Advice from my grandma I wish I took seriously when I started sewing. Take your favourite pair of trousers (example as this works for any garment) you own that are "beyond repair" (whatever that means to you) and take them apart. Unpick every seam and try to absorb how they fit together, take notes. Then trace those fabric pieces onto some wrapping paper or baking paper bits of cardboard, whatever you have! YOU NOW HAVE A PATTERN OF YOUR FAVOURITE TROUSERS! You can make them as many times as you like out of thrifted bedsheets, curtains, whatever, to start off with. But now you have a way to make something you already KNOW you love!
This is such good advice! We had to do this in my GCSE textiles class- bring in something old, learn how to deconstruct it at the seams, use it to draft a pattern and see what components could be reused such as zips or buttons. It was really helpful both as an actual method and just for teaching you to understand how garments were constructed/how the pieces fitted together.
Especially if they're beyond repair, and you're cutting them apart already...you can also skip the step where you trace the pieces and just use the picked apart fabric as the pattern! If it's a garment that's not quite at the end of its life, you can trace the pieces without picking it apart...I like to cover the parts that are complicated or have plates in masking tape. Then I mark the peaks and valleys of the plates with pencil or pen (test it to make sure the pen won't bleed through to your favorite garment). Finally, I carefully pull off the masking tape replica of the pattern and stick it to wrapping paper/baking paper/old newspapers. This works for darts and seams too! Just cover it in tape, mark the dart/seam, and as you pull it off, cut the darts and seams to get a flat pattern. This is also an easy way to figure out how to add registration marks to your parents...I can't tell you how valuable this has been for me...I've replicated corsets and bras by making patterns from existing garments like this! Make sure you add seam allowance when you make these. I like to add it as I mark the pattern out so I can also trace the line I'm supposed to stitch. It's not necessary, but I prefer it for more precise stitching.
I took a community college class on replicating existing garments and I LOVED it (a very much a newbie sewist). You can do this without dismantling the garment (in my case, I wanted my favorite top as a pattern to make in all the fabrics my heart desires), and you're right that examining a garment with this level of attention is wildly educational!
I've been wanting a silk-lined beanie for so long and got inspired halfway through this video and realised I could probably make it myself. I'm tearing up an old silk pillowcase now
Rachel Maksy is a great inspiration - she usually shares more of the process, than other creators - the mistakes, the stuff she wishes she made differently. She is also quite stubborn and will attempt a new thing several times, until she nails it. I'm still not convinced myself, since I hate mending my clothes, but each of your videos push me a tiny little bit more towards maaaayyybe trying out :)
Re attention span. I love about sewing that even a big project is made up of small tasks like step 1) cutting out the pattern, 2) pinning pattern to fabric, 3) cut out fabric pieces. That alone usually takes me a few hours and each step is it’s own little universe. I don’t even dare to think about the whoooooole project when I start and that’s how I get anything done.
My top sewing inspo channels that taught me how to sew clothes: - The Closet Historian (cannot recommend her enough! I wouldn't be where I am today without her channel) - Morgan Donner - Nicole Rudolph - Maria Pattie - Retro Claude They're mostly vintage/historically focused but I use those techniques on all eras of clothing. Hand finishing a garment can make it look a lot nicer too. Also hell yes to second hand vintage machines. They're usually more reliable than modern machines (which are either made to fall apart or stupidly expensive). And they're usually very cheap and easy to source (thrift shops, Facebook marketplace, classified websites ect) As a lifelong sewer/knitter who's been learning to make human clothes - it is such an empowering thing. Even having the skills to do basic mending makes a huge difference for our planet ❤️
evelyn wood from the vintage sewing school has one of the most amazing youtube channels on sewing. teaching you all of the "assumed knowledge" that isnt mentioned in sewing patterns and tutorials. shes great at explaining and such a lovely person. totally wholesome content for beginners and advanced sewers.
100% agree with this. She's a true gem, explains everything so beautifully and is so kind. I've been sewing for years and I still learn things from her.
My advice for beginners that want to sew form patterns is: BUY PATTERNS THAT COME WITH UA-cam TUTORIALS. Some patterns come with written instructions, but if you are new to using patterns, it’s a struggle on its own. You will come across sewing terms new to you, which equals spending more time googling than sewing. Good luck everyone ♥️♥️
And in case you already have a pattern there is a video tutorial for every sewing or knitting topic 😊And it's so much easier than trying to understand short written instruction without any pictures 🤯
Years ago i took a beginners sewing class where we learned to sew a pillow. I mentioned that I’d love to eventually learn to sew my own clothes. The teacher said “oh but you are going to need a whole sewing studio to have the space for that.” Even though i knew it wasn’t true it still deterred me for years. Thank you for the encouraging videos Leena reminding us we don’t need an entire sewing room to make a shirt 😂.
It's the same when i talk to my mom about wanting to take up sewing. Then I would need 2-3 different sewing machines and an entire room to sew in. She doesn't even sew so I don't know where she gets it
My “sewing studio” is a desk and an ironing board. I use the floor and a mat to cut out pieces and otherwise it takes up as much space as it needs. I follow people on IG who have one machine that they use in their free time on their dinner table. So no, you don’t need a special room, just the willingness to make mistakes and learn ☺️
if this helps i made my first skirt by hand with and old bed sheet and a remnant of wool fabric i bought for 6euros, i was powered by inspiration, determination to have a skirt with pockets and hunger to learn. highly reccomend :D also my mom as let me use her sewing machine and although it speeds up the process it's not necessary and you can make a lot by hand (unless you have pain, little time, patience, or just don't enjoy sewing by hand)
It's more like "it's going to consume your whole life that you might end up acquiring a sewing studio" 🤣🤣 started sewing at my dressing table then my partners brother moved out and instead of getting a logder we got a craft room 🤣
So my advice to a new sewist would be: don't scrimp on the brand sewing needles and (German) sewing thread. They DO make a difference. If your machine is bugging, try changing the needle and rewiring the thread first. So many times I have thought I was not able to sew, because my machine had bugs and hiccups, and it turns out it was just the cheap thread and needles I was using. Second best advice: don't try to be smarter than the instructions and think 'well I think I can skip this step!'. Definitely speaking from experience here! XD
Agree on the thread! You can spot good quality thread by holding it up to the light and seeing how fuzzy it is, the cheap thread is verry fuzzy and the expensive (gütermann, mettler) is very smooth
I've been sewing for almost four years (started during the pandemic) and I think the biggest piece of advice I have is to use all of the free and low cost resources out there! Libraries, second hand shops, friends who will lend you their machines, etc. Don't invest too much until you know you want to continue doing it! So many indie companies have free patterns, so you can make something and have solid, clear instructions to help you thru the process. Also, have fun and embrace learning and making mistakes! 💖 It's all part of the process.
I'd also add that you should download the free patterns from sewing companies that you're interested in buying a pattern from so you can read the way they write instructions to see if they gel with you or not. There are some pattern companies I just cannot get along with in the way they write their patterns and using the free patterns means you can gauge that before buying any of their pattern as they can be so pricey even when it's just a digital copy
Re: making waste when starting sewing: I started with literally bed sheets and curtains from the charity shop. I still do that if I need to do a mock up of something first.
9:27 ppl need to remember that things like yarn arent "one and done". If you're not sentimental, you can always undo a practice yarn project and use it for something new. As for fabric, scraps can be used as stuffing or gift wrap or piece quilting. Nothing has to go to waste when you're learning a skill.
Another idea for scrap yarn: needle felting. I’m a needle felter and most of the core wool that I use to fill out my projects is from thrift store sweaters that have passed their prime. And it doesn’t have to be wool, acrylic yarn works for this, too!
I promise you, prospective sewer, that when we say that anyone can sew we absolutely mean you. Make a scrunchie, make a frog out of some felt if you want to. It brings so much joy to you and the people around you.
To the point about time, one of the biggest things I’ve had to come to terms with is that it is okay to pause a project and come back to it at a later date. Life is unpredictable and sometimes you just get bored of what you’re working on and it’s okay to let other things become your priority (now the issue is trying not to have too many things going at once oops)
Honestly my best advice after sewing for years now is not what you'd think. But it's this. "You don't have to sew everything yourself". Now if you're anything like me you're a bit all or nothing, but this type of thinking has absolutely destroyed my sewjo. There is nothing more dulling to creativity than having to make absolutely everything out of necessity. So now I'm careful where I spend my energy, and there are some things I will buy now if I'm able to source it well. Because I'm literally one person, and saying I'm going to make something to justify buying the fabric for it only to realise I'm disabled and can't sew anywhere near as quick as my ADHD can come up with ideas, it's not realistic. But having sewing skills are awesome, and I find myself making a lot less from scratch now and often buying secondhand and making alterations to make it more me. This feels most accessible to me right now with current energy levels etc. But as a beginner I had this idea that I could make absolutely everything I wear, and maybe one day I will but putting that sort of pressure on myself made me not even try for a long time so definitely don't fall into the all or nothing traps. Sew what you have enthusiasm for, and motivation for. I almost feel annoyed that I know how to sew but can't always sew whatever I need whenever I need it because it's made me so super specific that I can't even buy what I'm looking for half the time because something isn't right with it 😅 so if I find something second hand that is almost right, I snap it up and give it a new life with a quick alteration and it also gives my brain that little dopamine quick win I needed 😅
I totally agree with what you say about becoming more picky after you learn to sew! When I'm looking at clothing in stores now I think "hmm the fabric isn't great" or "those seams aren't well finished" or "I COULD MAKE THAT!" which sometimes is not the most practical 😅
This resonates so much! I also think about how clothes at the thrift store exist anyway, so we might as well take advantage of the fact that they’re mostly done already (apart from the parts we want to change). It also helps me avoid having to purchase new fabric, which makes the whole activity even more sustainable :)
This is what I’m struggling with now. I’m at the phase where I know just enough to be dangerous and I can’t look at any article of clothing without thinking “I could do something really cool with that!!” And as someone who also has an ADHD 100 ideas per minute brain, I have to reel myself in because I’ve got a lot of great ideas but not the time (or the skill, yet) to execute even a fraction of them lol.
First steps are to get your older clothes and fix a loose button, patch a hole. Any mending which can prolong the life of your garment. Start on clothes that are at the end of life so there’s very low stakes and you can mend with a needle and thread. I’ve been going with a tiny emergency sewing kit for years.
