 5? I made a pincushion filled with hair from my hairbrush! (Good golly, that makes me sound ANCIENT!)
What I wish I knew… well, I am not a perfectionist (and I definitely feel that most of my crafty friends are)…and I tend to rush things. I wish I knew HOW IMPORTANT it is to slow down in every way when I’m sewing. I need to press my seams PERFECTLY, and run the material through the machine SLOWLY so that it sews straight lines.
LOVE this website. I liked you on facebook so that’s two entries for me!
I wish I knew:
Scissors make a big difference. I would use any pairs I could find. Even my little girls school scissors.
Buying a serger was also a big I-Should-Have-Gotten-One-Sooner Moment.
I like you on Facebook already. :)))
I wish someone had told me to use a new needle often. I would use my sewing needle until it broke. I have learned the needle tip starts to bend after use. If you have sewn a big project, a multiple fabric layer project, or a thick fabric project – change your needle!
I also wish I had known about Clover Wonder Clips. They have literally changed the way I sew. When you have worked hard to get fabrics lined up or turned exactly right, pining them sometimes shifts the material. The material doesn’t shift with these clips. Snap one on and you are good to go! I use them alone or in combination with pins. I clip first, then supplement with the clips.
I wish I knew how to follow pattern directions. It would save so much more time 🙂
I wish I knew to relax. Not everything has to he exactly perfect. I quit sewing for a long time because it stressed me out. Now I’m much more relaxed and know that its just fabric and thread and things can be fixed. 🙂
I too wish I had known to change the needle more often and to use different types of needles for different types of projects. Could’ve saved myself a lot of frustration.
I wish I knew if I just slowed down and took my time things would get finished faster than ripping seams and redoing.
I already like you on Facebook.
I have liked you on facebook!
I wish I had known how much fun it was going to be – I would have started when I was younger!
I like you on Facebook!
When I first started sewing I would never unstich something if I made a mistake (unless it was a big mistake) I would rather just figure out how to make it work rather than unstich it. I wish I would have known that taking the extra time will make a big difference in the end. Its still a pain to unstich, but I don’t mind as much anymore.
I wish I’d have known how important a new needle is. I used to only change my needle when it broke. I’m sure I would have had many more successful projects had I changed my needle more often.
I love your website, this is the first time I’ve been on it and really enjoy looking at the things you make. My sons are grown but I used to make them all kind of things – remember Skids? I was the mom on the block that made them for all the kids (minus the logo). For Christmas, both boys and dad got matching shirts – miss those days. I I even used to make my own patterns. In any event, I’m still sewing, loving every minute of it – quilting more than I used to but waiting to make great children things again – maybe I’ll get grandchildren some day. What would I do different? Use more pins, take more time while I’m sewing. Have a great day and I’ll be following your blog.
Since I like you on Facebook I saw this before I read the blog. I really wish someone would have told me about clipping corners. My first little projects would have turned out so much nicer.
I like you on FB! Pressing makes things look a lot better, don’t be lazy and skip it!
I wish I’d known that ironing/pressing actually is important.
I wish I’d known that there is more fabric than just quilters cotton and as long as you go slow and careful, it’s worth using better fabric. Many time consuming projects turned out a waste due to poor fabric choice. Likewise, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to measure and fit at the beginning of a project.
I wish I had known how to follow pattern instructions. I learned how to quilt when I was young- but never how to make apparel- so now it is a huge learning process for me!
And I like you on FB!!
I wish I had known that picking out a seam does not mean the whole project is a fail. It will happen. It is okay. It can be fixed. There is still hope. So get a good seam ripper, or two, or three…
I wish I had known the importance of zig zag stitching my edges. I figured it out pretty quickly but when I first started I was too lazy to so it.
That the scissors you use actually matter. I mean, I had dedicated sewing scissors, but the cheapies. The first pair of sewing shears I bought (Gingher) was a revelation to me. Suddenly things cut the FIRST time and I got clean edges! The cheap sewing scissors simply don’t hold an edge well, so you’re always using dull scissors!
I don’t really have any wish I knew moments (my grandmother taught me and as a teacher she hit all the need to knows!). But I think her best need to know was, “Always wash your hands before working with fabric – since you never know what you might have on them that you can’t see!”
I know it may sound silly, but “Take time to line things up and sew neatly and uniformly” seems like it would be something intuitive, but it wasn’t for me.
Neatness counts (and makes all the difference)!
~Michelle
I LOVE you on FB (Uh and like too).
I wish I would’ve known how important it is to press seams and that it’s okay to make mistakes!
I like you on facebook!
I wish I would have organized my fabric as I got it. I now have a couple of large piles that now need to be sorted and folded properly so I know what I have. I have a fabric hording problem and now don’t know what I actually have. I am trying to use my stash instead of buying new 🙁
I wish I knew to really “feel” the cloth and let the recipient touch it ss well to see if it is something they could wear. So many articles of clothes I made were refused because they were uncomfortable (plus, some of my earlier stuff was downright goofy looking 🙂 ).
Also, if you make a mistake early on (or at all!) pick it out because you will notice it and it will drive you bonkers that you didn’t fix it when you had the chance.
