If I had $200 to start sewing (and learning) with, what would I buy?
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- This is what I would buy if I was going to start sewing all over again, with a $200 sewing start-up budget!
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I'd love to hear what you spent your sewing budget on?
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Years ago would make dresses, skirts, blouses but in the last 6 years doing totes, home decor and embroidering.
Buying fat quarters, rulers, zippers etc.
A lot of sewing gadgets, computerized sewing machines out there, budgeting essential.
I paid for so many online classes,
holding off any new classes.
Definitely keep you in mind, as vintage techniques are one of kind.
Thanks
Stocking interfacing, and I would love a video focused on fusible-nonfusible and woven-non woven. Thank you for asking.
@@dawnjeffersramstad8401 p
When my daughter was born I learnt to sew her clothes. I bought some nice remnant fabric, tailor's chalk, a tape measure and a good pair of scissors. My mother sent me a bunch of Enid Gilchrist pattern books and I started absolutely from scratch. The books showed me how to draft patterns, all about grain lines, finishing seams and adding collars, cuffs and fasteners in a step by step manner so within a week I was turning out new dresses for my daughter. As she got older she loved having a say in fabric and patterns and I even found a kid's sewing machine so she could "help". I learnt how to adapt patterns to make costumes and started making clothes for my then wife and I. That was 40 years ago. These days I seem to be concentrating on waistcoats and soft furnishings but I owe everything to Ms Gilchrist.
Amazing! Please can you recommend me a sewing machine for kids? I would love to buy one for my daughter. Thank you
@@yamimisa I don't have any specifics on hand at the moment, but I do know that while most kid's machines tend to be chain stitch (single), there are a few out there that are the lock stitch (thread and bobbin)... and those are the ones I'd recommend in general. My personal experience with chain stitch machines is that they are hit and miss at best, and a machine that is a "miss" quickly becomes very frustrating.
@@yamimisa I picked my daughters machine up from a second hand shop 40 years ago so I'm afraid I'm not much help.
Great story! 👍
That's a lovely story
It may seem silly, but making pillowcases is often a great beginner project--you have to learn how to cut in a straight line, sew in a straight line, add a border, finish seams, clip and poke out corners, etc. Then you can up the game with color contrast, trims, using french seams, trying an envelope style... You can get a bunch of pillowcases out of an old bedspread.
This is an excellent idea!
Thanks
When I started out, the ladies at my fabric store were absolute lifesavers! They talked me out of buying fabric like chiffon at the beginning because they knew I'd just be frustrated starting out with it and showed me some beginner patterns where the learning curve wasn't too steep and they would fit me pretty much right out of the envelope.
If you don't have anyone to help you with at the beginning, I cannot recommend enough using the collective wisdom of the people working at fabric shops!
I’ve sewn since before covid. I am the budgeter of all budgeters. I thrift for bed sheets or extra large mens clothes in decent fabric to make my own tops. I made my own ironing mat, made my own tailors ham, and sleeve board, I only use materials that I have, I have purchased a few necessities though, but I don’t buy very often, I try not to. I searched for free pdf patterns, used patterns on eBay, and learned to draft my own clothes from RUclips videos.
If I have to buy something, at Amazon and Walmart for example, I find what I need, then add it to cart, then save it for later, then every day I’m notified if the price drops.
One day I found a bolt of my favorite colored fabric for only $28, when every other site was selling the same fabric, and still is, for almost $8 a yard, it was a good deal!
Harbor freight have cheap items for notions etc. cheap magnetic trays, canvas tarps etc, and lots of other things to use for cheap. Dollar stores have a lot of items you can use to make things out of, real cheap.
I am cheap and proud to say it.
With thrifted bed sheets, I'm always excited when I find a $2 or $3 sheet from the 70's or 80's in a decent color. The "percale" sheets at the time tended to be 65/35 cotton/polyester. Most of them were excellent quality yard goods and there will be no pilling of the polyester. Plus the poly helps hold the dye color. You can tell from the worn aspect of the label how much the sheet has been used. I think this is an excellent way to experience one of these "super fabrics" that are no longer manufactured. I truly miss being able to buy reliable, cost effective yardage. Never dreamt that tiny aspect of life would go extinct.
Getting a good amount of material for your money is great, I have found that linen table clothes tend to be quite large and is usually in lovely colours.
Clifton this makes me wonder what other simple sewing things we might see 'extinct' in our lives 🤔
Also old curtains.
@@Evelyn__Wood The upside is that I feel no guilt whatsoever for the stash I collected during the years I stopped sewing!😁
The first "extinction" I had to deal with was a good quality moderately priced iron - without an auto-shutoff. Had to give up on that. I sew slower and more precisely than I did in my youth so not a huge problem, but occasionally I still get in a hurry. I bought a additional $9 iron - brand new - years ago that I treat more delicately than my better one just because it doesn't have auto-shutoff - so I can sew at warp speed when needed. Probably have to buy one of those high priced puppies when it dies.
