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

10 mistakes beginner dressmakers make

Step 3: Learn the ABCs of Sewing

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.

Simple patterns - that's where to start!

Step 6: Very Important Increases

In order for the sewn clothes to “fit” the figure, when creating basic patterns, increases are added according to the chosen silhouette. If you understand how to do them correctly, the result will always be perfect. Let's deal with

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

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!

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

How to learn to sew and is it possible to learn to sew from scratch?

Today I decided to devote the conversation to needlework, since I recently received this letter:

Please tell us about your sewing in a separate article. How and where did you study? What are you sewing? Do you sew using ready-made patterns (for example, Burda) or do you model it yourself? I really want to learn how to sew; there was no work at school. My husband supports me in my endeavor and said he will buy a car. I have no idea what to do with her next. I'm sure your story will be useful not only to me. And of course we are waiting for photos of your home clothes. Thank you in advance!

I have been sewing for 20 years now, today I sew my entire wardrobe: dresses, skirts, blouses, coats and even fur coats.

My interest in sewing did not appear during labor lessons, but after I saw Burda Moden magazines for the first time; at that time they had not even been translated into Russian. It was difficult to use the patterns, everything was in German, but I decided, and I sewed my first skirt from this magazine, on an old manual machine. A simple skirt without a zipper with an elastic band, without any knowledge or courses, although my mother prompted me a little.

For a very long time I sewed only simple things. 16 years ago I took a sewing course at Burda Moden. At these courses we were taught only how to sew and process products. We were not taught to cut or model. We sewed all our products from Burda Moden magazines. Since the choice of models is very large and the patterns are very good, I never learned how to cut myself. I always sew everything from a magazine. The sewing instructions are detailed and easy to understand.

And the description in the magazine is very good: there is fabric consumption, what allowances to make, how to cut. There is a plan for laying out the patterns, as well as all the details on how to sew the product. Very convenient and simple.

Today this is the best magazine, which is convenient and pleasant to use, and most importantly, everything in it is clear, and even a beginner can easily cope with it. What is important is that each magazine has illustrated courses on how to sew this or that product, unique master classes for beginners.

Where to begin?

If you want to really learn how to sew, buy Burda Moden magazine. Look through, dream and fantasize about what would suit you, what you like, what fabric you would like to make this or that model, what color. This will begin to form the intention and motivation to start doing something in this direction. For a woman, what is important is to want, to wish, and everything will begin to work out.

As for magazines. My advice to you is to buy every issue. I used to buy selectively, but time goes by and I’m starting to like what I didn’t like six months ago. Or I just didn’t see some model, and then I urgently wanted it. It’s better to buy all the magazines so you don’t have to run around and look for them later.

Then you need to buy a sewing machine. The choice is very large, different manufacturers and different prices. Naturally different functions. If you are just starting out, then you need a machine that makes a regular straight stitch and sews buttonholes, everything else is finishing stitches, rarely used.

You will also need an overlocker. Without an overlocker it is difficult to sew a good thing. Although at first you can still do without it. Now there are special presser feet on sale that process the edge of the product, simulating an overlock stitch. Of course, you can’t compare it with an overlocker, but you can compare it in price - a presser foot costs 200 rubles, and an overlocker costs 10,000 rubles. I've been using this foot for a very long time.

If you don’t want to figure it out on your own, it’s better to sign up for courses. As a rule, first the skirt is sewn separately, then the trousers, the blouse, and then the jacket. Every city has such courses. In St. Petersburg, I can recommend the “Style” sewing school. It is important that if you only want to learn how to sew, then choose only sewing courses, without cutting and modeling.

But you can learn on your own, my friend didn’t study anywhere, but she sews better than me. I studied at the course for three years. Today, with the development of the Internet, you can learn everything at home, find some online course or watch lessons on YouTube. At the end of the article, I will offer you a lesson on how to sew in a hidden zipper; I sew it myself differently, but this method seemed easier to me.

Then you need to go to a fabric store to look and choose what you like. In any store they will tell you and help you: how many meters you need to take for this or that product, and whether it is worth taking this fabric. But it’s better to make a pattern from tracing paper in advance, you need to buy it, lay it out on some piece of fabric - the standard width is 150-140 cm, which means it will be 75-70 cm in half. And decide how much length of fabric you need.

In Burda Moden the consumption is always much higher. As a rule, 15-20 cm is always extra; if the fabric is expensive, then preliminary layout and clarification of the length will give significant savings.

I also recommend the Burda Moden website www.burdastyle.ru to all beginners. Just recently they updated it and it has become very convenient and interesting. Women post on this site already sewn models that are presented in one or another Burda Moden magazine. You can also contact any woman and ask what you need, everyone is very friendly and will always answer you. If I like, for example, the fabric of a dress, I can always go to the user’s page, find out what city she is from and ask where this woman bought this fabric. Even so! If you really liked it!

