I taught myself to sew.

Learning to use a sewing machine by hook or by crook - beginners luck was not mine, but I had a fun ride and hopefully, this might inspire you to give it a try too. JOIN THE GUMPTION CLUB: / thegumptionclub
THE MINI SEWING MACHINE I USED*: amzn.to/32bz4Dv
How to thread a mini sewing machine: • How to Operate a Mini ...
Scrunchie tutorial: • DIY Scrunchie Using Yo...
Dungarees to Dungrees dress tutorial: • V006 Refashion plus si...
Lucy and Yak (ethical brand where I got the original dungarees): bit.ly/3aLidez
*links with a star are affiliate links, which means if you buy though this link a tiny cut goes towards supporting the channel!
INSTAGRAM: / leenanorms
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[@the_turri]

"are you failing indefinitely, or are you just hungry?" WOW I needed that.

[@zofiabochenska1240]

I was just about to type exact same comment. This question is crucial to basic wellbeing!

[@lydias2911]

"Put down that gun, you need a sandwich"

[@Rosenrot0eme]

I love how no matter what level you are, no matter the project, at some point everyone always ends up sewing in their underwear.

[@panicattheeverywhere8878]

Sooo true

[@SecretConceit]

If you have any hobby, you should be able to do it in your underwear

[@designerdancer94]

AB SO LUTELY

[@wilkobye9533]

Ok but I was sewing underwear recently and so much of the time I was just sewing the bra _tits out_. It was not very comfortable. But u know what? Worth it I love the bra i modified

[@lilly6766]

True! And then there are Bernadette Banner as the wild one.

[@theshortbassplayer]

I'm really feeling you on the rage quit thing. I've been trying to learn how to ride a bike for the past week (I'm 23, it's sad, pls don't make fun) and I'm generally a very even tempered person but I think I've burst into tears 10+ times which is not something I've felt/experienced since I was maybe 5?? But I kept pushing through and I did it today, feet were off the ground! We're living, we're growing, we're having tantrums, we're also paying rent, it's a part of life !

[@mentalhugs]

A friend of mine just learned to ride a bike at 36! You’re in good company. 🙂❤️

[@theshortbassplayer]

@@mentalhugs lovely!!

[@leenanorms]

That's so cool that you're learning!!! Rooting for you!

[@wanderingoff13]

I taught myself to ride a bike at 23!! It was so hard but I was so proud of myself. (and, I didn't tell absolutely anyone about it while it was happening, so you're one up on me!) I'm still not comfortable to ride on the road but one day (maybe soon) I'm going to get even better, and the confidence boost the process of learning gave me was massive.

[@beatricet7396]

It's not sad! And no one should make fun of you for that! Actually, I think that most people (myself included) have learned to ride a bike as a child, so it was not really our choice and it didn't require any will power therefore... It's not really an achievement. But learning as an adult!? That will be a huge deal and you will be so proud of yourself 😍

[@willtriggs133]

The bikini would have worked if you'd used a zigzag stitch! Straight stitches can't stretch without breaking, but zigzags can - the wider the zigzag the more stretch possible. (although realising your machine may not have had a zigzag function!)

[@wilkobye9533]

You can do a zig zag stich by hand! It is just a bit exhausting because of having to strech out the elastic

[@devonmauricio4714]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I love any tricks you can offer me!

[@marcellusorlando3414]

@Devon Mauricio instablaster :)

[@devonmauricio4714]

@Marcellus Orlando i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@devonmauricio4714]

@Marcellus Orlando It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@samanthaburns6956]

Pants used to be made to accomodate thighs, frequently resulting in the legs having three peices, but it required more time and sewing skills so big companies were like 'two pieces and more purcheses please' and that is the story of planned obselecence

[@hannahwitton]

I see my scrunchie! Thank you for my scrunchie!!

[@sophiestocks]

I recently saw a KZbin video of someone adding pockets to skirts and dresses that don't already have pockets and this video has given me inspiration to give that a go!

[@leenanorms]

omg that is a GREAT call!

[@kimlam5920]

Sophie Stocks Was it Morgan Donner?

[@sophiestocks]

@@kimlam5920 Yes! Thank you I completely forgot to add their name to my comment. The video was 'Adding pockets to ALL my dresses' for anyone wanting to check it out.

[@dawnguthrie5660]

Watched that one too, you have to love a pocket

[@babar86]

As a professional seamstress, I screamed "why would you do this to yourself!?!" when you showed that cheap sewing machine. Nothing kills the joy of sewing like a machine like that!

[@annierebecca6116]

Any recommendations for a good sewing machine that would cost me under 150 USD? I have one that works fine ish but it tends to get jammed on stitches a lot and idk if it's my fault or the machines.

[@shadowkyber2510]

Around what price do you think a decent sewing machine is?

[@juliavioloniste8416]

I think the goal here is to show that you don't need to invest hundreds of dollars into very good material to begin the process of learning and see that you can do some things on you own. I completely understand that you need to have very good material as a professionnal, but as a future very beginner I need to know that there will not be the barrier of the price. If ot becomes a passion an a rel thing, then I will be ready to invest.

