Last Updated on May 9, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to sew but felt overwhelmed by where to start, you’re not alone. Sewing is an incredibly empowering and useful skill – one that not only saves you money but can also help reduce your environmental impact.

Whether you’re hoping to tailor your clothes, repair old favorites, or dive into the world of DIY, the right tools (like a sewing machine for beginners) and a bit of guidance can make all the difference.

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As someone passionate about sustainability and mindful consumption, I believe sewing is one of the most underrated skills for living a low-waste lifestyle. I learned how to sew in the costume department and school, and was able to refine my skills with my mom – whose quite handy with a needle!

I hope this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to get started, and show you how this hobby can be both practical and planet-friendly.

why learn to sew?

Let’s start with the why. Sewing allows you to:

• Extend the life of your clothing by mending tears, replacing buttons (here’s how to sew a button), and fixing zippers.
• Repurpose fabric into new, useful items like turning old sheets into reusable produce bags or rags.
• Avoid fast fashion by making or tailoring garments that actually fit and last. You can even upcycle clothing creatively instead of buying new.
• Express creativity while building a wardrobe (or home) that reflects your values.
• Reduce waste by skipping single-use items and crafting your own reusables like DIY cotton rounds, cloth napkins, tote bags, and more.

It’s a skill that pays for itself both financially and environmentally!

choosing the right sewing machine for beginners:

When you’re starting out, the sheer number of sewing machines can be overwhelming. I promise you don’t need a top-of-the-line model with every bell and whistle – all you need is a reliable, easy-to-use machine that lets you grow your skills without frustration.

I’ve tried a few different machines, and was gifted a Brother a few years ago, and it has been my old faithful. It’s really basic, not too expensive and perfect for what I need – which is sewing things like curtains, decorative pillows, hemming and light tailoring etc.

my pick: brother CS7000X

The Brother CS7000X has consistently proven to be a fantastic machine for beginners and intermediate sewists alike. Here’s why I love it:

• Beginner-friendly: Clear instructions!! (they are clearly listed on the machine and there’s even a qr code that will take you to digital instructions) automatic needle threader, and easy bobbin winding make the setup painless.
• Lightweight and portable: Great if you don’t have a dedicated sewing space or perfect to carry with you to the theatre.
• Versatile: It comes with 70 built-in stitches, including decorative and buttonhole options.
• Affordable: It’s one of the best price-to-quality machines out there.
• Durable and steady: With a fixed needle bar and metal frame, it offers stability and clean stitching lines.

Shop the Brother CS7000X here

If you’re new to sewing, investing in a quality beginner machine like this will set you up for long-term success.

beginner sewing supplies to get you started:

In addition to your machine, here are a few beginner essentials:

• Fabric scissors (don’t use them on anything else!)
• Straight pins or clips
• Measuring tape
• Seam ripper (trust me, you’ll use it)
• Thread
• A small cutting mat and rotary cutter (optional, but helpful)

I also have this little beginners sewing kit which I carry with me to the theatre in case anyone needs any last minute costume fixes and it has saved me on multiple occasions! You don’t need to buy everything at once. You can just start with the basics and build your kit as you go.

easy projects to build confidence

The best way to learn is by doing. Start with simple, useful projects that teach you key techniques without requiring advanced skills.

If you’re looking for a more structured approach to learning, you can check out Skillshare where they offer all sorts of classes on things like sewing. I also happen to teach a class on sustainable living – and you can get a free month of skillshare when you sign up through my teacher link. Click here to check out the class.

Here are a few beginner projects:

• Start with a drawstring bag, which is a great way to learn to sew straight seams and create a casing for a drawstring.
• Cloth napkins are another beginner-friendly project that lets you practice hemming while creating something practical for your home.
• Scrunchies or headbands make excellent use of fabric scraps and offer a fun, low-pressure way to practice basic techniques.
• Reusable produce bags are a sustainable swap that help you ditch plastic while reinforcing sewing fundamentals.
• You can also try making your own reusable cotton rounds which is a quick project that’s both eco-friendly and satisfying to complete.

These types of projects help build your confidence and show just how useful sewing can be in daily life.

how sewing supports sustainable living

Sewing is more than a hobby. It’s a way to slow down consumption, take better care of your belongings, and reduce your dependence on fast fashion and disposables.

Here are a few ways sewing supports a more sustainable lifestyle:

• Mend, don’t toss: Visible mending and learning how to repair clothes can greatly extend the life of your wardrobe.
• Upcycle: Turn worn-out items into something new and useful. Need ideas? Here’s a guide to upcycled clothing for a zero waste lifestyle.
• Custom-make reusables: From napkins to snack bags to gift wrap, the possibilities are endless.
• Value what you own: When you make something by hand, you’re far more likely to cherish it.
• Responsibly dispose: If you’re wondering what to do with old bras and underwear, sewing can help extend their life or guide your reuse decisions.
• Shop less, but better: When you do buy clothing, support ethical and sustainable brands that align with your values.

final thoughts

Sewing might feel intimidating at first, but like any skill, it becomes easier the more you practice. You will make mistakes, but it’s not that big of a deal. You can always use that aformentioned seam ripper!

To help improve my sewing, I’ve volunteered at my local community theatre on costumes. And I think that’s one of the best places you can start. There’s usually someone quite skilled who can instruct you – and the clothes only have to look good from 10 feet away.

It’s a low pressure way to start and you get to give back to your community – what could be better than that?

So whether you’re sewing to save money, express your creativity, or reduce your environmental footprint this is a skill you’ll always be grateful you learned.