The fact I can't walk into a fabric store and have a nice color selection of good quality rayon hem tapes was another unexpected extinction. Last I bought, in black, was 100% polyester, stiff as a board, and stained my board cover as I ironed it to release its severe creases. Then, it wouldn't allow my needle to pass thru without a struggle.
Each project I make, I have to make time consuming adjustments to accommodate a lack of quality notions.
People/companies are developing new sewing gadgets, why aren't some of the basic notions not making a comeback?
@@crosscategory Oh yes, curtains. Especially if they are lined so you get double for your money.
Oh this took me back!! When I first started sewing I borrowed my mother’s machine. She bought me a good quality used machine for Christmas as she was tired of having to track down her machine!! Our local college ran weekend courses in sewing. My sister bought me the swimsuit course for my birthday as well as the pattern and material. She’s long bodied so she got a proper fitted one piece suit out of her present. And I got the knowledge for future projects. My daughter is also long in the body so it worked out well. This was all back in the 1990’s there were also sewing shows like Sewing with Nancy and The Sewing Connection they were a great resource too. The Sewing Connection with Shirley Adams is on RUclips and is still a great resource!
I’m still using the machine my mother bought me in the late 80’s. We’ve been through everything together from making diapers and clothes to swimsuits. Though I do have other machines it’s still the one I use most often. It took years to get the nice tools and pressing aides. For years my sleeve roll was old magazines rolled up with a towel. Sewing grows with you and your goals. Some of the tools you buy you wonder what all the fuss was about others you wonder how you ever lived without it!
Great video it brought back lots of fun memories.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it. 💖😍
Oh my! Your post brought back even more memories for me. My interest in sewing started when I was about 3. I sat under my mother's treadle sewing machine and worked the pedal for her. Can you imagine how many stitches she must have had to rip out because she was such an angel to let me develop an interest that way? Her mother was a first class seamstress and even made matching hats for herself and 2 daughters. I never met her as she died before I was born but my mother and aunt told me the stories. Wish they had saved some of the dresses she made.
@@lindamulhall1055 what a wonderful memory. You must have felt very important being able to help!
How wonderful! I also learned from my mother on her machine. Later, as an adult, I took a 12 week open sewing class at a local technical college for $50 which helped me find my own way as well. Between my mother and that teacher, their two styles helped me find my own style of sewing.
Yes I agree these tips get you started on a good footing.
Because I didn’t see this video before today, I had already started to sew:
$89 on the machine,
$4 thread,
$12 scissors
$12 material
$10 a kwiksew pajama pants pattern.
$4 elastic for a waistband.
= about $133 plus tax.
I sewed the pants, and I’m using it for more pants, totally changed my wardrobe to 100%cotton pants. I ordered some 100% cotton sweaters to get me through winter.
Then I found this RUclips channel.
Now I’m ordering
100% linen thread
and material to convert my wardrobe to linen.
Right on! It looks like you had the right idea from the start! And you'll love linen! Happy sewing 😀
For patterns- Joann's has their pattern sales periodically where every pattern from a given brand will be $1.99- great opportunity to get some patterns to start with that would normally be $15-$20, some of which have helpful instructions for beginners (and not have to worry about cutting out and taping online PDF's). Thanks for sharing such great content on your channel!
And the once or twice of year simplicity 99 cent sale
i got my used sewing machine from a sewing machine repair shop for $80.00 USD. i told him what i was thinking of making and he had a machine that would sew the fabric i wanted to use.
I would suggest: early 1960s or older sewing machines, rugged and basic features, stay with Singer brand as more parts are available (my favorites are the black painted Singer 15s and 66s from the 1940s to 1960s). Practice fabrics: cloth painters drop cloths in another super cheap material, from denim-like to bed-sheet-like ten ft by twelve ft. A little container of sewing machine oil and look for the oiling diagram for whatever machine you get.
Agree....100%. All of your suggestions are in keeping with a responsible and sustainable approach.....don't know if you realized that.....AWESOME!!!
A good quality used machine, especially if it has metal gears, will be a great investment. I have two vintage and two new machines and one of the vintage.....1969 Kenmore 158.1802......is my workhorse. I would not trade her for ANY new machine. Her name is Minerva. I would add that it is a good investment to have that used machine serviced by a professional. It is well worth the extra expense.
Used sewing books are essential. Responsibly sourced fabric and tools are a great way to start.
Just a thought......as an incentive and motivator, I encourage new sewists to reward themselves with a gadget or accessory when a new-to-you skill has been accomplished well, even if not yet "mastered". Sew On and Sew Forth!