[@roanpriaza]

While accessibility is super important, a machine this cheap is so bad and frustrating to work with that it will actually deter most beginners, which is an issue! It's better to get a cheaper second hand machine than this one (mine cost 50€, I've been sewing for almost 5 years now and am still using it)

[@childrenofink]

the sad music & black and white every time you undo the seams is so perfect. truly how i feel every single time i've tried to even so much as hem something

[@sophiawhettingsteel3489]

haha yessss that's what I was thinking. Same thing with the comment about being hungry

[@SweeneySays]

as someone who has also been sewing to pass the time in quarantine: (1) I gasped and shouted "IT HAS NO BACKSTITCH???" about your machine and I am very impressed with your work tbh. (2) I have made so many scrunchies and also I am showering less than I used to so hello to everyone on all my zoom calls, please enjoy my high pony & scrunchie collection (3) I love the chaotic energy you brought to this learning. It's beautiful. I was lucky in that I actually started a couple months before lockdown (the forethought!) and got the initial tutorial from my mom. We bought a SUPER BASIC knit skirt pattern and she sat with me step-by-step, so I at least got the basics before being left entirely to my own devices (which has also been extremely fun, to be clear.) (4) unrelated by I failed my driving test twice THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM

[@FridaCrescencia]

to 1: not starting/ ending your seams with a backstitch, but instead knot the ends make it a lot easier to open up seam, should you need to. I´m always lazy, but "propper" technique (according to my grandma who was a seamstress) is to not use a backstitch :D

[@annafre1789]

Good luck with your drivers test! You got this 🍀😉

[@SweeneySays]

FridaCrescencia huh! like the way you knot off the stitch in a dart? I guess that it winds up looking more uniform if the stitch isn’t doubled over at the beginning and end....& maybe some other benefit/reason I’m not understanding as a noob. Regardless, thank you for this info; I learned a new thing today!

[@SweeneySays]

Anna Fre oh no sorry I wasn’t clear - I am old and this actually was half my lifetime ago. Leena said she failed hers three times and I laughed as a fellow repeat driving test failure BUT I GOT IT IN THE END! CAN’T STOP ME NOW! (I mean ok probably they can what do I know.)

[@leofrine_noev]

just wanted to tell you I also failed my driving test twice and i know how nerve wrecking it can be! Best of luck ;)

[@dumblebird6430]

"If I end up deflating my own ass... remember me this way." That had me in stitches. Leena, you are GRAND.

[@percy3557]

"winging it and working out how to work out what i need to know" is a huge learning-a-new-skill mood

[@jwatson11]

So glad you got one so you could give it a go - but for anyone else looking to get into sewing, I do think you potentially make life harder for yourself by buying a very cheap machine! A little bit more of an investment mean a machine that will be easier to use and maybe less on the rage quit side...

[@jwatson11]

(also if you get one that can do zigzag stitch you can sew stretchy (jersey) fabrics)

[@jwatson11]

@Llandriel I have a Janome which I love, but knew it was a long term hobby so I got one that's around £200. Their models start around £100. As long as you have a lever for reversing the stitch, and at least a straight and a zigzag stitch, that will do you for a lot of projects especially at beginner level (noting you might need to buy different feet to do zippers, make quilts etc which adds to the cost).

[@jwatson11]

@Llandriel but anything that's a bit sturdier will be much easier to sew with if you're making clothing rather than small accessories. I find it easier with a chunkier machine!

[@jwatson11]

@Llandriel Hand sewing is so much harder I think so kudos! You'll have great fun with a machine, just get comfy with some scrap fabric while you get over the initial 'ahhhh when I press the pedal it runs away' fear 😊

[@HanBlack314]

@Llandriel I bought a 80€ sewing machine from Aldi and it served me 13 years so far of occasional sewing 🤔

[@slightlycrummy]

This is the most true depiction of what it's like to be someone who sews without being a professional seamstress. I'm always waddling around my sewing machine, hastily holding fabric up to my body trying to force my vision into reality.

[@rachaelandthings]

I love and envy your "let's just give it a go, what can go wrong?" approach to this.

[@maidenrohina]

If that leopard print skirt is made of stretchy fabric, that's probably why the dungarees skirt was to tight. One way to deal with that is measure the stretch of the fabric your copying and then add that much more to the fabric you want to make the new skirt from. Also I find adding the extra fabric into the middle of the pattern much easier that way you don't have to try and make all the curves at the side seams perfect.

[@audiofandoms]

why did i start crying when you started talking about having clothes for play. as someone who struggles with body image, this struck a chord! clothes meant for living and not being

[@FLAGENHAW]

Really living for sewing becoming a commonplace skill again, it's so empowering

[@Marialla.]

I learned to sew by hand because I saw a woman at work doing it and I thought it was amazing that she would be sitting there, talking on the phone to a customer, and sewing a pair of blue slacks with a needle and thread in front of God and everybody. She told me that in order to keep a seam straight I just had to lay the needle back along the seam I'd already sewed, and it would automatically keep going straight. That was my big tutorial! And I thank her so much for it! I started off sewing square things, like pillowcases and curtains. Gingham was my friend because the lines were easy to follow, and I could use the squares to space my stitches evenly. Then I became disabled and couldn't work and became very poor. So I learned to mend clothing for me and my son, to make things last because we couldn't replace them. I learned to patch holes invisibly, much like you did with the iron-on jeans patch, by putting a scrap of fabric behind the hole and sewing it all carefully together all over, to reinforce the weak area. I do this to the knees and crotch of all my jeans now, and my son's. Also hemming his jeans when wearing them unhemmed just caused him to walk on them till the part behind his heel fell off. This made it easy to know how long to hem them, at least! If I was you, the first garment to make from scratch would be an elastic waist skirt made of a rectangle of fun fabric. Which you've already done! Maybe consider a circle skirt next, when you're ready to learn to put in a zipper. Annika Victoria has a good tutorial on that. You've got her bold energy! Go you!

