This is the very first comment I've ever done. I started sewing when i was 10 years old, then stopped as a teenager. I retired at the end of 2021 and bought a new machine. I cannot believe how much I did not know. My mother was a dressmaker by trade yet I knew nothing. Your videos have taught me so much. I'm so glad one of your 2024 goals is to do more teaching. Thank you so much. A friend from Scottsdale, AZ.
#6-when I began sewing (lol in the 70's) I decided that each project had to have a technique that I didn't know. For me, great decision. Learned to be patient with myself........and how to rip! But truthfully, I continued doing that for a very long time and then one day I discovered that wow I "got it". Not that I know everything but that my knowledge base was broad enough that I was able to picture what I needed to do in my mind. That allows me to be more confident in what I can create. Really great video! Especially your last tip. Let's be strong in what we can do and learn from each other rather than rip on ourselves and others. I am a firm believer in learning from others. Thank you for all you are adding to our community!
Doing a new technique for every project is such a great tip! I did very similar and even now I will pick up a pattern if I see a detail I haven't made before🤗
When I began to sew over 40 years ago I started pre-shrinking fabric, pressing the folds out of pattern pieces before laying them out to "maintain grain perfection", and pressing as I sewed because one of the first sewing books I had said I must, and since I knew nothing I was going to do what the book said. This book was "The Dritz Guide to Modern Sewing" by Julia McCombs, and despite having been published over 60 years ago there is still a lot of its content that is relevant. If you see it in a second-hand bookstore, snap it up. I agree that the right sewing teacher makes a huge difference, and quickly. Mine was a rock star, and while I no longer do *exactly* what she taught me I've modified much of it to suit me, just as you say. The most important skill I learned from her was how to think about what I was doing: that really opened things up. Learning about pattern cutting was also transformative with respect to fitting. First I acquired the Sew-Fit Manual by Ruth Oblander and Joan Anderson. It's still available, and while it gets very detailed it was a revelation. It led me to acquire other pattern cutting books (Winifred Aldrich's books from the UK are good) and one very technical book on grading. I gained a lot of confidence in making even more complicated pattern adjustments after reading these books, and while I haven't done so yet I'm confident that I can grade my mother's vintage patterns to fit my sister. One thing I did not do was make time for my hobbies (not just sewing) when life became very busy, and I agree that this was a mistake. It would have made the worst of the busy times more tolerable. I've dusted off my sewing machines in the last year or so, and I found the muscle memory in my hands to be just like old times when handling fabric at the machines. Too bad about my eyesight: I can no longer thread the needle without using spectacles. Also, I had to look up the threading paths for my sewing machine and serger because those memories were largely gone.
The more accomplished I become at sewing the slower I go. I take great care cutting out and accurate placement of pattern markings. A few extra minutes being accurate has resulted in much greater satisfaction with the end result. I look forward to your teaching videos.😊
Definitely agree about sewing slower the more experienced you are - I definitely noticed that with topstitching, I sew it waaaay slower now than when I was just starting out!😅
Having gifted teachers/sharers on YourTube is a great way to learn techniques (and adopt best practices for one's self) in any area of interest. I'm self taught....and there was no RUclips when I was struggling to make a simple maternity jumper. When I began quilting, RUclips again to ready. Excel advanced Techniques....YT again.
I enjoy the hands-on videos more than the talking/tips videos. Learning basic pattern drafting is the best of those tips. Every once in a while I will buy a pattern, and then realize I may as well have just drafted it from my block and saved myself all the time wasted adjusting that pattern to fit.
I agree - very often I will end up making so many fit adjustments to ready-made pattern, that I realize it would have been faster to make it myself from scratch😅 But I still use ready-made patterns sometimes, if they have details that would be difficult to figure out from scratch🤗
You have some amazing advice in this video. I am really bad about taking my time - I start things on a whim, rush through in the excitement, sew consistently on it for a while, stop for a myriad of reasons, have an unfinished project for way too long, then think "must finish now!" and rush to finish it. I really need to slow down but also be more regular when I work on projects. Zippers (regular, not invisible) are the bane of my sewing existence right now. I have lots of projects I want to start that involve zippers, and one I'm working on right now. It's improved from my first one at least, but it's still terrible. So if you have any specific techniques for that, I'd love to watch. Most of the "hacks" I've seen for them I can't figure out how to make work on the projects I'm thinking of (handbags, pockets, and separating zippers on jackets).
