How to sew – learn sewing in this online class
Sewing is AWESOME and I think more people should be doing it. So I aim to grow our community by adding more members – and the only way to do that is if more people learn to sew. That’s why I’m offering this online sewing class for free.
Sign up to get your FREE sewing course emailed to you! CLICK HERE.
Parts of a Sewing Machine
Check out this video to learn how to tell your doohickey from your thingamabob from your bobbin and your feed dogs and exactly what that uppy/downy part is called.
And if for some reason you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube here.
And just in case you wanted to take notes on that, you can download this free printable to label for yourself.
If I talked too fast above, here’s your cheat sheet image (this is the printable with the labels filled in).
How to Thread Your Machine and Sew a Straight Line
Alright, we now know the uppy/downy is actually called the take up lever, so let’s move on to how to thread it. Watch the video below to see me threading my machine – and don’t worry if yours is different; they all follow about the same path.
In case you can’t see the video below, watch on YouTube here.
Close up of the needle area – because I know that was hard to see in the video.
And now for your homework for your first project – practice sewing straight lines! This is the basic skill all sewing is built on. Once you’ve mastered sewing a straight line with a straight stitch, try a zig-zag stitch, and once you get the hang of that, play with any other stitches your machine came with that intrigue you.
Alice
Sweet! I have a friend that fit’s the bill! I’ll email her the link. Thank you!
Clare K. R. Miller
This is actually perfect for me! I have been really wanting to get back into sewing, but it’s been years, and while I’m comfortable actually using the sewing machine, I couldn’t remember all the names for the parts and I definitely didn’t remember how to thread it. I’m sure there’s a lot of other knowledge I’m missing. I’m looking forward to this series and I hope I’ll manage to follow along!
Vienna
I enjoy having both the tutorials and videos… I find them both very useful.
nicci
Thanks it was helpful
Dora Stevenson
I’m referring to eager young women to your link…I’m excited for them to have this opportunity…and I told them you had some easy Free patterns as well…And it always is a ‘Good Thing’ when it’s help from a Texas gal!
Thanks Melissa
Kent
Hi. Great site. Well done. I am learning to sew hats and your patterns have been very helpful. Thank you. Cheers!
mildred moore
just what I need to start sewing again ,thank you.
Jada D
This. Is. Awesome!!! I always wanted to learn how to sew but never had the nerve to buy a sewing machine and actually take a class. Now that I am an empty nester, I decided now is the time! I am so happy my 83 year old Mom, or how she likes to say, “38 year old backwards” Mom said to look for videos online. And BAM. Found your website. Thanks for the tutorials and I going to try to make all of your patterns you have videos for and buy your patterns to make for my grandnieces and nephews! LOL. I’m going to make things for my Mom too, once I know what I’m doing, her words not mind. Yeppers. My Mom is bad. LOL
Angie
Sewing a straight line looks easy, but I had to do it several times. I need to practice more. Trying to find the time to do this, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
Cheryl
Thank you so much, Melly. I have found your tutorials to be easy to follow. I appreciate the time and effort you put forth to share them.
Alero
Thank you so for this wonderful tutorials on how to learn to sew.
Abigail antwi
Can’t wait to start sewing
Abigail antwi
Thanks for the beautiful tutorials
Laby
Thank you very much for the tutorials. This is gold for me. Learning fashion designing is hard enough in my country when u don’t have much money.
Thanks alot
Nancy
I have not sewed since I was in high school. I’m 66 now. I have such a hard time finding clothes that don’t look like my mom should wear them or my daughters. I know what I like and what I need. I think it’s time to sew again!!
Kathleen Morris
I just started following you Melly, and really like your style and personality!
CMD
I am so grateful for people like you who don’t mind sharing their knowledge with others. There are so many of us that need help. This is my first time on your website and I’m sure from what I’ve seen so far I will enjoy it. Thanks again for having a warm heart to share.
Vicky Anderson
Love your page, I am a photographer wanting to make costumes for stylized photo session. I am excited to devour all of your free lessons. I am a big youtube how to fan. Will also be signing up for the free patterns. SO AMAZING THANKS
Beth Bennett
Wow, I have learned so much from you. I thought I knew how to sew. We used to make all our clothes when I was in high school (I graduated in 1977). However, I can’t believe how much I have forgotten. It’s been a few years since I have sewn. I made matching outfits for Easter when my daughters were 2 & 4, and they are in their 30’s now. I am going to take your beginner course to see what other things I have forgotten. Thank you so very much for having this page and having all these helpful things to get me back on track!!!
Tina R
Thank yo uso much for your site. As a beginning sewer you have provided with inspiration and improved my skills!. Thank you!
Robert
I am disabled with way to much idol time on my hands, that desperately needs to be filled. I came across Melissa’s website (which by the way, is very well put together) and though what the heck… I bought a Singer sewing machine at a yard sale for $30.00 and started her online class. After all: learning something new, occupying idol time and if I prove to be any good at it… NEW CLOTHES! It’s a win/win.
Pat
My mother taught me to sew from about 1940 when there not many controls to alter on machines, so my skills in selecting settings hence joining. I am 83 years old and a bit on the large side (lol) so am keen to get up to date. Regards Pat
Joyce Hupe
Interesting – and just what we are looking for. My grand-daughter just received a basic sewing machine for her birthday and it appears this site will really help her get started.
Bev B
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I am just getting back into sewing after dusting off my machine. Im looking forward to the class.
Kate Wilson
Thankyou so much for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with us for free! I look forward to following your tutorials.
Marie Standing
Super helpful and highly appreciated…thanks for sharing!
Jos van Meel
Thanks for sharing! I went to a sewing atelier and made some things. I follow you, but I need more structure, so I start with your lessons and with an official course in Belgium with homework, so a serious start of 2020!
I will need your tips!
greetings
jos van meel
A new year, a new hobby!
thank you for your advices!
jos van meel
Nancy
This is great! Been following your website and blog for a while, but only came across this today. This will be helpful teaching my 10 yr. grand-daughter to sew!…….as soon as this pandemic this cools off!
Awadia Mohamed
I happy to get back to sewing after many years. So I need to refresh my memory and to learn new skills and patterns. I hope to start my sewing project. Thanks for inspiring us to move forward.