[@meaniezucchini5216]

Thank you for sharing! I've tried hand sewing before and couldn't figure out how people are able to keep stitches straight. Do you have any advice for keeping the thread from tangling? Or for getting even stitches?

[@Marialla.]

@@meaniezucchini5216 Certainly! You need a thread conditioner to avoid tangles. That can be anything that coats the thread. Dragging thread across any sort of candle can work. But my favorite conditioner is a sort of silicone putty used for swimmer's ear plugs. I stick a blob of that putty on my thread spool to keep it handy, and every time I cut a piece I drag it through to condition it. Getting even stitches is just muscle memory. I'd start with gingham to practice with. Get the sort with the littlest squares you can find, to get used to how it feels to space the stitches. Also, stack as many stitches onto one needle at a time as you can (usually 2-3 cm of fabric), rocking the needle back and forth rather than stabbing each stitch. Or you can hold the needle still and rock the fabric up and down instead, if that's easier. It might also help if you pin the work to a pillow or something, to give tension to the seam while you sew it. Teaching fingers to stitch evenly is no harder than teaching fingers to work an Xbox controller. It feels awkward at first and there's a lot to be aware of all at once, but you do develop the muscle memory and then it becomes automatic. Please ask if you have any other questions! I have so many tips I'd love to give, but I'm holding back so as not to flood you with more than you've asked for at once.

[@meaniezucchini5216]

@@Marialla. Thank you!! It's been a while since I tried, so I don't have any other specific questions, but please share anything you feel like sharing. I'll copy your tips down into a notebook so I have them there for reference when I need them. And maybe I'll note the video so that if I do have questions again, I'll be able to find your comment. Just having a bit more information is sometimes helpful for me to get started trying something new, so thank you. ☺️

[@Marialla.]

@@meaniezucchini5216 Well then I'll volunteer my two biggest suggestions, which i know most newbies avoid: use a thimble, and use basting. A thimble can feel very awkward at first, so many sewists resist using one. But it literally means the difference between being able to sew for ten minutes vs. sewing for two hours. Abbey Cox has an excellent video about thimbles and how to find one that fits. Basting is something machine sewists often skip, because pinning does nearly the same thing. But for a hand sewist it is a game-changer. It holds the pieces together much more securely than pins can, and you can carry it anywhere or scrunch it in your lap without the pins falling out or poking you. Use a bright contrasting thread to baste with and it is super easy to see it to pull it out later as needed. My basting stitches are usually as long as the needle I'm sewing with will allow, unless the seam is very fiddly for some reason. I pull basting out stitch by stitch as I sew a proper seam behind it. You'll soon find it easy to put together a small sewing kit in a Ziploc bag or something, to hold just your basic supplies so you can sew anywhere! I love doing this. It makes waiting for a bus or an appointment or something much more bearable, having a project to occupy myself with. It's silent and takes up no space, and you can still chat with folks if you want to, so it's a very gracious hobby to keep nearby.

[@meaniezucchini5216]

@@Marialla. Thank you so much! You've really helped me to feel like hand sewing isn't so unapproachable. ❤️ I've been looking for (more) affordable hobbies to keep me off my phone and I do spend lots of time waiting on appointments and transportation so this seems perfect.

[@qualitystreetmoment]

As someone with a Costume degree this transported me back to all my little rage quits like seven years ago. Just keep botching and eyeballing things, and as long as you don't stop, you'll probably end up looking back on this in seven years like, huh that's how it all started, while surrounded by multiple sewing machines and a ridiculous number of fabric scissors.

[@qualitystreetmoment]

Oh also, you can sew stretchy seams without elastic, you just need to use the widest zigzag stitch possible, if your machine has one, so it has some give. Or, if you do use elastic thread (usually called shirring elastic) you put it in the bobbin only and use normal thread for the top thread. Also also, the extra indent seams are called darts and if you sew a tiny little curve at the point of the triangle, rather than sewing a straight line, it'll fit better (not many straight lines in the body after all).

[@okaykatieokay]

This is 100% my approach to sewing. I bought a lilac bedsheet from Oxfam for £4 at the beginning of March and I finally used it to make a co-ord blazer, skirt set. It was HARD, but really fun. I even found an old silky scarf of my gran's to use for the lining of blazer.

