Learning to cut from scratch. How to learn to cut: general recommendations. Burda "sewing academy"

Learning to sew on a sewing machine is a necessary task; this activity becomes especially important when there are small children in the family. They constantly grow out of clothes, tear things while playing, etc. Having learned to cut, you can use a machine to create things of various styles and, thus, always be in trend. However, to engage in this activity, you need to be patient and set aside time for this activity.

How to learn to sew on a sewing machine: getting to know the terminology

Before you start sewing, buy an inexpensive machine - maybe even a used one like the Seagull. Do not immediately try to purchase an expensive electronically controlled device, as it is better to learn from simple models. Try to immediately understand the names of terms associated with the machine:

foot - a part that presses the fabric so that it does not slip off while sewing;
bobbin - a special spool designed for thread to be wound on it;
shuttle - a moving hook that takes part in the process of weaving bobbins;
thread guides are the small “eyes” through which the thread passes when it is threaded.

How to learn to sew on a sewing machine at home?

For a beginning seamstress, it is enough to learn the classic stitch, and then it is worth mastering the zigzag and overlock stitch. If over time the desire to work with fabric does not disappear, purchase an overlocker - a machine for processing product cuts and overcasting.

How to quickly learn to sew on a sewing machine?

Sewing is quite a labor-intensive activity. It will take time to hone your skills here. To make the process go faster, desire alone is not enough. The following recommendations must be followed.

Buy yourself special sewing literature, various fashion magazines, preferably Burda with patterns. Study and watch.
Learn to sew using simple, cheap fabrics. You don’t mind spoiling them if errors occur due to lack of experience.
Set up lighting near the machine. Make sure that unnecessary things do not clutter the table on which you will sew.
Place the necessary tools next to you: scissors, needles and threads, tracing paper and 2-3 crayons, as well as a seam ripper.
Sign up for courses

The skill of sewing has been highly valued at all times, and the ability to create a unique item for your wardrobe is still relevant today. There are many benefits to mastering these skills. For example, you don’t need to go to a tailor every time you make a new purchase to have your trousers adjusted to the length, or to sew up the torn seams on your baby’s jacket. The main thing in the question of how to learn to sew from scratch is slowness, since mastery comes with time and experience.

Taking measurements

Before you learn how to sew from scratch, it is useful to learn how to take measurements correctly, since the good fit of the product on your figure depends on this. To do this, you will need (it is better to use a new one, since over time this device tends to stretch, regardless of what material it is made of), a pen and a piece of paper. The following information may be helpful when taking measurements:

The person must wear light clothing or underwear.
When taking measurements, you need to maintain a free, straight posture without tension. In this case, your legs can be placed together or slightly apart, and your arms can be lowered.
The tape should not be stretched or loosened, and there is no need to provide allowances for fit, since they are laid down when constructing the base of the patterns. Measurements should be taken closely to the figure.
The waistline is the narrowest point on the torso and should be tied with a cord to make other measurements easier to take.
Vertical measurements such as chest height or arm length should be taken on the right side of the body.

Basic measurements

To learn how to sew and cut yourself, as mentioned above, you need to take measurements correctly. The main measurements are:

O G - chest circumference, with the tape running horizontally along the most protruding points of the mammary glands in women. And for men, this measurement is carried out by simply clasping the chest.
O T - waist circumference, the measuring tape is placed along the already tied lace on the torso.
O B - hip circumference, measurement is taken along the most convex area of the buttocks.

Knowing these values, you can successfully select the size of the patterns of the model you like in a fashion magazine. Moreover, the measurements O G and O T are the main values for shoulder products, O B is the main measurement when selecting waist wardrobe items.

Cutting methods

Another important point in the question of how to learn to sew from scratch is determining the cutting method. There are several ways to lay out patterns:

Face to face - in this case, the fabric is folded with the right side inward. Using this method, paired symmetrical parts are cut out.
Face down (in a spread) - the material is laid with the wrong side up, and the patterns are made in two samples or a mirror layout is performed.
Face up - the same thing, only in reverse.

In this case, two spread methods are used when cutting asymmetrical parts or when sewing from fabrics with a directional pattern or pile.

