[frazerti]

hi I am so into fashion designing, I guess I took after my mom a bit, and I'm so interested in knowing how to sew. I can sew by hand only basic sewing but I don't know how to use the machine or do any special techniques. I can ruffle a bit but I'm not a pro, and I would also like to learn how to cut my own patterns from scratch any one have any ideas where I can get some info and I'm a plus size person so I would need to know about sewing and designing plus size but if anyone knows anything that would help please post I would really appreciate it thank you.


and I tried asking my mom but she claims that she forgot it was so long ago, yeah right.

[Little_Lisa]

I know nothing about sewing. I wish I did, though. There's quite a few girls on here that are into that so i'm sure they can help ya out.

[Aquilah]

I don't know anything about sewing either. Hopefully Lainey or Maja sees this post though. They're both totally awesome!

[luxotika]

Have you tried looking into local colleges? They have a bunch of sewing courses at colleges and city arts centers. Most of them are pretty reasonably priced. As far as the plus sized templates go, good luck, I am plus sized myself and interested in sewing, but all of the patterns that I have seen for it are "tent-ish"!

[frazerti]

I would look into the colleges, but I need to know if there are any websites, or books I can read that will get me started into sewing. I can sew by hand but I can only hem a skirt or take in a pair of pants and thats it, I want to know how to hand sew and machine but thanks.

[angel_eyes4evah]

My Mom works at Joanns, and they have lots of books and patterns for plus size!!

[SamanthaBNYC]

"Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" is my favorite book about sewing. I've seen plenty of books (through school and the industry) and that one still remains outstanding (it takes you from beginner to tailor). It does have a little on pattern altering in it, too. My favorite book for intermediate to advanced sewers is "Couture" by Claire Schaeffer. I don't have any recommendations for patternmaking books, because the ones I used I wasn't impressed with. that's one of those things that is best to learn in a classroom. My favorite patternmaking method is the Minott method (I'm in the minority on that one, though).
by the way, most of the designers I've worked with don't sew (a few of them don't even know how).
Amethyst used to be a fashion designer, so she'd know more about how to get into design.

[Maja]

Originally Posted by SamanthaBNYC

"Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" is my favorite book about sewing. I've seen plenty of books (through school and the industry) and that one still remains outstanding (it takes you from beginner to tailor). It does have a little on pattern altering in it, too. My favorite book for intermediate to advanced sewers is "Couture" by Claire Schaeffer.
by the way, most of the designers I've worked with don't sew (a few of them don't even know how).

I agree. Most fashion designers don't sew.

As for starting to sew, I really recommend taking classes, even if it is just one beginner's class. Sewing is not one of those things you can learn from books alone. You mostly learn through practice and experience. Also, you'll need to learn how to use your machine properly.

As for pattern drafting, I took a class at a local college just to learn the basics and get the terminology straight. Here, again, as with sewing... it's all about practice, practice, practice. But you need to know the basics first!

[SewAmazing]

Go to as many plus size sewing websites and forums as possible, join, and ask questions. I teach beginner Plus size sewing, and there is a ton of info out there. If you have really good sewing stores in your area, go in there and look at all the plus patterns. They have really easy beginner ones that you will be able to sew. Have the store give you a sewing machine demonstration, and practice some basic seams and stitches. Hit me up for questions anytime, sewing is my life!

[Miss World]

in junior high and high school we were forced to have one sewing project each year.. hehe I wish I remember any of it now ^_^ was fun though.. now I'd love to learn again as all I can do now is design something and get it done somewhere :|

[stashblaster]

My daughter's degree is in Fashion Design. When we were interviewing colleges, so many said that the students really didn't have to sew. That isn't true. My daughter had to sew so many projects and she had to take a remedial sewing course to get her thru. The students had to make all their pieces for the spring fashion show and were graded on workmanship. Sewing is not her strong suit. I don't think she uses sewing skills in her profession but she needed them to get thru college.

I would use your local library. Check out issues of Threads. Also, I think if you go on threefatchicks.com they have information on pattern companies. Try PBS. Sewing with Nancy is on Saturday mornings in my area. Just watch whatever sewing program there is, whether it be quilting or baby items. I learn great tips. My mother sewed, but she doesn't do near the stuff that I do. I learned pretty much on my own and out of necessity.

[bulbul]

Originally Posted by SewAmazing

Go to as many plus size sewing websites and forums as possible, join, and ask questions. I teach beginner Plus size sewing, and there is a ton of info out there. If you have really good sewing stores in your area, go in there and look at all the plus patterns. They have really easy beginner ones that you will be able to sew. Have the store give you a sewing machine demonstration, and practice some basic seams and stitches. Hit me up for questions anytime, sewing is my life!

Hi
I know it is old topic but I just come acorss it. I do sewing time to time but I cant sew in stright line if u know what i mean is there any tips please . Thanks in advance

[SewAmazing]

Originally Posted by bulbul

Hi
I know it is old topic but I just come acorss it. I do sewing time to time but I cant sew in stright line if u know what i mean is there any tips please . Thanks in advance

You are probably not sewing in a straight line because you are probably watching the needle as you sew! Do not look at the needle. All the needle does is go up and down. Line your fabric edge up with the edge of the presser foot, lower the presser foot, turn the handwheel to stick the needle into the fabric and then press lightly on the foot pedal. As long as you keep your eye on holding the fabric along the edge of the pressure foot, you will have a perfect straight chain stitch every time. Another trick, is to place a piece of tape an inch away from the pressure foot (across the bed of the sewing machine) and use that as a guide. A normal seam is 5/8". Happy sewing!

[bulbul]

Sewamazing thank you very much very good tips

[Karren]

Originally Posted by angel_eyes4evah

My Mom works at Joanns, and they have lots of books and patterns for plus size!!

Doesn't Joanns have sewing classes also? My mom was a great sewer... I can do a few things on the machine but definately a rookie!