Burda Style For people who sew

Hello, I am VERY new to sewing and have purchased a second-hand sewing machine. My friend has shown me the basics, but I don’t know where to start to practice. Does anyone have any advice on what to practice to get to know how to work the machine better? Thanks in advance.

Feb 5, 2012, 07.01 PM by Jill Hedler

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  Feb 5, 2012, 08.46 PMby sewingfan1

  If it’s just getting to know your machine and trying out the different stitches and settings etc, you could practice on different pieces of scrap fabric to see how it varies between heavy and fine materials, stretch or non stretch etc.

  If you want to actually make something I’d look for a beginner’s pattern (there’s quite a few free ones on this site in the patterns section). Something without too many seams, darts or fastenings (maybe a t-shirt?) might be a good place to start.

  I literally only used my machine for years with just the straight stitches and zigzag stitches and learning about which size needle to use with which fabric. It’s only relatively recently I started using some of the extras on there and some of the different feet that are available.

  If you have a manual that came with it (or look up a copy of it on the internet) they really are worth reading through as it tells you how to care for and oil your machine and what to/how to use the different stitches for.

  I’m sure some others will post some more exciting suggestions for you too.
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  Feb 5, 2012, 09.38 PMby patti-r

  Great tips from “sewingfan1” my niece and great niece started last summer with these free projects:

  http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/tp/beginnerprojects.htm

  They used recycled items for fabric like sheets, pillowcases, cotton curtains, men’s shirts and denim jeans just to start out.
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  Feb 6, 2012, 01.05 PMby katexxxxxx

  Make seams.

  Just seams… Cut gash old fabric into 4" wide strips and sew together. Practice getting even stitches and nice curves. Practice even and acurate seam allowances… learn to steer!

  Go through the machine manual and try all the stitch types and processes…

  And then try a simple project like a bag or a cushion cover. :)
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  Feb 6, 2012, 03.37 PMby mickeygirl

  I remember in school that we had to first sew on paper over lines and shapes with just a needle and no thread. Then we used some fabric to make small pillows. A good beginner project is pj pants.
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  Feb 6, 2012, 04.03 PMby ieltayib

  Hi! I’m new to sewing too. But I did take a month of lessons at home to learn how to draft patterns. My teacher had me start with a simple straight skirt, or an A Line skirt which is even easier. Make it with an elastic waist band instead of a zipper until you’re comfortable doing that, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it will be! I’ll look around for an easy ready printed pattern for you ( I make my own according to my size) but I’m sure there are some on this site. I’ll see what I could find. If you’re interested in how to draft simple patterns let me know, maybe I can help