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it. 🌺🥰
What a great idea for sewing rewards! 😀
I would add that the library is your friend! I've found great sewing books there and even patterns to borrow! Obviously, you can't keep them forever, but you can have them to read through and then they'd be by your side for a particular project. And you can always borrow them again later. Plus it's free!
Don’t forget hand needles,pins and a pin cushion.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it. 💖😍
Keep your public library in mind if you're short on cash but need learning resources. Of course owning some good sewing books is preferable, but you can access a variety at your library for free (albeit for limited periods of time.)
If your in Australia. The lady who made my wedding dress (she did a stunning job) swore by the $21 Triumph Scorpion dressmaking scissors from BigW. She had a pair that were five years old and still going strong. I picked mine up on sale for $14.
Im so in love with my vintage sewing machine (singer starlet/genie), it cost me around 30$ on auction. Its a very typical thing that they get sold cheap because its assumed that the pedal/power cord is missing when its actually just tucked away in a compartment of the case. It can only do the basics but i dont feel the need for fancy stitching. And its just so darn cute!
The first thing i did was look at AndyTube and follow his step by step guide on how to clean and adjust this machine. He has a TON of these type of videos. Im so happy i did that, cus i learned a lot and my machine runs so smoothly.
The maintenance is way more straightforward in old machines imo. Singer have been so good with documenting their machines and you can find spare parts for almost anything. So yeah, i always recommend old singer machines for budget sewing adventures 😄
I have been sewing ever sence I was a child. However, if I were new to sewing, and wanted help, I would go to my Public Library for books (and in some cases patterns to copy). I would ask for advise (and make notes while I was asking). It depends on the Library. Sometimes there is someone working at the Library willing to be your teacher and coach. I was one of those persons at the Public Library I retired from.
Next, I would go to my County Extension Office. Most of the Extention Offices (here in Kentucky, U.S.A.) have sewing machines in house that you should be allowed to use there. Many times they also have patterns you may use or copy. I would again ask questions (and make notes while I was there). One good question would be for the name of someone who may be willing to help you learn. Allow the extention agent time to find help for you. However, usually they already have sewing groups with many people happy to see you join them and help you learn. One of the agents may be a sewing teacher.
I have given sewing machines to those who just needed a basic sewing machine. These machines were given to me. I have also supplied free threads, needles, pins and many other items. But, they must first prove to me that they really are interested. I will also help with questions; and, I have pulled out stitches and talked them through their problems (but, I will not do it for them). Sometimes all they need to do is get up and do something else for a short time (to rest their mind, eyes and body). A nice cup of tea or coffee, and something to eat, can calm someone down.
Almost all sewers that I have met (in my life) love to learn/teach and have fun together.
$50.00 to $150.00 dollars - I would go to a Sewing machine repair shop for an older used, all metal portable sewing machine and (buy extra bubbons, machine oil and lub, needles and ask for a sewing machine manual for the machine when you buy it). There should be some kind of short warrenty on the used machine. Don't buy the machine if they will not let you test sewing on it.
50 cents to $1.00 dollar each for used pattern(s) from second hand stores.
$10.00 or less for fabrics from second hand stores. Try to get woven cottons.
$30.00 or less for new thread, scissors, riper, needles, and pins. Only buy buttons, snaps, hooks, zipper, or other items if needed to make the item.
These are wonderful suggestions! You're right, I bet the local library has sewing books to borrow!
The County extension programs are a great resource in the US and should definitely be utilized! Not just for sewing.. For cooking and gardening as well.
Absolutely check out County Extension Offices! They are terrific, and great sources of info, resources as well. Also, many places have continuing education courses or community colleges where you can take a course for free or very cheap. And definitely hit the thrifts or places like eBay/Marketplace etc for the buttons, zips and such MUCH cheaper than the shops. Even if you are wanting to make clothes, you might check out local quilter's groups- they can certainly help you get started with the basics.
Definitely agree about machines. Hang around on sewing forums and find out what brands are reliable for old used machines. For example, sometimes you can find a 1950s Singer Featherweights for practically nothing because someone is clearing out their gran's house and just wants to get rid of stuff. Those machines are practically indestructible. Caveat: They do not have a zig-zag stitch.
I would add snips or tiny scissors for sure. I bought snips when I got back into sewing, after only sewing a little when I was young, and I find snips a quicker and safer way to trim threads than regular scissors. No more feeling like I'll cut the whole project just to trim a piece of thread.
I agree, snips are in my essentials bag!
Great video as always! It's so easy to waste money when you start sewing. I bought so many fancy fabrics in my teens like PVC stretch, tulle, mesh, satins... Absolutely NOT beginner-friendly! 😅
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it. 🌺🥰
LOL I did the same, and I'm in my 40s and still haven't used all of it!
😅😅 We must have shopped at the same store!