I’ve been sewing for many years. By watching your channel,l have learned so much. These 15 tips are excellent! A great reminder of to take my time when sewing. I have told my sisters about your channel. They agree with me. Excellent teacher! Thank you so much!
I’ve been making the Kiki knickers with a slightly unusual construction. It’s taken me days. Cutting out pattern , the fabric, finishing seams. I just did 15 minutes at a time . I have a couple of dresses to make so I just wanted an easy no-rush project
Just starting out sewing, and have been watching lots of RUclips videos. Really love your content. You explain things so well, and have so many of the topics I'm looking for covered. Thanks heaps for all your help!
You speak so beautifully and give good advice. This is why I enjoy your channel. I gave your channel name to Angela at Devon Thread Tales and Cara at So Sew Mad, both in the UK. They recently promoted many sewing channels around the world. You are one of the best!
Thankyou ❤ I'm new to your channel and I find you very calming and reassuring ❤I'm not new to sewing but I find ur tips are connecting with me, I'm definitely a rushed sewist, I need to slow down!!!!
Now that I am retired and have taken up sewing again I have learned to slow down and if I have a problem or something that requires thinking about I leave it until the next day. My creative process and problem solving are much better first thing in the morning. If my overlocker has a fit (frequently!) I walk away from it so I don't get frustrated. In slowing down I now take time to baste many of my seams to reduce mistakes, as we were taught to at school. Not having a large fabric stash I have a look round my wardrobe to see if there is anything I don't wear which could be used for something else. Please could you do a video about all the different types and weights of fabrics and their uses eg. voile, challis, lawn etc, which would be very useful when choosing fabrics on-line? Thank you Julie
Great video! I would like to learn more about the different kinds of fabric. Like when a pattern calls for 4-way stretch, which fabric do I pick? Also would love to learn the basics of pattern making like you mentioned. Learning to say no is hard for me. My friends and family ask me to hem, repair and alter garments often. Even if I don’t have the skills to do it properly, they insist it will be fine. It causes me stress so I’ve got to learn to say no. Love your channel!
Love your videos! I’ve been sewing fifty years now. I used to sew Al my daughters clothing when she was a child and I made my own clothes too. I haven’t sewed garments over 20 years now, I started quilting in 1999. But watching you inspires me to do a garment sewing project! I would love to see a video about fitting! TIA
Thank you for all the great videos this year 💖. I'll be really interested in videos about pattern adjustments, it's the thing I'm struggling the most 😅. Sometimes I know something is wrong but I don't know where to start fixing it, and at the same time I'm afraid to make to many changes on the pattern and afterwards nothing makes sense anymore 🫣😆. I took a long hiatus after I learned how to sew and basically in 2019 I needed to start from the beginning because I forgot almost everything 😅 Wish you the best on 2024!!!💕
Hello Julija, I so appreciated this video! I have learned, too, that I need to slow down and enjoy the whole process of sewing, including fixing mistakes. Thank you for all your wonderful videos. I live in a rural area in Canada. Sewists are few, so I really appreciate your videos.
I would like to learn more about different stitches. Especially the basic stitches. (For example why choose to sew in the center, left or right?) about the length of the stiches when should we use which one? Etc
Very beneficial tips. To beginners you don’t have to be perfect. I have some pants & shorts I’ve made and the fit is almost there but off just a wee bit. I wear them and people are just amazed I can sew pants. They think they’re perfect. I make my own slopers to my body and that helps a lot. I’ve also learned to make sure that the ease is added to aid in the fit. I have to say I despise fitting things to myself. I’m 69 and very close to 70. With bad knees and all that bending & twisting I can hardly breathe. So I made a form to my shape for dresses,tops,skirts. I’ve also just ordered the one for pants from bootstrap for $28.00. It doesn’t completely take away self fitting but it helps me with about 90% of it.
