Is sewing on your mind?
Have you thought about sewing so much you actually bought a sewing machine but it’s still in the box?
Do you have fond memories of your mom or grandma sewing clothes, quilting, or making other things for you and your siblings? Does it make you wish you had the ability to sew for your own kids?
Do you see sewn items in stores and online and wish they were a different color, size, or had some embellishment?
Maybe you know how to sew and want your kids to learn because it’s a blend of reading, math, problem-solving, and creativity. However, you’re not sure where to start.
In-person sewing classes have certain benefits, but sometimes they just aren’t possible.
A definite alternative is an online-sewing class.
If you have limited sewing experience, never touched a sewing machine, or want to teach your kids how to sew, Starting to Sew is the perfect sewing class for you.
IMPORTANT: Sewing machines have moving parts, sharp needles, and can cause injury if not handled properly. Read and follow safety instructions in the sewing machine instruction manual.
Do not use the sewing machine as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the sewing machine is used by or near children.
Starting to Sew
Starting to Sew is a free online sewing class consisting of 12 lessons. Each lesson was carefully designed to take you step-by-step through learning how to sew on a machine.
You’ll learn all the things you would in an in-person sewing class plus some extras. And, you can complete the sewing class at your own pace.
Lessons 1-3
The first 3 lessons in Starting to Sew guide you through the process of finding a sewing machine and learning about basic sewing tools.
- You can skip lessons 1 and 2 if you already have a sewing machine.
- Make sure to go through lesson 3 so you are aware of the essential sewing tools.
Lessons 4 – 10
Important: These lessons should be followed in order.
Lessons 4 – 10 allow you to gain a foundational understanding of how your sewing machine works.
Lessons 11 – 12
Lessons 11 and 12 provide the necessary info on what you need to do to take care of your machine and helpful tips to create a sewing space.
Starting to Sew: A FREE Online Class to Learn How to Sew on a Machine
Lesson 1: The Best Sewing Machine for You
If you don't have a sewing machine at home that works and you're considering buying one, it's helpful to think about several questions before you actually start looking for your future sewing machine.
Having thought about these questions ahead of time, and maybe even having answers, will make your shopping experience productive and enjoyable.
This lesson isn't necessary if you already have a sewing machine. However, when you're ready to buy another, make sure to answer these questions first.
Lesson 2: Where to Buy a Sewing Machine
There are many places to buy a sewing machine. In Lesson 2 of Starting to Sew, I share places you can buy one along with positive and negative considerations for each.
This lesson isn't necessary if you already have a sewing machine. However, when you're ready to buy another, make sure to take a look at the pros and cons of different places to buy a sewing machine.
Lesson 3: Essential Sewing Tools
Every project is more enjoyable (and easier to do) when you have the right tools.
Sewing projects are not any different.
Having the essential sewing tools will allow you to prepare your material for accurate sewing, make construction easier, and hopefully allow you to feel less frustration when you have to correct a mistake.
Lesson 4: First Steps to Set Up a Sewing Machine
Your sewing machine may be brand new and right-out-of-the-box. Maybe you brought it home from any number of places that sell previously-owned machines. It could be you borrowed a machine from a friend or family member.
It doesn’t matter what type of sewing machine you have or where you got it, there are certain steps you should take before you begin sewing.
This article explains the first four steps you should take to set up your sewing machine once it is sitting on the table in front of you.
Lesson 5: How to Wind a Bobbin on Your Sewing Machine
Threading your machine correctly is a critical component in sewing. Learning how to wind thread on a bobbin is the first step to getting your sewing machine threaded correctly.
Lesson 6: How to Insert a Bobbin in Your Sewing Machine
Congratulations... you've wound thread on your first bobbin! Now it's time to insert the bobbin in your sewing machine.
Lesson 7: How to Thread Your Sewing Machine
It’s almost sewing time! You’ve learned how to wind and insert the bobbin. Now, you need to learn how to thread your sewing machine.
Lesson 8: Understanding Sewing Machine Stitches
You're almost there!
It's time to develop your foundational understanding of sewing machine stitches by knowing what stitches your machine can do and learning about stitch length and width.
Then it will be time to sew!
Lesson 9: Two Basic Sewing Machine Stitches
Today is the day!
After learning how to prepare and insert the bobbin, thread your machine, and the basics about stitch length and width, you’re going to sew.
There are two basic stitches you need to know as you begin your sewing adventures…the straight stitch and the zig-zag stitch.
Lesson 10: Eight Sewing Basics You Need to Know
You’ve had the opportunity to learn about the stitches your machine can do and experiment with stitch length and width.
Now, let’s talk about 8 sewing basics you need to know as you begin your sewing adventures.
Lesson 11: Sewing Machine Care and Cleaning
Soon you’ll be working on some projects to develop your sewing skills and make items for yourself, your home, or others.
Whether you’ll be sewing every day or once a week, it’s important to develop a care and cleaning routine to keep your sewing machine in good working condition.
Lesson 12: Creating a Sewing Space
An important element in wildly successful sewing experiences is the space where you sew.
In a perfect world, you’d be able to leave your sewing machine and other supplies out when you have to stop working on a project.
For many, that just isn’t possible.
So thinking outside the box may be important as you create sewing space in your home.
BONUS: Sewing Projects for Beginners
Congratulations! You now know how to sew on a sewing machine and are on your way to discover the joy of sewing!
The free online sewing class Starting to Sew is just the beginning of your sewing journey.
Take a look at some beginner sewing projects.
Each project was designed to help you get comfortable with your sewing machine and develop foundational sewing knowledge and skills.
In addition to discovering the joy of sewing, there is an extra bonus for completing these sewing projects … you create something for yourself, your home, or others to enjoy!
Let’s Connect
My main goals are to support, empower, and inspire you to discover the joy of sewing.
Need help or have questions on this project, pattern, or tutorial? Send me an email at nicki@theruffledpurse.com and we can work together to get it figured out!
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