Hi, recently I’ve been wanting to get into sewing. I’ve done a little bit on crochet projects and the like but I mean specifically sewing clothes together (taking in items, adding bits to items, creating entire items, yadda yadda yadda). I’m a wearable crocheter, and I think it’d just be easier on me If I knew how to make my own clothes out of fabric. also, it seems kind of fun. So i’d like to ask for any tips or things you wish you knew when you started learning how to sew. Thank you! OH and before I forget, if you have any recommendations on products, places to buy fabric, types of stitches, types of sewing machines, really anything please put them In the replies so I can check them out! Again, thank you!
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Good luck!
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i no have sewed before but gl rhino!
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uh, my one tip would be that you dont actually need the 20 dif supplies unless you actually plan on doing more than js upcycling ur clothes or smt.
a few diff bobbins(i reccomend basic colors like black n white), a pin cushion with like 200 diff pins(cause lord knows how easy it is to lose them), the woden circle thingys for embroidery on clothing(js helps keep it straight and centered rlly), a tape mesure, a good pair of scissors, or that pizza cutter fabric looking thing for cleaner cutting. Sewing needles (you can buy a basic travel size sewing kit at dollar tree) cause there are some things that are better hand sewn.
Also, threading the needle is a b!tch, but yk if you figure out how to use a sewing machine you should so teach me cuz i lwk js got one rotting in my closet shelf 
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UHM GIMMEE ITTT WHAT I WANT THAT MACHINE stop letting that poor baby rot
tyyy dreyyy I appreciate itttt lwk shouldve js asked u directly but we ball ig
I’ll keep others in mind 
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LMAO
lwk, im like a ‘maybe’ person you should ask.
im sure there are way more helpful ppl in this space compared to me
i js know semi basics.
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anything helpssss 
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Pin everything together before you sew. i refused to for a while but the moment I gave in I got leagues better
Other than that I didn’t make anything in a while so I kinda forgot, plus my machine is kinda broken…
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I’m a beginner too I always wanted to be a fashion designer/illustrator since I was 3 but I didn’t wanna have to sew the garment. Fast forward to now and I crochet more than I sew. Make time for sewing I recommend watching the blueprintdiy on yt she shows you the parts of the machine and how to operate it. For free Patterns look up sparrow fashion. Practice everyday even if it’s for 15 minutes a day. You can’t expect to get better without practice. It’s fun when you get into it. I have this weird complex if I’m not good at something off rip it’s not for me. Crochet came easy sewing took more time and trial and error. There are some natural talents but my husband always says, “Hardwork beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”
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woah thank you so much!!!
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tank yew botsyyyyy
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Oh yeah definitely look on fb marketplace for a sewing machine. I got my serger from there and my computer sewing/embroidery machine. Ofc check the quality before paying.
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Depending on what you’re making, use pins or clips. You can also use alligator clips, like the ones for hairbows. I like those cause they hold on better. They also don’t accidentally stab/scratch you lol
Make sure you know your fabric before using pins!! Some fabrics will retain the hole , and you’ll have to start over.
At Walmart, check by the cutting counter to see what discounted fabrics they have if you need anything. It varies depending on store of course.
Quilting stores are the best for fabrics as well! They’ll help you out with any questions you may have.
Products:
Cutting mat, rotary cutter, sharp scissors, pins/clips, safety pins, elastic, iron, ironing board, fabric interfacing/stabilizer (i forget which one, that will be used for like collars, or something that you need structure on), fabric measuring tape, quilting rulers, buttons, snaps, JUST GET EVERYTHING IN SIGHT! (But that’s just me talking)
If you purchase any sewing patterns, they’ll always tell you what materials you’ll need. There’s also some companies that have YouTube channels and they have tutorials that go along with the patterns if you ever need help. There’s also just people who make and sell clothes so you could find any tutorial!
I haven’t sewn in a while, so I hope that helps.
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If you aren’t familiar with how to use a sewing machine check out machine shops that have demo models in store, this way you can try out different makes/models before purchasing one. They will show you how to thread the machine and how to select the different stitches etc.
You don’t need anything fancy to start with. As long as the machine has the ability to do straight running stitches, zig zags and button holes and come with the corresponding ‘feet’ for these stitches. You don’t need fancy stitches or ‘free motion’ capabilities. Nowadays you can buy new, basic machines quite cheaply so I’d probably avoid buying second hand because you don’t know what issues it may come with.
You will naturally need thread. I suggest a good quality one such as Guttermann in black and white to start with. These are threaded from the top of the machine. You can buy different colours to match your fabric, however, you can get away with just black and white to begin with.
You will need bobbins which come empty and are often part of your sewing machine purchase. Your sewing machine has the functionality to wind the thread you purchased onto the bobbins. Bobbins are inserted into the lower section of the machine.
Buy a good quality pair of dress making scissors because regular scissors don’t work effectively on fabric. They’re a bit more expensive but will save you a lot of frustration. Also do NOT use dress making scissors to cut anything other than fabric/thread as it will damage them.
To start with you don’t need a rotary cutter or cutting mat. You can purchase these at a later time if you want to.
Fabric - I recommend sticking with a cotton fabric to begin with. It doesn’t stretch except on the bias (against the grain) and is easy to sew with. Fabric can be expensive, especially quilting cotton so I suggest, as an alternative, you could practice using old bed sheets etc.
Sewing machine needles vary in thickness to accommodate different fabric thicknesses and types.
Patterns - You can purchase patterns in store and online. If you purchase them online, you will have to print them out, tape all the sheets together and then cut them out. I recommend going to the thrift stores as you can often find cheap patterns there. Patterns will come with full instructions so if you buy at the thrift, check all the pieces and instruction sheets are there.
Something I’ve noticed when working with sewing patterns is that, you might be a particular size in store bought clothing, however, I often have to use a larger size when making my own clothes. So just in case, don’t go and cut out the smallest pattern first. Start with the biggest.
You’ll also need pins and a pin cushion. I prefer the ball head pins or even the longer quilting pins. You need pins to hold your pattern to the fabric so you can cut out the individual pieces. You’ll also need them to hold your seams together whilst you stitch them together.
A measuring tape as you will need to measure your chest, hips, waist etc to select the right pattern size etc.
You’ll also need to be able to identify the back and front of the fabric as sometimes it’s not instantly clear.
I suggest just buying the essentials I’ve listed to begin with as if you decide you aren’t as keen on sewing later, at least you haven’t spent too much on all the unnecessary bits and pieces.
If you need to buy something specific to make a particular item then that’s the exception. For example: you may need some elastic for pants.
To get used to machine sewing, you could start with simple tote bags, cushions, etc.
You can use the zig zag stitch instead of a serger/overlocker temporarily.
That’s all that comes to mind at the moment.
Good luck on your sewing journey.
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good luck rhino 
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