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From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-01-2007, 09:42 PM (1 of 33)
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Hi there Girls! My wife (and I) attended a sewing course during a month(June), it was really very basic, anyway I have decided that I want to learn how to sew my own clothes, if possible! I mean, can you learn how to sew on the internet? I am probably going to buy a Singer, to me and my wife, I like advanced, the more buttons/options the better! Btw, are there any men in here? I am kind of expecting that there are but just wanted to ask to make sure!  Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-01-2007, 10:29 PM (2 of 33)
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Welcome Wrenchman and yes, there are several men that stop by from time to time and you can learn to sew via the internet but you would be way ahead if you could find a local sewing class at a Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, etc. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-02-2007, 02:37 PM (3 of 33)
Patsy, he might have a little trouble finding those stores in Brazil!  Wrenchman, welcome! I think the internet (especially sites with videos) can teach a lot. Be sure and check out the home page of this site for several instructional pages as well. Good Luck, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: cshortsew
Date: 07-02-2007, 04:04 PM (4 of 33)
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Hello and welcome to the group.
cshortsew
Projects Completed in 2007: Sewing: biscuit quilt, 7 baby dress sets, piggy pillow, 7 baby pants, eyeglass holder, purse, 5 baby outfits, toddler dress set Crocheting: red purse, piggy slippers, sweater shawl, 5 pr. sock trims, 89 squares, baby sweater, 2 afghans, toddler harness, baby poncho, baby dress Other: 14 Autism pins Works in progress: Sewing: toddler overalls & shirt Crocheting: vertical stripes afghan |
User: cshortsew
Member since: 06-28-2006 Total posts: 380 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-02-2007, 04:13 PM (5 of 33)
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Welcome Wrenchman, We have several male members that are on here frequently.. A couple of them, Tom and Bill in particular are experts in the mechanical end of the spectrum.. A couple more are into sewing.. One whose name excapes me at the moment makes his own shirts and that is his specialty.. We have others who specialize in Home Dec, and other fields and quilting also.. As to the learning from the internet. I would suggest a good reference book as a good aide and there are several places for help.. About.com and then search Sewing is good and there are others.. Just Google 'sewing lessons' and see what you can find.. There are great lessons on this website, check the homepage.. Again, Welcome, we are glad you are here. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-02-2007, 06:53 PM (6 of 33)
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Thanks for the welcome! Homepage? Oh there's a homepage, nice! I like it, and thanks for the good advices so far! I just don't know where to start, I mean, I would like to learn how to make a shirt and a t-shirt and a par of shorts and jeans ect. ect. Where do you recommend beginners to start? Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, etc., no I'm sorry we don't have those! I am sorry if I ask too much, are there any post that you recommend new user's to read first? Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-02-2007, 07:43 PM (7 of 33)
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Hi Wrenchman, Welcome to the group. There are several men on this discussion board. For making shirts, you cannot go wrong with David Page Coffin's book "Shirtmaking". He also has videos and just completed a book (?) or DVD on making men's trousers. He has a website but I cannot think of the link right now. Just google "David Page Coffin" and you should be able to find it. His book has helped me to sew for my husband. Check back often with the group and look on the home page for basic sewing lessons. Yes, it is geared toward women but it will teach you the basics and how to understand the terminalogy. Happy Stitching! Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 07-02-2007, 08:01 PM (8 of 33)
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Hi Wrenchman and welcome. Where to start probably depends on how much you learned in your course. A tshirt is a pretty easy place to start if you have the right pattern. I particularly like the Kwik Sew ones because they've got really good instructions for those starting out. And if it doesn't come out quite right a tshirt can always be used as a pyjama top. There's also the sewing lessons on the site here - just follow the link. Maybe a pull on skirt for your wife. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/sewinglessons/ or you could try http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_learntosew.html There's another one I've seen but can't find the link at the moment. I'll try later. Have lots of fun. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: vickki
Date: 07-02-2007, 09:04 PM (9 of 33)
Hi Wrenchman,welcome .....You will sure get lots of help here...Say Hi to your wife and I am glad you both joined the site...Vickki
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User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-03-2007, 12:56 PM (10 of 33)
