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Sewing 101

Margaret Smith

This course follows the same format that I have used to teach hundreds of people how to sew in my studio, fabric stores and schools for over 15 years.

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This course follows the same format that I have used to teach hundreds of people how to sew in my studio, fabric stores and schools for over 15 years.

We’re starting right from the beginning, so don’t worry if you’ve never sewn before. And if you’ve been sewing for a while, but without much guidance or without a strong technical focus, I'm sure you’ll notice your skills and your finished projects improve significantly.

We’ll start by taking a quick look at the sewing machine and some of the tools used in sewing. You’ll learn various stitches and seam finishes and, of course, we’ll have lots of time to sew. By the end of the course, you will feel confident enough to begin tackling some of those projects you've been dreaming about.

What am I going to get from this course?

  • Over 40 lectures and 1.5 hours of video content
  • Learn sewing machine basics
  • Thread Your Sewing Machine
  • Wind A Bobbin
  • Cut out fabric
  • Pin Fabric to get it ready to sew
  • Sew in a straight line
  • Learn a multitude of stitches and seam finishes
  • Correctly sew the 4 basic seams
  • How to choose fabric and care for it
  • How to choose thread
  • How to use a pattern book
  • How to read a sewing pattern
  • How to sew a pillowcase
  • How to make a pattern for any size envelope pillow
  • How to sew an envelope pillow
  • and much more.
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn sewing machine basics
  • Thread your sewing machine
  • Make a bobbin
  • Cut out fabric
  • Pin fabric to get it ready to sew
  • Sew in a straight line
  • Learn a multitude of stitches and seam finishes
  • Correctly sew the 4 basic seams

Syllabus

Getting the most out of this course
Welcome To Sewing 101
Understand and be able to identify the basic sewing supplies needed to sew and common sewing terms.
Read more
Sewing Supplies
Supply List (Text Version)

Welcome

Set up the machine to sew

Let's cover the parts and functions of a sewing machine. Being comfortable with your machine will make learning to sew easier.

This video will take you through the steps to correctly thread your machine, wind a bobbin and load it into the machine.

Most sewing issues are caused when the machine is not threaded properly or the bobbin is not wound correctly.

How To Use Your Foot Pedal and Control the Speed of the Machine
How To Use An Automatic Needle Threader
This section will teach how to get your fabric ready to sew. Having your fabric properly prepped is an important step to help ensure high quality results
Fabric basics
Identifying The Right And Wrong Side of The Fabric
How to Accurately Mark Fabric For Sewing

This lesson will show you how to pin your fabric so that you don't have to remove the pins as you sew. This will save you time, ensure that you don't sew over a pin and help keep your seam straight.

Understand the types of thread and how to choose the correct one for your project.
How To Choose The Correct Type Of Thread
Choosing the correct thread color
Control the speed of the machine and sew in straight line.
How To Use The Stitch Practice Worksheet
Stitch Practice Worksheet
Sewing Corners: learning to Pivot
How To Use A Magnetic Seam Guide
Seams

Seam allowance (sometimes called inlays) is the area between the edge and the stitching line on two (or more) pieces of material being stitched together. Seam allowances can range from 14 inch (6.4 mm) wide to as much as several inches.

Pressing your seams is an important step that should not be skipped. In this video I will cover how to press as sewn and how to press open, to the back and to the front.

How To Sew A Seam
The 4 Basic Sewing Seams
Stitches and Seam Finishes
How To Finish Seams
Pinking Shears
How To Sew A French Seam
Stitches: Staystitching, Basting stitch, Gathering and Easing

Learn how to finish the raw edges of your sewing seams using a zig-zag stitch.

Ironing

It may come as a shock to you that ironing is a very important part of sewing. I would say proper ironing technique is just as important as your sewing technique.


Pressing sets your stitches and flattens out your seam allowances, making your finished projects more polished and crisp. So make friends with your iron and the special pressing tools.

How To Press A Seam

Learn how to quickly and easily clean the bottom of your iron.

Sewing Pattern Basics
How To Use A Pattern Book
How To Read A Sewing Pattern Envelope
Sew a pillowcase, an envelope pillow and a scarf
Sewing A Pillowcase
Sewing A Pillowcase Supplies and Introduction
Sewing The Pillowcase Band
Sewing the main body of the pillowcase

In this video we will cover how to attach the contrasting band to main portion of the pillowcase.

Sewing an envelope pillow cover
Supplies
Ironing the envelope back
Sewing the back edge
Pinning the pillow together
Sewing the pillow together
Clipping corners and inserting the pillow form
Sewing A Roll-up Organizer
Roll-Up Organizer Instructions
Organizer Supplies
Prepping The Fabric
Pinning The Fabric
Sewing The Fabric Together
Pressing the opening closed
Drawing the pockets
Decorative Stitch Practice
Stitching Decorative Stitches
Using Your Roll-up Organizer
Sewing machine Care and Maintenance
Needle Buying Guide

Learn how to properly change the needle on your sewing machine.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches a multitude of stitches, which is standard in sewing
Develops sewing machine basics, which are core skills for sewers
Taught by Margaret Smith, who are recognized for their work in sewing
Explores a multitude of technical topics, which are highly relevant to sewing
Covers unique perspectives are ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects
Requires that students come in with extensive background knowledge first
Covers topics relevant to industry standards

