want to try out sewing - tips?

Sewing 🧵
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hi, my main craft is crochet but i am interested in trying out make plushies using a sewing machine/ hand sewing fabric! i was wondering if anyone had any tips, especially on what would be easy to make as a beginner. thanks!

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Scrunchies on a sewing machine you get to learn about your machine then you can move on to plushies

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thanks! i have made a couple (bad) scrunchies quite recently, so i know the sewing machine.

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same!! i just can’t muster the effort to start, lol

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On a sewing machine, i always suggest quilt squares to start! You can use any old fabric, scraps, whatever you have. Find a simple quilt square with straight lines that you like. Make as many of them as you want/make them until you feel comfortable with your machine. This is how i started as a kid! Make sure to account for seam allowance when cutting your fabric!

If you dont want to make an entire quilt with them you can take what you have and sew a pillow or smaller baby blanket!

Edit- i am more experienced with hand sewing as well- but im not sure where to advise you to start with it :sweat_smile: i went all in and just started making plushies when i started. Got better over time. There are plenty of free plushie patterns online. For more structured/Instructed projects maybe find a kit at a craft store! They tend to have books that explain the basic stitches, same as most crochet kits.

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Tips:

  1. When using a sewing machine think about what fabric you are going to use cause some fabrics are NOT beginner friendly. Also some need a specific needle, to make it easier. For ex: while you could just use the needle it comes with {you probably going to struggle} a ballpoint needle is gonna make things like super stretch material easier.
  2. If you have your fabric pinned together, be careful. Make sure you remove the pin before running that needle across it. Cause you may think you can just “go over” it. but nah, you gonna snap the needle and that needle going to go flying across the room and/or in your face…ask me how i know… :sweat_smile:
  3. Low on cash for fabric? If you got some clothes to donate, look through them and see what ya got that you can cut up. I also like to find vintage or cool bedsheets at thrift stores. Wash well and you got some nice yardage.
  4. Pinking shears are awesome. Definitely get some when you can. They really make a seam look nicer. They are also helpful with fabrics that like to fray.
  5. Like someone said seam allowances. Don’t forget them! They can end up messing with your pattern if you don’t. Look at the pattern you are using and see if the pattern already includes them. most do. But if not its pretty simple to just add a 1/4 to 5/8 an inch.
    6… and last. beginner friendly patterns. I would check pinterest and make a board. I have seen some simple but cute patterns for free there. Just print them out. Cut and go at it. Don’t be scared to make something ugly at first. Mistakes will be made, but as you get the hang of it, your’ll be making some awesome things. You control the speed of a sewing machine, so just take it slow at first. oh, also dont forget to press the button thingie on your machine that makes the backstitch. You want to go with your stitch forward a couple times, hit button, backstitch a couple. then continue forward. This essentially locks stitch in place. do it when you finish the stitch too.
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thanks so much!! that’s so helpful!

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