[@michelleboon7646]

I've also been teaching myself to sew during quarantine! Armed with my dad's ancient sewing machine, old bolts of fabric from the 80s my aunt gifted me, and a Micarah Tewers video playlist, I made fabric masks, an ill-fitting bra out of old yoga shorts, and finally two cute sleeveless tops that would be wearable if they weren't made from scratchy, non-breathing fabric from the 80s. I've been taking a break from sewing cos I was getting neck and shoulder pain from hunching over my work table, and also the machine bulb gets hella hot (not ideal when my room is already a sauna during summer). Anyhoodle, I loved this video, and it has inspired me to sit up straighter so I can make more cute clothes

[@nellien4802]

I was also having the shoulder and neck pain! Honestly fixing it was just making sure that I had both feet on the floor as I was sewing

[@michelleboon7646]

@@nellien4802 oo thank you! I'll have to be more mindful of my feet for my next project :)

[@Sewnover]

I'm a costume designer and am so proud that you even attempted (an succeeded, might I add) at repurposing your clothes. I mean, the amount of people that ask me to sew on buttons that have popped off but, don't care to have me teach them (heaviest eye roll). Continuing to love and appreciate the content. 💖

[@susanoxburgh8835]

I loved this!! I've been sewing my own clothes for a while and you do pick up so much experience by just experimenting and playing with old clothes. I would really recommend Tilly and the Buttons - they do amazing patterns and their most recent book (Make it Simple) seems like it could really fit your style. P.S. when you start using patterns Do Not trust the sizes they print on the packet, check your measurements and go with that instead! I'm a 16 in shops and a 20 in sewing pattern.

[@SamWest96]

My sewing journey has begun because I decided to make my own wipes for my baby out of massive muslin cloths. All I have to do is cut, and sew the edges. I can totally manage that. I've got this weird desire to make a ball gown... I'll start with baby wipes.

[@Marialla.]

You really nailed it! Rage quitting and "inspiration buffering" (godDAMN I love that term!) are absolutely a part of every sewer's life. Probably every creative person ever. Probably Bernadette Banner herself would tell you this is absolutely the way this goes! If you haven't spent some time cussing, you haven't been challenging yourself enough. It's normal.

[@missmeakat]

I was so jealous of your Beatrix Potter top in a previous video - amazing that you repurposed the fabric to make something cool!

[@katiemoss7578]

Don’t be disappointed if you find yourself often unpicking literally everyone who sews spends lots of time unpicking it’s just part and parcel of sewing. No one does everything right first time even the people who you watch and are really good will spend lots of unpicking and messing up

[@bridgetthewench]

Yes! I've been sewing for 23 years and I still find myself unpicking seams and messing up all sorts of things. You're always learning when it comes to sewing!

[@RoisinsReading]

watching this while embroidering a present for my friend, the second thing I've ever embroidered.

[@mel_issa__]

I sew all my clothes now but when I first started out I started with cloning items I already had. Just make sure you use a similar fabric (stretch wise) and always ad a bunch of seam allowance. You can always take stuff in later.

[@GoldenRainbow1987]

OMG! lol The visual queues you're using for counters have me in COMPLETE stitches!

[@strangebrainchaos]

A fun thing I do when I accidently sew things too tight, or want something at the thrift store but it's a little to small for my monster hips, is sew triangles of a different fabric (usually a fun pattern or color) into were I originally sewed the seems on the too tight garment.

[@sheyslibrary]

My grandma taught me how to sew when I was younger. I used to make a lot of my clothes but now I normally stick to quilting and repairing

[@zoeamz]

You can use a bar of soap instead of tailor's chalk too!

[@leenanorms]

Omg I did not know that, that's genius!

[@lenatosenberger2214]

I knew EXACTLY where the skirt of the overall dress was going because i had done the EXACT same mistake in first lockdown when i was learning to sew!!! Thunderthighs gang lol

[@katieobook]

I live and die for the visual of "three"

[@emmi3785]

Luckily, we learn handicrafts in school, here in Finland. All kids, regardless of assumed gender of the kid, learn some sewing in school. So at least you get to learn basics of sewing (and get sewing machine drivers license

[@katygillam-hull8705]

LOVE THIS 1- Big advocate for the anyone can make attitude, it doesn't have to be intimidating! 2- As a sewer (for fun and sustainable reasons) being able to fix holes in jeans gives me such joy and a sense of control over the fast fashion I am victim of. Maybe next time you can patch and stitch the thighs before they rip? Its keeps them alive longer. 3- I highly reccomend looking at some sewing patterns from all well workshop. They are made to be hacked and re-worked and come with a guide for that but also teach you useful new sewing skills in a friendly way. Plus it's an indie company run by a poet and if that doesn't appeal I don't know what will. Ok overly excited sewing rant over, thanks for the delightful video and happy to sewing to you all! X

[@candyak9985]

Last night, I tried my own 'I know nothing about sewing' sewing project and it was great! I turned a dress into a top and skirt using the elastic waistband I'd saved from an old pair of leggings (eaten up by my own hungry thighs). I wanted to try the method Leena used from the scrunchie lady but as I was hand-sewing a stretchy fabric, I couldn't get my head around it. So, I just kind of eyeballed it and experimented. And it worked! I think circle skirts with gathered waistbands are very forgiving. My measurements were all over the place but you can't tell when it's on. Thank you so much Leena for the inspiration, the encouraging words, and for documenting your own experiments. Thanks to this, I saved a lovely (but damaged) dress from being scrapped. It couldn't be rehomed but it can live on as a top and skirt. (And, to be honest, I kind of prefer the top and skirt together more than the original dress!) In short, this rambling post is to say: YES! As someone who knows even less about sewing than Leena and with even less equipment, I could do it too! And I can't wait to try it again!