For anyone looking to get a sewing machine, please do consider a vintage one! They are very durable, and it makes me personally sad when folks wrongly believe them to be unrepairable and turn it into a tacky side table or wine rack or whatever
This. Get thee a purely mechanical machine. They may not have 150 different decorative stitches and fancy machine footwork at the tap of a finger on a touchscreen, but neither are you (literally) banking your entire ability to sew on the reliability and lifespan of a (probably made in China) electronic motherboard. Even machines from the 80s and 90s and some more modern ones come with more than enough fancy stitches to play with, all of which require turning mechanical knobs or levers to access. These also tend to be cheaper, because fancy electronics are expensive. And the seriously vintage machines (i.e. pre-70s Singers) are damn near indestructible. I've seen people restore them from rusted-solid scrap metal to gleaming workhorse machines capable of stitching through the infamous 4-way inseam/crotch seam-intersection on a pair of denim jeans like it was double-folded chiffon. Of course, they often have only a straight stitch and maybe a zig-zag. But tbh, that's all most of us really need to make anything we'd wear in daily life unless you spend a lot of time working with knits. In which case get a basic, mechanical 4-needle serger and you can do All The Things.
I will say trying out a few machines can be important for figuring out what you like best. I had a vintage one for years and assumed using a sewing machine was just hard for me.... then I got a basic but modern Singer and when I say I wanted to kiss it for printing threading instructions on the machine itself....... well, I would not be lying. Either way you go, there are sooooo many machines available secondhand (Facebook marketplace is flooded post-pandemic, which is how I got mine!)
for people who’d like to sew from tutorials, Jess Dang has maaaaaaanny free youtube videos for so many cute garments. You can make them from just your measurements, and she has a full tutorial for every garment
My top piece of advice is start with mending. I've tried making new pieces of clothing multiple times and every time I'd get overwhelmed, but if my sock already has a hole in it, the worst that can happen is it goes in the textile recycling where it was going to go anyways. Then I moved on to fixing sizing stuff (hemming/etc) and slowly got more confident about cutting fabric and now I've made my first skirt 🎉🎉
Great video! Personally i really enjoy the channels of micarah tewers (its like standing in the kitchen while someone makes a 5 star dish but is joking about what ingredients she’s putting in like “5 seconds of heartache and a pinch of high school musical”) and Kathleen illustrated does some great thrift flipping. “made in the moment” is an amazing channel for knit and crochet and my ultimate love is Jenna Phipps for knit, crochet, DIY (like a purse made out of beads) and sewing - she’s basically a DIY queen X
I just found out that my local library has sewing machines to check out. I immediately thought “I have to share this with Leena’s people!” So check your libraries friends! You might be able to borrow a sewing machine to get started.
Last year I was in a theatre show and I had to wear a swishy black skirt. Could not find one to my taste in any fast fashion shops. Made it myself following a UA-cam video. Was told it was the prettiest black skirt in the show 💁♀️
Hi Leena! If anyone ever loses their "sewjo", all they have to do is watch one of your sewing videos. Your enthusiasm is inspiring! I have over 20 years (on and off) of sewing experience and I teach sewing classes (it's my job!). The best advice I can give to beginners is to make a test garment (toile, muslin) in cheap fabric (thrifted sheets, muslin fabric, anything you can get your hands on). It's really good practice and you get to test the fit before cutting into your precious fashion fabric. Making your test takes off the pressure of perfectionism and you get to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. If it doesn't work out, move on to the next project. If it does work out, make the pattern a couple of times to practice the skills you have learned. Happy Sewing! 🥰
I love that you’re encouraging people to sew! I love dressmaking and it’s really made me much more picky about what RTW clothes I buy. I will also alter more clothes now, like adding elastic to gaping waist bands or patching holes. The advice I give new sewists is don’t be scared, you can always find a blog or UA-cam tutorial to help with a technique, old duvet covers make great practice fodder when you’re new, and for your first couple of garments find someone to help! I had some lessons at a local sewing shop who helped me to decipher sewing patterns, then once I’d done that I pretty much taught myself everything else. Oh and even if you do go wrong, most likely no one else will notice. I will always point out my wonky zips or dodgy buttonholes and non-sewists are like ‘you literally crafted that with your own hands, what are you talking about?’
The biggest advice I got from my grandma when starting to form an interest in garment creation is that you have to love the process as much as the end garment or project, otherwise it's going to be a slog to get to the finish line, instead of an enjoyable experience. Also! Wear those garments out, shout to the roof tops that you made it when people ask where you got it! The instant and intense dopamine provided, every single time this happens, renews my passion for sewing, every time without fail. 😅
I'm a very experienced knitter and sewer and my masters thesis was on the challenges of written pattern instructions. The advice I have found to be true to most people I have helped or taught is to work with your temperament, not against it, and, to know that there are mistakes even in professionally made patterns. A pattern will be communicated in a way that makes sense to the person who made it, but as communication is as it is it might not make sense to your brain. And lastly, a bit bluntly put, remember: Experience is not the skill of threading the needle or making an increase without leaving an undesired hole, experience is seeing the pattern say one thing and correcting it as you are working. Experience is intangible, it is tacit knowledge and skill. It's overview of the process and opinions of how you prefer to do things. It will be gathered as you work through one projekt and, hopefully, the next and the one after that.
My advice to other beginners is to keep your sewing machine oiled! Sewing machines are not like other modern technology - they are actually built to last. I got my machine second (or third, maybe fourth) hand. It was made in the 1970s and it still works like a dream! Sewing machines will last basically forever as long as you take good care of them ❤️
I've been making some of my own clothes a few years, mending the rest and I work in a primary school. Since the kids have figured out that most of the time I've made at least one of the things I've made, I get asked almost daily what I'm wearing. They're genuinely disappointed when I've not got a homemade item on that day! It's certainly a feel good thing and helps with developing my own style too.
After decades of feeling guilty I have learned from youtube that it‘s totally normal to work on several projects at any given time, and most of them will get finished eventually. And if you really are unhappy with one, it‘s just fine to give up on it, frog it or add it to the patchwork pile. You don‘t have to finish everything that you‘ve started on, and if you do, you‘re the only one who sets the timeframe.
My advice for getting started with knitting: pick a project you’re genuinely excited about and learn how to knit by making it! Way too many people advise new knitters to learn by making a scarf, a washcloth, or anything else that’s perceived as simple. Personally I think keeping the momentum going when learning a new skill is very important, and nothing kills momentum more than NOT being excited about the thing you’re making. The very first thing I knit was a sweater that I really really wanted. Is it perfect? Definitely not! But I learned SO MUCH and was so excited about the project from start to finish, and that’s priceless! Ditch the washcloths!!
Totally agree! When I started sewing 12 years ago the first thing I made was regency dress from sense and sensibility patterns, I didn't want to make a boring bag or a basic skirt 😂. For years I've wanted to add knitting to my crafting skills and I'm taking the same approach to that. I think I learn better that way 💜
My first knitting project was a scarf out of very beautiful yarn. The stitches in the first part were all over the place butI knitted for approximately 2 to 3m and in the end my stitches were perfectly even. That was nice because I liked the look of the following projects way better. The next project was matching mittens. I had no pattern and was guessing how to do all the special stitches. The result was pretty wonky but I learned so much about the mechanics of knitting.
I've been sewing for over 12 years now, and here are my tips: - there are UA-cam tutorials for literally anything - if it's a new technique and you're scared to damaged your fabric, try it out with scrap fabric first - sewing machines are one of the last machines that are built to last. Mine is going strong for 12 years and never had an issue - you don't need space. I sewed a duffle coat while living in a 20 square meter appartment - sewing and tailoring are two different things, and sewing is much easier to learn and will require less math - use patterns and learn to adapt them to your body, for example I make any sleeve 7cm longer now - putting effort into exact cutting and straight seams is what will make your garments better - quality needles and threat are worth the money - have fun! It's a great skill and even better hobby to have and it's so so so rewarding to put a garment into reality that only existed in your mind before!
I've had periods of sewing in my life, and every period the start up time gets a little shorter. And I love that I just hit the point where I feel confident, and I look forward to sewing. It's my treat for myself to make something fit better or look more me ❤
If you want to try sewing with a machine, check with your library. Mine has a "Library of Things" that includes sewing tools, crochet/knitting tools, kitchen gear, some camping gear, etc.
As a chronically ill person crafting has been good for my mental well-being but not my body and it’s only this year that I’ve become well enough to do a little and one thing I’ve noticed is that if you don’t have much time to devote to crafting but really want to, it’s a lot like reading, some people read 100 books a year and some people read 3, that doesn’t mean that reading 3 was pointless, so yes if it brings you joy and you have time/capacity for even a little bit then I think it’s worth it even if your projects come together much slower than they does for others
I grew up with a mum who's a quilter, so that side of sewing always seemed doable to me. But making clothes was always so much more daunting. All the curves? Getting it to fit right? Working with stretchy fabrics? I've really been enjoying following your sewing journey. It's shown me that making your own clothes isn't as unattainable as I had in my head. I'm definitely going to have to give it another crack!
To ease in to making clothes i would definitely recommend to start with either very boxy shirts/dresses or flowy skirts, both have very little curves and like one or two measurements to get correct. Also - dont start with stretchy fabric 😅 Start with like a solid cotton or similar, much much easier!
In Finland we all learned to use a sewing machine in elementary school. I don't think most people use that skill as adults, but everyone who grew up in Finland is familiar with sewing, how to set the machine up and how to sew a basic garment (we had to make hoodies on 6th grade for example).
For certain types of people definitely do the way too complex passion project first, even if it ends up acting as a reality check where you get stuck and pick a smaller project to learn a skill to continue the passion project, it’s so worth it.
bernadette banner is amazing♡ she calls big scraps 'cabbage' lol & she did this thing with smaller scraps by cutting the very small like shreddy in order to stuff something. she calls that 'coleslaw'! love it i now have a cabbage patch and a jar with coleslaw that i dump into a sack as it fills. hoping to not ever have to buy polyfill again. i have learned so much from bernadette banner...
I’ve knitted since my grandmother taught me in elementary school, and I think my best advice is to try out lots of different types of patterns! I didn’t start really exploring the variety of patterns until college, and have figured out that I LOVE knitting fair isle. Wish I’d figured that out sooner!
My mum gifted us a sewing machine as a wedding gift and I've just about started my first project: a circle skirt. Inspired by you, I've also had the idea to reuse the fabric of two dresses that are a bit torn and too small for pillow cases. And something I'd love to do is make fabric bunting from different scraps of happy fabrics, but that might take a while to gather. Oh, and I'd like to repair clothes when needed. So thank you very much for sharing your journey! One thing that does slightly annoy me about sewing is having to set everything up at the kitchen table and tidy it away again, haha.
I very recently started to learn how to sew and I learned very quickly that I know nothing about fabric! I'm surprised this doesn't get mentioned more. When a pattern recommends a certain fabric, I find it very hard to find that exact fabric in store (especially with a pattern I like!). And i didn't know enough about types of fabrics to know what was similar, or useful alternatives. I'm slowly learning now, one project at a time. It can be overwhelming at times, there is sooo much to learn! But if you take it step by step and don't get too ahead if yourself, it's such a rewarding hobby!