Useful tips

Before learning how to sew from scratch using patterns for products you have made yourself, it is better to sew several models using ready-made patterns offered by fashion magazines. This is explained by the fact that in this way you can gain experience and knowledge about many things, for example, what depth of darts on the chest is needed, or what is the preferred length of a skirt in relation to your figure. Having taken the patterns according to the patterns in the magazine, you can start cutting. Before doing this, it is useful to know a few things:

The layout of patterns is carried out, as a rule, in the direction of the warp thread, which can be determined by several signs, for example, by trying to stretch the fabric. In this case, the side that does not change dimensions is the desired value. You can also hold the material up to the light: the warp threads are positioned more directly compared to the weft guides.
Fabric consumption increases if the layout is performed at an angle of 45° to the main thread.
It happens that it is impossible to distinguish the front side of the fabric from the back surface. This can be done along the edge. So, the smoother edge is on the front surface. Also, if during the production of the material pins are used to secure the edges, then this is done from the wrong side.

In conclusion, we can say that learning to sew from scratch for free is a completely feasible dream. There are many resources where you can learn about this skill. At the same time, it is better to hone this art on inexpensive fabrics. This way, you can gain experience and avoid unwanted waste.

It would seem a very simple question that should have a simple answer. But sewing is not “just think of a skirt, what to sew, two seams and everything is ready.” This is a lot of work that will require great patience, attentiveness, accuracy, and, most importantly, desire from you. Once you start, you will feel how sewing is addictive and mesmerizing. This is a very interesting and exciting process.
So, where should you start to learn to sew?

Getting to know the sewing machine

Before using the machine, carefully read the instructions for it. Learn how to thread threads, understand the settings, how to set them correctly, for example, for a straight or zigzag stitch. What threads and needles can be used for sewing on your sewing machine.

Take scraps of different fabric and try to make basic seams: straight stitch, zig-zag, buttonhole. See how the machine behaves with this or that fabric. Write down in a notebook all the settings you used, changed while working and with what fabric.

In order for the line to be straight, you will have to practice more than once. It is very good to practice this skill on towels and potholders, gradually complicating the task, for example, sewing a tablecloth or bed linen.

Choosing a model

For your first experience, choose simple patterns with a minimum of details and seams. Start with elasticated skirts, pajama pants, and tops without darts.

In Burda magazines, all simple models have special designations.

Use old items or inexpensive cotton and linen fabrics. They are less capricious than any other fabric, they are easy to care for, and easy to cut and sew from.

Models for beginners:

How to determine your size

First of all, take all your measurements and compare them with those given in the Burda magazine table. If the discrepancies are minor, then you can safely take the closest size that matches your measurements and make a pattern.

If, for example, your OG size corresponds to size 40 according to the Burda table, OT - 38, OB - 42, then you need to remove the pattern, smoothly moving from one size to another.

Always make major changes to your paper pattern.

Sizes in Burda differ from Russian ones by 6 units. For example, size 38 corresponds to our size 44. Size 19 for short people and size 76 for tall people also correspond to Russian size 44.

How to translate a pattern

To translate a pattern, you will need regular tracing paper, which you will find in any craft and sewing store, or specialized silk paper for transferring patterns. As well as a felt-tip pen, gel pen or pencil and ruler.

Also, using a gear wheel using special pattern paper.

Instead of tracing paper, you can use plastic film.

Remove the details of the pattern with all the symbols: lobe, fabric fold, waist, alignment line, pockets, etc.

For the best arrangement of all the parts, see the layout plan for a specific model.

Cut out pieces with seam allowances of 1.5 cm and hem allowances of 3-4 cm at the bottom of the product, unless otherwise specified in the instructions.

: Master Class

Fabric preparation

Before transferring the pattern onto fabric, the latter must be decated. The methods are different depending on the fabric - wet-heat treatment with an iron, using a spray bottle, regular washing (hand or machine). This procedure is necessary so that the fabric shrinks naturally before you sew a product from it. In addition, you will see whether it sheds or not if the fabric is colored.

Read about it on the website

Sewing instructions and tutorials

In Burda magazines, each model presented has a description and sewing instructions. And for individual patterns - with illustrations of the entire process, which you will also find on our website in the corresponding section.

In addition, Burda’s special editions “Easy and Quick Sewing,” which is published twice a year, feature models just for beginners. Simple patterns with the most detailed instructions and photographs of the sequence of each step.

An excellent assistant in mastering the skill of sewing will be, which can be purchased on our website.

Share your work on ours, where you are sure to receive a lot of warm words and useful advice that debutantes so need when uncertainty still takes over. Come for advice on, ask about everything and the answers will not keep you waiting.

Don't be afraid to redo, rip and sew again. Only through experience will you achieve the desired result.

