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I’d like to start mending and making stuff. I don’t have a sewing machine or any knowledge.
What do I need to start hand sewing.
I will start with waterproof dog coat, so heavy duty thread and big needles etc.
Thanks
Hand sewing heavy duty material is quite hard, and very hard to do neatly. I'd look for a 2nd hand machine. Get a reasonable quality one and it'll go through thick material. They aren't very expensive and as it is easier you'll be more likely to use it and make stuff. Gutterman polyester thread is very good and readily available.
Pointnorth is pretty good for specialist fabrics, although you might prefer to start on cheaper stuff eg from UK Fabrics Online
It's definitely worth getting a very basic sewing machine. You only need a straight stitch, nothing fancy (buttonholes or embroidery).
Don't bother with commercial patterns (they're really expensive), just copy your existing garments.
Have fun - and don't forget photos of the finished projects, especially the dog coat!
Buy yourself an old solid metal singer sewing machine. These come up all the time. Don't buy off ebay as people know their value. Look in charity shops, gumtree, Facebook market place, car boot sales etc. Buy something cheap and if you like it you can always upgrade it.
Watch a load of utube videos. I like thejasonofalltrades. If you don't know how to do it, Google it.
I started by making my own frame bags, bar bags. Ive repaired, improved bags I've bought.
I then found I'd developed a skill. Since then I've done curtains for my campervan etc. I even got my wife into it but she then went for lessons and now she can makes dresses and all sorts. Compared to her I'm pretty limited.
Lessons are well worth it if you want to get advanced.
Make sure you post on here what you make. Good luck
Thanks Esme, and thanks for the stuff, we would look dappa!
Cheers Damascus, I’ll have a look.
Even a vintage (non-electric) machine would be good, to get started.
For example: Old Singer machine
Also, this sort are excellent for sewing tough fabrics (eg cordura).
My Nan had one of those. I’ll check out the charity shops.
I wouldn’t go for a second hand machine unless you know what you are looking for. Besides good modern machines can be had for a couple of hundred pounds these days. Makes cycling look expensive! A set of heavy duty needles is 3 or 4 quid and 1 needle should last for a couple of projects at least. I took lessons as besides getting the professional help, it was nice to have somewhere to go on a cold Wednesday evening, meet new people and have the chance to try other machines, like an over locker. I made my kids pyjamas and leggings, and more cycling caps than I can count!
We got my a daughter a great singer machine in Lidl or Aldi last year, wasn't expensive and does around 60 stitch patterns. I'd go for a new one, a second hand hummed up one could be a nightmare to set cotton tension and really frustrating. Anyway overlockers are where its at these days.
There are plenty of 'sewing bees' popping up all over the country. They usually have a machine to use.
Some Wool/craft shops and even cafes are getting involved in sewing classes.
I was taught properly and it makes all the difference if you are shown how to sew things rather than looking on the internet or buying books.
Good luck. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished products.
My wife has 7 sewing machines ! 2 computerised touch screen embroidery capable ones (expensive), 3 overlockers, ranging from a cheap one to an expensive computerised one, a cheap sewing machine, and a quilting sewing machine. I can hand sew a bit, enough for repairing bike clothing.
I do hand sewn repairs . Get some decent size needles,pins and a couple of thimbles.
My Nana taught me when I was little , She was a wizz on a machine.
Which reminds me ,I must fettle those bibs.....