@@W_T_D It’s the least tricky of the fabrics I listed, but I remember I had to gather and create many layers to make my tulle skirt which caused it to be quite heavy so it pulled when I was sewing etc. If you are a complete novice that might be a bit tricky to deal with!
@@Evelyn__Wood 🤣
One of the libraries in my area rents out sewing machines for a week and no overdue charges. It was a amazing but I moved away from the area. Later I was able to find one cheap at a flea market and just needed to buy some replacement part/feet. Super recommend going second hand for the machine!
I have a cheaper option, begin with hand sewing before purchasing a machine [needles (look for better/best quality), thread, pins, good scissors (large shears and embroidery), thimble, measuring tape, hem gauge, chalk, beeswax, notions (as needed), etc.]. Start with cotton, cotton/polyester (woven) cloth. Find classes. Have a good ironing board, iron, press cloth. Do you have good lighting? Large paper is nice, (to make patterns/copy/modify patterns). Do you have a smooth flat area to lay the fabric while making pattern pieces upon the cloth?
You will need the hand sewing skills with a sewing machine. Pressing makes a big difference when sewing.
I'm so glad that you urge new sewists to buy a good 2nd hand machine. I collect vintage machines and they are WONDERFUL. Strong, reliable, and straightforward to use. Vintage Singers can get a little pricey because they are collectible, but you can't go wrong with a Kenmore or White built before 1975. I got a terrific Kenmore with all the bells and whistles last year for $25, including the sewing table (in perfect condition!) and all the design cams, presser feet.... you name it. All metal and made to last many lifetimes! Furthermore, it is gentler on the earth to maintain a vintage machine than buy an entry-level plastic-y machine that may not last more than a few years.
How do you know what to look out for? What if its just someone whos interested in $$ & doesnt bother to tell you a flaw? Im a beginner so i wouldnt know
My Opinion of What to Buy/Get for New Sewists:
Sewing machine, seam ripper, fabric scissors, thread snips, thread, bobbins, fabric, pinking shears, iron and ironing board, a ruler, pins and pin cushion, wonder clips
When I learned to sew, I didn't really buy any books or patterns. I mainly just made draw-string bags and zipper pouches. I didn't really make clothes. I used RUclips videos to teach me how to thread my machine and how to sew different projects.
My Mum and I shared a machine until I was 17. Then, I got my own to take to Fashion Design School. Your list is pretty spot on, in my opinion. In the 70s Burda made doll pattern books (just like the magazines for grown ups) That’s what I learnt on at the age of 10. One book with at least 50 patterns.
Good advice Evelyn. I got a present of a machine and am loving getting started. I don't have any skills yet just about able to sew a seam!but I'm loving it. RUclips is great for help and advice and I think good quality thread is essential too. No one should buy cheap needles or thread they are a waste and can cause so much disappointment.
So true! Cheap thread is just awful!
Where I worked, customers would bring back their cheap machines because they just wouldn't sew property. A change to a better quality thread was all that was needed.
A sturdy card table if your kitchen table isn’t an option to use. One you can set up for cutting and holding your machine. I got a machine that was perfect condition, new in box for $30 at a garage sale. I needed a table. That was my bigger expense at first.
There are so many free patterns online, so I'd be saving the $10 and getting patterns from Mood, Peppermint mag and the plethora of indie designers online. My son got his first sewing machine off a nature strip "free to good home". It's a 1960's Singer and a workhorse.
You wouldn’t be saving $10 because it costs a lot to print off the indie patterns.
@@cherylp.3347 No it doesn't cost a lot, but point taken... I'd save $8 of those $10 and put $2 towards my toner and paper costs.
Vintage patterns are a gold mine. I started sewing by taking favourite worn out clothes apart, copying the pieces and making new ones. Now I am creating patterns but found that I was battling with i.e. sleeves. Just could not get it right. Until I found a vintage pattern with 3 different sleeves, and now I am using that as a template for all things sleeves and sleeve holes. Thank you Evelyn for all your wonderful advice. I spend all my free time watching your videos, there is always so much to learn fom you❤❤
I would add a measuring tape and smaller scissors for snipping thread. This is such a great topic - I sewed quilts for years, and when I shifted over to garments, it was amazing how many staples I DIDN'T have.
I know, you think sewing is sewing, but quilting and sewing clothes are just so different!
I'd add in a magnetic pin holder that comes with a supply of pins too.
My local library has an extensive collection of 'How To' sewing books. So, you can access those without spending any money at all. Then if you find one that seems to work for you, go ahead and buy one. Also, now that the worst of covid isolation seems to be over, look for a community learning sewing class. In the US, many school systems have adult, or extended learning classes in all sorts of crafts. It is a good way to learn the basics, and to create a network of sewing friends. Best of luck to all new and experienced sewists out there! Thank you Evelyn for all that you do!
I had so much confidence to myself to accept a sewing projects eventhough i have zero knowledge on how to sew. I have no sewing machine at that time. And after accepting the project, i asked for a downpayment so i can buy a machine and other tools necessary. I spent 12hours studying from content creators in youtube like yourself and broke several needles while i was learning. Repaired several dress and mostly hem bunch of pants and curtains and also sew pillow cases for a starter. In the end, i profited this sewing machine i use now and gained experience.
I would suggest asking friends if anyone has a sewing machine they would like to give away.
I recently had to give a coworker this advice for her son! I don't think I've ever counted as a beginner but when I got sewing in my adult life I really needed a fabric I was excited about to get going. Yes, I've wasted my favorite prints but as long as I know they'll die a horrible death I won't get too attached. The subsequent times I made sure to make mock ups out of bedsheets.
The advice of going for bedsheets eliminates the need to tell the student what to AVOID when they start.
If you do get a machine check to see if it comes with a manual and attachments especially if you have never used a machine before. Stay away from Singers made after the mid 1960s called Touch n Sew. They have plastic parts and the drop in bobbin system always ended up tangled. My mom had one and she rarely used it but it always had bobbin issues when sewing or trying to load the bobbins with thread.
And remember that most manuals are readily found online these days.
Also 1970s Necchi Lydia, give it a wide birth, they look funky but cost you a fortune in broken needles.
@@denisedorsey2889 I found excellent RUclips demos on how to thread the machine/bobbin on my Pfaff machine. So much easier than trying to follow the manual instructions. I was thrilled.
Don't you mean "Touch and THROW"? LOL
@@aimee-made Yes, totally agree. 🤣
She was right. This was sew much fun.
I have often used thrifted bed sheets for practice. There is a lot of fabric in one bed sheet. I agree completely with the beginner's list you suggested. And completely off topic, I love how you pronounce "pattern" 😉☺️
😅 But of course that's normal pronunciation, isn't it?? 😄
@@Evelyn__Wood Not in the USA.🙃
In Australia, you pronounce pattern with a very soft "r". In the US, we pronounce a hard "r". Small but not insignificant.
I just saw a wonderful vintage sewing machine (circa 1960) that was only $30. It had its owners manual and attachments! One of those beauties will last FOREVER!
Well when I first got started really sewing I was making a cosplay. I thrifted a dress the color I wanted for the cosplay and used my Mom’s sewing machine. She used to do a lot of quilting when I was littler so usually if I had some trouble I’d either ask her or go on RUclips. I didn’t spend much at all when I first got started.
Hello! I hope my little note finds you well and happy. I spent the day in my sewing room making scrap string baskets for my daughter's business. Now I get the treat of watching you! I hope you have a glorious week ahead! Thank you for sharing your time, talent and videos!
You can always buy at Walmart or joann a sewing basket that has everything in it. Mind you it may be inexpensive, but it will do until you figure out that this is the hobby for you. It doesn't take much to get started. And your dining room table is your best friend!😁💖
I kind of had to laugh when you were talking about getting a used sewing machine. I actually sewed for 45 years before I got a new sewing machine. And when I bought one, I got a good basic model that can do a few decorative stitches and make button holes. But it is still a basic workhorse. But I make everything from jeans to evening gowns on it.
Good tips to get what you need to start to sew.
Great tips and a sure money saver. I spend and wasted so much in the beginning!
Me too! I wish I had this video when I stated! And I think it is even easier to waste money these days on getting stated sewing
great video! I would add a walking foot to that list. They make sewing life so much easier!
I've never looked at a sewing book in my life. I would do the machine, thrifted fabric, needles, pins, or clips, thread, one pattern, scissors, seam ripper, and immerse myself in RUclips videos and Facebook sewing groups.
Well I had the good fortune to be given an Elna mechanical sewing machine for a wedding present from my mother. I only used it briefly as my then husband and I decided to go on a working holiday around Australia, this was back in 1973. So I offered the machine for my mother to use while I was away and that was for a few years before I got it back after holidaying and also from overseas. So I virtually already had scissors, thread, pins and other notions to use that my Mum decided that she would go back to her old machine to do any repairs etc or projects. She said well I broke you machine in so its good to go and she thoroughly enjoyed having the machine to sew with. So I agree with you Evelyn buy a second hand machine, good pair of scissors and use only for cutting, tape measure, pins, unpicker, a how to for beginners sewing book, RUclips - I have learnt so much more on here because I have had a big break from sewing back 2003 to 2016 and only doing small jobs taking up hems and sewing buttons etc. Also go and enroll to do as many courses as possible to learn how to use your machine and when you are in a class you meet others who are doing the same thing and its a great way to meet new friends too.
Wonderful video. Fabric was is my place I buy happiness. I am in the stage of having a full sewi g room. It was a long journey of 10 years and with working g at home, I am now a member of vintage sewing school and call myself a sewist!!! Dreams cone true!!