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Reviews summary

Basic sewing knowledge

According to students, this course is a great place to start for basic sewing knowledge. One student said that they learned a great deal and that the information they received was very informative. Students appreciate that this course was well structured.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sewing 101 with these activities:
Review stitching techniques
Review basic stitching techniques to prepare for the course.
Show steps
  • Gather materials: needle, thread, fabric scraps
  • Practice different stitches: straight stitch, back stitch, overcast stitch
  • Sew on scrap fabric to test tension and stitch quality
Sew in a straight line
Practice controlling the sewing machine and sewing straight lines.
Browse courses on Accuracy
Show steps
  • Set up the machine with the appropriate stitch and tension
  • Draw a straight line on the fabric
  • Sew along the line, focusing on maintaining a steady speed and pressure
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Sewing 101 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers help create and design new garments by working with different fabrics, colors, patterns, styles and textures to create clothing. This course will teach you the basics of sewing and help you develop the skills you need to build a foundation as a Fashion Designer. You will learn how to use a sewing machine and different stitches to create different looks. You will also learn more about various fabrics and how to use them together to create unique garments.
Tailor
A Tailor creates custom clothing and alters existing garments to fit customers perfectly. This course will teach you the basics of sewing and help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Tailor. You will learn how to use a sewing machine, various stitches and other equipment used to make and mend garments. You will also learn about the different types of fabric and how to work with them.
Seamstress
A Seamstress constructs and repairs clothing and other fabric items. This course will teach you the basics of sewing and will help build a foundation as a Seamstress. In this course, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, the different stitches, and how to read and follow patterns. You will also learn more about various fabrics.
Fashion Stylist
Fashion Stylists put together clothing and accessories to create looks for clients working in a range of industries including television, film, magazines and fashion. This course will teach you the basics of sewing and provide you with skills that can help set you apart as you navigate becoming a successful Fashion Stylist. You will learn about the different types of fabric and how to use them to create different looks. You will also learn more about various styles and trends.
Costume Designer
Costume Designers research, design, and create costumes for stage and screen productions. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of costume design by teaching you the basics of sewing. You will learn how to use a sewing machine, about different fabrics and how to work with them, and you will also learn how to read and follow patterns.
Textile Designer
Textile Designers create designs for fabrics, including patterns, prints, and textures. Many also work on color coordination and other aspects of the textile. This course can help you develop a foundation of the fundamentals of textiles by teaching you about different types of fabrics and how to work with them. You will also learn more about various design principles.
Apparel Production Manager
Apparel Production Managers supervise and coordinate the production of clothing and other apparel. This course may be helpful as you seek to gain experience as an Apparel Production Manager. By learning the basics of sewing, you can gain a more holistic understanding of the entire production process.
Fashion Merchandiser
Fashion Merchandisers plan and execute the sale, display, and promotion of fashion products. This course may be helpful as you seek to gain experience in Fashion Merchandising. You will learn about the basics of sewing, the different types of fabric, and how to work with them, which will enhance your understanding of the clothing that you are merchandising.
Fashion Photographer
Fashion Photographers take photographs of models wearing clothing and accessories for magazines, catalogs, and other publications. This course can help you develop a foundation as a Fashion Photographer by teaching you about different fabrics and how they drape. This knowledge will help you to work more effectively with fashion designers, models, and other professionals in the industry.
Fashion Editor
Fashion Editors oversee the content of fashion magazines and websites. Responsibilities include planning, editing, and reviewing articles and images related to fashion trends, beauty, and style. This course may be of interest to Fashion Editors as they cover fashion trends. You will learn the basics of sewing, the different types of fabric, and how to work with them. This knowledge will give you a better understanding of the clothing and trends you are reporting on.
Personal Shopper
Personal Shoppers help clients select and purchase clothing, accessories, and other items. This course may be helpful to Personal Shoppers as you work with clients to select clothing. You will learn how to use a sewing machine and about the different types of fabric and how to work with them. This knowledge will give you a better understanding of the clothing you are helping your clients to select.
Wardrobe Stylist
Wardrobe Stylists select and coordinate clothing, accessories, and other items for clients working in a range of industries including television, film, and fashion. This course may be of interest to Wardrobe Stylists who work in the fashion industry. You will learn the basics of sewing and about the different types of fabric and how to work with them. This knowledge will give you a better understanding of the clothing you are working with.
Textile Conservator
Textile Conservators preserve and restore textiles, including clothing, tapestries, and other items. This course may be helpful to Textile Conservators who are looking to gain a better understanding of textiles. You will learn the basics of sewing as well as about the different types of fabric and how to work with them.
Fashion Historian
Fashion Historians study and write about the history of fashion. This course may be helpful to Fashion Historians who are looking to gain a better understanding of clothing and textiles. You will learn the basics of sewing as well as about the different types of fabric and how to work with them.
Fashion Marketing Manager
Fashion Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns for fashion products and services. This course may be helpful to Fashion Marketing Managers who are looking to gain a better understanding of the clothing and fashion industry. You will learn the basics of sewing as well as about the different types of fabric and how to work with them.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sewing 101.
This textbook provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques used in fashion design, including sewing and pattern making. It valuable resource for those interested in pursuing fashion design.
As the title suggests, this book is geared towards beginners who want to learn the basics of sewing. It covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right fabric and thread to following patterns and finishing seams.
This choice is an excellent visual guide to sewing. Its large color photographs are especially helpful for beginners who are new to sewing techniques, tools, and terminology.
This handy resource provides valuable information on different types of sewing machines, their accessories, and how to use them effectively. It's a great resource for getting the most out of your sewing machine.
For those who are interested in sewing clothes, this book offers step-by-step instructions and patterns for creating a variety of garments.
Is suited for those interested in creating their own patterns. With its thorough exploration of pattern making techniques, it can help you take your sewing skills to the next level.

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