I wish I new that “Eh, I don’t really need that piece of my machine that I lost” or “I’ll just fudge it with this” doesn’t work. 🙂 So now I’m waiting on my much more mechanically inclined boy friend to fix the ENTIRE bottom bobbin casing of my machine cause its started trying to fly out while I’m sewing. Hurray for forced sewing breaks.
I wish I would’ve known how needles are….new ones and the correct ones for each fabric/application. Much frustration would’ve been avoided.
I already liked you on facebook.
*how important needles are. Stupid virus I have is scrambling my brain.
And I now officially like you guys on FB. Took me ages to get around to it.
I like you on Facebook and I love your blog. I so appreciate your “realness”. It makes me feel better about my weaknesses and quirks. Thanks!
I also wish I knew how important it was to change needles. I learned from my Dutch Grandma who uses everything as long as she possibly can, but using a sharp needle really makes projects work better! I learned about ballpoint needles when I started making cloth diapers, and I wish I had learned that sooner!
I also like you on Facebook!
I wish I had known to buy quality fabric.
I like you on Facebook.
I wish I knew how to sew on fabrics other than cottons, I was so afraid to sew on knit or satin, or anything with stretch and avoided it for so long. Now that I have learned a few tips, a whole new world of sewing has opened up.
how addicting it is 😛 seriously.
And, I follow your FB (fabulous home sewn products)
Maybe that you don’t have to exactly follow patterns or can even make your own, all of my favorite things I have made have been with patterns I drafted myself. The one thing that I am so very glad my Grandma & Mom told me was so important was that the inside/backside of whatever I am making should be as nice as the outside, I always take extra pains to do that and it makes the quality of the things I make so much nicer
I wish I knew how much I want to buy all the cute fabric… and how my taste gets more and more expensive now that I know you can buy it other places than Jo-Anns.
I’m a newbie to sewing so I am loving reading these! One of the main things I’ve learned so far though is to cut as accurately as you can. The first rag quilt I did, I rushed through the cutting process and it showed in my final product! And a rotary cutter is invaluable! Something I wish for my sewing future is to jump in and try new things and not be so intimidated. I have several projects lined up (pattern, material bought, etc) and I’m nervous to try them because I don’t want to mess it up and waste the material (aka money). My sewing budget is finite, so I get a little absorbed with wasting materials that I’ve bought.
I’m still a pretty new beginner and one thing I wish I knew more about is sewing intuition/spatial thinking. I have trouble figuring out how to put something together (even with written directions) and often wind up using my seam ripper because something is backwards.
I wish I had known to slow down and not rush. Also, have a dedicated pair of scissors.
I like you on Facebook, too! 🙂
I follow on facebook 🙂
I wish I had known to be more careful about the quality of the fabric I used. I likely would have been less frustrated and now I carefully watch some of my early projects because I’m afraid they will come apart :-/
I already like you on Facebook! And I am sure glad too!
I wish I had known that buttons, buttonholes, and zippers are really not that hard. I avoided them for way too long!
I wish I’d known every seam didn’t have to be perfect. So many projects not finished when I was a teen be cause it wasn’t right and I didn’t have time/ knowledge to fix it.
I also liked you on Facebook:)
I wish I would have known how man resources there were on the internet. It’s only been the last few years that I’ve discovered how many techniques and tips you can find on there. For FREE!
I like you on facebook!!
I wish I was better at machine quilting small projects on my machine so they wouldn’t have to wait to be quilted by someone else. I am trying to do it more myself and I have figured out that more pins are better (wish I had know that also) and practice, practice, practice.
I am way excited for this series. My mom tried to teach me to sew when I was young, but I didn’t listen so now I’m trying to teach myself. I wish I’d known how much ironing is involved with sewing, I hate to iron!
Already liked you on Facebook. 🙂
I wish I’d realized how important seam allowances are earlier.
I’m still new, but I wish I knew how not scary sewing actually is. My grandmother sews beautifully, but she does everything the old fashioned hard way, so it always intimidated me. No I have a machine that has settings and special feet to make the hard things easier (button holes, I’m looking at you!) so it hasn’t been nearly as scary as I thought it would be. I still have a ton to learn though!
I wished I had sat more at my Grandmother’s knee and learned some of her tricks!
One thing I have learned is to use longer pins with round heads – that way you can grab them easier as you sew – and the longer length helps with bulkier fabrics, keeps the pucker down!
I wish I had known what kinds of fabrics to use for different projects. Learning about all the different kinds of textiles and which ones I prefer, prefer never to use again, and have yet to attempt has been a long journey. I’m so grateful for all the sewing resource books and my trusty library. Cause seriously I don’t have money for books, it all goes towards fabric!
I wished I knew that sewing would have become and addiction. I have more fabric in my stash than I know what to do with. I guess it will find the perfect project sometime.
I like you on FB!
I liked you on facebook. What I wish I knew: That washing and pressing fabric is important.
I wish I’d known how helpful it is to make a muslin first. It always seemed like such a waste of time! But now I’ve learned so much about fitting and adjusting, and rarely have a failed garment. It’s worth it!
