Suggestions on where to learn to sew?

[Kelsier]

The extent of my sewing experience is making a tunic for an apple doll back in elementary school. I've also sewn a few buttons back on but I can guarantee it wasn't pretty (or very effective).

I've recently acquired access to a sewing machine and am very interested to learn to sew. My Thrift store runs are usually not very fruitful as I am 6'3" and carrying around some extra poundage. Finding my size in regular department stores is tough, and thrift shops tend to have very little that I can use.

So rather than whine about it, and going with the spirit of self-reliance, I want to start making some of my own playawear or perhaps altering other things to become new and improved playawear.

Any suggestions on online resources/classes to learn to sew? I've done some googling and there is a lot out there. I'm curious if anyone has spent time doing this and has a recommendation on good beginners classes. Free is obviously preferred.

[TT120]

I did it by getting a sewing machine on Craigslist for cheap, watching a few Youtube videos, and sewing a bunch of random pieces of fabric. I'm still not very good but I am getting better.

[lucky420]

and look for the easy sew patterns

[Chowski]

Community Colleges often offer sewing classes for super cheap. I took one here in Sacramento - the entire semester was $150.00. Night class. Now I can sew.

[Ratty]

Everything you ever wanted to know is on pinterest

[Joeln]

I did it by getting a sewing machine on Craigslist for cheap, watching a few Youtube videos, and sewing a bunch of random pieces of fabric. I'm still not very good but I am getting better.

This!

[Kelsier]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was planning. I'm keeping my goals simple; I want to learn to make a vest. Maybe several and perhaps some with fur. I figure if I can get that down this year before heading out to playa, next year I can improve my skills and ultimately deck myself out from head to toe.

I'm down for going through random youtube videos and pinterest pages., I just didn't know if anyone found some lessons online that they were particularly fond of.

I'm willing to explore and see if I can find something that works for me. Though eventually I can definitely see signing up for some actual in person classes.

[LowePro]

Youtube "fur" sure.
Amateur sewing person here too, learned the hard way that fur is very tricky! Fun, but tricky. Def watch some youtube clips and read some blogs before doing fur projects. There's some technical tips involving masking tape, pins, and sewing inside out. And you'll get turfs of fur all over your house if you cut it wrong! Cut your teeth on regular fabrics first.

[Ratty]

There are lots of great tips here on eplaya. Here is one that helps you with fur sewing. (I especially love the nude sewing video). Just click on 'home' then clothing and costumes. Have a ball and dig into your closet first.

viewtopic.php?f=279&t=73590

[kpischi]

Like already Said use YouTube or search for free sewing pattern in Google.
I bought myself a 150€ sewing machine on Amazon after getting hands on the Tickets. Before i had an Old 20€ one from eBay.. But that Just didn't bring it enough

Already Made myself a West and some Leggings.. here are some Wip pics..
I have to say i thought ist would be harder..
Watch some Videos and use the correct needles then it should be no Problem

Screenshot_20170509-052452.png

Screenshot_20170509-052516.png

Screenshot_20170509-052521.png

[Kelsier]

Those look great! I can't wait to get started.

[lucky420]

if you can figure out the machine, you can figure out how to sew.

It's sew easy

[mzpiggii]

I am learning to do the same too, I picked up a used machine and just started using the machine on some cut up fabric. I guess just to practice getting use to the machine and the different stitch patterns. I am now looking up patterns for tops and bottoms and hope they will become something wearable. Pinterest has a ton of ideas and just googling things or youtubing has helped me a ton. (How to wind a bobbin or threading the machine. Good luck =D

[BBadger]

I'd definitely go the Youtube route, but you can often find classes offered by sewing machine/crafting shops if you want to sit down and learn from someone in a classroom environment.

[Ratty]

Please forget all of that. Don't buy patterns and fabric. It's easier and much more satisfying to go to your closet or the 2nd hand store. Buy an existing garment and alter it. This is a link to how to alter your clothes or make flash from scraps.

viewtopic.php?f=279&t=53078

This is a link to my pinterest board on burning man ideas.

[Kelsier]

Ratty Thanks for that rabbit hole. I've seen it before but didn't really look through it because of my lack of sewing skills and clothing creativity. That may all change! About 10 pages in so far.

[wraith]

If you want good practice, throw together a few pair of wrap pants. They're an easy pattern you can put together out of whatever cool broadcloth you can get for a price, and the cut is forgiving enough that if you screw up they're more than likely absolutely still wearable.

There's a good tutorial here.

I like upcycling thrift store sheets for 'em.

[Kelsier]

If you want good practice, throw together a few pair of wrap pants. They're an easy pattern you can put together out of whatever cool broadcloth you can get for a price, and the cut is forgiving enough that if you screw up they're more than likely absolutely still wearable.

There's a good tutorial here.

I like upcycling thrift store sheets for 'em.

Those look very similar to the Thai Fisherman's pants I wore last year and am hoping to make for myself this year. Well... I wore them until they got caught in my bike chain that is.

[Sammalamma]

I've been seeing for 20 years and my best spot to learn new things when I can't just figure it put on my own is craftsy. There are good sales on the online classes and you can learn anything on there.