❤❤❤ Thank you, Julija. I can always count on you to give us great ideas and sound advice. 😊 I have been watching your videos for at least a year now and always learn something new. All fifteen tips you gave us today will help us to become a better seamstress. I’ll add another: A good teacher once taught me to enjoy the journey as well as the outcome, the process as well as the product. That was a game changer for me. If I’m making something and not enjoying it, I take a break or wait until another day. I also like to play music while I sew, music that calms and soothes. That helps to create just the right atmosphere. Also a clean and organized work space. I like to sew gifts for others, and I find joy in anticipating how much they will like it the gift. I also like to wrap it in a special way, not just drop it in a gift bag…unless I have made a special gift bag too. Presentation elevates the gift, the surprise to the recipient, and the satisfaction for me. 😊😊
Julia, I agree with you 100%. Besides learning sewing in school I also had my mom. She sewed so much of our clothes. A great teacher is SO valuable. I approach my sewing like I approach reading a GOOD book. I look forward to the experience. Thank you so much for your insights. Yours is my “go to “ site for furthering my sewing experiences. Pattern making is an area I want to learn more about. Wishing you the best for the upcoming year.
All of these things are so true not only to sewing but to any skill we learn or want to improve. Sewing is an art whether it is for personal or professional use and definitely shows in the finished garment. Classic and basic techniques are important to learn so everything you mentioned is very true. Thank you for your great videos. Happy new year.
Hello Julija I enjoyed this video , - I need to take up your suggestions as time is a big issue and I need to make some boundaries for myself around what I do. Yes I’m called upon for alterations but I accept them as practice for zips or buttonholes or just plain measuring and I can’t say no to family. But I will focus on evaluating my projects so my outcomes will bring satisfaction. I do tend to be easily sidetracked. Probably because I’ve restarted sewing after a 30 year break. I’m a beginner again 😅 I would like to you to show us more of your creations too. Blessings be to you and your family for 2024 🎉
I really enjoyed this video, I’m still in the fast sewing period and I’m trying to slow down and learn. Sometimes it’s hard since I hardly have time to sew but getting there ❤❤❤
Julija, you come across as concise, knowledgeable and totally charming! Merry Christmas and Happy 2024 New Year. Just listened to what you said about reading and totally agree. In my younger years I imposed upon myself the determination to finish every book I started, as some point of misguided sense of honor. As I became older and realized how precious my time was, I loosened up. I have usually been able to tell from just leafing through a book before buying or borrowing whether worth my interest, so luckily didn't waste TOO much time over the years!
I used a kids marker that is water soluble - one of the viewers recommended it and it's such a game changer! It drew very clear lines on the embroidery film, which my more expensive water-soluble marker bought from sewing supply store struggled to do🤗
And here I thought a week is a lot of time for making a garment, but well, considering that I sew for about one to two hours a day, maybe more sometimes 😅😅 becouse I’m also a wife, mom and housekeeper. I wouldn’t say my self made garments are poor quality but maybe there’s a lot more to improve. 😀
Do you make men's clothing? I would like to start sewing for my husband and two boys . I have some patterns for collared shirts with a yoke and zippered and pleated pants. In the instructions for the shirt it says to do a few things that I have never heard of before. So, I am wondering if there are different techniques for men's clothing.
Edit: of course you just scared this!! When you say pattern making, what do you mean? Do you mean understand the fundamentals of drafting from scratch? Do you mean learn some skills?
As a beginner sewer, I have learned to give myself permission to stop when I feel tired.
This is the very first comment I've ever done. I started sewing when i was 10 years old, then stopped as a teenager. I retired at the end of 2021 and bought a new machine. I cannot believe how much I did not know. My mother was a dressmaker by trade yet I knew nothing. Your videos have taught me so much. I'm so glad one of your 2024 goals is to do more teaching. Thank you so much. A friend from Scottsdale, AZ.
#6-when I began sewing (lol in the 70's) I decided that each project had to have a technique that I didn't know. For me, great decision. Learned to be patient with myself........and how to rip! But truthfully, I continued doing that for a very long time and then one day I discovered that wow I "got it". Not that I know everything but that my knowledge base was broad enough that I was able to picture what I needed to do in my mind. That allows me to be more confident in what I can create.