Well, I got my first sewing machine two years ago for Christmas. I have sewn several things, but it was not until just a couple months ago that I actually pulled out my instructions and read through them. Wow…I was taught a tiny bit by my Grandmother, but I wish I had known how important actually reading the entire manual was. I was amazed about all the things my machine had on it that I would have never known about!!! Another thing I wish I could accept even now is that very few blankets (or anything else for that matter) turn out square and that’s okay.
I wish I knew how to run my sewing machine! I’ve had it a couple of years and it’s still sitting in it’s box. Meanwhile I am sewing by hand.
I’ve only been sewing for about 1 week now so I don’t know what I wish I knew yet!
I have already liked you on FB a while back!
I wish i would have paid more attention back in school in my Home ec class! I am sure I have much more to learn….
The worst thing that can happen is to have to start over. Most things can be fixed if you are creative.
I wish I had known about changing my needle more frequently.
I wish I knew to just jump in and start doing things! If you mess up, no big deal!
And I like you guys on facebook.
I wish someone had showed me how to thread a bobbin properly~ lol!
And I “like” you on fb too.
I wish that I would have known to relax and enjoy the process of creating. And to make sure there is enough lighting in the room I am sewing in…
Make a muslin before cutting into your precious fabric, because standard pattern sizes are CRAZY! You’ve gotta learn what works for you with each specific pattern.
I wish I new how to take my own measurements. Then I could have actually worn the garments I made instead of having to give them to my mom or a friend because they never fit me.
I wish I had known how big of a difference it makes to simply press seams! Yeah, it looks fine sometimes if you don’t, but it looks so much more polished when you do.
And I liked you on Facebook. 🙂
I wish I knew to get my machine serviced regularly and to change my needle more often. It so much easier to sew with a well oiled machine and a sharp needle!
I like you on Facebook!
I wish I knew that it’s okay to sew clothes without a serger. I know now that not using a serger has made me more creative and inventive in my sewing but I really could have started making clothes sooner!
I wish I’d known all the people commenting on here! I learned several things in the last few minutes reading the comments. Before that I was going to say how to properly thread my sewing machine. I just recently read the directions after years od using the machine and figured out why i’d had tension problems off and on. Oops!
Oh, and I liked you on facebook!
Hmm…I took a sewing class in high school and my teacher, Mrs. Price, taught me a lot about the proper way to sew and to take my time. I am not sure what I wish I would have known, because she taught me really well. If I were to give advice to someone who was starting out, I would tell them to take their time, press their seams, and your seam ripper is your best friend. Sewing isn’t something that you rush through, just to get it done(although I have done that). I find when I take my time and do it right, I am much more happy with the end result then if I just try to get it done. So I guess it all boils down to doing it right and taking your time with sewing. If I get frustrated, I walk away from the project and come back to it later.
I already like you on Facebook. Also, it was really great to meet you at the Sewing Summit.
Great tip from your guest blogger! The first time I cleaned my machine it was so full of lint/dust! Yikes! My tip would be to iron. Don’t think you are saving time by not ironing. Your end product will look better and it will be easier to sew if you take the time to iron. It’s worth it!
And liked you on Facebook! Can’t wait to read future posts.
Don’t buy fabric just because its attractive or on sale. Its better to pay full price for yard goods when you are ready to make something than store up materials for project that may never come to fruition.
We’ve been cleaning out our storage and we donated a ton of fabric. I could have saved a LOT of money purchasing only when I was ready to sew rather than idly shopping for new materials.
I know this borders on blasphemy in the sewing community, but I’ve come to believe a fabric stash can be a drain on time, money and motivation. I feel more creative as I get rid of stuff in favor of space, and having less to keep organized leaves more energy for actual projects.
Similarly, always “shop” your own supplies first and ask your self if you can substitute what you already have. A stash is strictly junk if all you do is add to it and never work to use it up!
I wish I knew how jealous others become when I create a wonderful piece. It inspires me to create more!
I wish I had known that it is always worth it to stop and fix mistakes instead of making something you don’t love
I wish I had truly understood how important it is to really press your seams. (And that pressing and ironing are *NOT* the same thing!)
I wish I had known that knits aren’t scary!
Oh, and I like you on FB.
I wish I knew more about store bought patterns. I can do an online tutorial with no problems but when it comes to a pattern I am just intimidated.
I wish I had known how much of a difference quality fabric makes! I started buying inexpensive fabric, not wanting to commit too much to a new hobby I wasn’t sure I would stick with. Now, 2 years later, I only buy quilt shop quality fabric and it makes a huge difference! Plus, I get to support my local quilt shop, which is a bonus!
(amskiATcoxDOTnet)
Like you on FB
(acmskiATcoxDOTnet)
I could make a list of the things I would like to know, but I wish I had known how important pressing is to a project. I probably would have loved sewing much earlier on in my life.
I liked you on Facebook.
I’m just learning to sew and I wish I knew the differences in needles and feet for the machine… And that’s just the beginning! Lol
I also liked your Facebook. Looking for all the help I can get! 🙂
I wish I had listened to my mom when she tried to teach me to sew.
I already like you on facebook!