This site also helps me a lot in finding models. Let me explain: while flipping through a magazine, I don’t even notice some models, and some models I can’t imagine how they will fit on my figure. Or I see a model in a magazine whose color I don't like, and I subconsciously reject it. And then I see the same model on an ordinary non-model figure or in another color that I love, and I understand that I want to sew the same product.

the first photo from the magazine, I didn’t even notice such a jacket...

and I didn’t notice this gray “support”, but I liked the white jacket. Everything is sewn using the same pattern.

But I didn’t pay attention to this model at all. .

first photo from the magazine

And the women who sewed it wrote this review: “We need to come up with a monument to this dress model)). In my opinion, there is no fabric from which it would look bad, there is no figure that it would not fit, there are no accessories that would not suit it)). It takes as little fabric and time as a dress.”

You can also easily understand which fabric should be sewn from, and which one should not be sewn from.

and it turned out to be a dress that no one else has (second photo)

And these models didn’t suit me at all, although I really liked them. It helped to see a sample made from chintz.

These models are suitable for women with small breasts

As for fabrics, I love natural fabrics linen, wool and silk. And I really like thick knitwear, they make very beautiful dresses.

All natural fabrics need to be soaked in water and dried, and then ironed. This applies primarily to linen, viscose and silk. Woolen fabrics should be ironed through damp gauze to avoid shrinkage of the product after washing.

my new linen suit. Very comfortable, especially in hot weather.

Today sewing is a pleasure. Large selection of fabrics and accessories. All modern sewing equipment performs many operations automatically: buttonhole sewing, button sewing, bartacks, thread tension, etc. And even beginners can sew efficiently and quickly.

And if you have small children, I highly recommend learning to sew. Until the age of two, I sewed everything for my child myself, I didn’t buy anything: overalls, jackets, and suits. It is very beautiful and brings a lot of positive emotions. You can put so much love into these things that your baby will be the most beautiful and happiest.

Previously, I approached the sewing process from a purely pragmatic point of view. You can sew the most beautiful thing and save enough money, then it began to bring pleasure from the creative process, from the choice of fabric, from the choice of color and model, from the fact that the thing fits like a glove, which means your skill improves. Today, for me, manual labor is an opportunity to calm down, stop, and return to feminine energies. This is a kind of meditation. An opportunity to get out of the information flow and return to yourself.

Linen too, I really love linen fabrics in the summer.

And of course it’s economical, this dress was made for the home from linen for 200 rubles, there was a piece left over, so there was a discount.

I will be glad if my article is interesting for you and in the end you start sewing. This is a very exciting, creative and feminine activity. Try it!

ATTENTION! The material is protected by Copyright Law. Any use of this material (publication, quoting, reprinting) is NOT PERMITTED without the written consent of the author. For questions regarding the publication of this material, please contact: [email protected]

Tatyana Dzutseva

Video “How to sew in a hidden zipper.”

In contact with

Every woman strives to dress in beautiful clothes that are unique and individual in their own way. Unfortunately, the modern market offers clothing models that are similar to each other. However, do not be upset, because you can sew clothes exclusively according to your own measurements and even according to individual sketches. If you think that you can only order clothes from professional seamstresses or ateliers, then you are mistaken. You can do everything yourself. Today we will talk about how to learn how to sew clothes from scratch at home, and find out what you will need for this.

How to learn to sew yourself at home?

Sewing is an activity that includes many nuances, materials, tools and other accessories. It is very difficult for a beginner to understand the variety of fabrics, threads, needles and necessary equipment. That is why it is worth studying the topic, learning how to select the main material, cutting the product, taking measurements, knowing the main nuances and only then start sewing.

Where does cutting and sewing begin?

If you want to understand the issue in detail and learn how to sew clothes from scratch at home on a machine, then the main condition is a great desire. If you have a goal, then you are able to move mountains. There are several ways to learn cutting and sewing.

Ways to learn cutting and sewing at home:

• Training with the help of special books and magazines. This literature includes not only lectures, but also detailed drawings, instructions and step-by-step pictures for performing each particular manipulation. With the help of such books you will master all the basics, techniques, learn how to cut and understand sewing.

Important! The disadvantage is that if you do not understand any point, you can only find it out in another source.

• Cutting and sewing courses. Each large city has its own courses, which are taught as soon as a group of at least five people is recruited. With this kind of training, everything is clearly told to you and shown with examples. At the same time, all materials and equipment are provided by the school for the duration of the training.

Important! There are also online sewing courses, where you will be individually taught about this specialty and all its basics.

What tools do you need to have to teach sewing at home?

To learn how to sew clothes, you need to stock up on a starter set of tools and materials. This is necessary for constant practice at home.

To learn sewing from scratch you will need:

• scissors - tailor's, serrated and small;
• a large ruler for drawing straight lines on the canvas;
• a measuring tape intended for taking measurements;
• thimble;
• large set for hand and machine sewing;
• ironing board;
• iron;
• pins;
• copy paper;
• soap or chalk to indicate cutting;
• sewing machine.

Important! These are the basic tools you will need. As you improve your skills, you will additionally be able to buy various materials, tools and equipment.

Place to work

An important factor in training is the workplace, namely its arrangement, lighting and practicality. When working, you should feel comfortable, light and spacious.