Really great video! Especially your last tip. Let's be strong in what we can do and learn from each other rather than rip on ourselves and others. I am a firm believer in learning from others. Thank you for all you are adding to our community!
Doing a new technique for every project is such a great tip! I did very similar and even now I will pick up a pattern if I see a detail I haven't made before🤗
When I began to sew over 40 years ago I started pre-shrinking fabric, pressing the folds out of pattern pieces before laying them out to "maintain grain perfection", and pressing as I sewed because one of the first sewing books I had said I must, and since I knew nothing I was going to do what the book said. This book was "The Dritz Guide to Modern Sewing" by Julia McCombs, and despite having been published over 60 years ago there is still a lot of its content that is relevant. If you see it in a second-hand bookstore, snap it up.
I agree that the right sewing teacher makes a huge difference, and quickly. Mine was a rock star, and while I no longer do *exactly* what she taught me I've modified much of it to suit me, just as you say. The most important skill I learned from her was how to think about what I was doing: that really opened things up.
Learning about pattern cutting was also transformative with respect to fitting. First I acquired the Sew-Fit Manual by Ruth Oblander and Joan Anderson. It's still available, and while it gets very detailed it was a revelation. It led me to acquire other pattern cutting books (Winifred Aldrich's books from the UK are good) and one very technical book on grading. I gained a lot of confidence in making even more complicated pattern adjustments after reading these books, and while I haven't done so yet I'm confident that I can grade my mother's vintage patterns to fit my sister.
One thing I did not do was make time for my hobbies (not just sewing) when life became very busy, and I agree that this was a mistake. It would have made the worst of the busy times more tolerable. I've dusted off my sewing machines in the last year or so, and I found the muscle memory in my hands to be just like old times when handling fabric at the machines. Too bad about my eyesight: I can no longer thread the needle without using spectacles. Also, I had to look up the threading paths for my sewing machine and serger because those memories were largely gone.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Learning how to sew correctly right from the start is such a great way to go!
I would love to see more about fitting. Creases or folds in the armpit means you need to do XX or YY.
I just said the same thing!
The more accomplished I become at sewing the slower I go. I take great care cutting out and accurate placement of pattern markings. A few extra minutes being accurate has resulted in much greater satisfaction with the end result.
I look forward to your teaching videos.😊
Definitely agree about sewing slower the more experienced you are - I definitely noticed that with topstitching, I sew it waaaay slower now than when I was just starting out!😅
Having gifted teachers/sharers on YourTube is a great way to learn techniques (and adopt best practices for one's self) in any area of interest. I'm self taught....and there was no RUclips when I was struggling to make a simple maternity jumper. When I began quilting, RUclips again to ready. Excel advanced Techniques....YT again.
I enjoy the hands-on videos more than the talking/tips videos. Learning basic pattern drafting is the best of those tips. Every once in a while I will buy a pattern, and then realize I may as well have just drafted it from my block and saved myself all the time wasted adjusting that pattern to fit.
I agree - very often I will end up making so many fit adjustments to ready-made pattern, that I realize it would have been faster to make it myself from scratch😅 But I still use ready-made patterns sometimes, if they have details that would be difficult to figure out from scratch🤗
You have some amazing advice in this video. I am really bad about taking my time - I start things on a whim, rush through in the excitement, sew consistently on it for a while, stop for a myriad of reasons, have an unfinished project for way too long, then think "must finish now!" and rush to finish it. I really need to slow down but also be more regular when I work on projects.
Zippers (regular, not invisible) are the bane of my sewing existence right now. I have lots of projects I want to start that involve zippers, and one I'm working on right now. It's improved from my first one at least, but it's still terrible. So if you have any specific techniques for that, I'd love to watch. Most of the "hacks" I've seen for them I can't figure out how to make work on the projects I'm thinking of (handbags, pockets, and separating zippers on jackets).
I can’t tell you how much I have learned from your videos. I just started your Dolly blouse course and I have got so much from it! Thank you ☺️
I’ve been sewing for many years. By watching your channel,l have learned so much. These 15 tips are excellent! A great reminder of to take my time when sewing. I have told my sisters about your channel. They agree with me. Excellent teacher! Thank you so much!