I love the thrift store for tools, spools of thread, sheets, and notions. And, lucky for me, a Soror gifted me a new machine years ago. I took a course at a local sew shop and it was the best money spent in my sewing life!!!
Evelyn, this is a very good, informative video for true beginners. You know how it is. You can go to a sewing shop and you think you need one of EVERYthing in there! I have been sewing for 50+ years. I am still thinking about joining your sewing school. We can all improve. No one knows it all. Thank you so much for your channel and all the great videos!
Thread can be quite expensive so I will use dark colors such as black,navy blue, brown for my darker colors. If the thread doesn’t show I will use any of these colors. For colors, pastels, and prints I use white to varying shades of gray. For hems and stitches that show I use ones that match fabric. For my basic threads the ones that don’t show I buy the giant things of thread and small to medium size for my threads that show. Really saves on thread. If I see thread on sale like buy 3 get 2 free I will get few.
Thank u so much for this I've been stuck in house for 4 months now...I need new skills💝💝💝💝
Some people have suggested “free” PDF patterns online as a cheaper option. I’d be very careful of this if you think it’s a big savings. If you’re printing at home, my Hp printer takes 4 cartridges, at $ 210 each! ( that’s more than double what I paid for the printer! ). A ream of paper is $7. Add Tape, and / or glue. Some patterns take 60, 80 sheets or more. The ink goes very fast and is costly. Printing is $7 a sheet for A0. Many patterns need two or 3 sheets, so that’s $14,..$21 just for the printing ( black and white) . Those “free” online pattern costs start to add up fast! The big 4 are $20-32 each unless on sale. I can’t even start to think about $200 to sew. I bought 4 small remnants off the discount table 1.2 meters , 1.6 metersx2, and one was 2.5 m, $10, and $8 a metre, a few 100m basic coloured thread( gutterman- I got sick of the cheap thread breaking, breaking breaking and leaving lint and fuzz everywhere!) , and some 1.5 inch waist elastic at Spotlight yesterday and it came to $177. Sewing, sadly, is an expensive hobby.
Local neighbourhood houses can have good inexpensive sewing classes too.
2:06, some sewing machine manufacturers do sell refurbished ones which can be beneficial especially, if you're a beginner sewer on a tight budget. Brother sells refurbished sewing machine, is the first one I can remember off the top of my head at the moment. If you plan on buying anything refurbished buy DIRECTLY from the manufacturer, buying from anything 3rd party is more prone to errors at least speaking from personal experience.
Wow I never thought of using bed sheets. What a great idea.
Hello :_)) talking of getting a second hand pattern to work and learn from. I remember on the first series of The Great British Sewing Bee when they were making clothes for children, they said how useful it is to make childrens' clothes because all the processes are the same as for full sized garments but you use a lot less fabric and the pieces are a lot easier to man-handle and deal with generally. It was an eye opening piece of advice.
Pretty much right on! I didn't buy sewing resource books until I'd been sewing a few years but would have benefited from having them earlier. The only things I might add would be some hand needles, a pincushion, some pins or big washers as pattern weights (the hardware store/ironmongers or thrift/op shop maybe), then a tracing wheel and some dressmakers carbon paper.
Excellent advice! I've been sewing for 58 years and taught sewing in 4-H in America.
I bought an ikea machine at first and it took me a long way, I learned that I loved to sew with that machine! When it broke I decided to buy a better machine instead of getting it serviced, because the cost of servicing was more than the cost of the machine but that. Cheap IKEA machine opened a world of possibilities for me
Great ideas here for beginners, well done as always.
Do a little research on Sewing Machines, there was a changeover between all metal and plastic gears etc where a few makes, including big name brands, had some bad models. The 1970s there were some experimental models that you should be wary of.
Thanks for the thrifting idea for patterns.
Thank you so much for the tip to get a second hand machine. I had a $220 (US) machine picked out found it on Facebook marketplace for $75. Huge savings!
Scissors for sure being sharp. I found a local knife shop "Chris Reeves Knives" that sharpen scissors for $7.50
I get bed sheets from the thrift store to make mock-ups for difficult patterns.
Great advice. I would add a measuring tape and hand sewing needles. 👍
I think your list is good and you always offer great information. I have gotten wonderful sewing items from estate sales and church rummage sales.
Wow..... this is he post I need right now. I want to start sewing and I have a very small budget. Thank you
Hi! What a fun video! It sure has me remembering all the mistakes I made teaching myself without the books!! Lots of frustrated tears in the 80s!! Thank you for being out there for the newbies!
But I was amazed you forgot a measuring tape and straight pins! 🤣
very good allocation!! wish I had these kind of tips 10 yeard ago 😆
Evelyn. Thank you. Really helpful as a starter. Lois x
Years ago I brought a cheap Brother sewing machine from a supermarket for about £70. It was rubbish and rather awkward to use, so I never used it. Eventually I gave that one to my mum (she was looking for something to do during lockdown and had talked about getting a machine), and brought myself a new Singer Start. That was a breeze to use, and within a few weeks I realised how limited it was, so upgraded to a Singer HD4423.
