Have you been looking to pick up sewing but need help figuring out where to start? Then join us as we’ve gathered four different ways you can begin learning today! From in-person classes to self-study, the world of sewing is now at the touch of our fingers, and we will share how you can access this information.
Passed Down Knowledge
If you have a family member, or friend, who loves the hobby and may even be the reason you’re interested in learning, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for some lessons! Having a connection in the sewing and quilting world will help you learn techniques, allowing you to practice on their machines before purchasing your own, and a lesson on what features they commonly use that you can practice using.
Choosing your first sewing machine can be intimidating if you need to become more familiar with what machine features you’ll need or what stitches you’ll use. Practicing with a family member’s or friend’s machine will make you get comfortable with the options available and help you understand what you need to create your projects. If you’re interested in learning more about beginner sewing machines that JUKI offers, you can learn more here.
Working with family and friends will also give you the feedback you need. While attending classes and using online resources is an option, we’ll cover these options in the following sections of the blog, having a connection that can provide feedback will be extremely useful when you create throughout the day. So take the time to learn from their past projects, follow along as they show you how to use different techniques, and ask those questions you would be embarrassed to ask in front of a class.
In-Person Training Classes
The easiest and most common way of learning to sew is by researching your local area for sewing and quilting classes! Many times you’ll find these programs in your local libraries, your nearest sewing and quilting machine dealers, or at specialized locations that offer crafting classes.
For example, if you’re a new owner of the Miyabi J-350QVP, you might be looking for some training on how to use your longarm quilting machine. At JUKI, we offer the opportunity to attend a longarm training 3-day course that teaches users the basics of the machine and how to use it and shares information on the Quilter’s Creative touch. These classes are offered at select JUKI dealers and can be found here.
You can also attend quilting and sewing tradeshows to find in-person sewing classes! For example, at JUKI, you can commonly find us hosting serger classes at OSQE, with sign-up availability on the OSQE website here. These classes are offered nationwide as the tradeshow travels from coast to coast, helping new sewists hone their skills.
Check out your local community colleges and community centers for sewing class events! These programs are usually offered at low rates and allow you to learn the basics of sewing. The classes also provide an opportunity to receive feedback and ask those questions you’ve been having. Don’t worry if you can’t attend face-to-face classes; thanks to the online world, we have many more options!
Using Your Online Resources
Thanks to the internet, we can now access many videos focusing on sewing skills, projects, tutorials, and so much more. Almost any question you have can now be answered with just one search. Using this, new sewists and quilters can find free or paid online resources to teach you how to complete certain stitches, use presser feet, thread your machines, and more!
These teaching formats can come in videos, PDFs, online books, and online classes, allowing you to find different resources as you learn new skills and techniques. One of the best resources you can find content on is YouTube! On JUKI Home Sewing’s YouTube, you can find out how to operate your machines, set them up for sewing, and check out accessories and what they’re used for. You can also follow along with past projects and lives, where we demonstrate how to create a project from beginning to end.
There are countless online creators out there who are so excited to demonstrate techniques, projects, skills, and machine features for new sewists and quilters like you, and the content can be found for free or at low costs. You can, however, choose to invest in your skills and join online programs with teaching professionals who show you how to build your skills step-by-step and offer constructive feedback and knowledge you can learn from, usually offered at varying prices depending on the skill level of the instructor.
Lastly, take advantage of what influencers in fashion and quilting can teach you on their social media pages! While many creators focus on posting project-based content, many will bring it to their media outlets for learning moments. These quick snippets can explain how to use a presser foot and other accessories to keep on hand, and much more.
Hit the Books!
Let’s go back to the original days of sewing and check out the books available for quilting and sewing! Many of these books will offer resources on beginner basics for using your sewing machine, provide tips and tricks on what tools you’ll need in your studio, what presser feet are and which ones to have on hand to complete specific techniques, and even walk-throughs of a series of projects you can begin creating to start building your skill set.
There are also book resources that explain how to maintain your machines, offer beginner to advanced sewist projects where you build your skill set as you create, and so much more. Check out your local libraries or bookstores to see what’s available, and remember to browse the internet for recommended books!
No matter how you decide to learn, picking up a new hobby is a great adventure! Whether you go online and try it alone or pick up some classes at your local community center, sewing and quilting are great hobbies for letting your creativity flow. We hope today’s blog encourages you to start working on your hobby and learning new skills!
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