
Below is a list of sewing basics tailor-made for beginners, addressing the pain points often accompanying venturing into sewing.
I was once a beginner excited to jump into sewing because I had difficulty finding clothes that fit me. I also imagined a world of endless possibilities and creative expression in sewing. But beginning a new passion is confusing and full of uncertainties.
I aim to help you save time, money, and energy by providing easy but practical tips.
Keep reading to learn the sewing basics to get you started.
1. Three Things to Consider Before Learning How to Sew
I didn’t think of this first stage before I started, and it may also be an “aha!” moment for you. Thinking long-term could be beneficial to you, too.
- Why do you want to sew?
You want to mend a tear on your precious garment.
You have difficulty finding ready-to-wear clothes and decide to make your own.
You want to make crafts and upcycle stuff.
You want to turn sewing to generate income someday.
Whatever it is, I firmly believe that understanding our motivation will set us up and running. Having a vision of what you want to do with sewing in the future helps you decide what to invest in.
- Find your creative nook.
Everyone also needs a personal space. The same is true with sewing. You need a space to learn and unleash your creativity, where you can get messy and sew at your own pace. It could be a peaceful corner in your house, a room, in the garage. Anywhere you can claim as your space.
- Mental Preparation.
Sewing will test your patience. It takes time and practice. I learned to cuss but laugh at my mishaps! I had piles of unfinished projects because I gave up somewhere. The thing is it’s helpful if you make peace with the devil called Perfectionism early on.
Setting the goal, expectation, and scene is crucial to succeed in your sewing journey.
2. Sewing Terms: The Sewists’ Vocabulary
Have you heard or read the sewing term “baste” and thought the word belongs to the kitchen? Or have you read “selvage” and thought it was a typo?
Like any other specialization, sewing has its jargon, too. Learning the sewing vocabulary makes it easier to visualize sewing, from understanding patterns, fabrics, and garment constructions to finishing.
So, we made a list of Sewing Terms with visuals to help us remember things better and learn faster.
3. Hand Sewing: A Must-Have Sewing Skill
When I first heard about hand sewing, my proud head thought it was too “basic”. Who needs a guide on hand sewing? You simply grab a needle and thread and whip stitches.
Well, I got funky, crooked stitches. The worst part was that my stitches were coming undone because I didn’t know how to make a secure knot at the end of the thread!
Shame on me. I realized that there’s more to learn about hand sewing.
- What can you sew by hand?
Anything. It’s versatile, from mending and hemming clothes to making stuffed toys and embroidery.
However, time is your most significant limiting factor in hand sewing. What you sew by hand depends on the time you are willing to invest if you don’t have a sewing machine to do most of the sewing.
Hand sewing requires intricacy and techniques that, when applied, give outstanding results. It is a powerful skill to have under your sleeve.
Learn the types of hand-sewing stitches and their applications and unlock the possibilities you can do to your projects.
4. Sewing Machine: Your Sewing Confidante
Thinking of stepping up your sewing game? Then you need to consider looking for a sewing machine.
The top question is, what is the best sewing machine for beginners?
“Best” in terms of what? Value for money?
Budget is one of the deciding factors for a beginner investing in a sewing machine. To give you an idea, different types and brands of sewing machines range from $100+ to $$15k!
But that’s not all. Here are other things to consider.
- Use and functionality
Remember my 1st question, “Why do you want to sew?”
Are you going to make clothes with different types of non-stretch fabric? Most machines are for general sewing.
But if you plan to sew denim and upholstery fabrics or you want to quilt, you may opt for a heavy-duty machine.
Do you plan to sew comfy clothes, mostly with stretchy fabrics like knits? If you wonder how they finish those seams in hoodies, tees, leggings, or joggers, it’s by a serger.
What if you are also the creative type who loves to embellish and embroider? Great news! 2-in-1 machines can do sewing and embroidery.
- Durability
We want things to last. We always look at the return on investment, so to speak.
As technology advances, digital or computerized functions replace analog dials. Plastics replace metal builds. But there’s always a compromise somewhere.
But no sewing machine can tick all the boxes. Knowing other people’s experiences with different types and models can give us an idea of wear and tear.
- After-care service
Is there an accessible repair service near you if your machine breaks down? Customer support and service differentiate a sewing machine bought from big box stores and a dealer.
Aside from the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with the machine, a dealer near you is more accessible to reach out for repairs when needed.
This is an essential consideration because I know the hassle of shipping items, especially bulky ones like a sewing machine.
Take your time in choosing your sewing machine. Read reviews until you are confident to select the right one for you.
You can check out my machine reviews.
Feel free to check our other sewing machine guides.
5. Sewing Notions, Tools and Their Uses
Remember that old cookie tin filled with sewing goodies? It’s grandma/mom’s classic memory! Well, the sewing world has evolved. From scissors that look like pizza cutters to an array of buttons and zippers to advanced seam rippers!