Thank you for giving me permission to be slow and encouragement to keep going despite making mistakes❤ great video!!!
I’ve been making the Kiki knickers with a slightly unusual construction. It’s taken me days. Cutting out pattern , the fabric, finishing seams. I just did 15 minutes at a time . I have a couple of dresses to make so I just wanted an easy no-rush project
Just starting out sewing, and have been watching lots of RUclips videos. Really love your content. You explain things so well, and have so many of the topics I'm looking for covered.
Thanks heaps for all your help!
I would love to see a video on easing a bigger waistband size into the hip of a pattern. Hope that makes sense😊, love your videos,happy holidays
I agree with # 8...sewing is my passion...I dont sew for anyone else❤
You speak so beautifully and give good advice. This is why I enjoy your channel. I gave your channel name to Angela at Devon Thread Tales and Cara at So Sew Mad, both in the UK. They recently promoted many sewing channels around the world. You are one of the best!
Thank you for such sweet words!❤
Love everything you offer. Keep it up!
Thankyou ❤ I'm new to your channel and I find you very calming and reassuring ❤I'm not new to sewing but I find ur tips are connecting with me, I'm definitely a rushed sewist, I need to slow down!!!!
Now that I am retired and have taken up sewing again I have learned to slow down and if I have a problem or something that requires thinking about I leave it until the next day. My creative process and problem solving are much better first thing in the morning. If my overlocker has a fit (frequently!) I walk away from it so I don't get frustrated. In slowing down I now take time to baste many of my seams to reduce mistakes, as we were taught to at school. Not having a large fabric stash I have a look round my wardrobe to see if there is anything I don't wear which could be used for something else.
Please could you do a video about all the different types and weights of fabrics and their uses eg. voile, challis, lawn etc, which would be very useful when choosing fabrics on-line? Thank you Julie
Great video! I would like to learn more about the different kinds of fabric. Like when a pattern calls for 4-way stretch, which fabric do I pick? Also would love to learn the basics of pattern making like you mentioned. Learning to say no is hard for me. My friends and family ask me to hem, repair and alter garments often. Even if I don’t have the skills to do it properly, they insist it will be fine. It causes me stress so I’ve got to learn to say no. Love your channel!
Love your videos! I’ve been sewing fifty years now. I used to sew Al my daughters clothing when she was a child and I made my own clothes too. I haven’t sewed garments over 20 years now, I started quilting in 1999. But watching you inspires me to do a garment sewing project! I would love to see a video about fitting! TIA
Thank you for all the great videos this year 💖.
I'll be really interested in videos about pattern adjustments, it's the thing I'm struggling the most 😅. Sometimes I know something is wrong but I don't know where to start fixing it, and at the same time I'm afraid to make to many changes on the pattern and afterwards nothing makes sense anymore 🫣😆.
I took a long hiatus after I learned how to sew and basically in 2019 I needed to start from the beginning because I forgot almost everything 😅
Wish you the best on 2024!!!💕
Hello Julija, I so appreciated this video! I have learned, too, that I need to slow down and enjoy the whole process of sewing, including fixing mistakes. Thank you for all your wonderful videos. I live in a rural area in Canada. Sewists are few, so I really appreciate your videos.
I would like to learn more about different stitches. Especially the basic stitches. (For example why choose to sew in the center, left or right?) about the length of the stiches when should we use which one? Etc
Very beneficial tips. To beginners you don’t have to be perfect. I have some pants & shorts I’ve made and the fit is almost there but off just a wee bit. I wear them and people are just amazed I can sew pants. They think they’re perfect. I make my own slopers to my body and that helps a lot. I’ve also learned to make sure that the ease is added to aid in the fit. I have to say I despise fitting things to myself. I’m 69 and very close to 70. With bad knees and all that bending & twisting I can hardly breathe. So I made a form to my shape for dresses,tops,skirts. I’ve also just ordered the one for pants from bootstrap for $28.00. It doesn’t completely take away self fitting but it helps me with about 90% of it.
