How to set up your sewing project for success - Beginner to Advanced
Hi there sewing friends !
Sitting down to sew your first project can seem overwhelming and confusing, especially if you're a beginner. We often learn to sew in so many different ways—whether it's through online tutorials, YouTube videos, or printed-out instructions. But nothing truly compares to that moment when you have to actually sit down and start sewing. The excitement mixed with a bit of uncertainty can make it feel like there's so much to keep track of, and can sometimes lead to never even starting :(
The key to success is remembering that piecing together your sewing techniques and following your sewing pattern can only be done one step at a time. Just like stitching a seam, each part of your project builds on the one before it. From selecting the perfect fabric to threading your needle, every step is important, but you don’t have to do it all at once, but it is important to do each step in the right order, to avoid the dreaded unpicker!
In this blog, I’m going to guide you through how to piece together your sewing project one stitch at a time, breaking down the process so that you can focus on each step without feeling overwhelmed. By the end, you’ll see that with a bit of preparation and patience, sewing can be an enjoyable and creative hobby.
Step 1: Find the Right Sewing Pattern and Fabric
The first step in any sewing project is finding the right sewing pattern and fabric. This is crucial because choosing the wrong materials can cause problems later on that are tough to fix. When selecting your pattern, make sure it's something that fits your skill level and that you’re excited to make! Once you've picked your pattern, the fabric choice comes next. It's important to match your fabric to the pattern's requirements—consider the fabric’s weight, stretch, and how easy it will be to sew.
When I am choosing my fabric for my sewing projects I take a few things into consideration.
Do I like the FEEL of this fabric? if not, I will not wear it, no matter how pretty it is.
Does it hold a crease? Im not an “iron my clothes type of person” so if it needs to be ironed to look half decent, its a no from me.
Does it suit my style? Over the years I have purchased some fabric here and there that doesn’t fit into my sewing style so fabric thats on sale, or when I fear FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) I have learned to skip as it tends to end up in my fabric stash anyway.
Do I already have something like this? if the answers YES, then head on home and use what’s already in your stash, no need to double up on fabric that you already have.
After you have your fabric and pattern ready, the next step is prepping your sewing space. Having everything organized and within arm’s reach will make your sewing process smoother. I always like to set up my sewing machine, gather my tools, and lay out all the fabric pieces before I even thread the needle. This way, I know where everything is, and I can sew without interruptions. Trust me, proper setup can save you from making mistakes down the line!
One of my best “sewing setup” tricks is to tie a ribbon around my sewing machine and attach a pair of snips to it. This not only prevents your snips from wandering off never to be seen again, but also allows you to snip off those thread tails straight away after sewing, a really good habit to get into !
Step 2: Sewing the Main Parts
Once your sewing space is prepped and your materials are ready, it’s time to start sewing the main parts of your project. I always find it helpful to group similar sewing techniques together to make the process more efficient. This means sewing all your seams that require the same thread and needle type at the same time. Not only does it save time, but it also helps keep you in a creative flow without constantly stopping to change your setup.
For example, if I’m working on a dress that has multiple different sewing techniques, I will break it down into bite-sized chunks. First, I would sew up the side seams, shoulder seams, and darts. These all require straight stitching and are on the interior of the garment. After that, I would move on to a different technique like gathering, which may require me to change my stitch length and possibly even my thread. This approach not only helps me get through each stage of my sewing project with more ease but also allows me to keep my machine settings suited to each technique.
Step 3: Adding the Finishing Touches
Now that the main parts of your project are sewn together, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. These little details are what make your sewing project truly unique and personal. Whether it's hand-sewing a button, hemming the garment, or even adding a custom name tag, these small steps are essential to giving your project a polished and professional look.
I find that taking the time to add these finishing touches can make all the difference. Hemming, for example, might seem like a quick task, but it’s important to get it right so your garment hangs beautifully. I also love hand-sewing buttons or adding small, decorative stitches because it gives the piece a handcrafted feel. Plus, adding something like a personalized tag is a fun way to claim your work—after all, you’ve put in the effort to make it from scratch!
I tend to always finish off parts of my sewing projects with a bit of hand stitching. I find that staying true to the original craft of sewing adds a personal touch, as hand sewing was the norm before the invention of the sewing machine. Hand sewing doesn’t have to be intricate or difficult—it can be as simple as finishing your hem with a blind stitch or adding a small piece of embroidery. Your touch is the finishing touch.
Sewing is a Journey, Not a Race
Sewing is a process that doesn’t have to be rushed. From choosing the perfect pattern and fabric to organizing your workspace, stitching your seams, and adding the final touches, every step is important and should be enjoyed. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to finish your project quickly, but taking your time and focusing on each step will not only help you avoid mistakes but will also make the entire experience more rewarding.
Remember, you don’t have to complete your sewing project in one day. Sometimes, the best part of sewing is enjoying the journey—learning new techniques, experimenting with fabrics, and adding personal touches that make each creation truly your own. Whether you’re making a garment for yourself or a thoughtful gift for someone else, sewing is a creative and fulfilling hobby that can be enjoyed at your own pace. So, take it one stitch at a time and savor the process!
Get "Sewing for Beginners" Ebook
If you’ve been looking for an easy and fun way to start sewing, the Sewing for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide is the resource you need. With simple instructions, exciting projects like the summer skirt, bucket hat, and scrunchie, and valuable sewing techniques, this ebook will help you build confidence and skills in no time. So why not dive in and start your sewing journey today? I can’t wait to see what you sew !