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Here is the deal, I learned little or nothing in that course, but it's not the teacher's fault, she is a very experienced old lady, it's the language! My first language got substituted by my second language I then learned a third language which have become my first! Pattern you say, I can imagine what that is, it's a model on paper, right? In any case no I don't have a pattern, I once saw a pattern in a women's magazine, very confusing, I didn't understand nothing, hopefully that will change! Yeah I think I'll start with a t-shirt, you know, I made a t-shirt in fifth grade! Thanks for the welcome you have been most helpful and kind! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-03-2007, 06:09 PM (11 of 33)
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The most common pattern companies here in the US are Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue, and Kwik Sew. Most of them have good websites showing their patterns. Try www(insert name from above).com . That should get you into the different websites to browse for patterns. In the search box on thier site key Mens patterns and you should get into the right department..A t-shirt would be a good start. The knit fabric is a little more difficult to handle that 100 % cotton, but it is not hard by any means.. It just has a little bit of stretch to it that requires a little care..I,ll try to go find some pattern numbers for you a little later. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-03-2007, 07:16 PM (12 of 33)
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Wrenchman, I just went onto the Kwik-Sew website and checked out a t-shirt pattern.. It says for heavy knits only, but this is exactly like the pattern I make t-shirts from.. This is a "Learn to sew" pattern from them.. I think it would be a good place to start for you.. check it out ..http://www.kwiksew.com/Cold_Fusion/catalog/Kwik_Start/Frame.htm?H=North
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-03-2007, 10:40 PM (13 of 33)
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Thanks Libby I clicked the link and all that came up was a picture of a boy and a girl, is the picture surpossed to be clickable? mine wasn't and I can't make a t-shirt only by looking at the picture! Maybe it's my browser, or there is something I didn't understand yet!? Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-04-2007, 08:34 AM (14 of 33)
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Not only is this site a good place to see a wide range of what is available out there, they have quick service and frequent sales. http://www.sewingpatterns.com/ Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-04-2007, 01:22 PM (15 of 33)
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Thanks Dorothy, I think I get it now, you need to pay to be able to see the patterns, am I right? Well you don't get much for free nowadays now do you? It's got to be possible to download patterns from the internet, for free! Looks like Click2print have free patterns, through there mailing list! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-04-2007, 01:40 PM (16 of 33)
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No, you don't pay to see the patterns. Just click on the companies links. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 07-04-2007, 02:01 PM (17 of 33)
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Welcome Wrench, I learned to sew so that I could better understand the problems customers were having with their machines when they brought them in for repair. I found it to be a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. To be honest, I seldom do more that preparing samples for classes these days as after working with machines 10 - 12 hours 6 days a week I am ready for something else after work. I see you like lock picking. I too enjoy the challange of a new lock. You will find lots of help here. Also be sure to check the other pages of this site other than the forum. Mary has a really great website. English was my second language also. I had almost forgotten my first since it hasn't been needed much in Arkansas until recently.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-04-2007, 02:14 PM (18 of 33)
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I'm sorry to say this girls but something went wrong in this thread, I never asked for a pattern, I wanted to make a t-shirt not put a pattern on a t-shirt! PaulineG wrote: "A tshirt is a pretty easy place to start if you have the right pattern" Looks to me like there is atleast two kinds of patterns, I'm very confused now and I haven't found instructions on how to make a t-shirt yet! LeapFrog Libby wrote: "I just went onto the Kwik-Sew website and checked out a t-shirt pattern" I clicked the link, there is nothing there, it even says in the left side: "The web site you are accessing has experienced an unexpected error. Please contact the website administrator." Don't get me wrong girls, I appreciate you help! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-04-2007, 02:28 PM (19 of 33)
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The "pattern" we are talking about is like a template you cut around, choosing a size according to your measurements. You place the paper pattern on the fabric and cut around it. Then you sew it all together according to the instructions that come with the template. That is the sewing pattern. They look kind of pricey but remember you can use the same one many times. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-04-2007, 03:13 PM (20 of 33)
