Melanie Ham

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Learn to Sew Series

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Announcing… the Learn to Sew Series! Some of the most common questions I get are: What is the best sewing machine for beginners? How can I learn how to sew? What are your best beginner sewing projects?

Well today, I am excited to share a brand new series where I can answer ALL of those questions and get you all the resources you need to learn how to sew! Pretty exciting right?

Learn to Sew Series Kickoff

*you do not need to be on this list to have access to the learn to sew class. All videos and projects will be hosted here on the blog and on youtube, totally free.

Here is the plan for the Learn to sew series. Every friday for the next 6 Fridays we are going to be learning how to sew! Next week we will go over how to use a sewing machine and then we will dive into 5 easy sewing projects.

Each of these 5 projects will build on the other and expand your sewing skills. We will be learning straight seams, mitred corners, pockets, straps, ruffles, zippers, bias binding and more! I have specifically chosen these to be skill building projects as well as useful ;).

Learn to Sew Supply List

If you need all of the notions, it will be under $80 for the bare minimum if you already have a sewing machine and iron.

Your Supply List: Click this link to see all supplies on Amazon.

  • Sewing Machine 
  • Iron/Ironing board
  • Rotary Cutter and Self Healing mat
  • 6 x 24 inch ruler
  • Fabric Scissors
  • Pins/PinCusion
  • Clover Clips
  • 90/14 needles
  • 1 or 2 spare bobbins that fit your machine (machine should come with a few)
  • Measuring tape
  • Seam gauge
  • Seam ripper
  • Fabric Marking Tool
  • Zipper foot (many machines come with this, make sure it fits your machine)

Using JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores is a great option too!

Later: Fabric, coordinating thread and supplies needed for specific projects will be listed on individual projects posts.

Which Sewing Machine is Best?

There are many great machines on the market, but for this series I will be using my Juki HZL-LB5020. I also like to recommend the Janome Magnolia. Here is my post on the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners if you are doing research.

If you want a new machine under $200, I like the Janome 2212 ;).

If you are able to, buy a sewing machine from a local dealer because they can help you in the future with the servicing of your machine and any troubleshooting.

You can also borrow one from a friend, get one on craigslist or shop a sale at a big box store. There are lots of options that can fit within your budget. *Be sure the machine is in good working order, can do a straight stitch and a zig zag.

Anxious to get sewing? Here are some of my other simple sewing projects:

I’m excited to get sewing with you!

This post is not sponsored, but does contain some affiliate links.

Comments

  1. I signed up for the course and only received notification of one class.(I didn’t see a place to enter my email on this web page either…I do miss a lot lol) I didn’t know of any of the give aways or get any tips, etc. that you mentioned. ( I know it’s too late for the give aways and that is ok but I hope I can receive the previose emails?) I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen and I love your energy! Thank you for doing this. I am late getting started but am looking forward to learning!Thanks again Melanie!

  2. Hi Melanie! I have wanted to learn how to quilt for so long and nervous to start but excited too. I want to start out small like baby blankets and place mats. Do you sell your work and can you give me any personal advise? You make it look easy! Thank you

  3. This sounds super fun and I can’t wait to get started. I have been wanting to learn to make quilts for all my nieces and nephews and my own kids. Thank you for taking the time to do this kind of series.
    God Bless!

  4. I love your videos! I ordered my sewing machine today and can not wait to learn how to use it! This is something I wanted to do years ago but never found the time. Kids are all grown and mama needs a new hobby! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

  5. Love your ideas! Can you PLEASE do a tutorial on an unfolding zippered box pouch? The only ones I have found on YT are in Korean (JSdaily “Unfolding Pouch” at https://youtu.be/c4A_5iWbJbA?list=PLPH3ablruwp-iagCr1CjWbh6LKHjgdvpM ) , Purtugese (Arte de P aninho Rosimary Cavalcanteor “Necessaire Malú” and “NECESSAIRE FANTÁSTICA FÁCIL DE FAZERz” and a German one that I can’t seem to find right now. And even though watching them gives some insight, the measurements are needed and the construction directions are needed, all in English. I read all of the comments on each and a huge amount were asking for it to be shown in English or at least with sub titles. Could you do one?