[@miamello3353]

It's so good to see people getting into sewing!!! My nana taught me when I was really young and I've taught literally every friend that's ever entered my house. Hobbies are more fun when you have people to share!! You did great!!! It's better to sew elastic fabric with zigzag stitch. Also a lamp near the machine makes life sooo much easier. Love your videos x

[@DragonHeartGamer]

"should probably have tailors chalk for this but a biro works fine and nobodys gonna see it so" im at university for sewing, i probably use tailors chalk like once a year, biros and pencil all the way! ( but also like if you od need to mark somewhere that will be seen you can get heat sensitive biro that goes away when you run an iron over it x)

[@sophiecreamer8796]

I love this! 🙏 we love a role model who keeps you well read, well informed, well entertained and now well dressed during an actual global pandemic 😍💕

[@ShroomAndMoss]

YES to this

[@lolsous]

We take sewing in school for 6 years, it is a required course and I am very happy that it is. But, I still think it is very hard to do clothing well, usually I keep to adjusting fit and mending.

[@ThatGirlWithTheCoffee]

The dress pattern is from Gertie, I recognised her as the model- she has a KZbin Channel and does Saturday lifestreams if you ever wanted to ask a question about the pattern! Well done in making the clothes and presents though! I'm currently pursuing the dream of making a matching outfit from fabric left to me by my Gran- a pair of early 1950s trousers (which I'm currently in mock-up stage for) with a matching 50s blouse.

[@monstercockie]

So fun to see you experimenting with sewing and figuring it out. I have been sewing since I were a kid, but I were never happy with my clothes for long and stopped because sewing machines were stressing me out. I just startet again a couple of years ago when I found the costubers and historybounders on youtube and saw what was possible with handsewing :D now I can't put the needle down ;)

[@sippinmatcha]

I was planning on learning how to sew this weekend to make a little book sleeve out of an old t-shirt. I take this video as a sign of the universe that I absolutely have to do it now!

[@claireeden8069]

I got a sewing machine for my birthday in 2018 and then didn't learn to sew until the coronavirus in 2020. I now have made 4 pieces of clothing for myself and I'm getting better every time! I also haven't bought clothes since October 2019, I now just make a dress if I need one. Tip - don't use that tiny little machine, it's gonna get you nowhere. But keep going it totally gets easier with practice.

[@Lavender_Louis]

Honestly, I 100% expected this to go really bad just because I had no hopes for this sewing machine. But I was proven wrong and can only say that I'm incredibly impressed by your "fuck it, let's just try it and figure it out" approach to this! I'm a trained tailor and don't have this confidence. (I have to say though, that I don't give this sewing machine much time before it breaks and that you could probably have a better experience with a sewing machine that costs 100£)

[@dr-pq2du]

I made myself a dusty pink paneled skirt last month out of upholstery fabric. It's not great, but I'm very proud:) It's always nice to feel more self-sufficient

[@katarinakidd9450]

I remember once in another video you said for a long time you identified as someone who viewed tattoos as something for other people but not for you (even though it was a lie!), which is how I feel about sewing. So I very much appreciate this video because it made me feel a little braver!

[@laurasaurus7399]

All forms of sewing will involve seam ripping. Don't feel too bad about that! Also for elasticated items you should use a zig zag stitch although I don't think that sewing machine does that. You did great though don't worry! (I make cosplays and was taught to sew by my auntie who's a seamstress)

[@missmatti]

”Are your failing indefinitely or are you hungry?” I am stealing that quote for a video I am working about sewing failures. I cannot count how many times I have gone into a complete doom when things didn’t go well when sewing and after awhile realized I need food 🤦🏼‍♀️😂 Loved seeing your sewing learning journey! Wished I was with you for the dungaree dress because I had several ideas I wanted to share with you 😅 but I think you ended up with a good solution in the end! 👏🏼

[@heyhaileyjoy]

I've always wanted to be someone who could sew and mend her own clothes (I love drawing design sketches and have always wanted to be able to execute them) but I get discouraged when I'm not able to do things well (even when I'm still learning to do them, yes I am a recovering perfectionist) and it's just so encouraging to see someone else get frustrated, make mistakes, take breaks, problem solve, and still complete projects and be content with the final result! I go through all of these phases every time I sew and it's refreshing to see someone else go through them too! Thanks for making me feel less alone and inspiring me to keep trying, Leena!

[@emmathomas2832]

I have some experience with a needle and thread and have a hobby where these skills are extremely useful. Other people in my group keep asking me how they should do this or that or whatever. And most of the time i give them like 4 or 5 different ways to do the thing. There is never one way to make something out of fabric. Just have a go! worst comes to worst you fuck up something you were never going to wear again in the first place.

[@lorna_alice]

I'm currently sewing a circle skirt from fabric I rescued 2 years ago. I fell out with it a few weeks ago, started pinning the other day and have done the waist. Also had the same issue with it refusing to go over my hips. My mum was like "just add a zip" like it's an easy thing. Progress is slow but I will get there 😊

[@she_followsthesun]

Omg, you are hilarious 😂I nearly died when you brought that tiny cheap sewing machine… I may have said NOoooooo! Out loud 😂

[@morganjones638]

Been meaning to nick my mums old sewing machine for a while so i can get into it!! If you haven't already watched it i recommend the sewing bee!!