Dear 15 year old self,
When you promise to make 3 homecoming dresses for your friends, make sure you have time to make your own! Take photos and notes of projects to refer back to. Yes, the fabric is vintage, just start cutting– there are houses full of fabric all over the world, and soon yours will be one of them. Don’t worry, in 20 years sewing will be so cool again your friends will invite you over to host parties and feed you!
lot’s of love, babycakes
MM
I have only started sewing in the last couple of years and I wish I had known that mistakes are ALWAYS going to happen. I went through soooo much stress when I started sewing thinking that I was the only person who messed up and that when I did, it was a disaster. Had I known that mistakes were normal, I might have saved myself loads of pain. 🙂
I’m also a Simple Simon and Company Facebook fan. 😀
I wish I had known how many helpful bloggers there are out there…almost like having Grandma here to help me still…only they are a bit cooler.
I wish I knew how important pressing/ironing is.
I suppose I wish I would’ve known what a fabric addiction I’d develop! 😉
I wish i knew it was ok to make mistakes, that what a seam ripper is for.
I wish I knew how to thread a bobbin.
I wish I knew that sometimes it is better to slowly sew over pins than remove them if your fabric layers are starting to shift. Not sure if that is proper technique or not, but it has saved me some wonky seems.
Also, I like you on FB. 🙂
I’m so new to sewing I don’t know what I wish I knew, except that I wish I knew all the basics!
I like you on Facebook.
I had a Mom and Gramma who taught me from the time I was very young, and they used to make me unpick anything that wasn’t just right, and I remember being frustrated that thy wouldn’t just let me settle for “good enough” (or what seemed good enough to me at the time) NOW I wish that I had known to stare into their faces intently, absorb everything like a sponge, etc. because I feel the women in my family being close to me every time I sew, and I wish I had appreciated the gift they were passing on to me at the time.
And I like you on FB!
I wish I had followed good advice about washing fabric before sewing, finding out a gifted item shrank because of my impatience was embarrassing. :/
I’m still in the beginner category so I’m always looking for tips and tricks to make the process easier. I can do basic stuff, but I’m nervous to try all the different stitches on my machine and buying fabric sometimes seems overwhelming.
I “like” you on Facebook. I’m excited to learn more from you as one of my 2014 goals is to become a better seamstress!
How annoying a bobbin is. I still fight with mine constantly.
I wish I had known the proper way to pin things, now that I figured it out (4 yrs later) it makes such a difference in the quality of the finished product!
I am already a fan on facebook! I love following you:) (not in a creepy way though!)
I wish I knew how to sew knits, I think my daughter would enjoy the things I could make if I did. I wish I knew when I started sewing that it’s great to do your best, but don’t ruin the fun of sewing by trying to make it all “perfect”.
I wished I had learned how much easier it is with a good pair of scissors. And also changing your needle.
I wish I would have known how easy french seams and rolled pillowcases were. They look and sound so complicated, but are so easy and makes for a nice, neat, project.
I like this series as there are so many things I’m sure I’ll learn. I don’t have kids so I stared out making clothes for myself. There are a couple of things I wish I knew! Firstly, quilting weight fabric is usually just too stiff and heavy to drape nicely on the curves of an adult, that I should have splurged on voile and its kind, rather than end up with piles of fabric that will stick out at all angles on me when sewn up! Secondly, I wish I knew that a 3/8 inch seam allowance is so much easier to work with, so that I could have traced all my patterns using that instead of the standard 5/8 inches used in most patterns. Not only does the smaller allowance mean less fabric, its less trimming for french seams, serger use, and much much easier when eyeballing pattern placement over seams.
I love reading your facebook posts. I wish I would have known how to alter patterns to fit me so I wouldn’t have had to make the outfit and then figure out how to alter it.
I wish I had known it was worth the time to sew something properly (ironing! unpicking!) than to just do a ‘rough enough is good enough’ job.
I am a facebook fan also
Wish I knew the beauty of a rotary cutter and mat when I first started 🙂 also the amazing tutorials on you tube! Headed to like you on Facebook 🙂
I wish I knew how to thread my machine…ha ! I am at the very early-beginner stage.
I like you on Facebook.
I wish I had known not to hoard the ‘special’ fabric because it really is so much prettier when it’s actually used and enjoyed!
I like you 🙂
I wish I had had a “what to look for in a sewing machine” manual… Could have done so many more projects if I just would have gotten a nice machine instead of messing around with a cheap-o.
Following on Facebook!
I wish I had known that when something seems not right or broken, it usually is. The sewing machine is actually pretty basic in its mechanics. Instead of trying to reset or jimmy-rig it to work thinking I must be doing something wrong repeatedly, I should have just taken it into the store/shop immediately. It would have saved me so much time and headaches.
Liked you on Facebook!
I wish I’d known how fun it was….I’d have started ages ago! I only got my sewing machine this Christmas and I love it! It’s such a stress buster too. Going to attempt a few of your ideas over the weekend 🙂
I wish I would’ve known to SLOW DOWN and take the time to fix things as I did them. I used to be a lazy sewer and never wanted to seam rip or resew. I ended up with a lot of garments that fit wonky or had imperfections that bugged me!
