How To Start Sewing Your Own Clothes

So, you want to start sewing your wardrobe? Here are my tips for getting started! Gather supplies, pick a project, choose your fabric, and you are on your way. :)

Resources mentioned in this video:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES + FUN STUFF:

MY EQUIPMENT:
Camera: Sony ZV-1
Computer: Apple MacBook Air 13" (2021)

All music from: MUSICBED
**NOTE: some of the product links in this description are affiliate links and I may receive a commission on purchases made via these links**

[sannaseesvalo]

We have a sewing machine to loan in our local library. There are also other devices like 3d printer, a folio printing system for textiles etc. You just buy the fabrics/plastic/folio and get going with the projects. Very efficient if you are just trying out if you like at all sewing etc.

[reginapetite]

Good information. As a beginner, the whole sewing world is overwhelming to me sometimes. I would appreciate projects that are for true beginners. Thanks

[kathygann]

When I was a teenager, I made myself a lined linen pantsuit from fabric I’d inherited from my grandmother. I wanted it to be special to remember her and took great care. It had a Jean jacket type jacket. It was absolutely perfect! Then I washed it and the linen shrank a FOOT! Pretreat all fabric!

[candice_ecidnac]

No one in my family taught me how to sew. When I needed to mend something, my aunt pointed at her sewing box and said "Figure it out" and I did, eventually. After that I started making my own Barbie and Ken clothes, by [what I know now is called] draping then hand sewing. I used a sewing machine once in my life, in Home Economics, where we made a pillow.
I never owned a sewing machine, so whenever I had to mend something I hand-stitched it. And I was too intimidated by hand-sewing clothing, so I never started the process.
Now I'm 40 and I'm finally determined to learn to use a sewing machine and make my own clothing and accessories. An old high school acquaintance gifted me with a beautiful Singer 347 and I'm determined to learn how to use her, probably starting with mending my worn jeans and making linings for my crocheted bags.
I'm excited to be on this journey to finally realize a life-long dream of making clothing.

[thegazetteyt]

OMG, you are one of the first people I've ever seen to tell people to wash their fabric before they make something!! YES!!!

[mariamurray]

I’m a semi-experienced sewer and love my sewing time but am still building up to making things that fit well and that I’ll love to wear. This was all great advice and very encouraging. I’m going to start cutting into some of my favourite fabrics and stop worrying about being an expert! I look forward to your videos and love your style.

[suzziehoward]

Im 58 and Just purchased my first sewing machine so I could make my own clothes and up popped your video. Thank you for you great advice!

[jodyjohnsen]

It is a thousand times easier to alter a garment than it is to make one. If you don’t want to start from a pathetic pattern (they are all odd) then find a simple dress and make it yours, take it in, make it shorter, longer, wider etc. I have been making clothes for myself and others all my life. But I prefer to buy a very expensive dress second hand and make it unique. Today I bought a simple shift in a silky patterned fabric for $10. I’ll add darts and a flounce to make it longer and move more when I walk. Then it will be one of a kind.

[GlobetrotterGranny]

Great advice! I’m just getting back into sewing after about 30 years of my old machine sitting on the shelf. Rediscovering the joy of creation. Your advice is truly spot on!

[rhondabliss]

I have a heavy duty Pfaff that was purchased new in 1984. It’s still going strong. I highly recommend this brand. I have sewn clothing from sheer to heavy fabrics, upholstery fabrics, outdoor fabrics, and some things I’m certain would be considered a no no on a machine. I’ve cared for it like a car, yearly tuneups and it just keeps going: starting year 38!!

[faithmathingsdal]

Casey, thanks for being such a cheerleader for the sewing community! Generosity with your knowledge and skills is such a gift to us. I agree about choosing a project you're excited about to promote follow-through. I started sewing because I wanted to make jeans that actually fit me! They were one of my first 'real' projects and while they weren't perfect, I still love and wear them regularly and learned SO MUCH along the way. Both my sewing machine (Singer Simple) and Serger (Singer 14U64A) were given to me second-hand. The serger was found on the side of the road by my in-laws. Works perfectly and I love it's vintage indestructibleness. :)

[meeunice]

My mum and I started during the pandemic. Best decision ever! The clothes from shops don't even look good anymore.

[mik]

Good instructions are key. I’ve been sewing since I was very young and sewed a lot of my clothing even in high school when it wasn’t really “cool” as you mention. The one thing I found very frustrating as a new sewer was the instructions that come with patterns. They’re usually very generic and often times there’s an easier and “cleaner” way to sew on a collar, for example. You Tube channels are a wealth of information when it comes to sewing “tips and tricks”. It’s so great that new sewers have this source available to them now.

[elitehaxxor]

As a man who wants to get into sewing to be a bit more crafty with my fiancee, I really appreciated this video. I'm an obsessive learner who tries to learn as much as possible before I even take on a new hobby or buy a product, you've helped me so much!

[CeeCeeCrafts]

I started sewing at a very young age, but it’s been years since I sensed. . I clicked on this video for inspiration. Thank you.

[darlenejanosko]

Sewing gives me the center joy in my life. Now retired I am going back in sewing my own clothes. Thank you

[Nijilove]

My mom bought me a sewing machine in 2008 for Christmas when I was in middle school… I still have it, and I’m considering getting in sewing. I am exploring crochet and knitting and I’m afraid to overwhelm myself with too many projects/hobbies. Still, it’s nice to have things I’ve made with my own hands

[froggalb]

I just stumbled on your video today and I am so glad I did! Have been sewing off and on for a long time but have lacked the confidence to cut into a gorgeous piece of fabric because my clothes always seem to look home made! I am hopeful your videos can help me correct that as there is not much in the way of nice looking clothes in the stores lately!

[jennyp]

I started sewing when I was at school, but haven't sewn for years and I really enjoyed this. You gave me great reminders and 1 or 2 tips that I'll keep in mind.
As for threading the machine, really great information. Years ago I helped a young friend (in her 20s) with her first sewing project and when I arrived she had threaded the machine and was waiting to do the first seam. She blew me away, she was so eager to sew that she didn't read the manual on how to thread it. So we had to spend quite some time just on threading and why it was important.

[Candiceknits]

I learned to sew in a high school sewing class. Sewed my own prom dress. Sewed some costumes for my kids when they were little. Hadn’t sewn in years until a couple years ago my husband asked if I could sew him some scrub tops from superhero material. He gets so many compliments on them. Now I’m thinking about sewing some of my own garments.