Speaking of sewing with a chronic illness and fatigue I can say that it can be done, you really need to pace yourself and accept the process won't be as fast. My hands and back may hurt but the feeling of having accomplished something (and something creative at that) is priceless. Another nifty cabbage (scraps) busting project that will also help with your sewing projects is a tailor's ham!
My biggest advice to any new makers is to embrace this as an opportunity to find out what really excites you. You may love to make garments but hate making accessories or vice versa. You may find that working with linen is not inspiring but working with wool is. Yellow may send all of your nerve endings a-flutter and Red may leave you cold. It's a fun ride where you are free to follow your bliss and see where it takes you! Be curious and observant to how you are responding, learning, growing. Also, for knitters, check out great resources like Ysolda and Purl Soho for video tutorials, blog posts, and attractive free (particularly Purl Soho) and low-cost patterns that are geared towards teaching you everything you need to know as you move through a pattern. I have learned so many techniques from them as a completely new beginner. Brooklyn Tweed is also a great pattern source with the aim of education clearly in mind. Have fun!!!
7:39 I would like to also nominate youtuber V. Birchwood! She exclusively handsews her clothing, and she's made more than a dozen gorgeous historical outfits (1750s, 1850s, 1880s, etc). She's done a couple videos of "everything I've sewn in a year" and they are impressive and inspiring! I love Rachel Maksy too; my favorite part about her channel is that she doesn't try to hide her mistakes. She owns up to them and shows us how to work around them. I LOVE seeing all the yt channel recommendations in the comments here!
My first sewing project was making a dress for a school history project. It was a linen dress to try and replicate what ancient Egyptians would wear. I also made a loincloth for my male classmate to wear. Lately, I’ve loved watching Bernadette Banner & Rachel Maksy, along with other historical costumers on UA-cam. Hoping to make Ora Lin’s Pirate Pants sometime soon!!
As someone who hasn’t bought a new piece of clothing in over a year (made what I need instead!) I would recommend looking in your wardrobe for things you love to wear. What is it about them you love? Then copy it or choose a pattern that reflects what you already wear regularly. This way, the things you make are more likely to stick around and be much loved members of your closet gang ❤
from a person with a fashion degree, years of experience and a room full of sewing and patternmaking equipment: most of the time i literally just use regular needle and thread. you'll need a pair of scissors too, but the rest is very much in "add as you can" land. my personal basics are pins, a measuring tape, chalk and a thimble. with that you can do basically anything. some things you can actually do better with hand sewing. there are a million tutorials on youtube that teach you step by step how to do the most amazing types of stitch. my top best stitches are the essential running stitch and back stitch, and i really like to use whip stitch and ladder stitch (anytime i have to make an invisible stitch i do it in ladder stitch idk why). there are great beginner friendly tutorials for those. there are other fun stitches you can learn, but with 3 or 4 you can make anything.
As someone who grew up on her mom's lap while she sewed and cannot even remember how I learned it all I must say I'm so happy to see more people sew and trying to make their own wardrobes. And don't listen to anyone who says you need a ton of stuff. All I ever had was 1 sewing machine that I got for my birthday and one small box with my tools😄 never even had a desk I just did everything on the floor or dining table😅 just like my mom always did
I was also inspired by Rachel Maksy to start sewing again after my mom taught me as a child. Sewing gives me time to listen to podcasts or UA-cam and see tangible progress in my project as I problem solve my way through a pattern or an alteration of a garment I don’t quite like the fit of. It has saved dozens of pieces of clothing from the donate pile and made a bunch of second hand clothes wearable. Highly recommend.
i found Annika Victoria really useful when i first started out, unfortunately they dont make videos anymore, but their work is still up on their youtube channel! i always love to support australian, queer, and chronically ill creators - so this is a great follow for those reasons as well!
My mum was always buying second hand knits (mostly scarves) and using them as yarn for her own projects. She grew up and lived her young adult life in the USSR, where clothing was a deficit, so she's learnt to sew, knit and crochet. She'd knit us clothing all the time, and it was amazing 😍
Some advice I needed when I started making daily wear: 1. Get the fabrics that you like and feel comfortable in. If you buy second hand sheets for the environmental impact but never end up wearing what you made out of them, there's no point. 2. Sometimes finding out which colours and cuts really suit you also takes time and you might make some stuff you don't end up reaching for. Gift those things to others or cut them up and make some pencil cases, tote bags or pocket linings out of them. 3. Find your own way with patterns. Some people will tell you there is nothing easier than to do it yourself from measurements or copy clothes you already have, others will tell you to buy patterns and alter them. None is better than the other, just do what's easiest for you and, most importantly, what you enjoy. 4. Don't be scared to tackle "complicated" techniques. I have avoided a fly zip for the longest time and then found out, it's not actually that hard and that I had done harder things already (like, make a blazer lol) 5. Finish your seams! Otherwise your garment might fall apart quite quickly
I've been sewing ages, but I've started other craft skills more recently, and I find that repeating a project that I like until it starts coming out shop floor flawless is The Most Satisfying way of learning
8:26 Also, as part of the "sharing economy," many public libraries offer sewing machines to borrow! (For some, it's set up in a makerspace and for others you can literally take it home like you would a book)
Loving this comment section. So positive, so helpful, so encouraging! Love the idea of 'this is what my subs made' as a video of realistic projects and skill levels (maybe adding in some tips along the way, or saying where they would do something differently).
Since everyone is giving advice... I would say that making tops, dresses and skirts is absolutely 100% worthwhile, and shorts and pants too. But I wouldn't recommend sewing your own blazers. Even though I'm a good sewer (started sewing 50 years ago making Barbie clothes), it's very hard to make tailored items look snappy. But almost everything else is worthwhile. Even complex shirts can work out really well.
Hey Leena, what about this idea: You could do a second channel or an extra "sew with me" format where we can watch YOU sewing in realtime while sipping tea in our kitchens :D
One of the best things I've learnt as a person who makes things and is often impatient, is to become ok with undoing and redoing. Its ok to get frustrated! Things will go wrong! Learn to use a seam ripper properly (find a video of someone doing it) and experience the satisfaction of unraveling crochet. Learn to put things down when you want to scream and come back when you have some chill 😂 Sewing on a deadline can help with getting things done, but they won't be done well if you're a beginner - take your time! You learn from your mistakes, and you get better with practise
I’ve been sewing for about a year (self/UA-cam-taught), and I highly recommend buying patterns that have video tutorials to go with them, like those from Rosery Apparel, Friday Pattern Company, and Muna and Broad. I haven’t seen her mentioned yet, but I love watching The Stitchess for sewing inspiration and motivation. 🎀✨💖 I also strongly agree with the advice of making what you want and letting that motivate you instead of settling on projects that don’t interest you just because they’re “beginner-friendly”. Also! Just like you can unravel/frog a knit or crochet project to start over, you can also always unpick a seam (or just cut it off if you can spare the fabric) and try again. 🫶
My advice as an self taught sewist, is watch technique videos on UA-cam like thoughful creativity, evelyn wood or shannon makes. Each of these channels have taught me things. My top lesson is measure carefully and more than once, make a mock up and take your time. Stuff turns 100 % better when you're not rushing through it. If you don't like the thing you make, you xan always reuse the fabric for something else or get rid of it
For crappy first projects when knitting/crocheting: I teach my boyfriend how to crochet and the first thing he learned was to make granny squares. We used an "ugly" yarn to try out different the stitches, and he decided to buy his first yarn, a more exciting one to practice on his own. Last week one of his friends invited him to his birthday and my boyfriend decided to gift him his first set of granny squares. My boyfriend was so excited that he learned a new skill that it didn't crossed his mind that maybe it weren't the prettiest, most perfect squares and it didn't matter. His friend also loved it and couldn't believe it was handmade by his friend ❤ what an awesome moment for both 🥰
Watching is video as I add the last row to the hem of my first ever cardigan! There are so many little mistakes and I restarted it about 4 times. Pure enthusiasm fueled this project and I've really enjoyed learning something new and feeling proud of it. Also the knitting UA-cam community is one of the most wholesome spaces on the Internet. A lovely little added benefit of knitting that I didn't expect is that it really calms down my stress and anxiety.
Christine McConnell has great idea for coming up with a pattern that works for you. Pull apart a clothing item that your already own and fits you really well. You can study the construction, practice reconstructing it, and use it to make a pattern for a new piece of clothing.
Started snowboarding almost two years ago now and realised. That the worst I can do is suck. Same with sewing (and knitting and crochet), the worst I can do is suck. And I'm okay with that, I still enjoy the process, and I looooooooooove seeing myself get better so the more I suck in the beginning the more I can evolve without even having to be that good. It's great
I was in sewing 4H (4H is an organization that facilitates clubs that teach kids how to do things, sewing, cooking, training a dog, would all be separate clubs but all under the same umbrella) as a preteen/young teen and made some decent things (a pantsuit when I was like 13 I think? I still never want to do another zipper) and have started getting back into it since the pandemic. Mostly altering clothes in my closet to better fit me. My current project is a bathrobe for my sister as her Xmas gift
As a knitting teacher, my best advice is to just do it. Almost everything that you knit can be unraveled and fixed. Yes, you might have worked many hours on a piece and have to start over because you chose something a little over your skill level BUT those hours are knowledge and knitting is about the process as much as about the finished product. Chose something that makes your heart sing and jump in!
I was inspired by you using a thrifted duvet to sew a dress, so I thrifted a duvet and sewing pattern. Watching Rachel Maksy use patterns for her clothing gave me the courage that I could do it. I've sewn many things before including quilts, but never clothes. But thanks to you two I made a button down skirt! It's not perfect, it gaps a little and is a bit see through but it's pretty good for my first try!
I’ve been sewing for seven years, Mainly because the fit and sizing in shops is getting worse. I go into shops these days and not inspired to buy anything, especially when I see what it’s made of 🙈 Love being part of the sewing community (you meet so many likeminded souls) over on Instagram and have my own youtube channel too! And sewing is great for your mental health, it’s been proven to benefit- in-fact anything creative is great for your wellbeing ❤
I also started with masks! It was a really great intro that allowed make tiny little skill improvements each time (ie. working out how best to deal with the raw hems of the pattern). I’d really recommend tote bags as the next step because they’re cute, useful, and there are sooo many different styles.
I'm sitting here knitting on a cardigan while watching this and it's just perfection. Your "break the big task into chunks" is something I am an advocate of. For this week, for example, my goal was to finish one front of the cardigan (it's pieced), and to get past the heel for a sock. I love how with knitting and crochet, you can totally thrift a sweater, if you know what to look for, and reuse the yarn for something else. One more thing that doesn't go on the dump. I think Engineering Knits has a video with a bit more detail on that, too? For right now, my goal is to figure out exactly what I'm missing in my wardrobe, and then search specifically for patterns so I can make these items. For one, I think some fitted sweaters would be a great addition in my case.