I like you on Facebook too! 🙂
I wish that I knew about tracing patterns using freezer paper so that I may keep my patterns intact and use all sizes for my children as they grow.
already follow you on facebook and pinterest
well, i am a newbie and am currently trying to teach myself to sew/quilt as well as crochet (so i have said a few bad words along the way….shhhhh). one of the first problems i found to tackle: how to pick a sewing machine!!!! there are so many to choose from and it is hard to figure out what to buy that is just enough for what you need to get started without buying a cheap one which should really be for kids (yes, i had to return my first purchase because it was a $50.00 “recommended” machine). plus, newbies can’t usually afford to buy something that is too much for what they want to do for a while.
I wish I’d known what French seams were – quickest and easiest way to make a neat seam, I have so many old garments with unfinished seams because the only way I knew how to finish them was with an overlocker (serger) which we had at school, but I didn’t have my own, or to do flat felled seams, which are too much work for a lazy sewist like me!
Also I wish I’d known that zips weren’t scary…
Actually there’s loads of stuff I wish I’d known: not to thread my machine with the presser foot down (that caused me SO many problems), that having the right bobbin for your machine SO matters (I was using my mum’s singer bobbins in my Toyota for years…), I wish I’d known that the internet knows everything I need to learn about sewing, so many things…
and I like you on facebook 😉 I like you off of facebook too!
I wish I knew how to thread a machine! I started on my mom’s 1980’s Kenmore machine and all I made was thread nests. I never touched another sewing machine for years after that!
I wish I had been taught to sew by some one who’s good at it. I am teaching myself and learning as I go.This method tends to be very frustrating.
I also wish I could figure out why my sewing machine, thread, and fabric can’t always get along. LOL Good thing I like reading. I seem to be doing a lot of that when it comes to manuals and how to blogs. 😉
I used to rush to finish a project and would skip the pressing step. Pressing is just as important to get a great result.
i already like you on FB.
I wish I would have known all the terminology. I have found myself reading patterns or tutorials and having to back track to figure out what they mean. I found a great sewing dictionary on Crazy Little Projects blog, and I know you are familiar with them, so that has really really helped! Also, I liked you on Facebook as well and I am so excited to make your little zipper pouch as my January monthly challenge. I have never sewn a zipper before so this will be new for me. I bought the fabric and washed it last night. I plan on starting tonight! So excited…and yes. Making projects is addicting…so I guess I wish I would have known that too 🙂
Ironing! Wish I had known how important it was.
And I like you on Facebook! 🙂
I’m just starting out so I’m not even really sure what I need to know! Last night, I was getting to know my sewing machine (starting Crazy Little Projects Learn to Sew series), and I couldn’t figure out how to use the threader so I just threaded it myself. So maybe that’s what I’d like to know. I used my manual but still was confused!
I so wish I could have learned how to sew with my grand ma 🙁 That being said, I wish I knew about pins…. pin, pin and more pinning and not to be afraid to spend more time learning how to sew straight lines!! Thanks for the give away!
Ah! And I forgot to tell you that I also like you on FB !
I wish i knew what needle to use when i started sewing.
Always know where your fabric is. Make sure fabric doesn’t get folded under you seam. I’ve been sewing the edge if the fabric only to have part the project get sewn into the seam.
I wish I would have known not to even attempt a project late at night when I am so tired or when i have a very limited time to work with. I always make major mistakes that take more time to fix and end up completely frustrated. Take your time and ENJOY the process!
I wish I knew a place to start. I think that is the scariest part is just taking the plunge to get started.
What I wish I knew…tips on how to sew with fabrics other than quilter’s cotton. Surprisingly, back in my high school Home Ec class, I wasn’t even given assistance or help learning how to sew with knit… got a big old fat ‘C’ on a knit skirt that turned out all wonky. Thank goodness for internet tutorials these days!
I like you on Facebook.
Two things … Seam allowances should be followed, and change the needle in your sewing machine occasionally!
I wish I had known how fun and easy it was. I sewed briefly when I was in middle school, but I wish I had taken it back up in college. I’ve only been sewing for 6-7 months and hate to think about all of the years wasted because I wasn’t sewing! Although my husband would probably not appreciate the fabric stash I most likely would have acquired!
I follow on Facebook!
I wish I knew how to make adjustments to fit patterns better.
Do not sew over the pins, no matter how much of a hurry that you are in!
I already follow along on FB!
Wish I would have listened to my mom about oiling my machine. I had to take one to her to fix after it quit working. I bought a new one and not to long ago I had the SAME issue. Very important to oil and clean your machines. We were able to save them both, but now I know!
Oh I wish long ago, that I was shown how to clean & do a general basic service type thing of my sewing machine. Not that I have had one ruined. I did just clean it out the other day. Boy was it disgusting. But I need not to be scared of such things. I should have learnt when I got my machine. I need to get into the habit of doing it monthly or something. Whether I use it much or not in that time!
I wish I had known just how important consistent seam allowances are and how ironing makes the rest of the process easier.
I wish I had know to take my time and it’s ok to resew/ unpick.
I wish I had known that my machine was not going to sew through everything–even what I though was a moderate thickness broke needles. Now I know what my machine is capable of and that if I try to pull fabric through–yeah, broken needles.