The main stages of learning to sew

If you have already prepared all the necessary tools for learning, then the question immediately arises: how to learn to sew clothes from scratch at home, at what stage should you start? In fact, the entire activity of cutting and sewing can be divided into three stages.

Cutting and sewing stages:

1. The first stage is preparatory. It involves choosing a particular pattern that you plan to sew and taking measurements.
2. The second stage is transferring the pattern to the fabric and cutting out all the details from the fabric.
3. The final stage includes preliminary basting of parts and subsequent sewing.

Let's take a closer look at each stage and find out what is needed to complete it.

Taking measurements

If you are thinking about how to learn how to sew clothes from scratch at home, then the first step is to learn how to take proper measurements. After all, it is from them that you will make products.

Tips for taking measurements correctly:

• For sewing basic clothing, measurements are taken from a person dressed only in underwear.
• If you are planning to sew outerwear, then taking measurements occurs when the client is dressed in the main garment.
• Make sure that the person does not suck in their stomach or try to change the actual size of their clothing.
• Measuring the hips and chest must be done from the back.
• If you plan to sew a product for yourself, then ask someone else to take measurements. It is impossible to do this on your own, as there will be a huge error.

Important! All obtained dimensions should be entered into a working notebook. It is best to double-check the measurements several times, because it is not for nothing that the proverb says that before cutting, you should measure seven times.

Learning to cut fabric correctly

If you are just learning how to sew clothes, then it is best for you to take ready-made patterns that are available in magazines, books, and on the Internet. In this case, you can adjust the pattern to your size and sew high-quality, good clothes.

1. At the first stage, you need to draw all the details on separate sheets of tracing paper, which should be cut out along the contour.
2. Then you should transfer these images to the fabric, while we draw your attention to the fact that it is worth adding 2 cm on each side for the allowance.
3. When transferring the pattern, you should pay attention so that the fabric does not fidget, change its size or become deformed.
4. After transferring the pattern, you should once again double-check the accuracy of the drawing with the original one, and only then start cutting out individual parts.

Product assembly

After you have cut out all the parts in the previous step, you can begin assembling the product. For this:

1. All blanks are folded and attached to each other using safety pins.
2. Then, for more convenient subsequent sewing, all products are basted by hand.
3. After this, of course, it is recommended to pre-fit the product on a person, and if there are any nuances, you need to write them down in your work notebook and immediately eliminate them.

Now you should move on to sewing the product on a sewing machine.

When deciding to learn how to sew clothes from scratch at home, a sewing machine is one of the mandatory tools that a future seamstress should have.

Important! Sewing on a sewing machine requires experience and a little skill. So, if you have never sat at this unit before, it is recommended to first leave it on the “rough” material. Work on the seams, their evenness and execution.

All the seams that you make during the sewing process should be perfectly smooth and beautiful. To achieve the best result, the fabric should be slowly “feeded” under the needle, without pulling it or rushing.

Sewing machine for beginners

In fact, any model from a wide variety of fabrics can be sewn on your grandmother’s old sewing machine, like the “Podolskaya”. It is perfect for those needlewomen who are just beginning their journey of advancement in the art of sewing. It is characterized by reliability, it is difficult to damage or fail to adjust.

Important! Particularly noteworthy is the fact that it can be used to make leather or denim products. Of course, she can only do one type of stitch - straight. A “Seagull” sewing machine is suitable for making a zigzag stitch. Even if you don’t own such a machine, you can buy it very cheaply, but used.

If you plan for sewing to become your favorite activity and possibly earn additional income, then you should purchase a modern unit. The market offers a huge number of models in a wide range of price categories. However, before purchasing such expensive equipment, you should learn to sew very well on any sewing machine, because the quality of sewing does not depend on the price and functions of the device.

Hand-sewn clothes are original and unique. Home-grown fashion designers and seamstresses invent amazingly beautiful things that are the envy of others. In addition, if you learn how to sew clothes at home, you can save a lot. And experienced craftswomen can also earn money by creating outfits for friends and acquaintances. You can acquire sewing skills and master the basics both in special educational institutions and at home.

How to learn to sew at home?

Ways to learn to sew clothes at home

Of course, in order to learn how to create clothes yourself, you need talent, diligence and attentiveness. Many craftswomen have mastered this business on their own. But you can learn to sew using various methods.

1. Cutting and sewing courses.

These are special master classes that teach the basics and tricks using your own equipment. If you take such a course, you will be taught how to properly take measurements, make patterns and sew clothes.

2. Special literature.

During Soviet times, housewives learned to sew from popular magazines. Now you can also find such literature. It describes the process itself in detail, and can also offer ready-made patterns that are easy to sew on, even if you are not a master.

3. Online services.

Another convenient way to learn how to sew at home. On the Internet you can find a variety of resources that teach sewing. At the same time, you don’t have to go anywhere, and you can learn useful skills in the comfort of your own home. Detailed descriptions and video tutorials will help you.

What you need to learn to sew at home

First of all, in order to learn how to sew, you will need patience and attentiveness. If you take measurements and make calculations incorrectly, complex alterations may be necessary or the product may be completely damaged. Those who are still thinking about how to learn to sew at home will need the following accessories: