By Lizzie Dickerson
“Where did you learn to sew?”
I’ve heard this question so many times since I moved in. Starting with my roommate and expanding across Sutherland West, I’ve been sewing up tears and reattaching buttons left and right—but I’ve never been able to fully answer this question.
Until today. (Dramatic music).
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to sew, strap in for a whirlwind tour of everything you need to know to get started on your sewing journey. I hope you emerge inspired and ready to accidentally stab your fingers with a needle multiple times.
Step One: Get Supplies
As a Pitt student, you’re in luck. The Center for Creativity, located under the University Bookstore, is a one-stop shop for everything you need to start sewing—including a sewing machine, fabric, thread and needles. Two more sewing machines are in the Understory, the C4C’s new location in Cathy’s sub-basement, but the last time I checked they didn’t have thread. Stay tuned on that.
If you decide to invest in your own supplies, a sewing kit is the best way to start. I love this one from Joann’s. Much like a Russian doll, it comes with a miniature version of itself nestled inside.
Joann is, in fact, your new best friend. Hit her up for any sewing item, basic fabrics, amazing coupons, and aggressive seasonal sales.For cuter, more unique fabric, Fabricworm is another great option.
Step Two: Get Started
Every prospective sewer needs to learn minor clothing fixes like this one. If you want, you can stop right here and be set for life. Save your clothes, save money, and save time spent searching for someone to sew this for you.
Add a touch of fall to your room! This was my very first sewing project, and I still think it’s adorable. If you want a softer texture, use fabric instead of felt.
You can hand-sew this one, or try it out on a machine. Pillowcases are super simple and a great way to change up the look of your room with one amazing fabric.
Step Three: Get Focused
Once you feel comfortable with a thread and needle, you can follow whichever sewing path calls to you.
If you love giving quirky gifts to friends or room decor, embroidery is for you! Start off learning some basic stitches and then try embroidering some quotes or cute doodles. The best thing about embroidery is that it can go anywhere! Try out an embroidery hoop, add some flair to your favorite jeans, or (for all you STEM majors) personalize your lab coat. Your TA will be super into it!
If you’re a mom friend, love patterns, and spend all your time on Pinterest, try quilting! In my opinion, quilting is the underrated star of the sewing world—quilters get to use all kinds of cute and crazy fabrics and fudge results without worrying about how it fits. You can try small projects, like bookmarks and pouches, before tackling a full-size blanket.
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, hate fast fashion, and have infinite patience, have a go at sewing your own clothes! Skirts or tank tops are great beginner projects, but before you start them, spend some time turning your clothes inside out and thinking about how they were put together. Your first pieces won’t be perfect, so use cheap fabric until you’ve had enough practice.
Step Four: Get Inspired
Whenever I’m about to sew a zipper, I stop everything and watch this channel’s tutorial. Learn this and other basic skills here, including how to use a sewing machine, make your first quilt, or read pdf patterns.
Missouri Star’s Jenny is the Midwestern aunt and quilting whiz we all need in our lives. Watch her essential quilting skills playlist and your sewing confidence will soar.
Let’s get this straight: Bernadette is pure goals. We can all aspire to her level of sewing perfection, but few will ever ascend to the pinnacle she perches upon. Check out her Mary Poppins or 1890s ballgown series, and bow before her genius.
Intimidated by Bernadette’s raw talent? Check out her more chill counterpart, Rachel. While Bernadette is stitching period-accurate clothes by hand, Rachel is more likely to be making a vintage version of Britney’s denim dress. Grab a pumpkin spice latte, curl up with her many fall-themed videos, and immediately feel yourself reach Peak Coziness.
Allow me to convert you to the Micarah cult. As a seamstress, she’s as likely to hot-glue clothes together, draw patterns on her kitchen floor, or make a wedding dress out of diapers as to create a rococo dress in a single day. Come for the recreated celebrity styles and stay for the out-of-this-world editing. And her pink Barbie car.
Good luck on your sewing journey!