Q&A for How to Sew

Learn how to backstitch since you'll use it a lot to secure threads at the edge of a garment.

You don't have to, but it makes sewing easier. Ironing will smooth out the fabric and get rid of any wrinkles that may interfere with the pattern, cutting, pinning, and sewing.

Most sewing machines have settings for stitches. All you need to do is choose your setting, then move the fabric along where you want it to sew.

Check wikiHow to Make Baby Blankets.

Yes, you can use all kinds of fabrics in your sewing, like cotton, wool, etc.

Take it to the store where you bought it from, and explain what it is doing and ask to have it fixed. If it is out of warranty or too old, then take it to an electrical repairer and have them take a look at it. Also check what you're doing when you're using it -- is the cord attached properly each time, are you handling it the same way each time, are you using the foot pedal properly, etc.?

Patience and practice are key, without those two, you won't get far. As long as you can get the basic stitch down you'll be fine.

You can use a needle threader. It makes it a lot easier ,since it is metal and easier to thread through the eye of the needle. You can usually find them pretty cheaply at your local crafts store.

Flip it shirt inside out. Cut a piece of fabric or cloth or whatever material you would like to patch it with. Sew the piece onto where the shirt needs to be patched up, with the shirt still inside out.

Try making the knots and then start in a different place. Your knots probably made the hole you are going through bigger and bigger. Simply move to another area.

You might be pulling your fabric too tight, or your needle is too big.

I think the best stitch is the 4th one listed because the stitches won't show on the outside when you are done.

Use a ladder stitch for this; it hides seams, and it's often used to make plushies.

Yes. It's pretty easy. You can use it on anything, but it's more commonly used on pillows, bears, and quilts.

At some stores you can buy little felt animals. You can just sew them on. Or you can find an animal stencil and place that down on the material. Then, using a simple stitch, follow the outline and end with a knot.

If it is ripped, and you want to fix it, or if you just cut the sleeve off, you sew around the hem of the arm. Use whatever type of stitches you would like.

If you have a thick string that won't fit into your needle, get a thinner string or a needle with a bigger hole.

It depends on the fabric. Some thick fabrics (like felt) are quite easy to pass a needle through, while others (like leather) will prove almost impossible with a regular needle. You can buy thicker, stronger needles to sew through thick, tough fabrics though. If you have a suitable needle, you can sew a button to any kind of fabric in the same way.

It would be better to crochet or knit a comfy pair of socks because crocheting and knitting use yarn or thick warm thread, which is much more comfortable.

Yes. It is completely fine to dislike something. Remember that everyone is different and people like and dislike different things.

Yes, as long you do the same stiches as shown here, you should be fine.

The cut matters. So, make it broader around the seam and slightly narrower as it goes higher. You can make it bigger at first and tighten it up after trying it to fit your neck. Make it in an A shape. The flair at the bottom will help you sew both the neck and the sweater without pulling much. If you want, you can use the cut on this neck to stay so you can sew a zip there. However, since you don't want it to pinch, you might opt for a zip that stays inside the folded fabric of the neck. You can sew press buttons or make a far larger neck and leave both the ends slightly broader and make it appear like a collar that flips open at the ends.

Make samples for dolls first. Dolls or even teddies that you can move arms and legs around to see if it stretches around the armhole and crotch. Or you can start with old shawls or bed sheets to make clothes. To start simple, you can sew curtains for your room, pillow covers or make a door mat by folding the fabric a couple of times over and sewing them on all four sides.

For best results so it doesn't tear again after water and tear, you can get a piece of fabric an inch broader and longer than the tear to do a patch work on it. This patch should be treated at the ends if it frays. If the fabric is stretchable, you can just pull a bit out and sew it together, holding both ends together. You can either place both ends one over the other and sew it together so it looks like a dotted line or you can cover the whole tear by sewing on the ends that looks like a trail of small, horizontal, closely done stitches like you wrapped it with the thread.

If the fabric unfolds when left unpinned, it becomes difficult to sew. So, it is best to keep the pins in place to hold the fabric and shape it. If the fabric does not unfold, you can remove the pins before sewing.

The best way would be to learn the "whip stitch". This sews together anything large, like a giant hole, effectively.

If it is a small hole, just stitch it up with a simple darning stitch. If it's a larger hole, use a piece of cloth about the same color as the stuffed animal and slightly larger than the hole. Place it over the hole and neatly stitch around the edges to keep it in place.

There are a few different ways to sew in a lining on a bodice but the best one for a beginner would be to sew a second bodice that is identical to the one that you made out of the outer fabric but with your lining fabric. Then face the two right sides together and sew along the tops and sides, leaving the bottom open. Then turn your fabric right side out. At this point, you can either press the seams and be done or press the seams and top stitch with a thread of a matching color.Try watching a few videos on YouTube if you need clarification.

You can find plenty of online sewing patterns for free, or simply learn how to make your own sewing pattern. This guide sits on top of the fabric, for you to trace and cut out your pieces. Most patterns explain what techniques to use, materials, and fabric.

There is no specific age, you just need to be able to handle a needle and thread. You can start sewing whenever you want!