7 beginner sewing mistakes and how to avoid them

[@SonyaKinsey]

This is such great advice, especially about measuring yourself without judgement! We are so conditioned to believe that we're too short, tall, fat, thin, old, young, the list goes on. And the sizes in stores are just nonsense and rarely flatter most people. Making something for your specific measurements means that it fits your proportions just right. I have always avoided midi and maxi skirts because I’m short and store bought ones made me look like I had dressed up in my mum's clothes. Now, I can make them at the right length that flatters me and enjoy a style I always believed was not for me.

[@closetcorepatterns]

The magic of sewing!

[@karenroth3652]

Love this so much...especially the last point. One of the most powerful phrases I have learned to say to myself when I learning anything news is "I am supposed to be terrible at this...I'm just learning!" No shame, just pride that I am pushing myself to try a new thing :) Also, one of my first sewing attempts was a lovely pique knit dress...only I knew so little about fabric I bought a pique-looking fabric from the upholstery section ...and made a dress that could stand up on it's own. Plus had upside down flowers on it as I hadn't learned to watch out for directional prints. Lessons learned!

[@closetcorepatterns]

No shame in learning, exactly!

[@juliastockhausen7173]

One of my early projects when i resumed sewing was a Vogue fitted jacket with over 35 pieces. Somehow i knew i should make a toile and it is one if my best pieces. Being realistic re time needed is a big thing. It took me several months.

[@closetcorepatterns]

That's amazing!

[@donnaforeman2880]

As a sewing when I purchased my home my sewing experience & measuring,planning and logical thinking really helped me with installing tiles and so may other Reno projects.

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Fantastic video, really nicely presented with very considered advice. Love your style too. You both compliment each other really well. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mel_issa__]

I would add, everyone is different. For instance I only sewed with knits in the beginning. Not knowing that a lot of people are afraid of / avoid them. My number one tip would be to have fun, it's just fabric. Number two tip: thrift fabric which includes bedsheets or table cloths. Later on you can graduate to more expensive (whatever that means for you) fabrics.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Great tips!

[@stacyd.8672]

I loved this…thank you both! After years of knitting and crocheting garments, I am taking a leap into learning how to sew, and I am beyond excited to begin this journey of learning and making😊 I have been fascinated with sewing forever it seems, but now feels like the right time. I really appreciate your channel - it’s a really great resource ❤

[@closetcorepatterns]

You are so welcome!

[@heathersmusic4382]

Many people suggest using linen for beginner sewists. I don't agree because linen distorts quite a lot when cutting, can stretch out of shape while sewing and some fray quite badly (and if you have to unpick your sewing, this attribute can ruin your cutting line). Linen cotton blends yes, pure linen no.

[@closetcorepatterns]

We haven't had that experience but it's good to know others have!

[@nightembergrl]

Ya the nice thing about knots too is that they're easier to fit since they have stretch

[@asdominguez4341]

Excellent tips! ❤

[@lindat5782]

What helps me a lot is practice a certain technique, like putting a zipper in or pockets. I take pieces of muslin fabric and practice. I write on them and save them so I can revisit whenever necessary. Sometimes I make the whole garment in muslin , especially when I’m using an expensive fabric.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Practicing new techniques is key!

[@lizoid88]

oh my god these videos are gold!!! you crack me up AND educate me at the same time - thank you my friends xx

[@closetcorepatterns]

Aw yay, that's what we were going for!

[@suewilbur504]

Great video!! I would add that when prewashing your woven fabric, serge or pink the cut edges so you don’t have out of control fraying.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Yes! Beginners may not have those tools yet so we kept it basic :)

[@sew_So_beautiful]

Oh wow Cassie! I just came across this video. I didn't know you were with Closet Core! That's great! When did you join them?

[@MakingCassie]

About a year and a half ago 😊

[@sew_So_beautiful]

@MakingCassie oh wow! I must have a lot of catching up to do on your vlogs. Congratulations anyway!

[@MakingCassie]

@@sew_So_beautiful thank you!

[@frosties131]

The biggest lesson in my sewing journey so far was when I made 4 mock-ups of a shift dress. Took me about 3 months then I stopped (gave up indeed!). When I came back to this project a couple of months later, out of nowhere I thought perhaps I should try a different fabric. Since then I made 2, fitted me perfectly and got heaps of compliments every time I wear them.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Fabric makes all the difference!

[@traceyvincent2217]

Great video...will share with beginner sewists. What top is Cassie wearing?

[@closetcorepatterns]

She's wearing the Orchidée top from Deer&Doe

[@des_des_00]

Everyone is different when it comes to what project to start with. I personally think the most important thing is that the project is interesting, even if it has a bunch of pieces or has buttonholes or zippers. One can actually (and should actually!) be cable sweater guy - nothing is wrong with that; it's like on the job training. Overly easy projects are for that stage when you're not confident with your sewing machine. But once you are confident about what your machine can handle and how to control it, please jump into projects that excite you, regardless of "level of expertise". Everything else will bore you and you won't learn as much as quickly! 😊

[@annerankin1191]

Do you guys run classes? It would be really helpful. I’ve made garments based on (accurate) measurements and drown. So I actually have gone down 3-4 sizes and have given away lots of clothing I’ve made. XOX

[@closetcorepatterns]

We do here! closetcorepatterns.com/search?type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=classes

[@tracis763]

Your Cielo top got me rolling on sewing for myself! I’ve been making costumes and toys for years, but sewing for myself was far more daunting. Thank you so much for helping us all get over the hump to get started!

[@closetcorepatterns]

That is awesome!

[@kathygitlin4954]

Do people know there is a difference between pressing and ironing? That’s for all this!

[@closetcorepatterns]

Beginners may not!

[@audreyh3809]

❤

[@JannikeHess]

My takeaway - Don't drink wine white sewing. I'm totally guilty of this and have suffered the consequences. lolz

[@closetcorepatterns]

It's a learned experience!