I'm definitely a "try not to drown" thru sheer enthusiasm type learner, and having words for that is so helpful! When I first started knitting I thought I hated it because everyone said to start with a scarf, plain knit stitches the whole way, not even stockinette or rib stitch. I hated it, it was too boring. But my 4th try knitting was a hat that looked like a fish an I ripped through that in a weekend despite learning all kind of new techniques. My first real sewing project was my junior prom outfit. It was inexpert and slightly off sized with a warped hem, but I wore the dang thing and loved that I made it! If you have a thing you want to make and have the fire to do it, start with that! You can always take a detour to figure something out and pick it back up.
7:50 i mostly sew by hand. My reasons are: (1) i don't like sitting hunched over a machine, (2) I'm much, much more accurate when i do it by hand, (3) I can take it on trips, commuting, do it in meetings, etc, (4) hand sewing a zipper is, imo, THE ONLY way to go. I can make any zipper look like it's invisible and it's perfect EVERY time. Doing it on machine is awful. Bernadette Banner also published a book on hand sewing that's really, really great for beginners and for leveling up, there's "Couture Hand Sewing" that covers fancier seams, zippers, insert lace, etc.
I love watching beginner sewist on youtube, because they make the same mistakes I would, so I get to skip a lot of these mistakes. And it keeps me motivated to try new things out of my wheelhouse. I've had great success this way. I made a skirt I love and got heaps of compliments on, even by strangers, and I think the reason why is because I chose a fairly simple project (adjustable circle skirt from the Stichery's tutorials), that really suited my body and style, in a fabric that suited the project. Don't get me wrong, I've had some huge mess ups too, my last attempt to do a fancier version of the same skirt for serious wear is now the basis for this year's halloween costume! And it failed for the same reasons the first one succeeded. Less simple design, unsuitable fabric, and it just doesn't suit me. But it's fine, cause it's made from thrifted fabric anyway.
I made clothes in the 70’s when I was in junior high school in sewing class. I remember I made a dress I loved and wore to the Spring dance. I made a suit for my mother which was a simple skirt and jacket with pockets. Recently, a friend gifted me a sewing machine and I would love to try making clothes again after all these years. Your channel is so inspiring!
1 Big tip for knitting is, the long tail cast on makes the most proffessional, clean, and tidy edge to your piece. I tried dozens of ways to make my ends tidier, and then I bit the bullet and tried the long tail. It worked, it looks great!
I've been sewing regularly for about 10 years now and it's an ongoing process. I remember cursing to the high heavens when I used my first pattern having no idea what I was doing. But that's how you learn! You just dive in. Google and UA-cam are your friends and there are reddit pages if you need more specific help! The sewing community is a very helpful one! I'm working on getting better at Knitting and I have to remind myself constantly to be patient and to take it one step at a time! You're doing great by the way Leena! It's been fun to watch you learn!
Thanks for sharing Leena! Watching you is so exciting!! 🌞Sewing looks different from me as I've become chronically ill but it's okay. It's been a few years of on and off sewing but I finished my first project this year. I made a seat cover for my walker from an old t-shirt after spreading apart the different steps throughout the weeks for a whole month. (Pinning fabric together one day, sewing a seam another, ironing a week after etc.) It's a little wonky, and I'll need a lot of rest before starting on a new project, but it's mine and I feel so proud to have been able to make something with my hands again. I like to think of sewing being like all art forms: it will always wait for you, and the joy will always come back. It is not wrong to go slow. Give yourself time to go at your own pace. Stay thoughtful and curious!!! Excited to see more of your art!
Something my husband routinely reminds me about sewing (I have recently started making a lot of my own clothes) is that the goal for sewing needs to be "I don't mind this activity" and "I like the output." I LOVE to knit and make all my own knitwear. And for a long time I felt like I shouldn't sew because I didn't absolutely adore the process. I tolerate the process - HOWEVER - I love the output. I picked simple garments to start and they are easy to make :) I'm already getting real wear out of them. And hand sewing hems is a great excuse to watch a lot of Netflix LOL
Was mending a pair of long johns whilst watching this. Actually, I would recommend getting started with mending the clothes you already own if sewing from scratch seems daunting. Visible and unvisible mending is both meditative and fun, and it makes your clothes last so much longer. I'd say it's a great way to build confidence with a needle and thread because it doesn't matter if it turns out ugly - you still fixed something that you probably weren't using before and so you've given it new life!
i remember taking home economics and sewing classes in high school and enjoying it, but never really got into it as an adult, until recently, when seeing leena's videos. now, especially as i am looking at my wardrobe and wanting to revamp it for a more masculine frame, i think i want to get back into sewing by starting with adjusting my current items where i can. here's hoping that my comment will help me be more accountable lol
I learnt to sew and knit as a child and now am 62 years old. I have never reached perfection, but it doesnt matter, there is always something new out there to learn. This skill has also meant that I have always made my own soft furnishings, especially made to measure curtains, which a few years ago used to be so expensive to buy. When you make something yourself, you love it more and look after it, so I always mend my own sewn clothes, quilts, knitted jumpers and socks. My advise would be not to get swept up in the youtube videos which encourage high turn out for making or thrift flipping your own clothes, otherwise you are just joining the fast clothes market from a different angle. Buying a few basic patterns which can be modified or interchanged is very economical approach. I look forward to seeing your wardrobe develop xxx
I would highly recommend crochet of knitting if you are chronically ill. It's really easy to have everything you need besides you while you are sitting. With sewing you need to cut fabric, iron fabric and other things that you can't do sitting in your favourite chair. It was the only way I stayed sane anyway.
Hey Leena, I love your videos. The sweater @11:32 is made in plain stocking stitch with silk mohair lace yarn and larger needles. It's apparently a pain to unravel mohair unless you put it in the freezer for a while.
I love watching Rachel Maksy, she really inspired me to the point where I decided that with enough stubborness, I can make something too 🤣 I don't have a sewing machine, so I hand sewed a skirt with pleats and button holes from a gorgeous linen fabric I got from a charity shop. Without a pattern, because I couldn't find one that I liked, so I made up my own. It worked, it's beautiful and I've worn it to my cousins wedding. So I would always give the advice to go and make something you're really excited about, even if it takes months. I now want to learn how to knit socks, I just learned how to knit in the round last week 🤣
I made the mistake of watching this video while repairing a loose button... now I'm elbow-deep in sewing myself an apron :) It's very inspirational and I really want to use my stash of fabric now. Thank you!!
I sew and crochet with very little of the traditional structure. I’ve taken on crochet projects I’ve got no idea how to achieve multiple parts of with no pattern to follow and it’s turned out great in the end… just give it a go. Sometimes you’ll have to do what I like to call side quest projects (little mini projects that don’t take long in order to learn a new technique) but that’s part of the fun! Because you end up with more cool stuff that you’ve made. The only rule I would say is always make the side quests things that will bring you joy or that you can easily give away. No point making a heart tapestry to learn colour work if you’re not going to display it; spend the extra time needed to graph an image you actually want to look at.
You inspired me to sew! I got into knitting again and found your channel through you making that big purple sweater and I loved your energy, I’ve watched so many of your videos while knitting 😂 You inspired me to tackle knitting my first sweater and now you’ve inspired me to sew. I remember in a few of your videos you’ve said that if you can drive a car, you can sew. Sewing machines always seemed so complicated to me. It helps so much seeing someone I can relate document their process on learning something new. I’m also a climate crisis girlie 😂 and the fashion industry nauseates me. I just got my first sewing machine for a great deal off of Facebook marketplace and I am so ready to dive into sewing. I’m feeling very inspired and excited to go on this journey 😂 love ya Leena!
Everything in this video was 👏so👏well👏said. I also never expected that learning how to make clothes for myself would help me learn so much about myself, and how much that would help me with my overall confidence. There is truly no better feeling than wearing something handmade!
Sewing is indeed a lot less scary than many people assume. I started with hand sewing and I can recommend it esp. when you don't have space and/or money for a machine. Sewing needles and thread don't cost much and I'd start (and continue) with second had fabric or altering/mending clothes you already have. I made a lot of clothes by hand before I ventured in the realm of sewing machines and that is still a little scary because things happen so fast and I don't find it relaxing (yet), but it is nice that a garment doesn't take weeks or months to make and you can sew stretchy fabric easier. Don't be scared, you can do it!
I've been sewing/knitting/crocheting for a few years now and my biggest bit of advice is just to make the thing you actually WANT to make. Many beginner-friendly projects, while very useful for building foundational techniques, are just a bit boring. I started sewing because I wanted to make my own clothes! I'm not arsed about making a drawstring bag or, god forbid, another bloody pillowcase. So, even though the learning curve is steeper (and you do still need to be somewhat mindful about your choice of pattern: maybe that fully-lined blazer with welt pockets can wait for now), I found that jumping in at the deep end kept me entertained and motivated and keen to keep practicing so I could get the finish I actually wanted.
The best thing about sewing, knitting, crocheting ect is if you run out of time, energy, or motivation half way through, its not going anywhere. It can sit until you're ready to work on it again.
I've started sewing in 2021 and already been watching Bernadette Banner and all the costubers out there. So I started doing like Bernadette and take all the scrap fabrics that I wouldn't use and started to cut it in small pieces. The idea is to stuff a cushion (like you did!), but then I had the idea of sewing some Christmas ornaments (also out of left over fabrics) aaaaand stuff them with all the tiny little pieces of scraps. I felt so smart and environmental friendly 😂
I see occasionally, and I source my fabric from thrift stores you’d be amazed at the quality linens that have small stains in a corner or something that nobody will buy, so it’s perfect for cutting up and repurposing.
Making things by sewing is actually like 80 percent of doing other things like cutting, pinning pieces together, and ironing, and 20 percent of actually sitting down in front of the machine and sewing the things. I like doing my mock-ups from old bedsheets or with fabrics from thrift shops, and if I ever got enough time for my other hobby, I would then turn those mock-ups into yarns for weaving rugs, which is how my granny recycled any old piece of fabric. Basically for me mock-ups are just one last use for the fabric before its final form. Rug-making can also be done by crocheting, so then you'll end up with a doily for your floor, I imagine having multiple of those side by side would look very pretty.
Advice from my grandma I wish I took seriously when I started sewing. Take your favourite pair of trousers (example as this works for any garment) you own that are "beyond repair" (whatever that means to you) and take them apart. Unpick every seam and try to absorb how they fit together, take notes. Then trace those fabric pieces onto some wrapping paper or baking paper bits of cardboard, whatever you have! YOU NOW HAVE A PATTERN OF YOUR FAVOURITE TROUSERS! You can make them as many times as you like out of thrifted bedsheets, curtains, whatever, to start off with. But now you have a way to make something you already KNOW you love!
