• SHOP
  • About
    • About Sara
    • Contact me!
    • Design Collaborations
    • Sewing Collaborations
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Things I Made
  • Design Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Radiant Home Studio

Radiant Home Studio

September 18, 2014 ·

5 Tips to Build Your Sewing Skills

Sewing Tips

Are you wondering how to move beyond your beginner sewing skills? There are so many resources available to help you build your sewing skills to move on to more advanced projects! You don’t need to spend a lot of money on classes if you are a self-motivated learner with basic sewing knowledge.

When I was young, my mom taught me the basics of sewing. I learned to sew things like doll clothes and pajama pants. I learned how to use a sewing pattern, and how to find the right materials at the fabric shop. I think this is where many people get stuck—fundamental skills, but lacking in knowledge for how to move on to more advanced techniques and how to build better sewing skills.

When I first got married, my husband worked long hours and I had to find ways to entertain myself. We lived on a tight budget, as most newlyweds do. I did a lot of exploring around town and window shopping. I got a library card and read a lot of the classics that I didn’t get to read in high school. And I also bought an inexpensive sewing machine so that I could make curtains and pillows for our first apartment.

My sewing skills were still just the essentials at that point, but I loved making things and had a desire to learn. It’s been nearly 15 years now, since I began to intentionally build my sewing skills. And I do think it’s important to note that, building sewing skills has to be intentional. It doesn’t happen by accident or natural talent. Everyone starts out as a beginner and spends time learning new skills and techniques as they go.

Looking back, it’s hard to remember where I learned everything, but I know that these 5 things gave me confidence and techniques to try sewing harder things. These are my 5 tips to build your sewing skills…

5 Tips to Build Your Sewing Skills | How to Move Beyond Beginner Sewing Skills | Radiant Home Studio

1. Read Sewing Books

As I mentioned, like most newlywed couples, we had a tight budget. I found that the library had a whole shelf of sewing and crafting books, which I devoured over our 2 years there. I remember one dress, in particular, that I made for myself. It was a huge failure. Somehow it ended up like 4 sizes too big. It was beyond fixing. After that I checked out every book on garment fitting and alterations that I could find. I scoured the books for any tips that would help. I checked them out several times to keep adding to my knoeledge. For a while, I stuck to projects that were easier to fit (skirts and loose tops) until I became more confident fitting complicated dresses.

Another tip…check the author bios in your favorite sewing books and magazines for websites. I’ve found some excellent websites this way!

2. Try One New Thing Each Time

The best way to learn new skills is to add one at a time. Make a simple pillow cover. Then try a 2-piece tote bag and learn to attach the handles.  Make a simple 2-piece tank top (I love the Wiksten tank!), and learn to finish seams with bias facing. Try a simple lined zipper pouch. When you have mastered the zipper, try a side-zip skirt for yourself. With each project, push yourself outside your comfort zone and try something new.

Number 3 may seem contradictory, but…

3. Sew the Same Thing More Than Once

You may figure out the zipper the first time you make a zipper pouch, but if you make the same pouch again you can pay attention to the other details. You will build detailed sewing skills and become more confident making alterations. Several years ago I made a dress for my daughter that I loved, but the way the bodice lining was finished left raw edges showing. I made it a second time and I was able to figure out a way to attach the lining so that the inside was as clean as the outside. That was one of the first successful improvements I made to a commercial pattern early on. It gave me the confidence to make bigger alterations later.

If I plan to make alteration to a complicated pattern, I almost always make it once using the directions and make changes on the second try. It helps to understand the basic construction method before you start inserting steps of your own. As you gain skills, you may be able to alter patterns the first time through when it is similar to something you have done before.

If the dress you made didn’t fit, figure out what went wrong and try it again! Learn from your mistakes and become confident by fixing them.

