Machines, accessories, help and how-tos
For those about to plunge in with their first sewing project, things can, at first, seem a little daunting.
So we’ve put together an introduction from some of our favourite sources out there in Sewing Land, that will help you to get up and running in no time.
So let us take you by the hand and help you to take your first (stress free) steps into our world.
And start to enjoy your sewing…
Learn how to sew: my guide to beginners sewing
If you’re thinking of taking up the noble art, there can be no better starting place than this wonderfully comprehensive introduction by Maria Geer on her excellent Stitch and Sew blog.
This is one of the best articles of its type that we’ve seen in a long time. In fact calling it a mere “article” is to do it a disservice. This is a three cups of coffee piece at least!
Maria covers a wonderful array of scene setters, before letting you loose on the good stuff, including
- A history of sewing
- Hand sewing and machine sewing
- First stitches – starting to sew
- Your first project
- Gather your supplies
- Your sewing machine
- Supplies – tools to make sewing easier
- Needles, hand sewing needles and sewing machine needles
- Thread and thread weight
- Scissors and rotary cutters
- Loads of sewing notions
- Fabric
- Terminology
- Patterns
- …and so on. It’s amazing!
Top tips: the 7 common mistakes all sewers make, including “Until you’re an experienced sewer with lots of successful projects completed, stick with the fabrics that are recommended by the pattern designer or the experts at your favorite fabric store.”
Sewing for beginners: where to start with your first sewing kit
Next in line as part of our “getting up and running” special is a focus on the essential sewing kit, courtesy of Danielle on the Contrado website.
Danielle has listed her top 15 items everyone needs, including pinking shears, dryer sheers and a cutting mat.
Top tip: include a seam ripper.
“This was the number one answer I received, so this nifty tool is a must sewing for beginners essential. If you’ve made an error in your stitching, simply unpick them away and et voila! Start again and forget the whole thing ever happened.”
Sewing for beginners: everything you need to learn to sew
A more comprehensive and ambitious piece here from Amanda which can be found on the Crazy Little Projects website.
An excellent intro for anyone who has a shiny new sewing machine and doesn’t yet know what to do with it. It also features some sensible considerations that you should pay attention to if you’re thinking of purchasing a new machine.
Top tip: check out this an other sewing dictionaries so that you can get the hang of the terminology that’s widely used, or, as Amanda puts it
“… as you begin to read patterns and instructions, you’re going to come across a lot of unfamiliar words. Terms like basting and bias can be confusing but can be important aspects of what you’re working on. “
Send us YOUR sewing tips
We’d love to hear from you! We may even publish details and links on our blog. Become part of the Sew & Craft community by emailing your top tips to info@gursewingmachines.com.
And just in case you need some of our wonderful sewing accessories or sewing machines…
Everything kind of product for the discerning sewist!
- Sewing machines
- Patchwork and quilting machines
- Overlockers
- Sewing and embroidery machines
- Embroidery machines
- Cover hem machines.
Choose from GUR’s amazing selection of sewing machines and get free UK delivery! They have been supplying sewing machines for over 60 years.
Top quality manufacturers include:-
Telephone 0121 359 5335 or email GUR Sewing Machines now!