This is brilliant. I’ve just had a favorite pair of shorts reach a point of no return. Will have to try making some new ones
This is such good advice! We had to do this in my GCSE textiles class- bring in something old, learn how to deconstruct it at the seams, use it to draft a pattern and see what components could be reused such as zips or buttons. It was really helpful both as an actual method and just for teaching you to understand how garments were constructed/how the pieces fitted together.
Especially if they're beyond repair, and you're cutting them apart already...you can also skip the step where you trace the pieces and just use the picked apart fabric as the pattern!
If it's a garment that's not quite at the end of its life, you can trace the pieces without picking it apart...I like to cover the parts that are complicated or have plates in masking tape. Then I mark the peaks and valleys of the plates with pencil or pen (test it to make sure the pen won't bleed through to your favorite garment). Finally, I carefully pull off the masking tape replica of the pattern and stick it to wrapping paper/baking paper/old newspapers.
This works for darts and seams too! Just cover it in tape, mark the dart/seam, and as you pull it off, cut the darts and seams to get a flat pattern. This is also an easy way to figure out how to add registration marks to your parents...I can't tell you how valuable this has been for me...I've replicated corsets and bras by making patterns from existing garments like this!
Make sure you add seam allowance when you make these. I like to add it as I mark the pattern out so I can also trace the line I'm supposed to stitch. It's not necessary, but I prefer it for more precise stitching.
I took a community college class on replicating existing garments and I LOVED it (a very much a newbie sewist). You can do this without dismantling the garment (in my case, I wanted my favorite top as a pattern to make in all the fabrics my heart desires), and you're right that examining a garment with this level of attention is wildly educational!
I've been wanting a silk-lined beanie for so long and got inspired halfway through this video and realised I could probably make it myself. I'm tearing up an old silk pillowcase now
Rachel Maksy is a great inspiration - she usually shares more of the process, than other creators - the mistakes, the stuff she wishes she made differently. She is also quite stubborn and will attempt a new thing several times, until she nails it.
I'm still not convinced myself, since I hate mending my clothes, but each of your videos push me a tiny little bit more towards maaaayyybe trying out :)
I put Rachel on the background as my motivation to keep going on completing my first (probably overly ambitious) garment!
Advice I wish I'd gotten as a new sewist: press all your seams! press as you go, and everything will look better!
Re attention span. I love about sewing that even a big project is made up of small tasks like step 1) cutting out the pattern, 2) pinning pattern to fabric, 3) cut out fabric pieces. That alone usually takes me a few hours and each step is it’s own little universe. I don’t even dare to think about the whoooooole project when I start and that’s how I get anything done.
My top sewing inspo channels that taught me how to sew clothes:
- The Closet Historian (cannot recommend her enough! I wouldn't be where I am today without her channel)
- Morgan Donner
- Nicole Rudolph
- Maria Pattie
- Retro Claude
They're mostly vintage/historically focused but I use those techniques on all eras of clothing. Hand finishing a garment can make it look a lot nicer too.
Also hell yes to second hand vintage machines. They're usually more reliable than modern machines (which are either made to fall apart or stupidly expensive). And they're usually very cheap and easy to source (thrift shops, Facebook marketplace, classified websites ect)
As a lifelong sewer/knitter who's been learning to make human clothes - it is such an empowering thing. Even having the skills to do basic mending makes a huge difference for our planet ❤️
evelyn wood from the vintage sewing school has one of the most amazing youtube channels on sewing. teaching you all of the "assumed knowledge" that isnt mentioned in sewing patterns and tutorials. shes great at explaining and such a lovely person. totally wholesome content for beginners and advanced sewers.
100% agree with this. She's a true gem, explains everything so beautifully and is so kind. I've been sewing for years and I still learn things from her.
My advice for beginners that want to sew form patterns is: BUY PATTERNS THAT COME WITH UA-cam TUTORIALS.
Some patterns come with written instructions, but if you are new to using patterns, it’s a struggle on its own. You will come across sewing terms new to you, which equals spending more time googling than sewing.
Good luck everyone ♥️♥️
And in case you already have a pattern there is a video tutorial for every sewing or knitting topic 😊And it's so much easier than trying to understand short written instruction without any pictures 🤯
Years ago i took a beginners sewing class where we learned to sew a pillow. I mentioned that I’d love to eventually learn to sew my own clothes. The teacher said “oh but you are going to need a whole sewing studio to have the space for that.” Even though i knew it wasn’t true it still deterred me for years. Thank you for the encouraging videos Leena reminding us we don’t need an entire sewing room to make a shirt 😂.
It's the same when i talk to my mom about wanting to take up sewing. Then I would need 2-3 different sewing machines and an entire room to sew in.
She doesn't even sew so I don't know where she gets it
My “sewing studio” is a desk and an ironing board. I use the floor and a mat to cut out pieces and otherwise it takes up as much space as it needs.
I follow people on IG who have one machine that they use in their free time on their dinner table. So no, you don’t need a special room, just the willingness to make mistakes and learn ☺️
if this helps i made my first skirt by hand with and old bed sheet and a remnant of wool fabric i bought for 6euros, i was powered by inspiration, determination to have a skirt with pockets and hunger to learn. highly reccomend :D also my mom as let me use her sewing machine and although it speeds up the process it's not necessary and you can make a lot by hand (unless you have pain, little time, patience, or just don't enjoy sewing by hand)
It's more like "it's going to consume your whole life that you might end up acquiring a sewing studio" 🤣🤣 started sewing at my dressing table then my partners brother moved out and instead of getting a logder we got a craft room 🤣
I'm currently using a beside table to sew on 😂
So my advice to a new sewist would be: don't scrimp on the brand sewing needles and (German) sewing thread. They DO make a difference. If your machine is bugging, try changing the needle and rewiring the thread first. So many times I have thought I was not able to sew, because my machine had bugs and hiccups, and it turns out it was just the cheap thread and needles I was using. Second best advice: don't try to be smarter than the instructions and think 'well I think I can skip this step!'. Definitely speaking from experience here! XD
Hard agree. Cheap thread is AWFUL. The good German thread is so worth it. And yes, rewiring the thread solves most problems.
Agree on the thread! You can spot good quality thread by holding it up to the light and seeing how fuzzy it is, the cheap thread is verry fuzzy and the expensive (gütermann, mettler) is very smooth
I've been sewing for almost four years (started during the pandemic) and I think the biggest piece of advice I have is to use all of the free and low cost resources out there! Libraries, second hand shops, friends who will lend you their machines, etc. Don't invest too much until you know you want to continue doing it! So many indie companies have free patterns, so you can make something and have solid, clear instructions to help you thru the process. Also, have fun and embrace learning and making mistakes! 💖 It's all part of the process.
Hi! When you say a lot of indie companies have free patterns. Are these like small clothing companies? How do you find them? Thanks!
I'd also add that you should download the free patterns from sewing companies that you're interested in buying a pattern from so you can read the way they write instructions to see if they gel with you or not. There are some pattern companies I just cannot get along with in the way they write their patterns and using the free patterns means you can gauge that before buying any of their pattern as they can be so pricey even when it's just a digital copy
@@LovellLevelsUpSeamwork and Peppermint both have free patterns as well as paid ones.
Re: making waste when starting sewing: I started with literally bed sheets and curtains from the charity shop. I still do that if I need to do a mock up of something first.
9:27 ppl need to remember that things like yarn arent "one and done". If you're not sentimental, you can always undo a practice yarn project and use it for something new. As for fabric, scraps can be used as stuffing or gift wrap or piece quilting. Nothing has to go to waste when you're learning a skill.
Another idea for scrap yarn: needle felting. I’m a needle felter and most of the core wool that I use to fill out my projects is from thrift store sweaters that have passed their prime. And it doesn’t have to be wool, acrylic yarn works for this, too!
I promise you, prospective sewer, that when we say that anyone can sew we absolutely mean you. Make a scrunchie, make a frog out of some felt if you want to. It brings so much joy to you and the people around you.
To the point about time, one of the biggest things I’ve had to come to terms with is that it is okay to pause a project and come back to it at a later date. Life is unpredictable and sometimes you just get bored of what you’re working on and it’s okay to let other things become your priority (now the issue is trying not to have too many things going at once oops)
Honestly my best advice after sewing for years now is not what you'd think. But it's this. "You don't have to sew everything yourself". Now if you're anything like me you're a bit all or nothing, but this type of thinking has absolutely destroyed my sewjo. There is nothing more dulling to creativity than having to make absolutely everything out of necessity. So now I'm careful where I spend my energy, and there are some things I will buy now if I'm able to source it well. Because I'm literally one person, and saying I'm going to make something to justify buying the fabric for it only to realise I'm disabled and can't sew anywhere near as quick as my ADHD can come up with ideas, it's not realistic. But having sewing skills are awesome, and I find myself making a lot less from scratch now and often buying secondhand and making alterations to make it more me. This feels most accessible to me right now with current energy levels etc. But as a beginner I had this idea that I could make absolutely everything I wear, and maybe one day I will but putting that sort of pressure on myself made me not even try for a long time so definitely don't fall into the all or nothing traps. Sew what you have enthusiasm for, and motivation for. I almost feel annoyed that I know how to sew but can't always sew whatever I need whenever I need it because it's made me so super specific that I can't even buy what I'm looking for half the time because something isn't right with it 😅 so if I find something second hand that is almost right, I snap it up and give it a new life with a quick alteration and it also gives my brain that little dopamine quick win I needed 😅
I totally agree with what you say about becoming more picky after you learn to sew! When I'm looking at clothing in stores now I think "hmm the fabric isn't great" or "those seams aren't well finished" or "I COULD MAKE THAT!" which sometimes is not the most practical 😅
Well said! My hands can’t go as fast as my brain’s ideas!
This resonates so much! I also think about how clothes at the thrift store exist anyway, so we might as well take advantage of the fact that they’re mostly done already (apart from the parts we want to change). It also helps me avoid having to purchase new fabric, which makes the whole activity even more sustainable :)
This is what I’m struggling with now. I’m at the phase where I know just enough to be dangerous and I can’t look at any article of clothing without thinking “I could do something really cool with that!!” And as someone who also has an ADHD 100 ideas per minute brain, I have to reel myself in because I’ve got a lot of great ideas but not the time (or the skill, yet) to execute even a fraction of them lol.
First steps are to get your older clothes and fix a loose button, patch a hole. Any mending which can prolong the life of your garment. Start on clothes that are at the end of life so there’s very low stakes and you can mend with a needle and thread. I’ve been going with a tiny emergency sewing kit for years.
For anyone looking to get a sewing machine, please do consider a vintage one! They are very durable, and it makes me personally sad when folks wrongly believe them to be unrepairable and turn it into a tacky side table or wine rack or whatever
This. Get thee a purely mechanical machine. They may not have 150 different decorative stitches and fancy machine footwork at the tap of a finger on a touchscreen, but neither are you (literally) banking your entire ability to sew on the reliability and lifespan of a (probably made in China) electronic motherboard. Even machines from the 80s and 90s and some more modern ones come with more than enough fancy stitches to play with, all of which require turning mechanical knobs or levers to access. These also tend to be cheaper, because fancy electronics are expensive.
And the seriously vintage machines (i.e. pre-70s Singers) are damn near indestructible. I've seen people restore them from rusted-solid scrap metal to gleaming workhorse machines capable of stitching through the infamous 4-way inseam/crotch seam-intersection on a pair of denim jeans like it was double-folded chiffon. Of course, they often have only a straight stitch and maybe a zig-zag. But tbh, that's all most of us really need to make anything we'd wear in daily life unless you spend a lot of time working with knits. In which case get a basic, mechanical 4-needle serger and you can do All The Things.
I will say trying out a few machines can be important for figuring out what you like best. I had a vintage one for years and assumed using a sewing machine was just hard for me.... then I got a basic but modern Singer and when I say I wanted to kiss it for printing threading instructions on the machine itself....... well, I would not be lying. Either way you go, there are sooooo many machines available secondhand (Facebook marketplace is flooded post-pandemic, which is how I got mine!)
for people who’d like to sew from tutorials, Jess Dang has maaaaaaanny free youtube videos for so many cute garments. You can make them from just your measurements, and she has a full tutorial for every garment
I'm a knitter and I always live by the motto: "No project is too ambitious if you crave the result enough."
My top piece of advice is start with mending. I've tried making new pieces of clothing multiple times and every time I'd get overwhelmed, but if my sock already has a hole in it, the worst that can happen is it goes in the textile recycling where it was going to go anyways. Then I moved on to fixing sizing stuff (hemming/etc) and slowly got more confident about cutting fabric and now I've made my first skirt 🎉🎉
Great video! Personally i really enjoy the channels of micarah tewers (its like standing in the kitchen while someone makes a 5 star dish but is joking about what ingredients she’s putting in like “5 seconds of heartache and a pinch of high school musical”) and Kathleen illustrated does some great thrift flipping. “made in the moment” is an amazing channel for knit and crochet and my ultimate love is Jenna Phipps for knit, crochet, DIY (like a purse made out of beads) and sewing - she’s basically a DIY queen X
I just found out that my local library has sewing machines to check out. I immediately thought “I have to share this with Leena’s people!”
So check your libraries friends! You might be able to borrow a sewing machine to get started.
Last year I was in a theatre show and I had to wear a swishy black skirt. Could not find one to my taste in any fast fashion shops. Made it myself following a UA-cam video. Was told it was the prettiest black skirt in the show 💁♀️
Hi Leena! If anyone ever loses their "sewjo", all they have to do is watch one of your sewing videos. Your enthusiasm is inspiring! I have over 20 years (on and off) of sewing experience and I teach sewing classes (it's my job!). The best advice I can give to beginners is to make a test garment (toile, muslin) in cheap fabric (thrifted sheets, muslin fabric, anything you can get your hands on). It's really good practice and you get to test the fit before cutting into your precious fashion fabric. Making your test takes off the pressure of perfectionism and you get to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. If it doesn't work out, move on to the next project. If it does work out, make the pattern a couple of times to practice the skills you have learned. Happy Sewing! 🥰
I love that you’re encouraging people to sew! I love dressmaking and it’s really made me much more picky about what RTW clothes I buy. I will also alter more clothes now, like adding elastic to gaping waist bands or patching holes. The advice I give new sewists is don’t be scared, you can always find a blog or UA-cam tutorial to help with a technique, old duvet covers make great practice fodder when you’re new, and for your first couple of garments find someone to help! I had some lessons at a local sewing shop who helped me to decipher sewing patterns, then once I’d done that I pretty much taught myself everything else. Oh and even if you do go wrong, most likely no one else will notice. I will always point out my wonky zips or dodgy buttonholes and non-sewists are like ‘you literally crafted that with your own hands, what are you talking about?’
The biggest advice I got from my grandma when starting to form an interest in garment creation is that you have to love the process as much as the end garment or project, otherwise it's going to be a slog to get to the finish line, instead of an enjoyable experience.
Also! Wear those garments out, shout to the roof tops that you made it when people ask where you got it! The instant and intense dopamine provided, every single time this happens, renews my passion for sewing, every time without fail. 😅
I'm a very experienced knitter and sewer and my masters thesis was on the challenges of written pattern instructions. The advice I have found to be true to most people I have helped or taught is to work with your temperament, not against it, and, to know that there are mistakes even in professionally made patterns. A pattern will be communicated in a way that makes sense to the person who made it, but as communication is as it is it might not make sense to your brain. And lastly, a bit bluntly put, remember: Experience is not the skill of threading the needle or making an increase without leaving an undesired hole, experience is seeing the pattern say one thing and correcting it as you are working. Experience is intangible, it is tacit knowledge and skill. It's overview of the process and opinions of how you prefer to do things. It will be gathered as you work through one projekt and, hopefully, the next and the one after that.
My advice to other beginners is to keep your sewing machine oiled! Sewing machines are not like other modern technology - they are actually built to last. I got my machine second (or third, maybe fourth) hand. It was made in the 1970s and it still works like a dream! Sewing machines will last basically forever as long as you take good care of them ❤️
I've been making some of my own clothes a few years, mending the rest and I work in a primary school. Since the kids have figured out that most of the time I've made at least one of the things I've made, I get asked almost daily what I'm wearing. They're genuinely disappointed when I've not got a homemade item on that day! It's certainly a feel good thing and helps with developing my own style too.
After decades of feeling guilty I have learned from youtube that it‘s totally normal to work on several projects at any given time, and most of them will get finished eventually. And if you really are unhappy with one, it‘s just fine to give up on it, frog it or add it to the patchwork pile. You don‘t have to finish everything that you‘ve started on, and if you do, you‘re the only one who sets the timeframe.
My advice for getting started with knitting: pick a project you’re genuinely excited about and learn how to knit by making it! Way too many people advise new knitters to learn by making a scarf, a washcloth, or anything else that’s perceived as simple. Personally I think keeping the momentum going when learning a new skill is very important, and nothing kills momentum more than NOT being excited about the thing you’re making. The very first thing I knit was a sweater that I really really wanted. Is it perfect? Definitely not! But I learned SO MUCH and was so excited about the project from start to finish, and that’s priceless! Ditch the washcloths!!
Totally agree! When I started sewing 12 years ago the first thing I made was regency dress from sense and sensibility patterns, I didn't want to make a boring bag or a basic skirt 😂. For years I've wanted to add knitting to my crafting skills and I'm taking the same approach to that. I think I learn better that way 💜
@@nikkirose1719beautiful!! Glad we agree 😊
My first knitting project was a scarf out of very beautiful yarn. The stitches in the first part were all over the place butI knitted for approximately 2 to 3m and in the end my stitches were perfectly even. That was nice because I liked the look of the following projects way better.
The next project was matching mittens. I had no pattern and was guessing how to do all the special stitches.
The result was pretty wonky but I learned so much about the mechanics of knitting.
I've been sewing for over 12 years now, and here are my tips:
- there are UA-cam tutorials for literally anything
- if it's a new technique and you're scared to damaged your fabric, try it out with scrap fabric first
- sewing machines are one of the last machines that are built to last. Mine is going strong for 12 years and never had an issue
- you don't need space. I sewed a duffle coat while living in a 20 square meter appartment
- sewing and tailoring are two different things, and sewing is much easier to learn and will require less math
- use patterns and learn to adapt them to your body, for example I make any sleeve 7cm longer now
- putting effort into exact cutting and straight seams is what will make your garments better
- quality needles and threat are worth the money
- have fun! It's a great skill and even better hobby to have and it's so so so rewarding to put a garment into reality that only existed in your mind before!
Cris Wood Sews patterns are zero waste, paperless, and size inclusive. Mostly squares and rectangles, too.
I've had periods of sewing in my life, and every period the start up time gets a little shorter. And I love that I just hit the point where I feel confident, and I look forward to sewing. It's my treat for myself to make something fit better or look more me ❤
If you want to try sewing with a machine, check with your library. Mine has a "Library of Things" that includes sewing tools, crochet/knitting tools, kitchen gear, some camping gear, etc.
As a chronically ill person crafting has been good for my mental well-being but not my body and it’s only this year that I’ve become well enough to do a little and one thing I’ve noticed is that if you don’t have much time to devote to crafting but really want to, it’s a lot like reading, some people read 100 books a year and some people read 3, that doesn’t mean that reading 3 was pointless, so yes if it brings you joy and you have time/capacity for even a little bit then I think it’s worth it even if your projects come together much slower than they does for others
I grew up with a mum who's a quilter, so that side of sewing always seemed doable to me. But making clothes was always so much more daunting. All the curves? Getting it to fit right? Working with stretchy fabrics?
I've really been enjoying following your sewing journey. It's shown me that making your own clothes isn't as unattainable as I had in my head. I'm definitely going to have to give it another crack!
To ease in to making clothes i would definitely recommend to start with either very boxy shirts/dresses or flowy skirts, both have very little curves and like one or two measurements to get correct. Also - dont start with stretchy fabric 😅 Start with like a solid cotton or similar, much much easier!
meanwhile I am on a fashion degree but quiliting seems daunting. I have no idea how to match that many seams so precisely hahaha
In Finland we all learned to use a sewing machine in elementary school. I don't think most people use that skill as adults, but everyone who grew up in Finland is familiar with sewing, how to set the machine up and how to sew a basic garment (we had to make hoodies on 6th grade for example).
For certain types of people definitely do the way too complex passion project first, even if it ends up acting as a reality check where you get stuck and pick a smaller project to learn a skill to continue the passion project, it’s so worth it.
bernadette banner is amazing♡ she calls big scraps 'cabbage' lol & she did this thing with smaller scraps by cutting the very small like shreddy in order to stuff something. she calls that 'coleslaw'! love it i now have a cabbage patch and a jar with coleslaw that i dump into a sack as it fills. hoping to not ever have to buy polyfill again. i have learned so much from bernadette banner...
I’ve knitted since my grandmother taught me in elementary school, and I think my best advice is to try out lots of different types of patterns! I didn’t start really exploring the variety of patterns until college, and have figured out that I LOVE knitting fair isle. Wish I’d figured that out sooner!
My mum gifted us a sewing machine as a wedding gift and I've just about started my first project: a circle skirt. Inspired by you, I've also had the idea to reuse the fabric of two dresses that are a bit torn and too small for pillow cases. And something I'd love to do is make fabric bunting from different scraps of happy fabrics, but that might take a while to gather. Oh, and I'd like to repair clothes when needed. So thank you very much for sharing your journey!
One thing that does slightly annoy me about sewing is having to set everything up at the kitchen table and tidy it away again, haha.