I am already a fan on facebook 🙂 And on Instragam!
I like you on FB!
I wish I had discovered independent patterns earlier! I would sew with big name patterns and get so frustrated by the fit and poor directions that I would give it up for a while. Oliver + S and great sewing blogs changed the way I think about sewing and led to an obsession!
I like, like, like you on facebook.
First of all I love you ladies on Facebook. Your little stories always make me laugh.
As for what I wish I knew before I started, that’s a little harder. I’ve been sewing for so long. Maybe something about how knits are much easier to sew than people go on about. Just a few knit tips would have saved a lot of fabric from being eaten through the machine haha.
I liked you on Facebook. 🙂
I’m just now getting into sewing, so choosing the right fabric and how to hand finish seams so they don’t show on the outside are my biggest questions.
I wish I knew how to store and organize my fabric and supplies (I still want to know…I’m sure there’s. better way than what is got going on!). I’m entering for my friend who got a sewing machine for Christmas…I’m going to refer her here for sewing tips and inspiration…very timely of you! 😉
I already like you on Facebook! And I wished I would have really known that you should use you scissors only for fabric. I didn’t realize it makes a huge difference.
I wish I had someone to tutor me. I love all the internet tutorials, but a real life person would be nice. 🙂
I wish I knew a fabric scissor to be used only on fabrics, nothing else!!
Liked you on Facebook!
I wish I had known how much fun it would be! lol Thanks for the great giveaway, and the great blog! vickise at gmail dot com
I wish I had known to spend a little more money and get the best machine within my budget. A cheap machine is cheap for a reason!
I like you ladies on Facebook!
I wish I knew how much fun sewing was earlier. Now that I have started I’m never going to stop!
I would like to know the basic tips and tricks for just learning to sew..I used to sew when I was younger and have a renewed passion! I liked your facebook page too 🙂 thanks!
I wish I knew what fabrics not to use!
I wish I had learned to how to accurately take body measurements for garments. I used to basically eyeball it. Not very pretty sewing…
I pretty much didn’t have a clue what I was doing when I started. I just knew you put fabric together and ran it thru the machine…lol. I have been to a quilting class and that taught me how to keep a 1/4″ seam allowance. I have made some things for my niece and nephew, like a simple block quilt. Now I am trying to learn how to make clothes since my niece was born. My sons, who are both almost grown, LARP during the summer and I have accomplished some costume pieces for them. Even fixed holes for one of their friends. I am no longer able to work, my job gave me a sense of helping others improve their quality of life with out them ever even knowing I was there, I was a surgical technician. I loved my job and have been unable to work for the last three years and have been told that I will never be able to return. I am very limited on what I can do and sewing works because I can sit and sew then stand and iron or stand and sew and sit to iron. I guess it gives me a since of being able to brighten someones day even if it just gives them a reason to smile when they look at or use what I have sewn for them.
Sorry for the ramble.
I wish I knew more about the tools available and what they all do. It all seems so overwhelming, but I’m ready to learn 🙂
I wish I’d known how to use a seam ripper most efficiently.
We’re best friends now, but had I known then….I could have saved *hours*, perhaps *days* or *weeks* of un-picking one stitch at a time!
I wished I had known about how to care for my machine when I first learned to sew. It would have been nice to learn about setting my bobbin tension, how to old a machine, etc. It would have made my finished product so much nicer.
I wish I had known how important it is to pre-wash your fabric. Nothing like spending all this time on a garment only to wash it and now you can’t wear it. . .
I am learning that straight pins really are your friends. I used to only use a few on an item especially on a straight seam, but it really does help to have your fabric pinned well.
I wish someone had told me to buy new pins at least once a year. That JoAnn’s coupons are gold, and that anytime there is a 50% off notions wall sale, to go stock up on sewing machine needles. 🙂
My grandma taught me how to sew. She was a wonderful teacher, and I enjoyed sewing. So I decided to take sewing in junior high. It was sort of an awful experience. The teacher wanted things done a certain way and was sort of picky about things, and we had to finish in a certain time, and then were graded on our finished product. It was sort of stressful. And I understand that she was trying to teach the correct way to do things. But all of those things turned me off from sewing. Fast forward several years, I have a baby girl, and decide I’d like my own sewing machine to make all this cute stuff people are sharing online. And I totally love sewing again! So, my advice, be patient sometimes sewing projects take a long time and needles break and you sew things on backwards, it’s ok there is no failing in real life sewing. And also know that there are lots of ways to do things. It’s ok to try a way that makes more sense to you.
I like you on facebook!
I’m new to quilting, just thankful for all the tips that everybody is sharing.
Wish I had known a about pinking shears and zig zagging seams! I like you on Facebook.
I wish I’d known to get a cutting mat with a grid!
I wish I knew how to sew – I tried to learn as a kid, but the place I went had machines that kept breaking down, it was too frustrating. Now I’ve bought a machine of my own and I’m trying to teach myself. I’ll probably start with a scarf and try something simple like a pillow. The tips I’m getting from blogs like yours really help. I want to get to the point where I can make your Starboard Skirt for summer.