Photo:website; pinterest.com
Material prepared by Yulia Dekanova

We are glad to welcome you to the Sewing School! And if you are reading these lines, it means you already have a desire to learn how to sew! All that remains is to understand how to master this interesting and exciting activity and learn how to sew high-quality, well-fitting products.

Our portal will help you learn how to sew for free - it will teach you how to take measurements correctly, how to create basic patterns for products, help you figure out the allowances for loose fit, give master classes on sewing operations, ready-made models with patterns, etc. So, here is your super- training system from Anastasia Korfiati.

Super system of 10 steps

Step 1: Necessary Sewing Tool Set

Step 2: learn to sew without mistakes

Step 4: learn how to take measurements correctly

Taking measurements seems very simple only at first glance. However, errors made when taking measurements can add extra centimeters when constructing basic patterns. Learning correctly

Step 5: Start with simple patterns

Simple patterns are the perfect start for those who want to learn to sew. You will be able to gain experience and not be disappointed with the result.

We understand the allowances for freedom of fit

Step 7: Basic patterns - the beginning!

We choose the model we like and create the base pattern for a skirt, dress, blouse, jacket, coat, trousers. We recommend starting with a skirt - it’s easier to sew a skirt and the result is always excellent. As you gain experience, move on to more complex models.

Basic dress pattern

Step 8: Our master classes are the key to your success

Let's pass. They will very clearly tell you how to perform this or that sewing operation. Our tips and step-by-step photos of each of them will help you perform each of these sewing operations.

Sewing workshops

Step 9: Improving Your Skills

Learning to sew like a pro - clean inside out

You can learn to sew all your life, constantly improving your skills and reaching new heights in this interesting creative activity. The section will help you constantly learn new things in sewing.

Step 10: Participate in competitions!

Participation in various sewing competitions adds incentive and allows you to keep yourself in excellent sewing shape! Whenever possible, be sure to take part in such competitions. On our website, for example, the “Spring Renewal” dress competition is held annually. Its participants are very creative, beautiful and courageous women moving towards their success. We are waiting for photos of your work and will be happy to publish them on the website!

Winner of the “Spring Update 2015” dress competition Marina Matveeva

Remember - in order to learn how to sew competently, you need to master the skill of performing basic operations. If you don’t succeed at something the first time, don’t be discouraged and don’t rush to give up. In sewing, as in any business, the main thing is practice. Try again, slowly, and clearly follow all the steps described below.

So, step by step you will come to the conclusion that there is nothing simpler than sewing on a sleeve or making a stand-up collar.

If you are overwhelmed by the desire to finish everything quickly, you start to rush and make mistakes, stop. Tell yourself – STOP! Nothing good will come of this, the seams of the product will be crooked, the edges of the sleeves will wrinkle and you will not have any pleasure in wearing it.

And another piece of advice – be critical of yourself (just without fanaticism!). You shouldn’t be content with what you don’t like and find excuses for yourself – not enough experience, not enough time, etc.

If you don’t like the seam, undo it and do it again until you are satisfied with the result, the same applies to all other operations - be it a jacket leaf, a sleeve cap, a stand-up collar or a shirt placket.

Everything must be done perfectly. Good luck and big victories in sewing!

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Have you decided that you want to learn to sew, but don’t know where to start? The ability to cut and sew will come in handy in many situations when you need to hem a skirt, make new curtains or make a costume for a child for a children's party. Are you afraid that nothing will work out and you will waste a lot of time?

Cast aside these fears; you can learn to sew and master basic skills at almost any age. The main thing is to learn in a way that not only saves money, but also earns money.

Read our article to find out how you can learn to sew simple and fashionable things in one evening without much effort.

1) Why you need to learn to sew and cut from scratch

Store shelves are filled with an abundance of dresses, but you still have to walk through them looking for the right sizes? Tired of buying your kids new clothes because they are growing too fast? Why then do you still not have tailor’s pins and a pattern in your hands?

Imagine how much you will gain when you learn to sew. You don't have to go to a tailor just to get your skirt or trousers adjusted. When sewing clothes for yourself, you and only you select the details of your future clothes: color, style, length, accessories. And what’s best is that each product will fit you perfectly. Don't forget about significant money savings and a pleasant pastime.

In addition, the ability to sew neatly and beautifully is an opportunity to make money from your hobby. Do you think this is not true? Read our article and we will convince you otherwise.