I learned recently that our local library (Indiana-USA) has sewing machines available for use by the public. I believe they also have an industrial machine! This was a complete shock to me as I had no idea. I already have a domestic and am considering purchasing an industrial for bag making. You can bet I’ll check out the one at the library before spending the money on something I may not even like using. I’d really recommend this idea for anyone who thinks they may want to sew and is on a limited budget. Love your channel. You always have such good information. Great video here😊
I would add measuring tape .... and iron for pressing. I check my lists against your videos, and I am happy to say that I have gradually collected all the tools except for a fancy sewing machine. I use a fairly new one and a singer zig zag from the 70's, and have to bite down and tell myself I don't need a new computerized machine yet until I've made enough projects to know what to buy because the two machines I have work perfectly for my current needs. This is a great video. Good sound advice. Thank you.
I agree with your suggestions.
Amazing video idea Evelyn hehehe ❤️❤️❤️❤️
My biggest issue with learning to see was using old hand sewing thread from my grandmother, I always thought I was doing something wrong with my sewing machine or that it needed servicing but it was that wretched thread!
The hand me down sewing machine and thread routers were wonderful, but I did have to buy thread.
Great tip about buying old sheets from the op shop, that's where a lot of the simple things I've made came from!
I love ur blouse :-)). I also always love ur videos. A few suggestions would be to get books from the library. Ask if any are on the discard list that u can have. Find sewing groups at library or sewing shops. Old timers have extra tools & love to teach. I went to a meeting when I was new & a lady said she would help but come back next week with a "non-Burda" pattern. She said their instructions were lousy & that was no way to learn lol.
This reminds me of when I took sewing in 7th grade. We were given a list of essentials and our projects were a gym bag and a jumper. I think of how awful that outfit came out. Lol. One would think I’d be an expert by now.
Al it first projects were awful I think! But they got us going right 😀 And it's nice to see how far we've come!
I'm a bit OCD, so a self healing cutting mat and rotary cutter was an absolute must for me. Definitely not necessary, and I know many people that don't even use rotary cutters, but for me it's a must!
Look for a non computerised older European manufactured machine. Garage sales, estate sales often have a good machine in their inventory.
I was just gifted a fully maintained Elna Supermatic (1969). It purrs and sews a perfect stitch.
I would start with good quality thread, Rasant ( cheaper than Gutterman). $8
Sewing shears ($20)
Wonder clips (15)
Unpicker ($3))
Purple thang ($10)
Magnetic bowl ($9 from Bunnings)
Snips ($3)
Glass head pins ($5)
Chalk ($5)
Measuring tape ($2)
Seam gauge ($10)
Wonder tape ($8)
Dressmaker ruler (15 )
Pre loved sewing machine ($75)
Pattern ($5)
Fabric/ notions etc $15
I would borrow sewing how to books from library and find a sew a long on RUclips.
When I first started, I bought my machine then checked dollar stores, Goodwills and my closet for old clothes I could cut up and use buttons, zippers etc from. Also, you don’t have to buy fancy sewing tools and notions. Check your junk drawer and tool box for things you can use until you’re able to or want to buy actual sewing notions. I still use 2 clean, unused paint brushes (non brush end) for poking out corners. I use a big one to start then a skinnier one for that fine point. I used a letter opener as a stiletto. You just have to get creative and you can definitely save money when you’re getting started.
Wow… I over spent!!! lol
I did get second had sewing machine with table for $100 on market place.
I brought 2 pattern pjs and skirts $20
I did get rulers, scissor, cutting mat and thread. $80.
Some extras like replacements: needles, seam strippers, bobbins, screw kit with brush. $25ish.. but I do get a bag of scraps of linen and made a full long dress, apron, bolero and shirt for $7.
Thank you for making learning fun!!
Public libraries often have a shelf of donated books for sale for a dollar or less. Great place to check for books on sewing. Same with thrift stores.
Not at my library. No sewing books for sale there, just thick novels nobody has time nor interest to read them.
Great video knowledge 🧵
Some libraries have a makerspace with sewing machines and sometimes even mannequins and threads.
They also have a great selection of sewing books.
Fabric stores often have a bin of ends and discontinued fabrics. Some great bargains there. Everything else is just as you said, especially the thrift stores.
I got my first sewing machine about 20 years ago, it is a Janome M1550 and cost £100 brand new. Still using it now as it is a really useful basic machine. I would say get two tape measures, one in metric and the other in inches. I really don't like the ones with both on the same tape as I usually tend to use metric.