❤❤❤ Thank you, Julija. I can always count on you to give us great ideas and sound advice. 😊 I have been watching your videos for at least a year now and always learn something new. All fifteen tips you gave us today will help us to become a better seamstress. I’ll add another: A good teacher once taught me to enjoy the journey as well as the outcome, the process as well as the product. That was a game changer for me. If I’m making something and not enjoying it, I take a break or wait until another day. I also like to play music while I sew, music that calms and soothes. That helps to create just the right atmosphere. Also a clean and organized work space. I like to sew gifts for others, and I find joy in anticipating how much they will like it the gift. I also like to wrap it in a special way, not just drop it in a gift bag…unless I have made a special gift bag too. Presentation elevates the gift, the surprise to the recipient, and the satisfaction for me. 😊😊
Enjoying the process is a wonderful tip!
Julia, I agree with you 100%. Besides learning sewing in school I also had my mom. She sewed so much of our clothes. A great teacher is SO valuable. I approach my sewing like I approach reading a GOOD book. I look forward to the experience. Thank you so much for your insights. Yours is my “go to “ site for furthering my sewing experiences. Pattern making is an area I want to learn more about. Wishing you the best for the upcoming year.
Thia video contains great life philosophy.
I would love to learn some pattern making skills for a better fit.
All of these things are so true not only to sewing but to any skill we learn or want to improve. Sewing is an art whether it is for personal or professional use and definitely shows in the finished garment. Classic and basic techniques are important to learn so everything you mentioned is very true. Thank you for your great videos. Happy new year.
Thank you for the tips! I’m a fairly new sewer about a year and I have learned so much from your videos, much appreciated.
Hello Julija I enjoyed this video , - I need to take up your suggestions as time is a big issue and I need to make some boundaries for myself around what I do. Yes I’m called upon for alterations but I accept them as practice for zips or buttonholes or just plain measuring and I can’t say no to family. But I will focus on evaluating my projects so my outcomes will bring satisfaction. I do tend to be easily sidetracked. Probably because I’ve restarted sewing after a 30 year break. I’m a beginner again 😅 I would like to you to show us more of your creations too. Blessings be to you and your family for 2024 🎉
Thank you for sharing. The points about practice and not comparing to others are so important.
I really enjoyed this video, I’m still in the fast sewing period and I’m trying to slow down and learn. Sometimes it’s hard since I hardly have time to sew but getting there ❤❤❤
Julija, you come across as concise, knowledgeable and totally charming! Merry Christmas and Happy 2024 New Year.
Just listened to what you said about reading and totally agree. In my younger years I imposed upon myself the determination to finish every book I started, as some point of misguided sense of honor. As I became older and realized how precious my time was, I loosened up. I have usually been able to tell from just leafing through a book before buying or borrowing whether worth my interest, so luckily didn't waste TOO much time over the years!
8:15 am beginner sewing. How to read and use patterns, correct fabric and thread. What thread is used for what fabric etc...
3:07 No no no - there are loooots of hacks!! Most of them involve taping an uncooked noodle to your sewing machine.
(🤣)
I had this hack in mind when filming this video!😅
Do you have a pattern making course or one that you could recommend?
Julija how What you use to draw the snowflake onto the water soluble embroidery film?do you have a video for that?
I used a kids marker that is water soluble - one of the viewers recommended it and it's such a game changer! It drew very clear lines on the embroidery film, which my more expensive water-soluble marker bought from sewing supply store struggled to do🤗
And here I thought a week is a lot of time for making a garment, but well, considering that I sew for about one to two hours a day, maybe more sometimes 😅😅 becouse I’m also a wife, mom and housekeeper. I wouldn’t say my self made garments are poor quality but maybe there’s a lot more to improve. 😀
Do you make men's clothing? I would like to start sewing for my husband and two boys . I have some patterns for collared shirts with a yoke and zippered and pleated pants. In the instructions for the shirt it says to do a few things that I have never heard of before. So, I am wondering if there are different techniques for men's clothing.
I have sewn menswear before and I hope to explore it more in 2024🤗
Everything would be helpful.. different sewing techniques including couture
Edit: of course you just scared this!! When you say pattern making, what do you mean? Do you mean understand the fundamentals of drafting from scratch? Do you mean learn some skills?