please help i'm new to this

There is a book out called Readers Digest Guide to Sewing. You can thumb through it at your local library. This will describe everything you need to know without having to suffer the embarassment of taking a class at a local college and finding that you are the only male there.

The purpose of reading the book is to also introduce you to different fabric types, something you will also need to know when purchasing a pattern. You will also need to know what "notions" are, and the book can also help you with this.

I wouldn't go the "Sewing for Dummies" route as being a former teacher, I abhor any book that has "Dummies" in the title; learning something doesn't mean you are dumb to start with. The title of the book I believe makes one feel more inadequate and they have less of a willingness to learn in that case.

Hope this helps. Hang in there; you are not alone in your search.

eric morris wrote:

Beth Pierce scribbled in news: snipped-for-privacy@INVALIDepix.net:

Definitely go to the library and browse the sewing books, not only in the adult section, but in the children's area. Sometimes the children's books have very simple projects (drawstring bags, etc.) that sew up fairly easily and quickly and give you a good start.

Dewey Decimal System section in the library for sewing is 646.

Library of Congress System in the library for sewing is 697-927 Home Arts, Home Crafts (including sewing, embroidery, decorative crafts) or

1501-1519 Sewing Machines,

Get to know your zig-zag/satin stitch function and try some simple applique.

Practice using all the stitches that came with your machine on some muslin or old denim (use the right needle), and keep samples of what your machine can do with a note attached so you'll remember it when you want it.

Go through your manual - sometimes there are suggestions there.

The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing is great, as are the older Singer books.

Donna scrawled in bright red lipstick:

My personal favorites are the Singer Sewing series books. Excellent photos and directions.

Penny S

Anita Keeton wrote: > Don't know if this will help, but check your local fabric stores and see > if they offer a beginning sewing class. Our has a great one that starts

Adult education departments also tend to have sewing classes.

There are some good tips in the other answers, but let me just help you a little more. Hit the URL below and explore my site. I sell nothing, but you will find a handy sewing glossary that will help with some of the technocal jargon, a handy guide to measuring (you need a friend for this! And ignore the fact that the figure is female - you take measurements in the same places for blokes), and some techniques explained. There is also a handy page of mini book reviews - and not just for difficult or advanced stuff. I teach sewing occasionally, so there are reviews of books for basics and the more advanced stuff.

Usually the right side of the fabric is the one that has the pattern printed on it, or the major interest/finish. Inside out means that the garment is seams and hems showing, just like with laundry.

When you get bored and frustrated with the limitations of your budget sewing machine, we have lots of tips about finding a nice used machine to upgrade to if pennies must be counted, and lots of savvy on the latest expensive wizardry if that's what you want.

An as for patterns, try the KwikSew ones - they have more patterns for fellas than some of the other companies, and their 'How to Sew' ones are quite nicely done.

Happy sewing! :)

I took a beginning class at the technical college. There were 2 of us guys in it and the instructers and the ladies were very happy to help us when we needed it. It was a very good experience for me. Mike

Sewing Machines shops also have sewing classes; I think that is where I would begin or library books. If your interested in top of the line sewing, such as basic pattern making, superb suite construction, and fittings - then an internet course from

is excellent,because you can fit it in during the day some where, such as after work.After that, their cutter class deals extensively with measuring, patternmaking, and fittings. Any tailor that made a name for himself is anexcellent fitter. That is what I'm doing.John

Eric, I suggest "The Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing," which is one of the best sewing books around. I used the 1st edition back when it came out and I was still a relative newbie (in the 70s) and now have the latest edition. I find myself reaching for it all the time. It's a great reference book.

Beth wrote: ...

THANK YOU!!! When I was teaching adult ed classes in various MS applications I attempted to convey this to the students (all women Of A Certain Age). Or course a couple of them had already shelled out for various "dummy" or "idiot" books and they allowed this to make them feel worse about their knowledge & capabilities. Besides, both of those series are written far too cutesy for the average adult. "Dating for Dummies" by Dr. Joy Browne is the only worthwhile title, IMHO.

--Karen M. not a dummy

I think the title is just meant as a joke. It doesn't make me feel bad. I think it's meant to indicate zero prior knowledge. When the instructions say stuff like "1. Set your machine to straight stitch 2. set your stitch length to 2.5 (for explanation see previous page)", you know that nothing has been left out, that you are not going to trip up on some little detail that the author assumed they didn't need to spell out.

I agree about the cutesy writing, though. Blecch.

Jane

I'd be reporting this to at least the manager of the store if not the higher ups. There is no reason for treatment like this. If they don' t know and they should, then a simple I don't know is much better.

Sandy, who's best sewing students were male.

It's really sad, how people stereotype others. When I first started doing machine embroidery earlier this year, my guiding angel was a wonderful gentleman from West Virginia. If not for Scott, I'd be stumbling around a lot more than I am, or not doing it at all. And earlier this year I was in Joann's, having problems making a decision on material, and got into a discussion with two gentlemen who were also looking for material, and they gave me more help and advise than any store employees.

Sharon

Sadly, most fabric stores are like any other retail store. The clerks don't really know much, they're just there to push what the manager wants to move and take the money. Mike in Wisconsin