Start the New Year with a New Sewing Hobby

Start Simple

The best way to start is with a really simple project that you can get an easy win with. Something where you don’t have to commit much time or money and you can have a little taste of it to see if it’s something that you’re going to enjoy. We would suggest doing a hand sewing project first of all because you can buy everything you need for under £10. 

Choose a Pattern

If this is your first time hand sewing, there are lots of free patterns on-line for beginners. This will save you some money. We have made a free beginners stuffed animal sewing pattern for a mini bear which is perfect. Click here and subscribe and you will be instantly sent the digital pattern.

Fabric

You will need to choose some fabric. This can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time because the choice is huge and at this stage you may not know what to choose. The best way is to always choose a fabric that you love otherwise you’ll lose interest in the project.

Felt

If you choose to use the free mini bear pattern from A Sewing Life, I would recommend that you make it out of felt which is absolutely the best fabric for beginners to use. You will only need a very small amount of felt as the mini bear is so small (the pattern gives you exact measurements) and you will probably only need to buy a small square of felt in a shop or on-line.

The most common felt is 100% acrylic which is very cheap and for this project, it’s o.k. However, once you move onto your next project, I would recommend buying a wool mix felt which has a nicer feel to it. 

If you would like some more detailed information about felt click here.

Basic Equipment

You can get by with the most basic pieces of equipment that are readily available online or in fabric shops. You will need a sewing needle, matching thread (I recommend Guttermann All Purpose) and sharp scissors. If you use the mini bear pattern from A Sewing Life you will also need some embroidery thread to add features to the face and a very, very small amount of toy stuffing. If you would like some more information about the basic sewing essentials click here.

 
What Benefits will a Sewing Hobby give me?

There are so many benefits from having sewing as a hobby and each person gets something different from it. I like to think that you will get out of it exactly what you need; if you’re yearning for creativity, it’s there; if you need to reduce stress, sewing fits the bill; if you’re looking for a community, join a sewing class or an on-line sewing group.

More Benefits

Sewing will help you slow down and relax by concentrating on the repetitive nature of stitching. If you start with small, simple projects, you will be surprised at how proud you feel with what you make. With most creative hobbies, the joy is as much in the journey as it is in the destination. 

What shall I do now?

• Keep the commitment manageable and decide to do one small sewing project like the mini bear. 
• Subscribe and download our free pattern
• Give yourself a hour to order/buy the basic sewing equipment.
• Look through the felt choices and pick a colour/design that you love.

What Next?

Start the project when you know that you have a lovely couple of hours free to do nothing else but sew. Enjoy :)

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Have a look through some of the other patterns available and start planning your next project