I liked you on Facebook
I love reading these tips! I wish I had known (some 30 years ago) that clothing patterns need to be measured to the body, not simply taken for,granted that the garment will fit when sewn together! It’s not so bad if it’s too big, but too small becomes a major problem. Duh!
I wish I’d known how to follow a pattern. aaaaaaand, I wish I did now 🙂
strip piecing does not mean to sew without pins
I wish I had known the importance of using the right needle for the right fabric when I was starting out. The right needle (and a nice sharp one) can make all the difference!
When I first started sewing, I wished I had believed that I really could sew. I learned in My 8th grade sewing class and my teacher told me that I was a terrible sewer and to just give up the notion I could sew. For years I didn’t believe I could sew that well. I still feel like there is so much to learn, but I’m glad I kept trying after all these years. Thanks for the give away.
Stock up on needles and change them often. I’ve had so many sewing issues that turned out to be the fault of an old, dull needle.
I like you on Facebook.
My advise is to make time to do what you love. I used to have a job that I worked over 60 hours a week. I was miserable. When I decided to actually take my lunch hour and do some knitting, sewing or another craft during my hour I became much happier and I actually was more productive at work.
I wish I had known that it pays to invest in good quality fabric! Thanks for the fun giveaway.
I like you on Facebook! Thanks for all the inspiration.
not sure when this giveaway ends but I really ish i knew how to cut fabric straight when i first started! my mil taught me now and it makes it soooo much easier!
cbrocious1984 @ gmail. com
I wish I had known that doing things right, instead of trying to take shortcuts, usually saves you time in the end.
I wish I had known more about quilting!
I wish I would have known you can’t sew adhesive Velcro onto fabric….. I can not tell you how many needles I broke on my sewing machine because the adhesive would bog everything down!
**liked on FB**
I wish I had known to slow down and take my time with lining things up, pressing and using more pins than I need. I’m getting better. 🙂
Well… i started to sew when i was about 9 years old so there were a lot of things that i didn’t knew at that point, but i always was upset about sewing zippers. I recently find out best ways to sew zipers and i’m am now happy.
I wish I knew you didn’t have to follow all of the rules, or complete a project exactly as the directions dictate. The more I’ve sewn the more comfortable I have become with viewing directions as suggestions instead of a fixed set of rules. And while each part of the sewing process has a “right way” to accomplish a task, there are almost always multiple “right ways.” Sewing is fun, flexible, and creative. Creativity is easier once you’ve built a skill set, but don’t be scared to play along the way.
Yes, I do follow you on Facebook. Thank you for organizing this series. Refreshers for the newbie and experienced seamstress are always awesome. A grand giveaway is a huge bonus.
I would like to know where to learn how to sew for beginners like myself.
I’ve just gotten started sewing and love it!! I do wish I would have known about a rotary tool for cutting. I’ve been pricing them, and this starter kit would be PERFECT for my new machines and projects I’ve made and will be making. I love the tips you post on Facebook. 🙂
I wish I knew to be more patient. This is a skill that I am still working on (in all areas of life), but I find that I do my best work when I allow myself the appropriate amount of time. This allows me to be patient with my progress.
And I liked your Facebook page! Crazy Little Projects referred your page, and I am looking forward to learning more from you!
I wish I’d known how to finish a seam! I also wish I’d known about interfacing. 😉
I am new to sewing and I wish I knew what type of needles to buy and use with each fabric.
I wish I knew how to PROPERLY thread the machine when I first started sewing! There was no manual I could read, and no interneti could search it up on! My first project was refitting a tshirt, and it came out awful! The arm holes were too small and the fabric was bunched and wonky along the sides. I still have that shirt hanging up as a reminder how I started and how far I want to advance.
I wish I had learned to sew when I was younger.
Liked on Facebook as Jenny Lynn Newton
After not sewing for several years my husband bought me a great sewing machine this year for Christmas. I was super excited and couldn’t wait to start but I wish I knew how to attach a zipper and properly cut fabric. Thanks liked you on facebook!
I wish I’d known how addictive fabric buying is….could have put a kid through college.
And I like you on facebook
I wish I had known not to trust that my 1/4inch foot would sew an acurate 1/4 inch seam. My first quilt only had one kind of block in it though, so it didn’t matter too much as everything was off by the same amount and still fitted together. You didn’t say if the giveaway is open internationally – I’m in the UK.
What I wish I had known…. how expensive a hobby I was getting into! But oh how I love it.
I have been a FB follower for a long time…. and your blog stalker for even longer.
I wish that I knew how to choose fabrics for the right project. I remember walking into a fabric store and feeling lost. I ended up leaving disappointed and confused. lol. I just had no idea what I was getting myself into.
I liked your FB page.
I wish I knew how important it is it wash the fabric first!!
I wish I’d known how important pressing was. I wish I’d also known of some ways to finish an edge on a sewing machine to prevent fraying. Those two things could have made my first several projects last longer.
I’ve also liked your Facebook page! 🙂
I wish I knew how to follow a pattern! I could do so much more!!
I like you on facebook 🙂
I wish two things:
1) Drawing a straight line and actually SEWING a straight line are two different things!
