Teaching Sewing

Tools for Teaching Sewing

Whether it's for one person or a class full of students, there are a few items needed to teach sewing easily and efficiently. Most are inexpensive and can be found at local fabric stores.

Sewing Machine

When learning to sew, a low- to mid-range machine may be the way to go. Because sewing machines are like cars and come in all different models, it's almost impossible to determine how well-built one is until you test drive it. A good teacher will advise you to ask some of these questions when shopping for a new machine:

• What are you getting for your money?
• Is there a warranty?
• Will the store that sold it do repairs or tune-ups?
• Do they offer classes?
• Is the machine sturdy?
• Is it plastic or metal on the inside?
• Can you lift the machine yourself?
• What accessories come with it?
• Are additional accessories available and at what price?

Features such as buttonhole, zig-zag and reverse stitching are standard on today's models. Extra bobbins and needles should also be included. Higher-end machines may come with extra feet or attachments.

A basic sewing machine, such as the Brother ES2000 is a simple computerized model and costs less than $150. For under $100, you can get a Singer 30-Stitch Function Sewing Machine which can handle many projects. Stores such as Target, Sears or Wal-Mart sell similar models that are perfect for learning and teaching sewing.

For those who don't have much money to spend, consider a used or factory-refurbished machine. Garage sales, eBay or even Craigslist may be a great place to look. Singer has several refurbished machines to chose from as well. Check with the manufacturer to determine the warranty. A good bet may also be a sewing machine repair shop. The experienced repairmen can tell you which machines hold up best.

Sewing Notions

Sewing notions are accessories every seamstress needs to create a project. Most of these can be found at any fabric, department or drug store. They include:

• Scissors or cutters
• Machine needles
• Hand needles
• Variety of thread
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Marking pen
• Ruler or gauge
• Bias tape

Easy-Sew Patterns

When a novice sewer takes a first glance at a sewing pattern, she is bound to give up the project right then and there. But a good teacher can ease those "pattern fears" by helping select the right one for a first project. Some simple first-time creations can include place mats, children's sleeveless dresses, pillows, fleece blankets, tote bags, pajamas and pillows.

Most pattern companies also sell a line of easy-sew patterns that use very few pieces and simple instructions. These include:

• Easy Stich 'N Save by McCall's
• Sewing Patterns for Dummies by Simplicity
• Yes! It's Easy See & Sew by Butterick
• Very Easy Vogue Sportwear

Simple Fabrics

Depending on what is being sewn, it probably isn't wise to invest a lot of money in fabric until your students are comfortable handling their machines, reading and understanding patterns and using basic sewing notions. Even a good seamstress knows practice makes perfect and it's not worth getting upset if you sew a wrong seam on a yard of Laura Ashley fabric, when you could have used something less expensive in the beginning. Sometimes old shirts or sheets make great practice pieces. Less expensive fabrics can also be found at Wal-Mart or Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

For first-time projects, your best choice is a cotton woven fabric. It does not stretch like a knit and is easy to find in a variety of designs and colors at every fabric store. But stay away from fabrics with plaid, one-way or diagonal prints as they can be tricky to match when laying out the pattern.

Where to Buy Online

Sewing machines, notions, patterns and fabric can be purchased at one of many fabric stores online. Some of them are:

• Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Stores -- Sign up online and you will receive e-mail coupons.
• Denver Fabrics -- Subscribe to Needle Notes and receive special e-mail offers.
• Hancock Fabrics -- A great store for all your online fabric needs.

Helpful Sewing Books

There are many books that outline basic techniques for teaching sewing. Here are just a few:

• Sewing 101: A Beginner's Guide to Sewing
• The New Sewing Essentials
• Sew Basic: 34 Essential Skills for Sewing with Confidence
• Sewing for Dummies
• Teach Yourself VISUALLY Sewing

Patience is Key

Understanding even the basics of sewing can be frustrating and downright overwhelming to some. The key to teaching sewing effectively is patience -- for yourself and for your student.