[@dudeitselina]

I love sewing but I'm scared of doing it wrong! You're making me realise there's no wrong way just your own personal way

[@canadiangreeneyes]

I adore your approach to sewing. It's so refreshing, very "mess around and find out" but with a vision? As a perfectionist who's trying to become more relaxed on my own sewing journey, it's really inspiring.

[@leenanorms]

Hahah I love that summary of it - mess around and find out is my new sewing motto

[@KathrynsRavens]

I've been sewing for years and honestly this is exactly how I started as a teen! The greatest KZbin people I watch are Morgan Donner, Evelyn Wood, Annika Victoria, Sewstine and Lizcapism. Adjusting things that are too small is fun and can be really cool looking

[@KathrynsRavens]

Oh, also peppermint magazine has a bunch of free patterns that are great!

[@katyallred3393]

Thank you for doing this! I've been watching so much Rachel Maksy to try to deprogram my sewing fear and my perfectionistic tendencies that keep me from starting anything that might be hard and that I might not be immediately great at. During these stuck-indoors times, the need for a hobby that isn't for productivity or profit's sake has made itself VERY CLEAR to me, and sewing is on my list of things I might want to pick back up. I used to do these mini summer sewing camps when I was a little kid - one year we made a reusable lunchbag, and the next year we made a little elastic puffy tube top with ribbon straps and matching elastic-waist shorts :D But I didn't stay with it, like many hobbies I try and abandon. However, I've noticed myself keeping busted clothes I don't want to throw out more and more recently...just...in case? So I feel like this video clinched it. I just need to go in and let it be messy and fun, allow for the inevitable tantrum, then keep cracking on. I'm also much too tall and chubby for clothes to ever have been made for me, so it's time for me to take things into my own hands and churn out super long dresses and trousers and pajama bottoms for MY OWN DAMN SELF.

[@lexichapman7588]

“Okay Google, play calming music” my own google home starts playing calming music lol

[@ginat.8064]

How do you not have a million subscribers? iI just love listening to you talk, it's all so interesting. I'm addicted to sewing videos but incredibly impatient, so when I couldn't figure out how to fix the machine when my thread got stuck rage quit... and it's been a couple years. Might try again once my dissertation is done though, this video inspired me!

[@philippatill9727]

Your sewing logic is amazing and clearly I'm making sewing too much of a lofty thing to attempt. Lol

[@arseen33]

I can't believe the stove top ironing, that's ingenious lol. When it's a small ironing job, I just use my hair straightener because same problem.

[@kristinaisakovic1026]

Now I want to learn how to sew 😁 I have one tip for you- you can find patterns online and there are magazines with patterns, you just need the material!

[@Alex-pb5rf]

As someone that taught themselves to sew on furniture fabric, watching this brought back a lot of memories. One think i think sewing truly teaches you is LOADS of patience. I also rage quit a lot while learning, but it was mostly because I was learning on a machine that didn't quite work right so I understand your pain about having to stop and let it sit for a while before trying again.

[@emilylouise9705]

Rage quitting is definitely part of the sewing journey! Also, I'm really inspired by your approach to learning how to sew, just getting stuck into it, and reusing materials wherever possible. I've been trying to learn how to sew for about 3 years, and honestly I've not achieved much in that time because I'm such a ridiculous bloody perfectionist. I always manage to psyche myself out and then I give up as soon as I get to a technique or part of a project that I'm afraid I won't be able to do neatly. It's honestly so frustrating. Why am I like this.

[@laracrews6916]

If I had to learn to sew on that machine, I think it would have made me quit. I bought a full size machine, in it’s cheapest form, 10 years ago. Now I have many machines. And still get frustrated with the machines when making things sometimes. I’d have punted that little sewing machine like a football the first issue. So I’m impressed with your fortitude!!

[@ABlackbirdsBooks]

I honestly started watching this video thinking; Oh no, she'll have had a terrible experience with that little machine and not have a good first impression of sewing at all. Of course, I made the grave error of forgetting it was you doing the sewing on the machine, not myself, hahaha. You are a genius, Leena. You made some fantastic things, and are so creative with what you have! I've been sewing since Nov. '19 and love it so much!

[@Isabel-hl1jy]

You did exceptionally well with that tiny baby sewing machine. I’ve started sewing during lockdown. It’s fun I made a few dresses.

[@alexisrobinson3225]

I got this same sewing machine when I was a little kid in a discovery kids set I got for Christmas🥰I sewed so many Barbie clothes on that thing

[@anyawillowfan]

I spent years staying away from sewing machines because of terrible experiences of trying to use them at school, however a few years ago I faced my fear and asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. I did go to some sewing group/classes but unfortunately they closed last year, so now I'm trying to teach myself a little at a time. Though I can only do a little at a time I have managed to complete a few projects. Watching this is so inspirational as I want to get to the point where I can sew clothing, especially alter clothing but I'm always so worried about wasting my time and fabric that it's holding me back - watching this really helps me believe if you can do it, I can do it, even if it takes me a while (I don't have your imagination so it's super hard to imagine what something can be) :) On the plus side this year I have improved simply by sewing mask after mask after mask. P.S. if you feel ready/the need to upgrade your machine, Lidl sell Singer machines at very reasonable prices (you just have to wait til the right time of year when they are stocked).

