Beginner Sewing · Sewing

Sewing For Beginners, Part 2: How To Prepare For Your First Sewing Project

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In my prior blog post, I shared with you the essential tools needed for your first time machine sewing. If you have not read “Sewing For Beginners, Part 1: Essential Items Needed For Machine Sewing”, I recommend you do so.

You told yourself you are going to learn how to sew. You invested in all of the essential items needed to get you started. So now what?

In this post I am going to explain everything that you need to do in preparation of your first project. In addition, I will be posting the supplies needed if you choose to join me in making the project that will be in part 3 of this blog series.

Become Acquainted With Your Sewing Machine

The most important step you need to take prior to your first sewing project is to become familiar with your sewing machine.

A big mistake I made when learning to sew was not reading my sewing machine manual. It is very important to read your manual so you know how to operate your sewing machine and become familiar with its components. Your machine manual is your most valuable resource as it contains everything you need to know about using your sewing machine.

Reading your manual cover to cover initially can be a long task, but at the very least, be sure to read the sections that cover the following:

  • Important Safety Instructions (these really are very important)
  • Names Of Machine Components & Functions
  • Threading The Machine
  • Winding And Inserting A Bobbin
  • How To Remove And Install A Presser Foot
  • Inserting And Replacing A Needle
  • How To Select Stitches
  • Thread Tension

Once you have become acquainted with your machine and its functions, you can decide what type of project you want to pursue.

Plan A Project

For your first project, be sure to choose a beginner friendly project. Many sewing projects and patterns will indicate the skill level.

Here is a list of some beginner friendly project ideas:

  • Potholders (my first project)
  • Zipper Pouches
  • Tote Bag
  • Pattern Weights
  • Infinity Scarf
  • Apron
  • Fabric Keychain
  • Reusable Grocery Bag
  • Grocery Bag Holder
  • Placemats
  • Pin Cushion
  • Pillow Case
  • Sewing Machine Cover

Choose Your Fabric

Once you have decided on a project, you will want to choose your fabric and any other supplies required to make your project.

My recommendation is to select a project that calls for quilting cotton. 100% quilting cotton is the easiest fabric to work with and sew, especially if you are a beginner. Your local quilt shop, Joann Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby are great places to pick up quilting cotton.

If you prefer to purchase your fabric and supplies online, here are some fabric stores you might want to check out:

Prepare Your Fabric

You went to your local fabric store and picked out a few yards of beautiful, vibrant colored fabric. After arriving home from the fabric store, you may be asking yourself a few questions.

Do I Prewash My Fabric?

Prewashing your fabric takes care of any shrinkage and color bleeding that may occur in addition to removing chemicals in the fabric from processing. It is especially important to prewash your fabric if you are making a garment or a fitted item such as curtains, pillow shams, etc. Cotton, flannel, and cotton blends are notorious for shrinking.

I do have a few exceptions to my prewashing rule. I never prewash precuts such as jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs, mini charm packs, etc. Prewashing precuts will cause them to fray significantly and distort the size and shape.

I prewash ALL fabric or NONE at all. For instance, if I am making a quilt top using precuts, I do not prewash the backing fabric, binding fabric, or any other fabric involved with making the quilt so that all of the fabric will shrink together at the same time.

How Do I Prewash My Fabric?

Prewash your fabric the same way you plan to wash it in future washings once your project is made. For example, if you plan to wash your finished item in cold water and tumble dry low, prewash your fabric the same way. I always prewash new fabric by itself and toss a Shout Color Catcher in the wash to absorb any bleeding that may occur.

Iron

Once your fabric is prewashed, you will want to iron it and steam out any wrinkles. Make sure to select the proper temperature setting for your fabric type. Many irons will display the fabric type on the temperature dial appropriate for the fabric.

If you are using a delicate fabric or polyester, using a pressing cloth is essential to protect your fabric. You can purchase pressing cloths, but I use a scrap piece of white quilting cotton as my pressing cloth. A pressing cloth is a layer of synthetic mesh or cotton fabric placed between your fabric and iron as a protective layer to prevent scorching.

If you are not familiar with different types of fabric, or how to wash and iron them, a book that I have found to be very resourceful is “Fabrics A to Z” written by Dana Willard. This book explains the characteristics of each fabric type in great detail. In addition, Dana indicates the proper needle to use for each type of fabric along with proper washing and ironing instructions.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, Part 3 of this blog post series will be a tutorial teaching you how to make a quick, easy infinity scarf. I chose an infinity scarf because minimal supplies are required. Therefore, making it a great, budget friendly project for a complete beginner, yet still an enjoyable project for all skill levels.

You will need to following supplies for Part 3:

I hope you found this blog post helpful in preparing your for your 1st sewing project!

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