Is it honestly possibly to learn to use a sewing machine having never,ever used one before?

[Cherryberries]

I would love to teach myself to use a sewing machine for things like alterations,curtains etc. Is this realistically possible if I just buy a good,basic machine and watch a few tutorials on you tube and follow instructions and generally feel my way? Or am I deluding myself? Honestly?

[Naoko]

I've started learning to sew over the last six months with no more help than my friend occasionally glancing over from the other side of the room and going 'no, you're holding that upside down', pointing me in the right direction with the stuff I was trying to make, and youtube videos. I'd say it's certainly possible! I'm getting better all the time, I've bought my own machine now and I'm gaining confidence to try stuff.

[fossil971]

I would say

Read the instructions vv carefully for threading up etc
Have a good sewing book or a magazine
Make the most of youtube
Look at some inspiring sewing blogs!

It's possible to teach yourself all kinds of craft things, I'm mostly self taught although that was when I was younger and my brain functioned better . Most sewing patterns and projects have pretty detailed instructions so it's not as if you are faced with a pile of fabric and have to figure it all out yourself.

Definitely have a go!

[SamsGoldilocks]

Yes, I bought a sewing machine a year ago having never ever even touched one. I've made some really lovely things. Get a nice book to help with the language, look on pinterest for some nice tutorials for stuff and you'll be running up cushions and pillowcase dresses and wishing you had an enormous fabric stash

[CharCharGabor]

Definitely! I started sewing about four years ago after having never sewn a thing in my life. I used tutorials I found on blogs and just generally found my own way through many pitfalls and mistakes. Now I'm not bad at all (although did insert my needle backwards the other day and spent an hour trying to figure out why the thread was snapping! ) once you give it a try you realise it's pretty straightforward really, and there's an answer to everything on Google :D

[Cherryberries]

Ooh thanks,that is encouraging to hear! How is it best to start once I have practised setting up the machine ? Do I just get some fabric scraps and start practicing various stitches or do I start by attempting something like a hanky or cushion cover?

[Naoko]

Make a Thing! Doesn't really matter what, and it might come out a bit wonky but you'll feel really clever when it's done, and learn loads in the process.

[Dutchoma]

Just go to a proper sewing machine shop if you can and get them to help you set it up. It may be slightly more expensive than buying one from Aldi or Amazon, but you get a lot more help from a proper shop.

[fossil971]

Probably start with some scrap fabric - an old tea towel, anything like that. Start by trying out all the stitches, then sewing some seams and hems and getting used to the speed and feel of the machine, going round curves, lining up the fabric edge to the right guideline. This should take about half an hour and then if you feel you have got the hang of it you can get started.

[Oblongata]

It is possible to do almost anything, having never, ever done it before. Provided you've got some way of learning, and don't get immediately knocked back by messing up the first few times.

Read the manual, thread the machine, sew some lines on a big bit of scrap fabric. Then read the manual again and see if you need to adjust the tension of the thread. Practise some more.

There are LOADS of great tutorials and photos online for you to shamelessly copy

[KittensoftPuppydog]

I got the John Lewis machine. It's lovely. 100 quid and does everything I need. Best part is the guide book is tiny and really easy to use.
I'm now making quilts, dresses, cushions.
I had some sewing lessons but working the machine was no problem at all. I thought I was phobic. Really scared of them. Now wish I'd started earlier.

[KittensoftPuppydog]

Should say that the quilting foot is extra.

[pootlebug]

Yes. I did!

Faff around sewing randomly on any old bit of fabric. Then a Mors Bag www.morsbags.com/html/patterns.html is a good first project - easy and quick and useful too

[Cherryberries]

Thanks everyone..I am feeling much more positive now.I have bitten the bullet and bought a Brother LS15 fairly basic machine.It has good online reviews and has 15 stitches,zig-zag,zipper,buttonhole etc so is nice and simple.I might have a go at the weekend.Thanks for all the encouragement everyone.I will let ye know how it goes.

[Twunk]

You've got the machine! I got a Lidl one to start with - got my friend to show me how to thread up etc then just got on with it. A year later I started selling the things I make (having got a much better machine!). Never thought I'd be someone that sews, but I think that's what your mid-30s do to you. Good luck and enjoy!

[Cherryberries]

Hi everyone am just popping back to say that six weeks later I am truly flying it with my sewing machine..I absolutely love it and have done lots of simple alterations on it.I wouldnt say they are very professionally done but they look good which is what counts I guess.
I was terrified of it to begin with but once I got the hang of it I was fine.I cannot believe how easy it is to do your own alterations etc.
Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement.To anyone else out there thinking about learning to use a machine..yes definitely do it.If I can do it anyone can.

[NoComet]

My mum always sewed, so I've never understood why people think of sewing machines as scary.

DD1 was only saying tonight that she'd sorted out half her class who seem determined not learn to follow the very simple instructions and she couldn't understand the fuss.

I haven't done much sewing, recently and it's a very long time since I showed her.

It really is just a matter of having the confidence to try.

Now if you like, OP, you can have a go at threading my four thread overlocker!

[momnipotent]

Yes, its possible! I bought some cheap fabric and practiced things like sewing in a straight line, sewing two pieces together, hems, etc. Then I made lined curtains for every room in the house and duvet covers for the kids. :)

[momnipotent]

Yikes, should rea the thread completely first!

Well done OP, glad to hear you are havng fun!

[AnyaKnowIt]

glad to hear that op, my machine has arrived today