[@lorabetht9206]

I was raised by my grandparents and my Nannie was a seamstress and upholstered furniture… I’m kicking myself for not seeking that knowledge from her before she passed away 😥 I can sew by hand small projects and do embroidery stitches but that’s it. I have her old sewing machine so maybe there’s still hope for me yet!!

[@lorethehobbit]

As a clothing upcycler and textiles student I am SO IMPRESSED! I must admit I grimaced when I saw that sewing machine (go have a look in an Oxfam, they sometimes have great quality sewing machines for not too much) but for your first projects these are very creative and functional! I hope that doesn’t sound condescending, basically I mean - you did good Leena :) 🧵

[@hmiller7948]

Thank you so much for this video! Apart from it being an absolute delight, you made sewing seem very accessible and encouraged me to give it a go. I started off sewing masks back in April 2020 and yesterday I completed my first tailored blazer!

[@leenanorms]

EEE that's amazing, you've totally surpassed me in that case 😂

[@hifsaahmed5855]

I really enjoyed watching this and it has encouraged me into watching a few sewing tutorials. I'm from Pakistan and isewin is a big part of our south asian culture . My mom knows how to do it and alters all of my clothes but just the idea of putting the thread in the machine is scary because i don't know how its done. The way you explain it so easily makes me want to give it a go as well.

[@annierebecca6116]

I've always been one to mend my clothes before throwing them out, and I think part of it comes from growing up with a really low income. Most of my clothes were from thrift shops so I could repurchase them, they were like little treasures that I was lucky to find in the first place. Cut off shorts and hand me down t-shirt were staples of my wardrobe growing up out of necessity. So the idea that I would throw out a pair of jeans that were a bit worse for the wear wasn't really in my head. I also grew up at the sewing machine and mending clothes with my grandma, so it's sort of always been the response. I fix my family's clothes for them constantly. When you shop second hand or at outlet stores, taking clothes in and nipping up a hem becomes second nature. Now as I'm older I've been trying to learn how to sew whole items from scraps. Making old sheets or pillowcases into tops and skirts and pants is something I'm still working on for planet reason economic ones and style wise.

[@luke28]

Wonderful! Empowering, down to earth and a bit cozy! I love how sustainable but also self-reliant being able to mend and adjusting your clothes makes you! And also, I love how you showed it as a proces of tries and errors (although I am impressed with the level of good tries and how inventive you are!) and creativity, it lowers the treshold to try and do it myself! I am curious about your future sewing projects!

[@annafre1789]

I love the sad seam ripping clips 😭every maker knows the feeling 😆

[@riikkasalmela8181]

I feel like sewing (and knitting, crochet, etc) is like cooking. Basics are simple and anyone can learn, but you can go up to levels that equal nuclear chemistry.

[@RymVri108]

Omg WHY do all those tutorials have hellscape music??!! This video was a lot of fun. I started with a sewing machine that was slightly bigger than yours and could backstich. It cost me $40. I used it to death and my husband got me a "real" badass heavy-duty sewing machine to replace it and there's no stopping me now!

[@dawnguthrie5660]

I just ordered a pair of burgundy Lucy and yak dungarees the other day, it’s fate that I saw you video while I wait for them. 😊 Taught myself to sew last year (over 40) and I had a fair few disasters on the way ...just keep swimming 👍

[@flynn5109]

I didn't know how much I needed this video! Basically, I learnt how to sew out of a necessity as nobody in my reenactment group wanted to make the clothes we have to wear and lo and behold people pleaser mc gee (aka me XD) stepped forward to be somewhat helpful to the group. All of a sudden, not only did I have this immense pressure to make entire outfits for 5 other people, but they also had to be perfect for shows and so that my skills could be graded (one slight mistake could prevent getting the basic level of grading because the people grading were like sewing gods and would be ridiculously harsh). I was completely new to sewing, nobody in my family knew how to sew and I had nobody to help me. It also didn't help that there are no patterns for the period of history I reenact (I had to cut all the pieces out by eyeballing!). I got so stressed by the whole thing that I was so relieved with lockdown because it meant I didn't have to sew any clothes for shows. This has inspired me to pick up sewing again because ultimately it doesn't matter if it's not perfect. What you learn and not giving up after many rage quits is what's more important :D Thank you!

[@apiramie]

I have been sewing on and off for eight years and watching this gave me so much joy! I also love making scrunchies! By the way, for sewing stretchy fabric you use non-stretchy thread, but a stretch stitch. A zig zag stitch works for that and some machines have some fancier stretch stitches. A zig zag stitch can also be used to finish seams so the fabric edges won't fray. So in case you want to buy another machine, definitely look into getting one with a zig zag stitch. But I'm really surprised how well that little machine did and I love how creative you got! Great job, Leena!

[@annie_122]

I was surprised too. Can't believe that tiny thing managed the corduroy!