I very recently started to learn how to sew and I learned very quickly that I know nothing about fabric! I'm surprised this doesn't get mentioned more. When a pattern recommends a certain fabric, I find it very hard to find that exact fabric in store (especially with a pattern I like!). And i didn't know enough about types of fabrics to know what was similar, or useful alternatives. I'm slowly learning now, one project at a time. It can be overwhelming at times, there is sooo much to learn! But if you take it step by step and don't get too ahead if yourself, it's such a rewarding hobby!
Speaking of sewing with a chronic illness and fatigue I can say that it can be done, you really need to pace yourself and accept the process won't be as fast.
My hands and back may hurt but the feeling of having accomplished something (and something creative at that) is priceless.
Another nifty cabbage (scraps) busting project that will also help with your sewing projects is a tailor's ham!
My biggest advice to any new makers is to embrace this as an opportunity to find out what really excites you. You may love to make garments but hate making accessories or vice versa. You may find that working with linen is not inspiring but working with wool is. Yellow may send all of your nerve endings a-flutter and Red may leave you cold. It's a fun ride where you are free to follow your bliss and see where it takes you! Be curious and observant to how you are responding, learning, growing. Also, for knitters, check out great resources like Ysolda and Purl Soho for video tutorials, blog posts, and attractive free (particularly Purl Soho) and low-cost patterns that are geared towards teaching you everything you need to know as you move through a pattern. I have learned so many techniques from them as a completely new beginner. Brooklyn Tweed is also a great pattern source with the aim of education clearly in mind. Have fun!!!
7:39 I would like to also nominate youtuber V. Birchwood! She exclusively handsews her clothing, and she's made more than a dozen gorgeous historical outfits (1750s, 1850s, 1880s, etc). She's done a couple videos of "everything I've sewn in a year" and they are impressive and inspiring!
I love Rachel Maksy too; my favorite part about her channel is that she doesn't try to hide her mistakes. She owns up to them and shows us how to work around them. I LOVE seeing all the yt channel recommendations in the comments here!
My first sewing project was making a dress for a school history project. It was a linen dress to try and replicate what ancient Egyptians would wear. I also made a loincloth for my male classmate to wear. Lately, I’ve loved watching Bernadette Banner & Rachel Maksy, along with other historical costumers on UA-cam. Hoping to make Ora Lin’s Pirate Pants sometime soon!!
As someone who hasn’t bought a new piece of clothing in over a year (made what I need instead!) I would recommend looking in your wardrobe for things you love to wear. What is it about them you love? Then copy it or choose a pattern that reflects what you already wear regularly. This way, the things you make are more likely to stick around and be much loved members of your closet gang ❤
from a person with a fashion degree, years of experience and a room full of sewing and patternmaking equipment: most of the time i literally just use regular needle and thread. you'll need a pair of scissors too, but the rest is very much in "add as you can" land. my personal basics are pins, a measuring tape, chalk and a thimble. with that you can do basically anything. some things you can actually do better with hand sewing. there are a million tutorials on youtube that teach you step by step how to do the most amazing types of stitch. my top best stitches are the essential running stitch and back stitch, and i really like to use whip stitch and ladder stitch (anytime i have to make an invisible stitch i do it in ladder stitch idk why). there are great beginner friendly tutorials for those. there are other fun stitches you can learn, but with 3 or 4 you can make anything.
As someone who grew up on her mom's lap while she sewed and cannot even remember how I learned it all I must say I'm so happy to see more people sew and trying to make their own wardrobes. And don't listen to anyone who says you need a ton of stuff. All I ever had was 1 sewing machine that I got for my birthday and one small box with my tools😄 never even had a desk I just did everything on the floor or dining table😅 just like my mom always did
I was also inspired by Rachel Maksy to start sewing again after my mom taught me as a child.
Sewing gives me time to listen to podcasts or UA-cam and see tangible progress in my project as I problem solve my way through a pattern or an alteration of a garment I don’t quite like the fit of.
It has saved dozens of pieces of clothing from the donate pile and made a bunch of second hand clothes wearable. Highly recommend.
i found Annika Victoria really useful when i first started out, unfortunately they dont make videos anymore, but their work is still up on their youtube channel! i always love to support australian, queer, and chronically ill creators - so this is a great follow for those reasons as well!
My mum was always buying second hand knits (mostly scarves) and using them as yarn for her own projects. She grew up and lived her young adult life in the USSR, where clothing was a deficit, so she's learnt to sew, knit and crochet. She'd knit us clothing all the time, and it was amazing 😍
Some advice I needed when I started making daily wear:
1. Get the fabrics that you like and feel comfortable in. If you buy second hand sheets for the environmental impact but never end up wearing what you made out of them, there's no point.
2. Sometimes finding out which colours and cuts really suit you also takes time and you might make some stuff you don't end up reaching for. Gift those things to others or cut them up and make some pencil cases, tote bags or pocket linings out of them.
3. Find your own way with patterns. Some people will tell you there is nothing easier than to do it yourself from measurements or copy clothes you already have, others will tell you to buy patterns and alter them. None is better than the other, just do what's easiest for you and, most importantly, what you enjoy.
4. Don't be scared to tackle "complicated" techniques. I have avoided a fly zip for the longest time and then found out, it's not actually that hard and that I had done harder things already (like, make a blazer lol)
5. Finish your seams! Otherwise your garment might fall apart quite quickly
I've been sewing ages, but I've started other craft skills more recently, and I find that repeating a project that I like until it starts coming out shop floor flawless is The Most Satisfying way of learning
8:26 Also, as part of the "sharing economy," many public libraries offer sewing machines to borrow! (For some, it's set up in a makerspace and for others you can literally take it home like you would a book)
Loving this comment section. So positive, so helpful, so encouraging!
Love the idea of 'this is what my subs made' as a video of realistic projects and skill levels (maybe adding in some tips along the way, or saying where they would do something differently).
Since everyone is giving advice... I would say that making tops, dresses and skirts is absolutely 100% worthwhile, and shorts and pants too. But I wouldn't recommend sewing your own blazers. Even though I'm a good sewer (started sewing 50 years ago making Barbie clothes), it's very hard to make tailored items look snappy. But almost everything else is worthwhile. Even complex shirts can work out really well.
Hey Leena, what about this idea: You could do a second channel or an extra "sew with me" format where we can watch YOU sewing in realtime while sipping tea in our kitchens :D
One of the best things I've learnt as a person who makes things and is often impatient, is to become ok with undoing and redoing. Its ok to get frustrated! Things will go wrong! Learn to use a seam ripper properly (find a video of someone doing it) and experience the satisfaction of unraveling crochet. Learn to put things down when you want to scream and come back when you have some chill 😂
Sewing on a deadline can help with getting things done, but they won't be done well if you're a beginner - take your time! You learn from your mistakes, and you get better with practise
I’ve been sewing for about a year (self/UA-cam-taught), and I highly recommend buying patterns that have video tutorials to go with them, like those from Rosery Apparel, Friday Pattern Company, and Muna and Broad. I haven’t seen her mentioned yet, but I love watching The Stitchess for sewing inspiration and motivation. 🎀✨💖 I also strongly agree with the advice of making what you want and letting that motivate you instead of settling on projects that don’t interest you just because they’re “beginner-friendly”. Also! Just like you can unravel/frog a knit or crochet project to start over, you can also always unpick a seam (or just cut it off if you can spare the fabric) and try again. 🫶
My advice as an self taught sewist, is watch technique videos on UA-cam like thoughful creativity, evelyn wood or shannon makes. Each of these channels have taught me things. My top lesson is measure carefully and more than once, make a mock up and take your time. Stuff turns 100 % better when you're not rushing through it. If you don't like the thing you make, you xan always reuse the fabric for something else or get rid of it
For crappy first projects when knitting/crocheting:
I teach my boyfriend how to crochet and the first thing he learned was to make granny squares. We used an "ugly" yarn to try out different the stitches, and he decided to buy his first yarn, a more exciting one to practice on his own.
Last week one of his friends invited him to his birthday and my boyfriend decided to gift him his first set of granny squares.
My boyfriend was so excited that he learned a new skill that it didn't crossed his mind that maybe it weren't the prettiest, most perfect squares and it didn't matter. His friend also loved it and couldn't believe it was handmade by his friend ❤ what an awesome moment for both 🥰
Watching is video as I add the last row to the hem of my first ever cardigan! There are so many little mistakes and I restarted it about 4 times.
Pure enthusiasm fueled this project and I've really enjoyed learning something new and feeling proud of it.
Also the knitting UA-cam community is one of the most wholesome spaces on the Internet.
A lovely little added benefit of knitting that I didn't expect is that it really calms down my stress and anxiety.
Christine McConnell has great idea for coming up with a pattern that works for you. Pull apart a clothing item that your already own and fits you really well. You can study the construction, practice reconstructing it, and use it to make a pattern for a new piece of clothing.
As a beginner I like a no pattern, zero waste project.
Started snowboarding almost two years ago now and realised. That the worst I can do is suck. Same with sewing (and knitting and crochet), the worst I can do is suck. And I'm okay with that, I still enjoy the process, and I looooooooooove seeing myself get better so the more I suck in the beginning the more I can evolve without even having to be that good. It's great
I was in sewing 4H (4H is an organization that facilitates clubs that teach kids how to do things, sewing, cooking, training a dog, would all be separate clubs but all under the same umbrella) as a preteen/young teen and made some decent things (a pantsuit when I was like 13 I think? I still never want to do another zipper) and have started getting back into it since the pandemic. Mostly altering clothes in my closet to better fit me.
My current project is a bathrobe for my sister as her Xmas gift
As a knitting teacher, my best advice is to just do it. Almost everything that you knit can be unraveled and fixed. Yes, you might have worked many hours on a piece and have to start over because you chose something a little over your skill level BUT those hours are knowledge and knitting is about the process as much as about the finished product. Chose something that makes your heart sing and jump in!
I was inspired by you using a thrifted duvet to sew a dress, so I thrifted a duvet and sewing pattern. Watching Rachel Maksy use patterns for her clothing gave me the courage that I could do it. I've sewn many things before including quilts, but never clothes. But thanks to you two I made a button down skirt! It's not perfect, it gaps a little and is a bit see through but it's pretty good for my first try!
I’ve been sewing for seven years, Mainly because the fit and sizing in shops is getting worse. I go into shops these days and not inspired to buy anything, especially when I see what it’s made of 🙈 Love being part of the sewing community (you meet so many likeminded souls) over on Instagram and have my own youtube channel too! And sewing is great for your mental health, it’s been proven to benefit- in-fact anything creative is great for your wellbeing ❤
I also started with masks! It was a really great intro that allowed make tiny little skill improvements each time (ie. working out how best to deal with the raw hems of the pattern).
I’d really recommend tote bags as the next step because they’re cute, useful, and there are sooo many different styles.
