Want to know how to start sewing but not sure where to begin? When I started my sewing journey, I was excited but overwhelmed by everything there was to learn. I was stuck in research mode and it took me a while before I had the confidence to even plug in my sewing machine and start an actual sewing project. I bounced between learning to do things the proper way and straight-up winging it. This led to lots of wonky or unwearable projects and a confidence level that dipped over time.
After many years of sewing, if I were to learn to sew all over again, there’s a few things I would do differently. To help you enjoy your new hobby quicker and feel more confident along the way, here are 7 things you can do if you want to know how to start sewing in 2025.
1. Get a Sewing Machine
Ok, sounds obvious, but when it comes to getting a sewing machine, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of brands and functions. Do you need over a dozen stitches and 4 speeds for your first machine? Absolutely not. But you do need a machine that works well, has a straight stitch, a zig-zag stitch and has a reverse action. Of course, you can start with a new sewing machine with all the bells and whistles, but it’s not necessary, a thrifted or loaned machine can help get you started.
2. Watch YouTube Sewing Tutorials
These days you’ll find a tutorial for most tasks and I will forever be an advocate for “YouTube University”. While there are many courses out there both online and in-person, YouTube is always a great resource for learning sewing techniques or watching sew-alongs for popular sewing patterns. The online sewing community has so many sewing personalities that share vlogs, tutorials, fabric/pattern hauls as well as documenting their handmade wardrobes. Whether you want to learn how a certain technique is done or you enjoy watching “thrift flips”, you’ll find something to get your sew jo going!
3. Buy/Borrow Sewing Books
Sewing books will forever be a blessing for anyone who wants to know how to start sewing. You can go at your own pace, revisit sections and teach yourself everything you need to learn about sewing in the comfort of your own home. Many sewing books come with multiple sewing patterns making them great value for money if you’re just starting out. Lots of books are written with beginners in mind and some focus on techniques while others showcase a range of patterns and provide instructions. If you want to focus on garment sewing books, here are a few of my recommendations:
- Make it Simple – Tilly Walness. Lots of trendy, quick-to-sew patterns.
- Make it Yours with Mimi G – Great if you want to learn how to alter designs to get several looks from one pattern.
- You Will Be Able to Sew Your Own Clothes by the End of This Book – Juliet Uzor – Ideal for anyone brand new to garment sewing.
- Ahead of the Curve – Jenny Rushmore – A brilliant resource for curvy and plus-sized beginner sewists.
4. Start With Basic Sewing Projects
When you start to see all the things you can make when you know how to sew, you’re going to want to make everything! But, in order to build on your skills and techniques, it’s best to start off with basic sewing projects. Simple, non-garment projects like tote bags, or cushion covers can teach you sewing techniques while letting you enjoy the making process without worrying about the fit. Getting a few easy projects under your belt will also help build up your confidence when it comes to tackling more challenging sewing projects. Here are 2 easy, free beginner sewing projects.:
5. Choose Beginner Friendly Fabric
If there’s one thing that can stall your sewing journey, it’s choosing tricky, hard to sew with fabric. As tempting as it is to dive into silky satins or stretchy knits, starting with stable, easy-to-handle fabrics will make your first sewing projects much smoother. Look for cotton poplin, quilting cotton, or linen blends—these fabrics hold their shape well and don’t slip and slide as you sew.
Another tip is to avoid anything too thick or bulky, like heavy denim or upholstery fabric, until you’ve built up confidence using your sewing machine. Stick to light-to-medium-weight woven fabrics, and your stitches (and sanity) will thank you!
Need some tips for choosing beginner friendly fabrics? Check out this guide to 30 types of fabric every beginner should know.
6. Join the Online Sewing Community
Sewing can be a solitary hobby, but it doesn’t have to be! One of the best things I ever did was connect with other sewists online. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook groups, or sewing platforms like Minerva.com, there are plenty of ways to meet like-minded people who share your love for sewing. These spaces are great for finding inspiration, getting tips, and even troubleshooting when you get stuck on a project.
Many sewists also document their makes, fabric hauls, and pattern reviews, giving you plenty of ideas for your own sewing journey. Challenges like Me Made May are great for making new sewing friends and developing a positive relationship with your handmade garments. Plus, the encouragement and motivation from an online sewing community can make all the difference in keeping you motivated.
7. Visit Shows and Exhibitions
If you really want to immerse yourself in the world of sewing, visiting a sewing show or exhibition is a fantastic way to learn, shop, and get inspired. The Stitch Festival and The Knitting and Stitching Show, for example, are annual events featuring fabric vendors, live demos, workshops, and talks from industry experts. I’ve been lucky enough to teach workshops at these events for the last 5 years. It’s a great way to discover new sewing tools, get hands-on with fabrics before buying, and even take part in sewing classes.
Attending events like these allows you to meet fellow sewists, ask questions, and learn from the pros. Plus, there’s nothing like walking through aisles of gorgeous fabric and haberdashery supplies for a bit of retail therapy.
Starting your sewing journey is exciting, and doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just focus on learning the basics, starting with beginner-friendly projects and fabrics, and connecting with the sewing community for support and/or inspiration.
Sewing is a skill that improves with time and practice, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be sewing up a storm and creating beautiful, handmade pieces that you’ll be proud to wear or gift to others!
If you’d like more tips, check out 10 Sewing Tips for Beginners.
Happy sewing!