Too many tools and accessories available today. But we cannot have them all at once, not me. So, for a beginner, knowing your tools is key.
Check our comprehensive list of essential sewing tools and notions.
6. Sewing Patterns Guide for Beginners
You must be asking yourself what project you can try at this point. If you were ambitious like me, you might even have a design inspiration in mind.
However, not all commercial patterns are beginner-friendly. However, I tend to break the rules and learn the hard way. My first-ever project – a wool coat! It’s because the coat is pretty.

The outcome? A wonky, sleeveless coat (because I can’t attach the sleeves right) with a skewed collar. And a broken sewing machine!
Here’s how to choose a beginner-friendly pattern:
- Start with a small project with a simple silhouette and a loose fit. Examples are a tee or bottom that requires an elastic waistband.
- Some commercial patterns have skill levels written on the pattern. So check this info first if you are looking for a specific pattern.
- Stir away from patterns with darts and require zippers or buttons.
- Pick patterns with up to five pieces, as these are simple to sew.
- Commercial patterns don’t always include all sizes in one package. When choosing a pattern, you must check this [Measurement Guide] to know your size.
Additional sewing basics guides to check out:
- How to Read Sewing Patterns: Symbols and Markings
- How to use a digital pattern
- How to use a paper pattern
7. Fabric 101
I always have this question: “Should I pick a fabric first and look for a pattern? Or pick a pattern first?” If that makes sense.
It is tricky because the world of fabric can be overwhelming.
You may be familiar with cotton, linen, and cotton blends from your sheets and some garments. But are these okay to use if you want a flowy dress, for example?
Most patterns also recommend the fabric, but this leaves a beginner with little or no idea of what the fabric is like.
Let me share my experience. I wanted to make a trench coat for my second project, and the pattern recommends a polyester twill. My local store (Walmart) carries mainly cotton. I went to an actual fabric store with a gazillion fabric bolts. I got intimidated and went home empty-handed.
As a general rule, for starters:
- Non-stretch fabric like cotton is a good starting point. For example, you can practice making an apron and simple tops and bottoms.
- Know how much fabric you need for your project. There are fabric calculators online where you choose your size, and it gives you yardage.
- Preshrink your fabric before use. Pre-washing is the most commonly used method to preshrink a fabric.
- Fraying also happens to certain types of fabrics like cotton. It is essential to secure the edges before pre-washing the fabric.
- After preshrinking, press your fabric to remove crinkles before cutting to your pattern.
8. Interfacing: Provides The Structure You Need
Interfacings are used in a garment or sewing pieces to add structure and shape. They are used on collars, cuffs, crafts like bags, etc.
Two main categories:
- Fusible Interfacing – This interfacing has an adhesive side that bonds to your fabric when heat is applied by ironing.
- Sew-In Interfacing – There’s no adhesive, and you sew it on your fabric. It is used for heat and moisture-sensitive fabrics.
Both categories come in various sizes, thicknesses, and uses. Learn more [here][Table]
9. Pressing Matters
Yes. Pressing your fabric is an essential step in sewing. Press to remove crinkles on your fabric before, during, and after sewing. It’s like a touch of magic to a professional-looking finish.
Examples include removing crinkles on preshrunk fabric, taming a seam during garment construction, making bias tape, attaching fusible interfacing, and shaping sleeve caps.
Note: there are heat and moisture-sensitive fabrics. Always check the fabric care instructions when pressing to save your fabric from disaster.
10. Sewing Techniques: Garment Construction
Following the guide on gathering notions, preparing your pattern, and cutting your fabric, you are almost ready to sew!
Tips before you get sewing:
- Reading the FULL instructions for your project thoroughly before anything else gives you an overview of the whole process. It’s easy to transition from one step to the next with an idea of the step-by-step process.
- I also like to arrange my pattern pieces according to the steps, like in a production line. They are easier to find and grab as you sew along.
- Keep the things needed for your project on your sewing station and put others away to increase your productivity. You know how frustrating it is to look for a missing item.
11. Finishing Like A Pro
Have you ever wondered how store-bought clothes look so neat inside? It’s all about the finishing techniques – from hemming to seam finishes. We can also achieve it by learning the different seam finishes.
Examples of seam finishes:
- French Seam
- Flat-felled Seam
- Zigzag
What’s Next?
So, you successfully plowed your way through the list of sewing basics. It gave you an overview of what sewing is for you.
Learning a new skill can be challenging, but remember, every stitch you make brings you one step closer to becoming the sewist you’ve always dreamed of.
Once you’re ready…
- Check our Sewing Guides for other valuable articles.
- Take it to the next level: Learning Resources
- Unconventional Ways to Instantly Improve Your Sewing Skills