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"No, you don't pay to see the patterns. Just click on the companies links. Dorothy" but then: "They look kind of pricey but remember you can use the same one many times. Dorothy" Completely contrary! Sorry that came out wrong, but remember, I'm new and confused! The "pattern" we are talking about is like a template you cut around, choosing a size according to your measurements. You place the paper pattern on the fabric and cut around it. Then you sew it all together according to the instructions that come with the template. That is the sewing pattern. Dorothy Yes, that's what I'm looking for, but I haven't had any luck so far! Anyway, Hi Tom, thanks for the welcome Yeah your right there's nothing like a new lock Check out Lockpicking101.com if you want, there's lots of info and tips! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-05-2007, 12:23 PM (21 of 33)
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Wrenchman, Sorry that you could not get into the K-S website to look at the pattern pictures.. I cannot understand what the problem is.. I am not a computer expert.. I know when you get to their homepage , if you put the mouse on certain places it will open a box with choices to click on.. That is how I found those patterns I told you about.. Sorry I cannot help more.. You and Tom lost me talking about lock-picking.. I use a hat pin.. LOL. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-05-2007, 10:06 PM (22 of 33)
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Libby, sorry, after your last message I knew that something was wrong, so instead of clicking the link you gave, I went directly to www.kwiksew.com and it worked, I can even click the link you gave now! But... yeah there's a but, I still don't get it, "kwik start learn to sew", there is an image, and down under there is a text that describes the size of the fabric, am I supposed to sew anything only with that information? I have to admit, it is too difficult, I need more details, and I would like to have a little bit more know how when I continue the sewing course, with my wife, in august! Remember that I'm completely green! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-05-2007, 10:35 PM (23 of 33)
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You must purchase the pattern as described by Dorothy. You use the information about yardage etc. to know how much fabric & what kind you can use for that particular pattern. You can either order online or find a fabric store. Once you get good at using store bought patterns you may be able to design your own but as green as you say you are I would not attempt a project without a pattern. There are some free patterns online but they are mostly for crafts like quilts & bags. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-05-2007, 10:53 PM (24 of 33)
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Thanks Mom, I need to do a search in the city then, I don't want to buy from the internet yet, I want more know how first, and there's alot of fabric shops around here, maybe I can buy patterns there too? I just need to find out how they say pattern in portuguese! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: toadusew
Date: 07-06-2007, 08:07 AM (25 of 33)
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Wrenchman, if you have fabric shops near you, most of them should carry the sewing patterns as well. That is the case here in the United States. In our fabric stores, there is usually a section where the pattern books are kept. These are sort of like big picture books of all the available patterns made by the different companies, such as McCall's, Simplicity, Butterick, and Vogue. Personally, I would recommend starting with McCall's or Simplicity since you are a beginner, although some of the Butterick patterns rated "easy" might be ok, too. When you go to the fabric store, (if they also sell patterns), you can sit down and look at these books, which will give you the pattern number so that you can find that particular pattern. Over here, most stores keep them in large filing cabinets, labeled with the appropiate pattern company's name. If you choose one that you like, look on the back of the pattern envelope you will find information for measurements (these would be your measurements) , suggested fabrics to use in sewing that particular garment, and yardage required, and any notions you might need--thread, buttons, zippers, etc. When I am buying a pattern for the first time, I also take out the sewing instruction sheet and quickly read through it to see if I can understand the directions before purchasing it. If it doesn't look like something I want to tackle, I put everything back and put the pattern back. If I remember correctly, you said you wanted to make a t-shirt. The construction on that would be fairly easy, but I wouldn't recommend working with knits on your first project. Knits are a bit trickier to work with than other fabrics because they stretch. However, if you do a little bit of research about the correct presser foot and the correct sized sewing machine needle to use, you might be ok. Sandra Betzina has lots of information about this in a couple of her books. Sorry for the long post, but I hope that this may give you some of the information you need to get started on your first sewing project.
