Beginner's Guide to Sewing - Tools You Need for a Handmade Wardrobe

[@loritrotter6354]

I understand that many sewing machine stores sell used machines that people have traded up to get a fancier machine. That might be a good option if you cannot find one at a thrift store. This is a great video for someone just getting started. Kudos!!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

That’s such a great suggestion, thank you! Very helpful. Getting a used machine is a great option for those who are just starting out 😊

[@kole599]

I'm following along with you

[@lynneeie5226]

Very fun to watch! I hope people are kind in the comments. I sew myself and just finished teaching a neighbor’s daughter to sew (hand & machine - we made a doll outfit) - and have made a few clothes, but would love to have primarily things I have made. And I love your cottage core side!!! Hoping to make a handful of dresses and switch another up for summer. 🤞🏻 I hope people appreciate the time & effort you are putting into these and are kind - if they aren’t, just keep in mind we all have our ways & keep on going - because you are doing a wonderful thing!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you so much! You are so sweet ❤️ I also would love to have a closet with mostly things I have made. It’s a goal! Putting in the effort is 100 percent worth it😊

[@MelanieFayJohnson]

You have really been so very helpful for beginners...You thought of just about everything....I cannot think of what you might have forgotten...Showing how to take measurements was a great idea...and advising to stick to a basic even if used machine.. I look forward to the next video....All the best...Melanie Fay

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thanks so much Melanie! ❤️❤️❤️

[@catladynj]

Those new heat erasable pens work great. The ink disappears when you apply heat from an iron.😊❤

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes! 👍 I forgot to mention tailors chalk in the video, but I did put it in the description. I have a full list down there. The erasable pen sounds great!

[@greenQT]

Hi Suzanne, I won't be sewing along with you but enjoy to watch and learn. Always interesting. Hugs, Karla in Cali.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thanks for hanging out anyways!! ❤️

[@SusanRowntree-br5oc]

We have a great sewing competition that’s aired once a year on the television called The Great British Sewing B , it’s very addictive when it’s aired. Totally agree never use fabric scissors on anything other than fabric , I also have a pair of Pinking shears very useful

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Awesome! I think I’ve seen some sewing books from that show. So fun! 😀

[@ttaite84]

Hello Suzanne!! Thank you for this series. I am looking forward to getting better at sewing. You are a great teacher!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️😊

[@ScandinavianNana]

Hi Suzanne, I enjoyed watching this video and the only item I would add is a small ruler (6 inch) if possible or a hemming ruler. Easier than using the tape measure to mark hems. In my high school sewing class, decades ago, a seam ripper was absolutely essential as "Miss Reardon" was always having us take out any stitching she did not approve of... The first item we made was a pillowcase, then a half apron!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you for your expertise Leslie!! That is a great suggestion. I do have one of those small rulers! I just haven’t really used it much, which is why I didn’t include it. I am pretty much self taught! 😊

[@gloriarobinson4787]

Thank you for the basics today. I appreciate that you are doing this without charge.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@robertaaOHIO]

Thank you Suzanne! I love what you're doing.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you Roberta ❤️❤️❤️

[@cherylleatherman5037]

I loved your top today. You looked very pretty!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you!!! 🥰

[@katherineallen2577]

I'm so excited for this series! My daughter and I are learning to sew with a book series that begins with hand stitches and ends with machine work. I'm curious how you source patterns. Eventually, I'd love to make some staple garments for myself. It seems pattern studying is much different than retail sizing (I'm in the US- patterns seem to measure smaller), unless there's some trick or measurement I'm missing? I need plus size patterns, even though I'm not plus size when shopping. Not something you need to answer here, but maybe something to address in a future video!

[@countrymamablues]

Would you share what book you are using to learn how to sew? Sounds like something my daughter would like to do also.

[@katherineallen2577]

@countrymamablues we are using Sewing School. It's a two book series, and my 6yo is enjoying it so far. It's been a good lesson on waiting for gratification. I was able to find it used online. You could very likely skip some projects as well if your child is older (for example, the stuffed animal project is almost exactly the same as their small pillow project).

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, I will definitely go through patterns in a future video. I really love Etsy for patterns, just because there are so many indie designers that cater to specific tastes and styles. But beware of the really cheap patterns on Etsy. I’ve seen reviews of some of those being AI generated. So make sure you trust that it is a real designer. I’m willing to pay more for a good quality pattern. Another thing to note is that in order to get a perfect fitting garment, sometimes alterations to the pattern itself are necessary. I have a great vintage book (better homes and gardens) that has an entire section about how to do every alteration, including things like bust adjustments, short waist, ect… It might seem daunting, but once you find out what specific adjustment you need, you will likely only need to do that same one or two adjustments on all patterns. I think it’s great you are doing some hand stitching! I made an entire garment using hand stitching. I was so proud of myself. It also made me really grateful to have a sewing machine afterwards!! It was so much work. 😀

[@awomansstory.2019]

Hi Suzanne. I’m a basic, basic sewer.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Great! I am gearing this series towards people who are absolute beginners ☺️

[@naomihartman6623]

U need a tape measure we call a thread picker a quick in pick a tape measure is a very. Important equipment for making things

[@annastaz1]

I think a New needle for each project will make a huge difference and they’re cheap

[@SusanRowntree-br5oc]

I’ve had my sewing machine 42 years my husband purchased it for my first wedding anniversary, like yours mine is solid and heavy . I’ve thought several times about replacing it but the modern ones just seem so flimsy .

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Exactly!! Me too! I don’t think I would want a modern machine. The old ones have stood the test of time. Mine runs perfectly fine! 😊