Let's start from the beginning

There are several main professions in the sewing business: seamstress, tailor, fashion designer. Don’t think that once you learn to sew, you can only be a seamstress. Tailors and fashion designers know how to not only sew clothes with high quality, but also participate in the entire process of creating clothes - from idea to sewing.

Let's understand the terminology. Don't be scared when you see the wordfashion designer. This is the name given to a specialist whocreates patterns, knows how to select fabrics and sew professionally. He selects materials and decorative elements in such a way that even the most daring designer’s ideas can be realized.

So, choose what you want to learn and we will help you navigate.

2) How to learn cutting and sewing

Cutting and sewing courses

The best option if you want to start from scratch. It's simple. The main thing is to decide what you exactly want.

Option 1. (for the motivated): Learn to cut and sew clothes professionally

In order to work in a studio or for yourself, you need to take into account that your main task is to learn how to correctly construct patterns. Then you will become realcutter-fashion designer-designer.

You can become such a specialist by passing professional cutting and sewing courses. A full course should definitely teach you how to design clothes, work with professional equipment, model clothes for different body types, etc. During the classes you will develop practical skills (cutting, basting, sewing, etc.) and learn how to change a bobbin without outside help , you will learn many practical subtleties and secrets of sewing.

After careful preparation in the courses, you will be able to master any product. Even such complex things as classic coats or formal business suits. You can get a job in a studio, sew clothes to order, or professionally create clothes for yourself.

Prices for professional cutting and sewing courses in St. Petersburg start
from 25,000 rubles.
The duration of classes is from 40 to 150 hours.

Option 2 (for the budget conscious): Learn to cut and sew things for yourself and loved ones

For such skills it is enough to passor courses on individual complex products, such as coats, trousers or shirts. During your training, you will learn how to take measurements, cut and master straight stitching. This knowledge is enough to make your own patterns, adjust them to the desired size, choose fabrics, and cut out parts correctly. You can sew almost any item from your basic wardrobe.

Prices for basic cutting and sewing courses in St. Petersburg start from 10,000 rubles.

The duration of classes is from 20 to 50 hours.

Option 3 (for beginners): Try to make a pattern with your own hands and sew a simple but good thing

Try one-day tutorials on sewing specific products.On them you will test yourself both as a seamstress and as a cutter. After completing the course, you will be able to sew with your own hands what you will wear every day or wear on holidays. For example, a fashionable sweatshirt, a new skirt or lace underwear. It's very tempting for the first time, isn't it?At the same time, you will understand whether it will be worth your suffering or not.

Prices for cutting and sewing master classes in St. Petersburg start from 1,500 rubles.

Duration of classes is from 4 to 10 hours.

A few words about how to choose the right courses

Inspired and decided that you will take a cutting and sewing course? Great, the main thing is not to rush to buy the most beautiful lace or fabrics for dresses in the store. You should be more careful when choosing courses. If you decide to spend money on learning the profession of a cutter or seamstress, even from the very basics, it is worth taking as much as possible from the training.

Try to find a master or studio with good reviews and a clear course program - this way you will know what you are paying money for and what skills you will acquire.
There should be a maximum of 7 people in the course group - in this case, the master will definitely pay attention to you and help you if something doesn’t work out.
Find out from the organizers what is included in the price and whether they will provide working tools during the training.

Is it possible to learn to sew and cut from scratch on your own?

Yes - you can find many sites on the Internet with detailed instructions, patterns and tips. They will help you learn how to cut and sew on your own, even if you are starting from scratch.

Look for informational articles with photos or video tutorials that detail each step when cutting things. Nowadays, authors on any thematic resources conduct entire courses of video lessons, where they talk about types of fabrics, tools, types of figures, classic mistakes of beginners, and much more.

They can help you learn to sew and cut from scratch yourself

thematic websites/forums about sewing;
sewing magazines (Burda, ShiK);
video tutorials on YouTube.

Of course, you may not be able to become a professional tailor by studying only at home, but you will definitely learn how to master basic cutting skills and get good at stitching.

3) Tools needed for sewing

For beginners, you will only need the basic necessary materials. A sewing machine and cutting table will be provided to you during the course. Most organizers allow you to sew for free, even after completing the courses. Which is very convenient if you are not yet ready to buy your own sewing machine.

Working tools that beginners will need to sew

1) Sharp tailor's scissors - one ring of the handle is noticeably larger than the other, and the blades are sharpened relative to the handle at a certain, not right angle. A large handle is needed so that you can grab it with four fingers, since sometimes you have to apply significant force. By the way, tailor's scissors are produced not only for the right hand, but also for the left.