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: esrun3
Date: 07-06-2007, 09:10 AM (26 of 33)
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Welcome to the group Wrenchman! As you can see, we have lots of friendly, knowledgable folks here!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-07-2007, 10:26 PM (27 of 33)
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As you can see, we have lots of friendly, knowledgable folks here! Hi esrun3, yea it's fantastic! Thanks toadusew, I went into a small fabric store the other day and asked if they had any patterns, they didn't, but she was nice and told me about Aché and said that there I would probably find patterns, they even have sewing courses sometimes, she said! I wouldn't recommend working with knits, because they stretch! So basically what I want is something that doesn't stretch? The shorts I'm wearing doesn't stretch at all, but a t-shirt, oh I just checked out a t-shirt that I have there's like little to no stretch in it, thanks, point taken! Anyway, on a side note, where I live we don't use knits too much because of the heat, it's about 30ºC all year around! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: toadusew
Date: 07-08-2007, 07:34 AM (28 of 33)
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Wrenchman, good luck on finding some easy sewing patterns in your area. If you still want to make a t-shirt, you're may have to use a knit because it does have some stretch to it--you'll need that stretch in trying to pull the shirt on and off over your head. If you choose to use this type of fabric, read up on the techniques, correct size machine needles, and sewing machine presser feet to use. Sandra Betzina has that type of information in her book "More Fabric Savvy", which can be purchased from her website and in many bookstores. I always recommend that a beginning sewer start working with a woven--100% cotton because it's much easier to handle than a fabric with stretch. If you were to choose to do that, then you might want to make a casual button down the front type shirt (they're sometimes called camp shirts), but there will be more sewing techniques to learn and that will be a little more time consuming, but not impossible to learn. I think the hardest parts of that type of shirt for a beginner would be the facings, collar, and buttonholes, but with some help, you could learn to do this if you wanted to do so. If you just want to practice your sewing technique, you could buy some muslin (it's plain non printed fabric--not a knit with stretch) and make your t-shirt. It won't be the same as a knit (which has the stretch) but you could learn the sewing techniqes and practice those before you cut the actual fashion fabric. (This mock up or "muslin" is only designed for sewing practice, not to actually be worn.) |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-08-2007, 03:24 PM (29 of 33)
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to use a knit Oh, guess I didn't get it right about the knit thing, sorry about that! Good idea, I'll start with a fabric that doesn't stretch, I mean I'm not trying to pull any steps here, I happen to know, that, basic first steps can turn out to be very important knowledge in the future! Besides a sewing machine, will I need an Overlock/Interlock Sewing Machine? Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: toadusew
Date: 07-09-2007, 07:37 AM (30 of 33)
| Wrenchman, serger/overlock sewing machines can be very useful--especially for finishing seams and working with knit fabric--but they are a little bit harder to learn to use than a regular sewing machine. Since you are a beginner, I would suggest that you first learn to use a regular sewing machine before tackling the serger/overlocker. Most mid line sewing machines have stitches programmed into them that will give clean finishes to the seams (on the inside of the garment). One of my sewing machines had a stitch called double overedge stitch, which looked like the typical serger stitch, and that worked well, although it took longer than it would have on a serger/overlocker. You can also trim your seams with pinking shears or just do a zigzag stitch around the the edge of the seams. (You would "pink" (trimming with pinking shears) the seams after you have sewn the basic seam; you would zigzag or overlock each garment piece--bodice side seams and shoulder seams, etc.--before you constructed the garment. ) |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Wrenchman
Date: 07-09-2007, 12:20 PM (31 of 33)
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Thanks, that's good to hear, I'll just use zig zag then! Wrenchman (edit) Didn't wanna make a new post! I can see that this thread has finaly come to an end and I just wanna say that I appreciate you're making me feel welcome and thanks to all of you, for all your help! I'll be taking a break until I get my machine, later girls! Wrenchman |
User: Wrenchman
Member since: 07-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: suicuneisme
Date: 07-28-2007, 04:49 PM (32 of 33)
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hello im aslo new here. My name is Ann-Marie and im 19
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User: suicuneisme
Member since: 07-12-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-29-2007, 05:38 PM (33 of 33)
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Hello Ann-Marie, welcome to the group. Just join in on the conversations and tell us what you like to sew. There are a lot of helpful hints for everyone. Happy Stitching! Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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