A free guide for everyone who wants to start sewing
When people ask me how to start sewing, I often say: Draw some lines on paper and try to follow them with your sewing machine. Doing that will help you develop a feeling for the speed pedal and how you need to handle fabric to sew on a line.
I never actually have shown people that process and how to handle their paper in curves which is why I filmed a short tutorial on how to control fabric while sewing as a beginner.
Intro: How to start sewing in 2026?
What sewing gear do I need as a sewing beginner?
You don't need as much sewing gear as a sewing beginner as the industry might want to sell you. Believe me, I worked in it for years and these are the essential sewing tools I would recommend to every beginner:
- Fabric scissors
- Thread/Paper scissors
- Chalk in white/yellow/blue
- A metal ruler
- Tape measure
- Pins
- Handsewing needles
- Needles for your sewing machine
- Good quality threads (essential for success)
- And most importantly: a seamripper
In addition to that you’ll need a sewing machine but nowadays you can often borrow them from the library if you don’t want to directly buy a sewing machine. And for sewing notions: You can buy sewing supplies second-hand online or in thrift stores.
How to thread a sewing machine?
A couple of months ago I made a video on how to thread a sewing machine. Threading a sewing machine differs a bit from machine to machine but it is generally quite similar. My tutorial is filmed with a Bernina 1008 sewing machine.
Here are my tips on how to handle fabric:
- Always make sure to have 5 cm of thread access, so that you don’t untread your sewing machine.
- Push your fabric gently to the side when sewing a curve.
- When needing to sew an angle, leave the needle in the fabric, lift the foot and then turn your fabric in the desired angle.
- Use tape or your parallel markers on the metal plate next to the needle to sew parallel to the edge.
- Don’t pull any elastic fabrics and choose the right needle for your fabric. The only time you gently pull is with very thick jeans fabric, when you are stretching the limits of your sewing machine transporter.
Which sewing machine needle is the right one for my sewing project?
It is important to use the right sewing machine needle for your sewing project. Otherwise, you might end up destroying your first sewing projects (I speak from experience). That’s why I wrote a short guide on which needle to use with different fabrics.
What sewing thread shall I use for my sewing projects?
There are many different threads on the market. The most popular is currently polyester thread but in the article about different threads I’ll explain to you the differences between brand, material and why you should buy good quality sewing thread.
How to read sewing patterns as a sewing beginner?
In this article I explained in depth with you how to read markings on sewing patterns and what they mean. If you have bought a Burda sewing magazine and want to copy a pattern from it I can recommend a tracing wheel, pattern paper and tracing paper.
How to clean your sewing machine?
Many sewing beginners don't know that they need to clean their sewing machine regulary which is why I recorded a video on how to clean your sewing machine. I highly recommend using a brush while cleaning the machine and have a look into your machine manual to see if you need some oil.
Why is my sewing machine not sewing?
At some point sooner or later your sewing machine might not work anymore and then it is handy to know a couple of tricks and tips how to make your sewing machine sew again.