Today I'm answering the most common questions I get from sewing beginners! For a comprehensive guide, check out my Learn to Sew series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8pZeN5wmVXgHtMD_Yh4HavpXWoLcyAnP
Time Stamps
(1:07) Where and how do I start learning to sew?
(3:21) How big of a project should I start with?
(4:19) Recommended beginner projects
(5:52) What sewing machine and tools should I get?
(7:57) Do I need an overlocker/serger?
(10:06) Tips for sergers and finishing raw edges
(15:50) Which fabrics should I use?
(17:57) How much fabric should I buy for different projects?
(21:25) Where should I source fabric, especially on a budget?
(24:27) How (and when) should I clean and service my machine?
(27:48) Advice on troubleshooting sewing machine problems
(29:15) How do I read a sewing pattern?
(29:52) How can I be more precise in cutting fabric?
(31:53) How can I cut a straight line?
(32:51) How can I self-draft clothes without a pattern?
(34:01) How do I gain confidence to wear the garments I’ve sewn?
(35:46) How do I get back into sewing after taking a break or feeling uninspired?
(36:40) How should I store my patterns and scraps?
(39:07) Do you have any regrets about past projects?
(39:49) What do I do if a project doesn’t go to plan?
(42:20) How do I keep my wardrobe from getting out of control?
(45:19) How do I continue a project when I lose motivation?
(45:54) How can I manage my frustration/anger when sewing?
(47:36) How to learn professional patternmaking and/or start a business?
Recommended Beginner Patterns:
Ginger Tie Top - https://www.shopsmallmuseum.com/products/ginger-tie-top-sewing-pattern
Jill Wrap Skirt - https://www.etsy.com/listing/1572035420/jill-wrap-skirt-pdf-sewing-pattern-size
Collage Gather Top - https://matchymatchysewingclub.com/products/collage-gather-top-pdf-sewing-pattern
All Well Box Top - https://allwellworkshop.com/all-well-box-top
Honeygirl Tee - https://paradisepatterns.com/products/honeygirl-tee-pdf-sewing-pattern-for-100-cotton-pointelle-and-rib-knits-b-cup-d-cup-options-long-short-sleeve-two-necklines
Or any of my patterns (all rated confident beginner): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SydGrahamPatterns
Tools we talked about in this video:
Brother CS5055 - https://amzn.to/4ciSrN1
Rotary Cutter - https://a.co/d/5S7mLbo
Cutting Mat - https://amzn.to/3SImbMg
Straight Edge - https://amzn.to/3SHgEWp
Other favorite sewing tools: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-1c0abd99
Fabric sources we talked about in this video:
Blackbird Fabrics - https://www.blackbirdfabrics.com/en-us
Fluid + Drape - https://fluidplusdrape.com?ref=sydney_graham
The Fabric Store - https://weare.thefabricstoreonline.com/
A few sewing people I love to follow for inspo:
https://www.instagram.com/kelseymariewhite/
https://www.instagram.com/whatabbeywore/
https://www.instagram.com/zoe_sews/
https://www.instagram.com/tiana_herring/
https://www.instagram.com/smallmuseum_/
https://www.instagram.com/cayden.naughton/
https://www.instagram.com/therealmrskelley/
https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_sew_and_sew/
https://www.instagram.com/maijamakes/
https://www.instagram.com/heysewgeorgie/
https://www.instagram.com/thesewingside/
https://www.instagram.com/made.by.michl/
https://www.instagram.com/genmadethat/
https://www.instagram.com/jessilous_closet/
(honestly just scroll through my following tab on ig it's soooo hard to only pick a few here)
Join the Sewing Besties Discord group: https://discord.gg/9KwX74DgbS
Tag me in your makes - I would loooove to see what you're working on!
https://www.instagram.com/hisydgraham/
https://www.tiktok.com/@hisydgraham