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Inspired by the #memade revolution on Instagram? Been browsing sewing and embroidery classes online but not sure you’re ready to dive in? Whether you’re a nervous newbie or you’ve got basic sewing skills that could do with a boost, there’s never been a better time to dive into the wonderful world of textiles – trust us!
Learning to sew is the ultimate skill that will take you from mending that sad hole in your favourite jeans to creating your own bespoke wardrobe – and we couldn't think of a better person to give you the lowdown than Great British Sewing Bee season 10 winner, Luke-Matthew Iveson. The founder of creative studio sewlukeivo believes making clothes should be both accessible and affordable, and now hosts sewing for beginners workshops to make people's dressmaking dreams becoming a reality.
Sewing skill essentials
If someone with no experience wanted to learn how to sew, what’s one essential skill you’d tell them to master first?
If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, the first thing you should definitely master is the straight stitch. Once you’ve got that down, you can make all sorts of things like bags, pillowcases – even a basic t-shirt. The possibilities are endless!
Sewing for beginners can be tricky, right? What’s one common mistake they should avoid at all costs?
The most common mistake I see is beginners thinking they can immediately create something to wear in public. It’s totally understandable, but managing your expectations at the start really helps!
Inspiration and the creative process
What’s the most common hurdle you face in your creative process, and how do you overcome it?
The most common hurdle I face is definitely decision-making. I think once you’ve picked up enough sewing skills, the challenge then becomes figuring out how to use them. Maintaining that creative flow is always a bit tricky, so I try to look for inspiration in different places.
For someone who wants to move beyond just following patterns, what’s the first step to creating and drafting their own unique designs?
Once you’ve worked through enough patterns, you’ll have already picked up a lot about garment construction. I think the best way to start designing your own pieces is to be really free with it: if you can get a dress form and a piece of fabric, just start draping on the mannequin. That way, you can map out different shapes, and draft something without using a pattern. Then you’d alter it to fit your own measurements. It’s really about having fun with the whole process.
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Luke’s pro tips: The using heroes of sewing
What’s one sewing tool you can’t live without—something most people might not know about? Why is it so indispensable to your craft?
A lint roller – which most people probably wouldn’t associate with sewing! But if you ever unpick a stitch, you’re left with all these tiny, hairy threads. A lint roller is perfect for cleaning that up quickly and neatly.
What’s one aspect of sewing that people don’t appreciate enough – and why is it so important to the final outcome?
One thing I know I don’t appreciate enough is ironing and steaming. Pressing your seams and garments at different stages of the process can really level up your sewing.
A lot of people rush to finish a project because they’re excited to wear it, but pressing isn’t just something you do at the end – it’s something that needs to happen throughout. I’ll be honest: I often skip those steps, and you can definitely see the difference in the final outcome!
Basic sewing workshops around the UK
Feeling inspired? Ready to dive in? Sewing for beginners can seem confusing, but don’t worry – we’ve got plenty of classes around the country that will soon teach you the basics. You’ll know your blanket stitch from your backstitch in no time!
- Make a bag workshop from sewlukeivo in Manchester
- Basic sewing class from Shollyjaay in London
- Beginner sewing course from the Edinburgh Sewcial Club in Edinburgh
- Sewing workshop: Bag making for beginners from Lauren Holloway in Bristol
- Learn basic sewing workshop from Rachel Johnson in London
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