By Amanda Sabo
One thing I’ve noticed teaching Ignite’s Sewing Quick Start session is that our patrons have sewing machines at home that they are eager to use but just aren’t sure how to get started! Since I can’t help guide you through the process at this time (though I would love to!), and you’re probably getting antsy to start sewing, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Creativebug, one of the new resources available to HEPL cardholders, has video tutorials for many of the concepts you would learn in the Sewing Quick Start session. You might already be familiar with Creativebug from Dorothy’s blog post about color mixing, but you might not realize how versatile it is. Here, I’ll go through some beginner sewing classes for you to try out while Ignite is closed. When you’ve given that a shot, see what else Creativebug has to offer (like these baking and decorating classes or these bath and body courses).
To access Creativebug, scroll down on HEPL’s homepage and click See All Databases.
Beginner Sewing Classes: Getting Started
One of the basic skills you learn in the quick start session is how to thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin. Let Liesl Gibson show you how with Sewing Machine Basics.
Before you can start your first project, you’ll need to know how to sew a seam. Liesl will teach you how to pin your fabric for sewing and show you how to adjust the tension on your machine in this Basic Sewing: Seams tutorial.
Needle and Thread Basics is a great primer for beginners. Key takeaway: use thread that is weaker than your fabric. It’s easier to repair a ripped seam than ripped fabric. So helpful!
Finally, I recommend beginners take the How to Read a Sewing Pattern course. This class goes above and beyond what we are able to teach during the quick start session. For the inexperienced, sewing patterns can be difficult to understand without guidance, so don’t go it alone. Let Liesl give you tips and best practices so you can start sewing confidently with patterns.
Now that you have my recommendations for beginner sewing classes, browse Creativebug’s project-based sewing classes. Beginners can sew an artist’s smock, home decor, and many other exciting things! See the full list of beginner sewing classes here.