My distribution would be:
$10 Fabric: buy second hand sheets/curtains from thrift stores, as you mention
$25 Notions: White thread, needles, un-pick
$0 or As little as possible: Patterns
I am tempted to say 0 for patterns and jsuggest to ust print out a free pattern online and use that, but some people don't have a printer.
The problem I have with buying patterns is that as a beginner, I was an absolute *awful* judge of what pattern was a 'good' one for me. I picked ones that were too complicated, didn't suit the fabric I had, or weren't in the right size, just because the picture on the front looked nice, or because it was cheap. There are nice options out there that don't require a pattern at all. Like a skirt pattern that is just a tube with waist elastic, or a top that is just a square with side seams and shoulders.
$0 Learning aids: RUclips and free blogs is fine. There are some amazing youtube channels out there, like this one. I wouldn't spend money on sewing education (initially). I have bought some nice sewing books but that's it.
Everything else: sewing machine
Being plus size, I unfortunately cannot use vintage or even modern store bought patterns, as they rarely go above a US size 16 or 18. However, I've gotten very good at finding free or very inexpensive patterns online. I was also lucky that I was gifted my vintage machine about 15 years ago and she's still chugging along.
I read the title and decided to create my own list before I watched the video. This is what I came up with. $150 for the machine. A $1.50 for a seam ripper. $5 for machine needles. $5 for pins and clips and the remaining 3850 would be spent on a really good pair of scissors. When I first learned to sew I used the library and borrowed all the sewing books for free. Now of course I would use RUclips for free. I didn't count patterns fabric and thread as I figured those would be projects specific and I didn't include them in my budget.
When I started sewing it was just before the first Covid world-wide lockdown. I had minimum kit, no sewing machine and no budget for patterns. So I went to YT University to learn how to draft (in order of difficulty) - circle skirt, pencil skirt, A-line skirt, and a bodice (next step bodice with sleeves, & pants - haven't gotten to those yet). My only suggestion for YT is to take notes in a dedicated note/sketch book... My first projects were entirely hand sewn - took a while but well worth the time & the education they supplied. The hand-crank 1915 Singer 99K was found on Kijiji (a Canadian marketplace site) a year later, and shipped because we were in wave number whatever (with absolutely no problems). I went with a vintage machine for the strength of the build of the machine, the extensive range of presser feet available and price point.
I fell into a leathercraft-shaped rabbit hole over the Holidays. So I've repeated the process of YT University, paired with the power of eBay 'antique and vintage' tool searches to find the basic kit. And if I ultimately end up making a purse that happens to resemble a classic Chanel with Even More Pockets, well, whose going to complain about that. At least, that's my theory...
Sewing is a godsend. Wearing clothing that is fitted to your body feels like wearing armor. There is nothing to compare with a well tailored garment.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Goodwill & thrift stores are a great place to get new, or like new, patterns for about $1.
I was kicking myself, this week, for forgetting that. I found quite a few at Goodwill that I just paid nearly $10/ea. for on Ebay. Ugghh! The trials of getting older & not being able to remember what you had for dinner, the night before. Haha!
I’m starting to learn how to sew and I spent around $268 with coupons (including a new Brother LX3014 sewing machine I got at a discount from somebody who never used it at $68 off Mercari) for my first supplies :) My fabric shears were the splurge for me (Gingher shears).
Oh, dear. You can find a used machine for $40 or for free. Look for a 60s machine. I wanted to learn stretch sewing (my first project was a swimsuit for my daughter because we could buy one out of season) when I started so I would put more on fabric so that it's labeled and you know % stretch when you use it. Thifted jersey is great but better for after some experience and you can tell by feel the weight and know how to measure the % stretch. Although buying oversized Tees and cutting them into tops is easy too. Ball point needles and ball point pins.
I probably didn’t hear it but a ruler 😊 a great ruler was one of my best investments !!
Absolutely would not need to spend that much on learning or patterns, when you're just getting started you don't need to spend anything on these because there's so much for free that's honestly better for beginners than the paid stuff. Invest in learning when you're further along and know what you want to learn more about. Anyway, here's my personal breakdown:
150 on a machine
12 on fabric scissors
5 on lots of neutral coloured thread (buy new so you can be sure of the condition)
10 on the rest of your basics (easily thrifted) regular scissors, unpicker, tape measure, clear ruler, chalk, pins, hand sewing needles, pincushion
13 on haberdashery supplies: neutral coloured zips, buttons, elastic, ribbon, poppers, interfacing, etc
10 on thrifted fabric
I used my mom's machine until I was 17. Saved every nickel and bought my first machine from a singer dealer in town. A touch and sew. She served me well. Even in the day, that machine was well over 200. So I think with 200, I'd buy a used machine, a great pair of scissors, a seam ripper, the largest mat that would fit my needs, a rotary cutter and the rest if there is any would go towards an iron and misc notions.