I'm sitting here knitting on a cardigan while watching this and it's just perfection. Your "break the big task into chunks" is something I am an advocate of. For this week, for example, my goal was to finish one front of the cardigan (it's pieced), and to get past the heel for a sock. I love how with knitting and crochet, you can totally thrift a sweater, if you know what to look for, and reuse the yarn for something else. One more thing that doesn't go on the dump. I think Engineering Knits has a video with a bit more detail on that, too?
For right now, my goal is to figure out exactly what I'm missing in my wardrobe, and then search specifically for patterns so I can make these items. For one, I think some fitted sweaters would be a great addition in my case.
I'm definitely a "try not to drown" thru sheer enthusiasm type learner, and having words for that is so helpful! When I first started knitting I thought I hated it because everyone said to start with a scarf, plain knit stitches the whole way, not even stockinette or rib stitch. I hated it, it was too boring. But my 4th try knitting was a hat that looked like a fish an I ripped through that in a weekend despite learning all kind of new techniques. My first real sewing project was my junior prom outfit. It was inexpert and slightly off sized with a warped hem, but I wore the dang thing and loved that I made it!
If you have a thing you want to make and have the fire to do it, start with that! You can always take a detour to figure something out and pick it back up.
7:50 i mostly sew by hand. My reasons are: (1) i don't like sitting hunched over a machine, (2) I'm much, much more accurate when i do it by hand, (3) I can take it on trips, commuting, do it in meetings, etc, (4) hand sewing a zipper is, imo, THE ONLY way to go. I can make any zipper look like it's invisible and it's perfect EVERY time. Doing it on machine is awful.
Bernadette Banner also published a book on hand sewing that's really, really great for beginners and for leveling up, there's "Couture Hand Sewing" that covers fancier seams, zippers, insert lace, etc.
I love watching beginner sewist on youtube, because they make the same mistakes I would, so I get to skip a lot of these mistakes. And it keeps me motivated to try new things out of my wheelhouse.
I've had great success this way. I made a skirt I love and got heaps of compliments on, even by strangers, and I think the reason why is because I chose a fairly simple project (adjustable circle skirt from the Stichery's tutorials), that really suited my body and style, in a fabric that suited the project.
Don't get me wrong, I've had some huge mess ups too, my last attempt to do a fancier version of the same skirt for serious wear is now the basis for this year's halloween costume! And it failed for the same reasons the first one succeeded. Less simple design, unsuitable fabric, and it just doesn't suit me. But it's fine, cause it's made from thrifted fabric anyway.
I made clothes in the 70’s when I was in junior high school in sewing class. I remember I made a dress I loved and wore to the Spring dance. I made a suit for my mother which was a simple skirt and jacket with pockets. Recently, a friend gifted me a sewing machine and I would love to try making clothes again after all these years. Your channel is so inspiring!
1 Big tip for knitting is, the long tail cast on makes the most proffessional, clean, and tidy edge to your piece.
I tried dozens of ways to make my ends tidier, and then I bit the bullet and tried the long tail. It worked, it looks great!
I've been sewing regularly for about 10 years now and it's an ongoing process. I remember cursing to the high heavens when I used my first pattern having no idea what I was doing. But that's how you learn! You just dive in. Google and UA-cam are your friends and there are reddit pages if you need more specific help! The sewing community is a very helpful one! I'm working on getting better at Knitting and I have to remind myself constantly to be patient and to take it one step at a time! You're doing great by the way Leena! It's been fun to watch you learn!
Thanks for sharing Leena! Watching you is so exciting!! 🌞Sewing looks different from me as I've become chronically ill but it's okay. It's been a few years of on and off sewing but I finished my first project this year. I made a seat cover for my walker from an old t-shirt after spreading apart the different steps throughout the weeks for a whole month. (Pinning fabric together one day, sewing a seam another, ironing a week after etc.)
It's a little wonky, and I'll need a lot of rest before starting on a new project, but it's mine and I feel so proud to have been able to make something with my hands again. I like to think of sewing being like all art forms: it will always wait for you, and the joy will always come back. It is not wrong to go slow. Give yourself time to go at your own pace.
Stay thoughtful and curious!!! Excited to see more of your art!
Something my husband routinely reminds me about sewing (I have recently started making a lot of my own clothes) is that the goal for sewing needs to be "I don't mind this activity" and "I like the output." I LOVE to knit and make all my own knitwear. And for a long time I felt like I shouldn't sew because I didn't absolutely adore the process. I tolerate the process - HOWEVER - I love the output. I picked simple garments to start and they are easy to make :) I'm already getting real wear out of them. And hand sewing hems is a great excuse to watch a lot of Netflix LOL
Was mending a pair of long johns whilst watching this. Actually, I would recommend getting started with mending the clothes you already own if sewing from scratch seems daunting. Visible and unvisible mending is both meditative and fun, and it makes your clothes last so much longer. I'd say it's a great way to build confidence with a needle and thread because it doesn't matter if it turns out ugly - you still fixed something that you probably weren't using before and so you've given it new life!
i remember taking home economics and sewing classes in high school and enjoying it, but never really got into it as an adult, until recently, when seeing leena's videos. now, especially as i am looking at my wardrobe and wanting to revamp it for a more masculine frame, i think i want to get back into sewing by starting with adjusting my current items where i can. here's hoping that my comment will help me be more accountable lol
I learnt to sew and knit as a child and now am 62 years old. I have never reached perfection, but it doesnt matter, there is always something new out there to learn. This skill has also meant that I have always made my own soft furnishings, especially made to measure curtains, which a few years ago used to be so expensive to buy. When you make something yourself, you love it more and look after it, so I always mend my own sewn clothes, quilts, knitted jumpers and socks. My advise would be not to get swept up in the youtube videos which encourage high turn out for making or thrift flipping your own clothes, otherwise you are just joining the fast clothes market from a different angle. Buying a few basic patterns which can be modified or interchanged is very economical approach. I look forward to seeing your wardrobe develop xxx
I would highly recommend crochet of knitting if you are chronically ill. It's really easy to have everything you need besides you while you are sitting. With sewing you need to cut fabric, iron fabric and other things that you can't do sitting in your favourite chair. It was the only way I stayed sane anyway.
Hey Leena, I love your videos. The sweater @11:32 is made in plain stocking stitch with silk mohair lace yarn and larger needles. It's apparently a pain to unravel mohair unless you put it in the freezer for a while.
I love watching Rachel Maksy, she really inspired me to the point where I decided that with enough stubborness, I can make something too 🤣 I don't have a sewing machine, so I hand sewed a skirt with pleats and button holes from a gorgeous linen fabric I got from a charity shop. Without a pattern, because I couldn't find one that I liked, so I made up my own. It worked, it's beautiful and I've worn it to my cousins wedding. So I would always give the advice to go and make something you're really excited about, even if it takes months. I now want to learn how to knit socks, I just learned how to knit in the round last week 🤣
I made the mistake of watching this video while repairing a loose button... now I'm elbow-deep in sewing myself an apron :) It's very inspirational and I really want to use my stash of fabric now. Thank you!!
I sew and crochet with very little of the traditional structure. I’ve taken on crochet projects I’ve got no idea how to achieve multiple parts of with no pattern to follow and it’s turned out great in the end… just give it a go. Sometimes you’ll have to do what I like to call side quest projects (little mini projects that don’t take long in order to learn a new technique) but that’s part of the fun! Because you end up with more cool stuff that you’ve made. The only rule I would say is always make the side quests things that will bring you joy or that you can easily give away. No point making a heart tapestry to learn colour work if you’re not going to display it; spend the extra time needed to graph an image you actually want to look at.
You inspired me to sew! I got into knitting again and found your channel through you making that big purple sweater and I loved your energy, I’ve watched so many of your videos while knitting 😂 You inspired me to tackle knitting my first sweater and now you’ve inspired me to sew. I remember in a few of your videos you’ve said that if you can drive a car, you can sew. Sewing machines always seemed so complicated to me. It helps so much seeing someone I can relate document their process on learning something new.
I’m also a climate crisis girlie 😂 and the fashion industry nauseates me. I just got my first sewing machine for a great deal off of Facebook marketplace and I am so ready to dive into sewing. I’m feeling very inspired and excited to go on this journey 😂 love ya Leena!
Everything in this video was 👏so👏well👏said. I also never expected that learning how to make clothes for myself would help me learn so much about myself, and how much that would help me with my overall confidence. There is truly no better feeling than wearing something handmade!
Sewing is indeed a lot less scary than many people assume. I started with hand sewing and I can recommend it esp. when you don't have space and/or money for a machine. Sewing needles and thread don't cost much and I'd start (and continue) with second had fabric or altering/mending clothes you already have. I made a lot of clothes by hand before I ventured in the realm of sewing machines and that is still a little scary because things happen so fast and I don't find it relaxing (yet), but it is nice that a garment doesn't take weeks or months to make and you can sew stretchy fabric easier. Don't be scared, you can do it!
I've been sewing/knitting/crocheting for a few years now and my biggest bit of advice is just to make the thing you actually WANT to make. Many beginner-friendly projects, while very useful for building foundational techniques, are just a bit boring. I started sewing because I wanted to make my own clothes! I'm not arsed about making a drawstring bag or, god forbid, another bloody pillowcase. So, even though the learning curve is steeper (and you do still need to be somewhat mindful about your choice of pattern: maybe that fully-lined blazer with welt pockets can wait for now), I found that jumping in at the deep end kept me entertained and motivated and keen to keep practicing so I could get the finish I actually wanted.
I love the mission being to make sewing just apart of everyday life. I'm on the same journey! Can't wait to make my own wardrobe!
Shannon Makes is a good youtube channel for making cheap and sustainable sewing!
The best thing about sewing, knitting, crocheting ect is if you run out of time, energy, or motivation half way through, its not going anywhere. It can sit until you're ready to work on it again.
I've started sewing in 2021 and already been watching Bernadette Banner and all the costubers out there. So I started doing like Bernadette and take all the scrap fabrics that I wouldn't use and started to cut it in small pieces. The idea is to stuff a cushion (like you did!), but then I had the idea of sewing some Christmas ornaments (also out of left over fabrics) aaaaand stuff them with all the tiny little pieces of scraps. I felt so smart and environmental friendly 😂
I see occasionally, and I source my fabric from thrift stores you’d be amazed at the quality linens that have small stains in a corner or something that nobody will buy, so it’s perfect for cutting up and repurposing.
Making things by sewing is actually like 80 percent of doing other things like cutting, pinning pieces together, and ironing, and 20 percent of actually sitting down in front of the machine and sewing the things.
I like doing my mock-ups from old bedsheets or with fabrics from thrift shops, and if I ever got enough time for my other hobby, I would then turn those mock-ups into yarns for weaving rugs, which is how my granny recycled any old piece of fabric. Basically for me mock-ups are just one last use for the fabric before its final form. Rug-making can also be done by crocheting, so then you'll end up with a doily for your floor, I imagine having multiple of those side by side would look very pretty.