When you are just starting your sewing journey, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed!

The good news are if you focus on a few key skills first, you will save yourself frustration and set yourself up for success.

If I could start all over again, these are the 8 sewing skills I would learn first.

 

If I Started Sewing Again, I Would Learn This First!

 

1- Threading Your Sewing Machine

Before you can stitch a single seam, your sewing machine needs to be threaded correctly, both the top thread and the bobbin.

Take your time here and pass the thread through every correct point on your machine so your stitches have the right tension.

Repetition will help you build muscle memory, and soon you’ll thread your machine without thinking.

When I started, I kept my instruction manual open next to me. It took the stress and guesswork away, and it’s a habit I recommend to all beginners.

 

2- Stitching Straight

Confession: when I first started, I watched the needle the whole time.

The trick? Once your needle is in the fabric, stop looking at it. Instead, watch where the raw edge of your fabric meets the guidelines on your needle plate.

If that’s tricky, put a strip of masking tape along the line for a clearer visual. Practice on scrap fabric with a slow stitch speed, and once you’re confident, increase your speed over time.

 

3- Backstitching (Reverse Stitching)

Backstitching at the start and end of your seams strengthens your stitches and keeps them from unraveling.

It’s easy to forget when you’re new, but it’s an essential habit that will make your projects last longer.

 

4- Pressing as You Sew

I used to skip pressing, until I asked for feedback on a project and someone told me, “Press it.” The difference was instant.

Pressing your seams not only makes your projects look more polished, it helps pieces fit together more easily during construction.

Learn which fabrics can handle heat and always press as you go.

 

5- Cutting Accurately

Accurate cutting makes the whole sewing process smoother. Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter (and keep them just for fabric so they stay sharp).

Pay attention to your fabric’s grain lines because they affect how your finished project will hang and move. I prefer using pattern weights and a rotary cutter for more control and precision.

 

6- Understanding Seam Allowances

Most sewing patterns include a seam allowance (often ¼" or ⅝").

Sticking to this measurement ensures your pieces fit together correctly and your finished garment is the right size.

When I first started, I didn’t know seam allowances existed and stitched right at the fabric edge, let’s just say those projects didn’t survive long!

 

7- Basic Hand Stitching

While machines do most of the work, hand stitching comes in handy for finishing touches. Learn simple stitches like the ladder stitch and running stitch for securing linings, sewing buttons, or making invisible joins.

Fun fact: in my early sewing days, if a button fell off my airline uniform and my mom wasn’t around to sew it back, I’d just use a safety pin. Knowing basic hand stitches would have saved me a lot of awkward workdays!

 

8- Reading a Pattern

If you’re not designing your own projects, start with a simple pattern like a tote bag or elastic-waist skirt. These are beginner-friendly and a great way to learn pattern markings like notches, dots, bust points, and more.

Always transfer markings to your fabric before you start sewing, and if you’re unsure about something, pause and look it up. No one knows everything at the start, sewing is a journey, not a race.

 

Final Thoughts

You won’t master sewing in one sitting, and you’re not supposed to.

Focus on these eight beginner skills, take it step by step, and enjoy the process.

One day, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.

 

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
Bye for now, B! xx