Let's talk about sewing!

[little.fox]

Are there any sewers here? I'd love to be able to sew my own clothes to make them just like I want them, or to make gifts, things for the house etc, so I am keen to start sewing, and I was wondering if anyone has some tips/tricks to share? I would like to learn about both machine and hand sewing.

Where does one get hold of good patterns? What do I look for in a good sewing machine? Are there any forums/blogs about sewing and other handicrafts that you can recommend? Do I need to get a book to learn the different stitches?

I litterally know nothing, so feel free to enlighten me of the basics!

[Kiwi]

I'm sure someone here can give you some pointers. The only sewing I do is a little hand stitching to fix holes and loose buttons.

[kaoskat]

I can sew but I hate it. I'm afraid I'm useless for advice because I only do it if I have to.

[melodys_angel]

I sew by hand   Ive made things from dice bags to a gigantic G3 plush of Destiny (you know the type), to pillows, to clothing (yes, sewing by hand) for cosplaying^^

ETA: Someone that uses a machiene can probably give you better advice, but my best piece is to just go slow and patient.  You can still pull off the endurance and quality, but you cant rush   Ill sometimes double over my stitches if its something that needs to be tough.

I cant say much about patterns though...ive figured things out on my own or just looked online for free ones for the cosplay stuff (Yunas shirt from ffx for example...or a typical tie for hatsune miku + her shirt and skirt).  The pony pattern I ended up getting at RI when we were there years ago

[Eternia]

I am pretty well versed in sewing, but  I really do not enjoy it simplicity makes good easy patterns that you can often rework and reshape how you want. For sewing machines, I have found the heavier (and older) the better. A nice one is not going to be cheap. I use my grandmothers old kenmore and that thing is a beast!  i love it.my moms more modern fearherweight is crap in comparison.
If you really know nothing but want to learn I would check out a beginners sewing book from the library and then find videos on youtube of more specific things you want to learn.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

I am slowly getting the hang of it and I've been lazily poking at the skill for a few years...  I think I need to give myself a lot more wiggle room and get some mannequins right quick because projects never turn out perfectly.    I have a machine but it needs so much service I'm afraid they'd just sell me a new one.  So I sew by hand.  A June skirt is now swiftly becoming an August skirt... 

[ringwraith10]

Where to get good patterns: if you want professional McCalls or Simplicity, etc. patterns, keep a watch out for craft and sewing stores like Joann's and Hancock Fabrics. They frequently have sales where they sell one brand of patterns for just $1 per pattern (patterns usually run around $15 - $20). Of course, I see you're from Sweden, and I don't know if those stores exist in your country. I'm sure there are craft/fabric stores that have similar sales, though! They like to sell the patterns cheap because that entices people to purchase fabric, notions, and even sewing machines.

That said, my sewing experience is really weird. I am really into costuming (at conventions and such, not Halloween) so I make my costumes. But my mom is a home economics major, and she owns the sewing machine (though I usually keep it at my house). Often instead of letting me learn and get better at sewing myself, when we get together to work on my costumes she just takes over and assigns me to cut things out and stuff. So I'm not an expert seamstress by any means, but I know the basics, at least.

[rearing_palomino164]

I don't do much sewing. I mainly like to cross stitch designs on pillow cases and make my own pillows. I am learning to quilt though!

[sparkykandy]

I know when I wanted a sewing machine, my mom advised that I get one with plenty of different stitches programmed in it.  Since I was just starting out, it wasn't necessary that I get anything really expensive or anything like that. 

[Aflame]

i like to sew and make my own model horse blankets and head collers but i have never done my own clothes but i bet hobbycraft would have patterns sewing stuff