How did you learn to sew?

So I'm a super-newbie.  My experience is limited to making cloth butt wipes for my cloth diapered daughter, a simple tote bag, and the Kimberbell Kids doll found on youcanmakethis.com.  I've just been learning as I go and bugging random neighbors, mom,  and even my Parents as Teachers parent educator when I've had questions.  I see all kinds of fun patterns I would love to try, but am terrified of them.  What sorts of projects did you work on in the beginning?  I am in awe of the work I see here and feel sort of dumb even asking the question. 

Thanks!!!

I mainly worked on Children's clothes in the beginning, and still do a lot of that.  I am mainly self-taught.  The ebooks at YCMT are really helpful.

I'm pretty much self-taught in everything I do from knitting to sewing and smocking. I used a lot of sewing books at the beginning and a lot of trial and error. That was about 16 years ago or more... way before it was the cool thing to do.

Its sooo much easier for newbies now with the internet, message boards, tutorials and online ordering, pictures, blogs... you name it. There's not much you can't find anymore.

Most of all... just have fun!

~Marie Grace

I'm a book learner mostly.  I sewed by hand as a kid, but I started machine sewing in Aug of '07.  I found that Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol and S.E.W. Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp were really good places to start---both books are written in a very unintimidating kind of manner that makes you believe that you can actually make the stuff.  The projects in Bend the Rules require very little fabric and time, but they allow you to practice heaps of techniques that you will and can use in larger projects.  S.E.W. is a fantastic intro to garment sewing...Diana Rupp has this great hold-your-hand-until-you-feel-okay tone that even makes the dreaded tissue paper pattern (the reason I stayed away from sewing garments for so long) seem simple.

I also cannot recommend burdastyle.com enough.  They have free and low cost patterns and a ridiculous wealth of helps to get you through projects.  If you're not sure how something might look, you can see user photos of the projects to get a good idea before you launch yourself into something.

Keep truckin.'  Your first projects might be a little weird, but you'll get better.

I learned to sew as a child through 4-H...sort of.  My mother is the type that just would rather do it herself, so I did a fair bit of watching while she did the hard parts.   So I guess you could say I watched and learned, though hands-on was a bit lacking.  If you are in an area that has 4-H, you used to be able to buy the books.  Go to your county extension office and ask for basic sewing project books.  They are usually just a couple of dollars and full of so much information.  It's been awhile since I have bought any (and yes, I have bought them as a grown adult, not a club memeber) so hopefully they still do this.

In the last year I have finally attempted on my own to line a bag, sew a zipper, and even got brave enough to add a zippered pocket into the lining of a bag....a long way to come from not having done a zipper before this time last year.   The internet has been a vast resource for my re-entry into the world of sewing.  YouTube has tutorial videos, forums like this one are worth their weight in gold.  YCMT has lots of very easy patterns that do not require things like zippers or smocking.  Ask questions, don't be afraid to make mistakes, practice on a muslin, buy a good seam ripper.  Pick one thing to do that will push your abilities a bit and set you mind to doing it and keep at it until you've figured it out. 

I took a beginner's sewing class to learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine.  It was alot of fun and we made a basic tote bag.  I'm still very much a beginner, but willing to try lots of things.

When I bought my machine, classes were included, but mostly I just follow instructions from books or the internets.

I am also learning to sew by trial and error.  Would love to know of any good books to start with.  The blog is very helpful in finding new projects though.

My mother taught me to sew when I was 10.
She gave me her sewing machine that she had used in High School and we made a patchwork quilt top using squares.
I began making my own clothes in High School, and I still make most of my daughter's dresses and my own.
I am still using the Spartan machine that my mom gave me 22 years ago, and it runs great.
 

I was *kinda* shown how to sew as a child, my Mom is so-so at sewing, but my Grandma and Great Grandma were (and still are) pros! My Grandma used to sew all of my Mom and her sisters' clothing. My Mom didn't really get those genes passed down, but she's not totally clueless.

I would say up until this past year, the most comlicated thing I made was doll clothing. Then I caught the bug and have been a sewista for the past 6 months. I even got my first sewing machine this past Christmas. I have basically figured out a lot of what I know from internet resources and asking the right questions of my Grandma and Mom.

This is a great thread/question!  I learned much of the basics from my mother and am self-taught otherwise.  The best rule?  "As ye sew, so shall ye press!"  Everytime I've ever tried to speed things through by not ironing, I've wished I hadn't.   The internet has been tremendously helpful for tips, tricks, patterns, and inspiration!  Just keep doing it!  There's no substitute for experience!

I'm new here, but I have been sewing since about age 10. My mother, aunt and grandmother all sewed, so learning it was a requirement ( a rite of passage)  not an option. LOL
I received my first sewing machine at 12, and although there was a long period of time where that was the last thing I wanted to do, I really got hooked while pregnant with my first child. I made all his nursery decor and some of his clothing. When my daughter came along, I made most of her clothes until she was ready for school.

Another long break from sewing and then I answered the call to learn quiltmaking in 2003. Now I am really addicted.

My first grandchild arrived 2 weeks ago, so I have gotten back to traditional sewing - diaper bag, stuffed toys, changing pads, etc.

I highly recommend the books "Bend the Rules Sewing" by Any Karol and "S.E.W. The Sew Everything Workshop" by Diana Rupp.  They are extremely thorough in explaining how to do certain things from sewing on a button, to pleats and darts.  These books really helped me when I first started.  I tried to learn from my mom, but I'm sure you know that being taught something by someone you're close with doesn't always work well.  These books were extremely helpful.  Also, if you're looking for a pattern of something to make to start out with, try the "Patterns for Dummies."  They are very easy and guide you into the world of following patterns very subtly. 

Hope this helps!!

I had been wanting to learn to sew for awhile, and had asked for a sewing machine for Christmas and it sat in a closet untouched for a year. So I finally asked a friend to help me out. I picked out an apron pattern and fabric and worked on it with her help. It was the perfect way to learn to sew because she was there if I needed help or had a question. It was so much less daunting than trying to learn just by reading a book! Now, I have the confidence I need to try new things! My latest project was a set of bibs for a friends shower. If you have a friend that sews I'd highly recommend asking for their help! Having hands on training is invaluable!

I am a beginner too and appreciate the advice.