4. Try Sewing Patterns from Indie Designers

If you haven’t been sewing long, commercial sewing patterns can be a bit of mystery. Sometimes the illustrations and wording are confusing. I’ve had the chance to try out patterns from many different independent designers and I think that many of them are more detailed and intuitive than commercial patterns. They cost a bit more than the patterns you can get on sale for $1, but if you need extra tips, guidance, and photos—you’ll be thankful you spent the $10!

For children’s clothes you can’t beat Oliver & S. And in their shop they sell patterns by several other designers that have been carefully collected and tested for quality. Another one of the popular independent patterns makers is Colette Patterns. Their tagline is “sewing patterns that teach,” so as you might guess there are lots of extra tips. I also love True Bias and Liesl & Co patterns. Search Etsy and Craftsy for sewing patterns. Look for established designers with professional photos and designs. Read reviews to see what other people have made with the patterns.

If all else fails…

5. Google It!

I’ve learned so much from little tips and tutorials that sewing bloggers share! You can find step-by-step photos for almost any sewing technique you need. If your illustrated pattern directions for making a welt pocket don’t make sense, just look up a tutorial for welt pockets online. Another person’s photos or explanation might clarify the process for you. Many times, pattern designers post sew-alongs with extra pictures and tips for making their designs.

I’ve also found that there are a variety of processes for each technique. There are 3 different ways to make an inset zipper pocket (that I know of…). You may find that someone else’s process is much easier for you, so it’s always worth reading through a few different tutorials for each technique. Before you know it, you’ll be swapping pockets and mixing pattern pieces.

Learning to sew takes time and practice, so don’t be discouraged! Build your sewing skills with some sewing books, try something new, practice it again, and search for patterns and tutorials that make sense to you!

Previous Post: « I’ve Added a Tutorial Page
Next Post: Yoga Pants & Mimi Shirt for Pattern Parcel #5 »

Primary Sidebar

Hello

Welcome! I’m Sara. I share modern home & accessory sewing patterns, and I create surface designs for licensing. I hope you are encouraged to see beauty in small things and are inspired to try new creative projects!

Shop Sewing Patterns


icon icon

icon icon

Newsletter

Sign up to get access to free sewing patterns & resource library!

Find My Work at:






© Copyright Notice

All images and text copyright ©2013-2020 Radiant Home Studio, unless otherwise noted. Please be kind enough to link back to my site and contact me if you would like to use my images.

Disclosure

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Footer

Sign up to get access to free sewing patterns & resource library!

Favorite Adobe Illustrator tool? I love recoloring Favorite Adobe Illustrator tool? I love recoloring patterns. I probably spend way too much time with the recolor tool and not enough time making new patterns. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Last day to join the Immersion Course! If you have ever dreamed of making beautiful designs, Bonnie can teach you how to get what’s in your head into the computer and then how to make money from licensing your designs to companies for use on products. 

As a member of Bonnie’s support team, I’ll be there to make sure you don’t feel lost. There’s room for you...as Bonnie often reminds us!

#surfacepatterndesign #surfacepatterndesigner #surfacepatterncommunity #printandpattern #radianthomestudiopatterns #floralpattern #alltheflowers #artlicensing #flowersfordays #mutedflorals
Look what just came in the mail! Notebooks! This w Look what just came in the mail! Notebooks! This was a test batch to check quality and I’m thoroughly impressed.

I’ll be listing extra in the shop soon, but first dibs go to anyone that signs up for the Immersion Course using my link. I’ll be sending a small gift package and scheduling a course success/ coaching call with you!

Just a reminder that the last day to enroll in Immersion is tomorrow! If you are like me and overthink things until the last day, you are not alone. 

I know it’s a huge decision. I have an Immersion stories highlight if you want to know more or go to my profile to find a link to the info page. Message me all your questions! 