2) Fabric is addicting! I think about different fabrics all of the time now and I’ve only been at this 1 week. I’ve raided every clearance bin and sale rack within a 10 mile radius of my home plus some online deals too. I have a forgiving Husband. Thankfully.
I wish I knew more about thread tension, and what causes is to go crazy! I can sew part of a row and flip it to see that I had tension issues. Why can’t my stitches look beautiful on BOTH sides? Sheesh! I just found your blog and I LOVE it! Especially this month long series! I’m rather new to sewing so I’m trying to learn all I can. Awesome giveaway, too! Thanks!
I’m also now a Facebook friend! 🙂
I wish I knew that knits aren’t scary. They open up a whole new world of sewing fun!
My sister taught me how to sew many years ago and yet I didn’t really get actively sewing until I got married and my MIL sold me her old machine. Kenmore! It sews pretty good for a oldie. I wish I had started sooner though. My sister would of been proud! I bought a newer machine a couple of years ago and wish soooo much I had read the manual better. I wasn’t winding my bobbins correctly. Just a few months ago I realized it after watching a bobbin winding video on Craftsy. I had a DUH moment. Now my new machine (which I was hating) works beautifully stitching! Important lesson learned! Always read your machine’s manual!!!! 🙂
the first thing i wish I’d known is importance of ironing.i still become lazy and later on i always regret it.
i liked your page on Fb as shadab tahir
I wish I would have let my mom teach me how to sew when she offered! I’m still learning and there’s so much more for me to discover
And I like you on Facebook!
I wish I knew that I don’t have to be perfect and to take it slow double check what I am doing.
I like you on Facebook.
I wish I knew you can make things without a pattern. My grandma taught me how to sew and she was a firm believer in always using a pattern. Now I have so much fun learning how different cuts of fabric affect the way it sits on the body.
I wish I would have known how to buy fabric. At the beginning I would buy anything I liked and now I have racks of fabirc that does not go with anything. And some is soooo thin. Now I use it to teach my grandkids and my niece how to sew. Thanks for this series. It’s very helpful.
I wish I would have done a lot more reading (books and blogs like yours). I was so excited to start. I bought impulsively.. and wasted time and money. But I’m working on it. 🙂
I wish I was taught to slow down and enjoy the process more than always thinking of the end result.
I wish I would have known how much I was going to love sewing later on and paid more attention to my grandma when I was little. I could have learned so much more from her.
I like you on Facebook!
I wish I knew every machine has a different 1/4 inch! I have learned to test out that measurement every time I use a different machine.
Wish I had known how to calculate accurate 1/4 inch seams!
I wish I had learned when I was much younger. I just got a sewing machine THIS week! I’m almost 35, but better late than never, right? Love all the tips and the giveaway is fun!
I wish I knew tricks to sewing slippery fabric. I have some really pretty fabric from a yard sale, but I haven’t made in into anything because I’m not sure how to sew it without it sliding around.
I’ve just started sewing and maybe this will change but I wish I had known that I can make fabulous things, they won’t be perfect but sewing is a craft and I will get better. The blogosphere provides an incredibly supportive and open community. I’ve only made four pieces of childrens clothing and a couple of bags but all of those items have been helped by tutorials, patterns and you tube clips. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to post these hints/tips/tutorials/patterns/inspiration and particularly the free stuff as this is what the beginner needs to get the courage and motivation to dip their toe in to the world of making.
I, too, wish I had started sewing at a younger age!
Following via fb
I have learned SEW many things over the past few decades but the one thing I learned that saved the most time in projects is when you are sewing a tube (for straps and ties etc) fold your fabric in half length-wise-right sides together. take any strong string or thin fabric strip or ribbon and place your ribbon inside on the fold. Sew acrossed the top (tacking the ribbon in) and then sew down the length of your tube (backstich at the end) Now all you have to do is pull the ribbon through the tube~The ribbon will pull your tube right side out in seconds saving you countless HOURS turning the tube right die out!
I wish I would have known better than to just stock pile on fabrics because they are on sale. Now I have a ton of fabrics and no projects for them so my “cheap” fabrics are now just scraps to practice on and I am still buying new fabric for every new project I try.
I wish I had known about using masking/painter’s tape to measure out seams next to the presser foot. It helps a lot, although be warned do not use duct tape! Duct tape leaves a nasty reside that you will then need to clean off….trust me, I know!
So, Glad I saw today’s topic on my FB. I am just starting out and I have learned sooo much from all the tips and blogs. They never go unappreciated.. Thank you 🙂
I am a penny pincher, so when I first started I wish I had known that I need to have quality in some of my products I have bought. Most of mine have broke or dulled and I wind up spending more than I would have if I got the quality in the first place!! Also very much so I am one of those people who think ‘Oh, I don’t need to press this or that like everyone does … it will save me time’ lol Like a child, I learned… We have rules for a reason !!!
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and wisdom<3
It takes patience and practice to get it right, but it’s well worth it. Don’t give up!
I wish I had known how important it is to finish the edges of seams with a zig-zag stitch. Pinking shears just don’t do the trick.
I wish I would have known that rotary cutters are your friend… your very dangerous friend. It didn’t take long to realize that not only are they wonderful at making cutting certain fabric simpler, it is very easy to cut yourself in the process!