Sewing for Beginners: 23 Tips and Techniques You Should Know

By Threads magazine Mar 03, 2015

Learning to sew and then improving on what you learned can be a challenge. However, if you’re well-equipped it can be a very rewarding and fun journey. We’ve put together a collection of 23 expert sewing tips and techniques to help you get started. Whether you’re learning how to sew or want to spruce up your skill set, these sewing methods and instructions will guide you.

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How to Replace a Broken Zipper

Replacing a broken zipper is a common mending task, and it's easier than you think, even if you have to shorten the zipper to make it work.
Bias 101

Master the tricks of sewing bias-cut garments with a simple style and foolproof fabric.
How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Needle

There are lots of sewing machine needles to choose from. Ensure a project's success by selecting the right one.
Know Your Knits

Learn how to select and use a knit with confidence;this guide to the confusing world of knit fabrics will help you.
Video: Pressing Tips

The goal of pressing is to shape the fabric, not flatten it. In this video, custom sewer Ann Steeves demonstrates a few handy tools and techniques to use with your steam iron to create great-looking garments.
Preventive Sewing Machine Maintenance

Most sewing machine problems can be traced to poor general maintenance or neglect. Learn how to keep your machine in tiptop shape with only a few simple supplies and a few minutes of attention daily, weekly, or monthly— depending on how much you sew.
Perfect Machine Tension Every Time

Use this easy tip to find the right sewing machine tension for every fabric and every project.
How to Use Pins the Right Way

Sometimes it's the simple things that need to be given a little thought.
How to Sew a Bound Buttonhole

With edges wrapped in fabric, these buttonholes are bound to last.
Simple Fixes and Mending Techniques

Analyze and repair common garment wear and tear.
Tips for Better Topstitching

Topstitching is as simple as sewing a straight stitch, but with the right tips you can achieve stunning results.
How to Master the Backstitch

Learn how to control fabric and sew secure seams with this essential hand stitch.
How to Sew Inseams

Learn how to sew two off-grain fabrics into an inseam.
Video: How to Sew a Single-Fold Clean Finish Seam

This method works well with lightweight fabrics that do not fray much. Learn how to sew single-fold clean finish seam with this video tutorial.
How to Serge Seam Allowances | Video

Learn how to serge seam allowances with this quick video tutorial.
Video: How to Sew a Pickstitch

Watch this Threads Essential Techniques video tutorial to learn how to make the classic pickstitch.
10 Good Sewing Tips and Tricks

Here are ten tips and tricks for every sewing enthusiast directly from the sewing community.
How to Sew Pin Tucks

These easy instructions from "Tucks Made Simple," Threads #171, explain how to sew tiny pin tucks and then how to create intersecting pin tucks. Follow the steps and you'll create elegant and dainty pin tucks in no time.
Video: Sew Perfect Collar Points

There are all sorts of corners: 90-degree, 45-degree, and less—or more. Watch this video to achieve well-sewn outside corners, such as collar points.
Sew Better with Staystitching Fundamentals

Although one of my favorite parts of sewing is creating interesting surface design, I’m well aware that it’s the underpinning steps in the process that make a garment truly successful and wearable.
Video: How to Make Thread Bars and Chains

Watch to learn how to make thread bars and chains. These delicacies detain wayaward straps, linings and more.