How hard is it to make your own clothes?

I made a simple jersey chemise that a friend thought I sewed with a hot needle.XD
It is not easy for me and is why I go to a tailor ;)

Sewing is not my forte, I am an instant gratification type. lol

I have always admired those that could sew well though.

Maybe you could advertise to barter for sewing lessons, what could you trade?

Cooking, gardening, a little book keeping…I am big on barter.

Maybe advertise for something like this on Craigslist and you could offer to bring a dinner for an hours lesson or switch around and offer different compensations each time.

You will know soon enough if you have the ability and patience.

My sister was invited to free classes when she finally replaced our mom’s sewing machine. After 40 years it was hard to find parts for the old one. If you are going to buy a sewing machine, any extra you spend using a local source may be worth the extra help you can get.

I say find someone who knows how to sew that would be willing to help you get started. My mom and my brother’s mother-in-law (who sewed all the dresses and suit vests for my brother’s wedding) have been teaching me how to sew. I like @Coloma‘s idea about bartering.

When my sister purchased her sewing machine, they offered her free classes. I think a lot of places do that now, so no matter the level of your experience, there are people out there willing to help you for free. I’d say learning is worth it (I’ve been thinking about it, too), for many reasons. Like if you see a shirt (or whatever) in a store that you like, but it’s either too expensive, or you think it would look better in this color, or with that added or taken away, the possibilities are really only limited to your imagination. The biggest benefit, in my opinion, is the tons and tons of money you save by making your own clothes. And then think – if someone likes something you made well enough, they might be willing to pay you to make them something. I say go for it. :)

Edit: When my sister bought her machine, I had never sewed anything in my entire life. But I ended up making my niece a customized diaper cover – that turned out pretty well. Just follow the directions and you’re good to go.

Sewing is like any other skill. You start with simple garments, like a skirt, practice getting to know the sewing machine and advance slowly.

When I was in jr. high, the girls were taught how to darn, use a sewing machine and cook. The boys went to wood working. Since it was an enlightened school, we switched places for two weeks. Very useful skills that I have benefited from all my adult life.

Instead of a computer room, we had an area with 20 sewing machines and 10 stoves. it does seem quaint now.

@gailcalled is right. You can probably teach yourself if you start with simple patterns (and start with fabrics that are easy to sew). learn from your mistakes, progress slowly and get to know your sewing machine. I think your best bet on a sewing machine would probably be a simple but solid used machine, the less complicated and computerized the better, to begin with at least. While you’re learning, in terms of the machine, you really only need something that will sew a straight line. And getting to know the machine, how to thread it, how to adjust the tension, the length of the stitch, etc. will be easier with a simple machine.

I’m a simple sewer and found that classes helped a lot. Our local Adult Education group has sewing classes and that was a boon. Didn’t cost much, and we all could help each other a bit. My machine is very simple and I can do everything I want with it. Have a bunch of fun! and don’t start with fancy patterns!

Start simple. Most patterns have complete step by step instructions. Ask a clerk at the fabric and pattern store to help you find simple to make items. Many patterns are marked for the level; easy, medium, advanced.

Buy your machine from a reputable dealer and ask about beginning classes, or check your parks and recreation department or local community college.

@YARNLADY is also right. The people who work at fabric stores are usually pretty knowledgeable and accomplished sewers and can be a good resource.

I forgot fabric. Start with 100% cotton. I used an old Singer machine for years. It went forwards and backwards. That was perfect. (I could thread it in my sleep.) The new ones are overloaded behemoths.

My Singer Featherweight Here