  6. Love your ideas! Can you PLEASE do a tutorial on an unfolding zippered box pouch? The only ones I have found on YT are in Korean (JSdaily “Unfolding Pouch” at https://youtu.be/c4A_5iWbJbA?list=PLPH3ablruwp-iagCr1CjWbh6LKHjgdvpM ) , Purtugese (Arte de P aninho Rosimary Cavalcanteor “Necessaire Malú” and “NECESSAIRE FANTÁSTICA FÁCIL DE FAZERz” and a German one that I can’t seem to find right now. And even though watching them gives some insight, the measurements are needed and the construction directions are needed, all in English. I read all of the comments on each and a huge amount were asking for it to be shown in English or at least with sub titles. Could you do one?

    Valerie

  7. I’m very excited to start sewing with my 11 y.o. daughter. I have learned the basics the hard way, through trial and lots of error. My main mistake was choosing difficult projects that left me giving up. With your step-by-step guidance, I’m confident in learning again with my daughter. Look forward to the next tutorials! Happy 2020

  8. You are a great quilting teacher and I look forward to learning from this sewing series! I really like this learn to sew series idea, great way for me to build my skill sets 🙂

  10. I have been sewing and quilting for a long time. But what I’ve been making is mainly doll clothes. And other small items. Sounds like this course will be a great way to get back into regular sewing. Can’t wait.

  11. Hi OMG! I need to get out of hospital FAST and a new sewing machine Fast lol I love your classes so much can’t wait to learn more from you in all your amazing talents 💕

  15. My mom gave me her old sewing machine for Christmas, and I am so EXCITED to start sewing! Ready to embody the maker energy! Yes!

  16. Thanks Melanie! I’ve been trying to teach myself how to sew for a long time! Looking forward to your sewing series! Can’t wait!

  18. Looking forward to learning some new tips on sewing. Just recently starting sewing this fall, and have made a quilt thanks to your quilting tutorials. Now excited to learn again from you~thanks for your wonderful tutorials!!!

  19. Thanks Melanie! As always enthusiastic, generous and willing to help us! Personally I am a quilt maker who has passed, for just over a year, from hand sewing to machine sewing following your directions and videos. It is so different to think of a quilt by sewing on a machine than by sewing by hand. It is faster and simpler, but at the beginning you have less control over the work and with your help it was easy and fun and you allowed me to avoid mistakes that I would have definitely made! THANK YOU!
    https://my60b.blogspot.com/

  20. Thanks Melanie! As always enthusiastic, generous and willing to help us! Personally I am a quilt maker who has passed, for just over a year, from hand sewing to machine sewing following your directions and videos. It is so different to think of a quilt by sewing on a machine than by sewing by hand. It is faster and simpler, but at the beginning you have less control over the work and with your help it was easy and fun and you allowed me to avoid mistakes that I would have definitely made!

  26. Looking forward to this. I took sewing many moons ago as a school requirement, this should help me freshen up and maybe learn a new trick. I’ve been quilting and sewing for a few years now but your never to old to learn something new.

  30. I’m so excited you are doing this. I hope when we get the basics down and you teach the beginner class that you will teach more.
    Thank you so much , you are greatly appreciated

    Sherry
    Louisville ky

  31. Hi Melanie,
    Great sewing ideas! Looking forward to it. Others could be how to make a baby’s stuffed animal, a baby bib, a baby burp cloth, a t-shirt quilt, etc.
    My girls are 22 and 19 and I’m gearing up to when I can share these projects with them and grandkids some day:) Thank you!!!

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You may not sell my patterns, claim them as your own or distribute the written pattern. Please have any friends or those interested visit the free blog post or purchase their own ad free pdf. You may make individual items to sell (i.e. on Etsy, at craft fairs) from my patterns but please link back to my blog and share pattern credit. You are welcome to share finished items from my patterns on social media, make sure and tag me so that I can cheer you on!

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