[@rachelnicole934]

my grandma gifted me her old sewing machine at the beginning of this year and once quarantine hit, i decided to give it a go! i did basically the same thing you did, cutting up my old clothes and experimenting! i definitely rage quit several items though, and youve inspired me to go back to them and try out something new, and not get stuck on my original plan. (like the skirt i made out of an old tablecloth but didnt leave enough fabric for a waistband- if i cut the skirt shorter at the bottom, i could totally use that fabric for the waistband!) i would actually love to see more videos about your journey with sewing, since ive never seen anyone who went about this in the same way i did, and it can be a bit discouraging when all the sewists on youtube are super crazy good and have been sewing for 10 years

[@Voidforestbird]

Hah, this sums up so much of the sewing experience. Rage quit, play and creative problem solving. I've been sewing my own clothes for a few years and I still love being able to play around. The fit is easier with stretch fabrics, but the sewing itself is annoying on a regular machine. My best clothing making friend is my overlock machine 😂

[@FeelKarmatic]

this is the video I waited for all lockdown long. And here it is, glorious and colorful

[@deutschdach6185]

You are a gem. And yes, everything can be fixed with a cuppa. PS: Bought a sewing machine ages ago that almost looks exactly like yours. And now I am afraid to use it ( ... no backstitch ...) PSS: You may have just, accidentally, invented the pinafore wrap dress.

[@Anna-pd6dc]

I love when you took your shirt off 😂 I'm always modifying clothes in my underwear. You have to try them on to check! It's just more convenient!

[@jennifer6278]

Just came back here to say I’ve bought myself a used sewing machine 😁 this was so inspiring and I can’t wait to alter some of my clothes

[@kavatwastaken]

My grandmother was a sower and I inherited her old beast of a sewing machine from the 1970's. I started off with basic things like cushion covers and curtains, and then graduated to making circle skirts out of table cloths from the charity shop. I can now make and alter basic clothes, and dream of one day being as skilled as the historybounders of youtube (like Bernadette Banner, Cathy Hay or Morgan Donner). Also, If you haven't discovered the beautifully chaotic wonder that is Micarah Tewers, you have so much to look forward to.

[@MarleyMe95]

This video has good timing because 3 hours ago I had to rip all my stitches on a new embroidery because everything got pulled into a bit tight mess.

[@lilidonna]

I’ve been mending my own clothes by hand since uni and been saying I’ll buy a sewing machine for years. This video may be the thing that tips me over the edge. Ps Love your fearless jump-right-in spirit Leena!

[@ThatSpoonieTransGuy]

My mom tried to teach me to work her sewing machine when I was a teenager. After breaking her old one, her buying a new one and then almost breaking that too, we gave up. Fast forward 10+ years and I'm currently setting my first sleeve. By hand. I started out with simple projects and I couldn't be bothered with mockups, but now I'm glad I did lmao.

[@corneliusowl6024]

I love watching the sewing bee but have always been intimidated by messing shit up when faced with a sewing machine. As someone who like many I know feel like they can't get the clothes they would want to fit their body in a way that feels good, I really want to learn how to do this.

[@KinoHermesJourney]

I'm learning to sew and knit atm (I have taken one beginner's course in sewing, and I have a quality sewing machine - a Janome 525s - which my mum bought me, thanks so much mum!) I am decidedly plus-sized and a big part of why I've decided to get into it is in the hopes of eventually making awesome clothes that are the stuff of my wildest princess/Japanese lolita fashion dreams! I just made a pair of pantaloons and they look so cute on me, and I just find it super exciting to make stuff even if it is not perfect! As for knitting I have a friend who knits a lot so they helped a little, but I figured out some basics through youtube videos :) I would recommend a more expensive machine than the one you used for others looking to get into sewing but I am proud of you for making the best of the one you purchased. I do buy metered fabric but also love finding useful offcuts in the offcut bins at fabric shops (some places have enough to make a skirt or top or even a dress or trousers out of for cheap) and have found some cool bits and pieces second hand at charity shops sometimes as well - I think I got what was leftover from a fancy event like a wedding once and have plans to make a Disney princess style dress out of it when my skills have advanced enough as there's definitely enough fabric there for that. Another thing that can be fun is buying something relatively basic and customizing it to make it fancier. I'm also planning to do some fabric painting of clothes too and have fabric paint, fabric pens, and fabric paint sticks as well :)

[@Apparentlyunavailable]

I loved your video and watching you try new things! definitely keep going if you enjoy it, sewing is a really useful skill to have and can be very satisfying. really felt the "am I failing indefinitely or am I just hungry?" that's a motto for life. I started sewing myself fantasy steampunk costumes because real clothes felt like they had a standard I could not achieve but I have learned many things now (it's been about 3ish years?) I loved your point about not everything is as difficult as people say, sometimes you just have to try and do things badly so you learn how they work. I'm pretty much allergic to following instructions precisely, so I've made a lot of mistakes and learned many things in the process. I'm just now learning how to mend my clothes so they last longer which is small, satisfying and feels like I'm doing something useful (always good in a panic inducing global crisis). Also, if you want to keep going and you like sewing, slowly start acquiring some tools. doesn't have to be all at once, but stuff like proper fabric scissors or a decent machine will make your life much easier. not required when you're starting out, but if it starts to get impossibly difficult, it might be your tools, not you and your newly acquired skills (a lesson I have also learned the hard way) Lastly, if I want to scream and throw things, I need a break and a biscuit. this also extends outside of sewing as well and I think it's a good rule to live by.

[@wearepublic]

You need to use a zigzag stitch for stretch fabrics, a sewing machine around £70 would probably be a good investment for home sewers ( such as myself!)

[@Victoriasm31]

I would just like to say I am one if the 2 people who both understood the "Parable of the Sewer" joke and found it funny.