21 Valuable Lessons I Learned During My First Year of Sewing
Last year, I made an impulsive decision and purchased a sewing machine on Amazon during a daily deal. Up until that point, I had occasionally used other people’s machines and done some hand sewing and embroidery, but I had never owned a sewing machine of my own. At first, I felt completely overwhelmed. Many of my early attempts ended up looking more like fabric disasters than finished projects. Even now, I occasionally produce a "fabric monstrosity," but over the past year, I’ve picked up a number of useful tips and tricks that have made sewing more enjoyable and less stressful.
Here are the most important lessons I learned during my first year sewing. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, these are the things I struggled with most, and they can be extremely helpful for beginners.
Choosing Your First Pattern
Before starting your sewing journey, I always recommend picking your first pattern thoughtfully. I suggest exploring my collection of patterns, where you’ll find several dozen options suitable for beginners, complete with detailed instructions and video tutorials.
1. Check the bobbin first when something goes wrong
Even when the issue seems unrelated, most problems with a sewing machine are caused by the bobbin. I’ve installed mine correctly dozens of times, yet occasionally I still put it in backward or fail to fully thread it through the proper path. Take it out, reinstall it, and re-thread the top thread. This simple step fixes more problems than you might expect.
2. Fill multiple bobbins at once
It can be tempting to just fill one and start sewing, but preparing several bobbins ahead of time saves a lot of frustration. Your future self will thank you.
3. Only use bobbins recommended for your machine
Even if other bobbin types seem to fit, stick with the ones that came with your machine. Pre-filled or metal bobbins can cause issues, especially on computerized machines with magnetic parts.
4. Keep the presser foot up while threading
Lowering the presser foot engages the tension system. To thread your machine properly, keep it raised so the tension is disengaged.
5. Hold the thread tails when you start
At the beginning of a seam, hold the loose ends of your threads to prevent tangling and "bird’s nests" from forming underneath the fabric.
6. Read your sewing machine manual multiple times
You won’t absorb everything on the first read. I discover new tips every time I revisit mine. Consider making notes or photocopying critical pages, especially maintenance instructions, and keep them handy by your machine.
7. Exercise caution when buying sewing supplies online
Online bargains can be tempting, but sometimes low prices mean low quality or counterfeit products. I’ve purchased Singer presser feet, bobbins, and Olfa rotary blades that were not what they claimed to be. Compare prices carefully, and be wary of huge quantities sold at suspiciously low prices.
8. Practice on inexpensive fabric
Before risking good-quality fabric, buy some affordable fabric for practice. Mistakes are less heartbreaking when the material didn’t cost much.
9. Invest in quality thread
Cheap thread can be linty, damaging to your machine, and prone to breaking. Trusted brands like Gutermann Sew All or Coats & Clark Dual Duty are worth the investment. Buying from stores like wawak.com often saves money without compromising quality.
10. Use the right spool type for your spool pin
Use cross-wound thread on a horizontal pin and stacked thread on a vertical pin. Follow your machine manual’s guidance on using a spool cap.
11. Change thread properly
When switching threads, trim close to the spool and feed it through the machine as it would normally travel toward the needle. Pulling the thread backward can damage the thread path.
12. Avoid vintage thread
Old thread is usually weak and prone to breaking, so stick with new thread.
13. Choose high-quality needles
I recommend Schmetz needles for their consistent size and reliable quality. Inconsistent needles can cause skipped stitches or damage.
14. Replace needles more often than you think
Needles dull faster than expected. A good rule is to replace them every 4–6 hours of sewing. A dull needle can ruin a project and damage your machine.
15. Use the handwheel for precision sewing
For tricky or delicate areas, sewing manually with the handwheel gives you more control and helps prevent mistakes.
16. Mind the handwheel direction
Check your machine manual: some machines advise turning it toward you, others away. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
17. Test new presser feet manually
After attaching a new presser foot, sew a few stitches using the handwheel first. Some feet require specific stitches; otherwise, the needle can hit the foot, break, or cause machine damage.
18. Start with a simple beginner project
Even "easy" patterns can be challenging if you’re new to sewing. Choose something with minimal pieces and straight seams. My first project was a simple bag, and it felt rewarding to complete and actually use.
19. Check pattern sizing carefully
Commercial patterns come in varying size ranges, which may not correspond to your ready-to-wear size. Always check the measurement guide to select the correct size for your body.
20. Understand fabric measurements
A yard is always 36" long, but fabric widths vary (commonly 45" or 60"). Your pattern will indicate the required amount for each width. Knowing this prevents unnecessary trips back to the fabric store.
21. Pay attention to grainlines
Grainlines indicate the direction the fabric should be aligned with the selvage—the finished edges of the fabric. Ignoring grainlines can lead to warped seams, stretched pieces, or puckering.
Final Thoughts
Sewing can feel overwhelming at first, but even small improvements in your knowledge and habits make a huge difference. I hope these lessons from my first year help beginners avoid some common pitfalls and make sewing more enjoyable.
For more tips, see my posts on The Complete Guide to Choosing a Sewing Machine and How to Choose the Best Fabric for Sewing Clothes