2) Threads- good threads are very important for quality sewing. We categorically do not recommend using old Soviet-style cotton threads - this is the reason for poor, uneven stitching and frequent thread breaks. Specifying in detail the technological features of different types of sewing threads is boring and useless. One has only to say that for sewing modern fabrics it is better to use synthetic threads marked “100% polyester” on the spool. They have much better twist, they are durable, elastic and thin, and easily glide over the parts of sewing machines and overlockers.

3) Needles for hand sewing- used for sweeping or repairing clothing. They come in sizes from No. 1 to No. 12, with No. 1 being the thinnest. Choosing a needle for hand sewing is the same as for machine stitching, focusing on the fabric.

Which basic needles for hand sewing should a beginner choose?

4) Needles for machine sewing - purposeneedles are indicated by letters in the name of its marking. For example, needle 130/705H-M- for thin dense fabrics.

5) Tailor's pins- they directly interact with the fabric, it is important to choose them correctly. Otherwise, you risk accidentally ruining your future product.

6) A piece of chalk or tailor's chalk - Some craftsmen use soap remnants instead of special chalk, which remain on the farm. With this soap you can make thin, invisible lines that easily disappear after washing the finished product.

7) Paper for transferring the pattern- here there will be a convenient option for everyone. Some people use tracing paper, some use plastic film, and some use greenhouse film. It is important that the material is comfortable for you. It is better to transfer it to dense material if you plan to use the pattern often.4

8) Measuring tape and rulers- it’s better to take 1.5 meters of tape. This length is enough to take measurements for all things. It's not so simple with rulers. It will take several different options.

For cutting fabric and constructing the main lines of drawings it is very usefuleasy to use meter ruler.
To create drawings of patterns on a scale of 1:4, stock up cutter's ruler, it is also useful for main constructions when they are small in size.
To draw right angles and lines at an angle of 45 degrees, it is better to use isosceles square.

How to choose a sewing machine

A good sewing machine is the most expensive and most profitable investment for a tailor or seamstress.

If you want to develop as a professional craftsman in the future, seriously think about purchasing a good sewing machine. A high-quality machine with all the functions and types of stitches necessary at the learning stage costs 6-10 thousand rubles. If you choose well, she will become your reliable friend for several years.

Look for your machine among the leaders in the production of sewing machines. Among European manufacturers, these are:Bernina, Pfaff, Husqvarna, Asian manufacturing companies –Janome, Brother, Juki, Jaguar. Products of the American brand are also appreciatedSinger.

We studied reviews on Yandex.Market and found out thatgood for beginners:

Brother LS-300
Plaff Element 1050S
Janome 419S/5519

During training, you can buy a machine second-hand for training, and then purchase a more professional unit. If you still have your grandmother's old car, then try to start on it.

It's no secret that the most important part of creating any costume is the pattern. It is also the most difficult. You won't be happy with a crooked seam, but fixing it is much easier than re-cutting the entire suit if you made a mistake with the calculations.

We have prepared tips for beginners that will help you avoid serious mistakes. Remember them and make this practice automatic.

Take measurements accurately. Understand the types of male and female figures. Watch video tutorials on how to correctly take measurements for different parts of the body.Then practice on your family members, or even animals.
Create a pattern according to your measurements. Patterning is a labor-intensive process where you definitely can’t do something “by eye.” Specialized magazines will help a beginner to create a pattern, where there are ready-made patterns and all that remains is to transfer them to the fabric. Before starting work, you should watch video tutorials and start only with simple products.
Learn the basic terms. You will search for sewing information, watch videos, and study magazines with patterns. Be prepared that you will have to know and use thematic vocabulary and understand the terms in advance. For example, find out how a lobe thread differs from a cross thread and why a cutting pad is needed.
Practice a straight line. Take the leftover fabrics and sew them together as your heart desires. Try making your own round potholders (a perfect circle is not that easy!), home textiles, clothes for toys and animals.
Use thematic resources- get inspired, improve your skills, learn life hacks
Find a mentor. Most often, people stop learning when the material is unclear and there is no help. Find an idol or mentor whose work you will be inspired by. Choose new ideas, experiment with patterns and outfits for yourself and your family. Don’t be afraid to write to special group blogs or ask questions under videos on topics that interest you.

Groups on social networks, with patterns, tips, selections of color palettesand many others (for example: