Nothing fancy, neither is terribly new or old. Not being able to sew is really holding me back on DIY projects.
Is there an “Operating a Sewing Machine for Dummies” video or tutorial you like?
As a guy, I did sewing back in middle school as an elective. I’ve really wanted to get back into it because of the cosplay and stuff my daughters are wanting to do. My wife is kind of the type to go “I don’t know something, I was never taught!” and not be interested in learning, so it might be up to me to make these kiddos teenage years the best they can be. :P
So I implore anyone who has any good stuff – lay it down!
I’ll admit, I tend to be this way sometimes- It’s something I’m unlearning.
Get into the habit of - “I don’t know that thing, let’s look up how to do it!”
Everyone IRL thinks I’m some sort of fucking genius, but I’m just some dude who knows how to type what I don’t know into Google and watch YouTube videos…
Conversations with my family members…
Me: I did this interesting thing
Grandma: You’re so smart, I don’t know how you can do this stuff
Me: …I looked it up. You could look stuff up too.
Grandma: Oh, no, I’m not smart like you.
Me: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻Yeah, I’ve made a lot of progress, its just a big change of perspective to internalize. I think for me its mostly fear of failure, and I’m working to internalize that failure is good and important even if it feels bad
This guy’s channel is pretty great for learning all sorts of stuff https://www.youtube.com/@TockCustom
The first main thing is how to thread your machine(s), since that does tend to be pretty similar from one machine to another but with slight differences. So I’d learn how to do that for your particular model(s), how to wind a bobbin and get that all hooked up.
Then just pick up some scrap bits of fabric and go to town with the different stitches and features and see what happens! If something goes wrong, search online for the specific symptom and you’ll learn a lot that way (this is how I learned how to adjust tension back in the day).
Do you have a manual for either machine that takes you through the different stitches etc? If not you’ll probably be able to find a PDF version online if you search for the model number.
When I taught myself to sew almost 15 years ago, I leaned very heavily on YouTube. However, sewing is a doing skill. I bought a very easy pattern when it was on super sale (JoAnn does it sometimes) and read it like a book and did my best to sew it. If I didn’t understand a step or term, I found a blog or YouTube video to explain it. Each time I tried a new pattern, I understood a little more and my finished pieces were a little more competent. I’ve found learning to cook to be the exact same way.
I learned mostly from the YouTube and there’s loads of tutorials there! HowCast has a series of basic sewing tutorials that are very beginner friendly. I still search them sometimes for certain techniques I don’t use frequently. coolirpa also has a basic sewing series that’s very good. In general just searching “sewing 101” or “sewing machine basics” will give you good results. If you are having specific problems post here again or message me, I’m happy to help! Happy sewing :)
I’ve found Evelyn Wood 's videos on YouTube really informative and helpful. Also, depending on what you want to sew, some independent pattern companies have really good pattern instructions that are beginner friendly. Some will also have videos to go along with it too. There’s lots of sewing stuff on the internet, whether it be basic instructions, free patterns etc etc. Lots of resources!
