Sewing with Simplicity: Garment Sewing for Beginners
Beginner | 1 hour 56 min
Introduction
01:05
Materials
01:10
Basic Sewing Techniques
14:23
06:48
03:52
11:19
14:13
10:28
12:44
Finishing Garments
12:52
13:20
Learning to sew clothes can be intimidating, especially if you’re working with a multi-size pattern. Joy Macdonell of Simplicity Patterns breaks it down for you in this comprehensive course. Learn everything from how to set up your sewing machine and read a pattern to how to create darts, facings and hems—basically, all of the must-know sewing techniques that you'll use over and over again to create your own clothing. This class is the perfect introduction to garment sewing for newbies, and a great way to brush up on your skills if it’s been awhile since you last sewed.
 
Here’s what you’ll need:
  • Sewing machine
  • Pattern of your choice (We are using Simplicity Patterns 1609 [Jiffy Dress] and 1200 [Circle Skirt] for reference)
  • Fabric (refer to your pattern for type of fabric and yardage)
  • Fusible interfacing (refer to your pattern for yardage)
  • Zipper (refer to your pattern for length; we use a 22" nylon zipper and a 7" invisible zipper)
  • Zipper presser foot
  • Coordinating thread for your fabric choice
  • Hook and eye closure
  • Pins
  • Fabric scissors
  • Snips
  • Paper scissors (for pattern cutting, optional)
  • Iron and ironing surface with press cloth
  • Ruler
  • Hem tape (optional)
  • Double-fold bias tape (optional)
Downloads:
Learn how to:
  • Wind and thread a bobbin case
  • Thread a sewing machine
  • Change a presser foot
  • Change a needle
  • Learn about stitch lengths and straight stitch vs zigzag
  • Read a pattern guide sheet and symbols and match them to the pattern
  • Lay out pattern pieces for cutting and marking
  • Construct garments using stay stitching and darts
  • Baste
  • Assemble facing with interfacing
  • Attach facings to garment
  • Sew seams
  • Insert zippers
  • Finish a bias tape edge
  • Tack down facings
  • Hand-stitch linings in place
  • Add a hook and eye closure
  • Finish hem with hem tape
  • Create a rolled hem
  • Substitute fabrics
What You'll Get: 
  • A comprehensive course for beginners on garment sewing
  • 9 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
  • Detailed supplies list 
  • Step-by-step expert instruction from Joy Macdonell
  • The ability to leave comments, ask questions, and interact with other students
Class PDF
Transcript
Notes
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Class Reviews
320 users recommended this class to a friend
Kathy M
I remember the tediousness of "home ec" sewing classes...yet the thrill of having a finished garment. Hoping with the tips and techniques provided in this class, I can try again to make something that doesn't look home ec-y! Great instructor. Thanks
More than 3 months ago
Kristy Aeschbocker
Such a pleasure to watch this video! I've been sewing for many years. However, I didn't know some of the best ways to do different things. For instance, how to insert a zipper, why you use one type or another, and that there are specific procedures for each. This is a great video! Instructor is so cheerful and knowledgeable and easy to follow. Thank you so much!!!
More than 3 months ago
Cheryl David
Lovely! Easy to follow. Joy is a very pleasant and upbeat instructor. Very informative. Learned a lot.
More than 3 months ago