#immersioncourse #immersioncourse2021 #designernotebooks #learntodesign #learnillustrator #surfacepatterndesigner
Just got an order of stickers in! I’m debating a Just got an order of stickers in! I’m debating about putting them in the shop as a separate product or adding them to orders. I think I need a few more to make a pretty coordinating set! 🌹

Reminder: there’s still a couple more days to enroll in the Surface Pattern Design Immersion Course or the free mini-course from Bonnie! Links in my profile...as always. Keep messaging with questions! ☺️
It’s been a minute since I showed my face here! It’s been a minute since I showed my face here! ☺️

I wanted to get a little personal today. If you’re here for sewing & crafty stuff...stay tuned. I’m not abandoning you. 🙂 If you saw my stories last week, you may have learned that I’m deep in design mode for a few weeks, working with @bonniechristine on the Surface Pattern Design Immersion Course.

When I discovered Spoonflower (about 8 years ago!) and realized I could create my own fabric, I had this far off “maybe someday” dream to create a collection of designs for a fabric company.

I spent many years learning bits and pieces of design and business skills. But a couple of years ago I got more serious about making my dream a reality. 

Last year, I made an investment in myself and I joined the Immersion Course with Bonnie Christine. It was truly the community support and confidence that I gained that propelled me forward this year. Just a few weeks after Immersion ended I signed a licensing deal for children’s wall art with Oopsy Daisy and a few months after that...I signed a contract with a fabric company!

You guys...Bonnie is SO genuine and generous in everything she does. ❤️ It spills over into this beautiful and inspiring community that cheers each other on every step of the way. 

This year, Bonnie invited me to join her support team to help encourage new students through the course and provide technical support for all those tricky Illustrator issues. 🙌🏻

This course is for anyone that wants to invest in their creative career. My “wildest dream” came true this year. I’m actually feeling a bit lost right now because I need a bigger dream!

Whether you have a few years of experience like I did when I joined or you have never used design software...Bonnie will walk you through the ENTIRE process. This is like a college-level course on design and creative business. We have many older students starting a second career, people that just graduated design school but don’t know how to practically start an art-based business, and people from dozens of countries around the world. It’s a beautiful, diverse community filled with people taking steps toward their creative business goals.

More below...
We had our first day of fake spring yesterday. It We had our first day of fake spring yesterday. It was warm for one day and it’s back to being cold. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I always draw flowers anyway. I’m hoping some of the local botanical gardens open back up this year. We have some really great inspiration nearby and flowers will start blooming soon!

It’s the little bits of beauty that inspire me the most. What are you looking forward to this Spring?
Just a reminder that I have this heart garland tut Just a reminder that I have this heart garland tutorial linked in my profile if you want to make some happy Valentine’s decor this week.

My girls are origami experts, so we worked together on these video tutorials last year. It’s a good family project for older kids! 💕

#heartcrafts #valentinesdecor #valentinecrafts #mycolorfulhome #cozymodernvibe #diyvalentinesdecor
This another favorite pattern of mine. As my style This another favorite pattern of mine. As my style has developed, I’ve embraced the imperfect lines and tend to work with graphic, but organic shapes. I like unexpected little pops of color or shapes that emerge from layering.

My iPad is at the fix-it shop, so of course, I’m feeling inspired today. ☺️ Maybe I should try some actual sketching and planning on paper with a pencil...😜

#radianthomestudiodesign #fabricdesign #surfacepatterndesign #surfacepatterncommunity #surfacepatternlife #licensingartist #artlicensing
Remember last year, the girls and I made this cute Remember last year, the girls and I made this cute origami heart garland tutorial? ❤️💙💛🧡

I don’t usually decorate with themed stuff, but these are fun to make and add some joyful, non-tacky hearts around the house for Valentine’s Day. 💕 I popped the link in my profile buttons. There are videos in the blog posts too. 

Also, I shared some personal stuff in my stories today!

#origamigarland #origamiproject #valentinesdecor #valentinesgarland #valentinescrafts #origamiheart #origamihearts #papercrafts #heartcraft #happyhearts #joyfulhome #mycolorfulhome
Follow on Instagram
  • Disclosures & Copyright
  • About
  • Contact me!
  • Digital Pattern FAQ’s

Copyright © 2021 · Sara Curtis // beloved theme