NWR: Learning to sew?

Carla1019

I'm at work bored waiting to go home and I'm looking at high end dresses from sites like Sax.

Some of these cocktail dresses are crazy expensive but doesn't look like it took much effort to make it.

Does anyone know if it is difficult to learn how to sew? I'm really curious about picking up this hobby and making some of my own dresses for work or going out.

Can I take a class at the local junior college and practice until I'm good or is it a lot harder than that? If anyone learned, can you tell me how long it took?

AllyG303

I can only do basic sewing (pillowcases, blankets, etc.)...though I've never tried much more than that.  The basic stuff definitely isn't hard...my mom taught me how to do one square of a blanket that I made FI, and I finished the rest by myself in a day.  Craft stores like Joanns have classes.

ginadog

I used to sew when I was in 4th grade for 4H clubs, like stuffed animals and difficult things.  I always had patterns though! 

My FMIL got me an old sewing machine, so it will be like learning all over again.  It's possible!  Get a book perhaps!

michelle11988

It's not too difficult to sew once you have the right equipment and some instruction.  I took some sewing classes in elementary school and made some simple shirts and a pair of jeans.  They came out okay but I grew so fast by the time I finished I was grown out of them.  I do want to pick it up again!

penny12986

Yes, I can also sew basic things and I think that the harder part would be matching a pattern or trying to measure things properly and making an even hemline but it's definitely worth a try.  You might be able to buy the fabric and bring it to a seamstress too if you wanted.

mekiakoo

I like to think that I can sew- but I usually only sew if something needs to be fixed. Usually a hole in a blanket, clothes, etc are something I can do but I've never tried to sew something actual.

Maybe look into some community education classes and see if they offer a sewing class?

cmhutchison22

My paretns got me a sewing machine for my birthday a couple of years ago.  I want to learn to sew, but I have no where to put it right now.  Hopefully when we get the basement done I will be able to do some sewing.

[Deleted User]

I'm a quilter and I do some other things too. I have made my own halloween costumes and pj pants.  My suggestion would be to take a few classes and then once you are ready, try making something using a pattern.  I suggest investing in a good pair of scissors too.

Elinetrouwt

Everyone can learn how to sew, but making cocktail dresses is not something you learn in a few hours. Things like zippers can be hard. Use good equipment, otherwise it gets frustrating. And know that the most time is not spent on the actual sewing, but on cutting the fabric.

MandiNoel

I have a fashion design degree, so I sew quite often and have made everything from tailored jackets to evening gowns using both store-bought patterns and my own hand drafted patterns.

Sewing overall is not difficult, but there are certain steps that are more challenging than others. Zippers can be one of the most difficult for a beginner. My advice to you is to start with something simple. Most beginner sewing classes will have you make a pair of pajama bottoms with elastic. That will just help you get the hang of using the machine, practice your cutting, and work on making straight seams. Many colleges and fabric shops offer beginner classes at a good rate.

Just a few tips to help you out: Select good scissors (I prefer Gingher but Fiskars are good as well) and only use them to cut fabric and pattern paper. Cutting any other paper with them will dull them, and that's not fun at all. Make everything you do (cutting, marking, matching seams, etc) as precise as possible. And one of the most important ones, read through ALL pattern instructions before you begin. That way you have a better idea of why you are doing each step. And also, if you are putting in a zipper, make sure you have either a regular or invisible zipper foot depending on what kind of zipper you are using. That makes a ton of difference.

While you won't be able to move straight to fancy cocktail dresses, try some of the Easy Sew dress patterns. They have some simple, yet pretty designs, that with the right fabric could look really fabulous! These patterns will give you a good feel for using patterns and sewing. Good luck!!