Why Learning to Sew is a Must-Have Skill for Women Over 50

Why is learning to sew a must-have skill for women over 50? Learning to sew offers an outlet for creativity, with garments fit to your unique shape and preferences. Plus, the mental boost from learning something new keeps your mind agile. Ready to explore this rewarding hobby? Let's dive into the art of sewing and unlock new possibilities.

The Benefits of Learning to Sew After 50

Sewing isn't just about needle and thread; it's a way to express your creativity and adapt to life's changes. After the age of 50 is a fantastic time to start or devote more time to this fulfilling hobby, offering benefits that touch on both the personal and practical aspects of life.

Creative Expression

Imagine crafting pieces that echo your personality. You get to pick the fabrics, colors, and patterns that you love, tailoring each piece to your taste and needs. You can add embroidery or other customizations to make unique pieces. You aren't just following trends; you're setting them. The more you sew, the more confidence you'll gain in shaping a wardrobe that truly reflects your individuality and tastes.

Embracing Your Shape, Every Step of the Way

As you move through life's stages, your body might not fit into off-the-rack clothing like it used to. Due to changing hormones, you might have a greater range of fluctuations in your weight and shape, even during a single day. Sewing becomes more than a hobby—it's a way to ensure your clothes fit just right. It lets you create more adjustable and comfortable clothing that can also be stylish and fashionable. Crafting garments that fit your body as it changes is more than practical; it's empowering.

Practical Skills for Everyday Life

Sewing isn't just about creating new clothes; it's also incredibly practical. Got a favorite shirt with a missing button or jeans that are a bit too long? Want to change up the shape or style of a garment that's in great shape but not quite right for you? Sewing equips you with the skills to easily fix or change your garments, saving money and resources. Thrifting becomes a treasure hunt—spot a potential outfit and transform it. With a few tweaks, you can revive clothing from thrift stores, breathing new life into them in ways you couldn't before. Sewing enhances your ability to live sustainably, turning everyday challenges into creative opportunities. The confidence from knowing you can tackle these tasks feels incredible, and the savings are undeniably rewarding.

Essential Tools and Supplies for Beginners

To start sewing, you need the right tools and supplies. You don't have to buy every tool and supply you will ever need before getting started, just the basics are needed.

Basic Sewing Machine Options

Choosing your first sewing machine might feel intimidating, but don't let the options overwhelm you. For beginners, it's best to look for a machine that's user-friendly, reliable, and doesn't have too many features.

Consider brands which offer affordable options with the basic stitches you'll need, including straight stitches and zigzag. You don't necessarily need all the bells and whistles like embroidery stitches, but do think about how you want to use your machine and check that it has the features that will help you accomplish your goals.

You might find a used sewing machine at a thrift store, garage or estate sale, or Facebook Marketplace. This can let you look for older, high quality machines. Be sure to tell the seller you want to try before you buy.

Another option is to look in sewing machine stores. They often have machines that previous owners traded in and these can be a great choice. They've been cleaned and adjusted before being offered for sale.

My personal favorite machines are a restored vintage Singer 301A and a Janome that my mom gave to me when she upgraded. Let your friends and family know you are looking for a machine!

Necessary Sewing Tools

Beyond a sewing machine, you'll need a toolkit of essentials to get started. Here's a list of indispensable items you should have ready:

• Fabric Scissors: Invest in a good pair of fabric scissors (or shears). They are crucial for precise cutting, which is the foundation of a great sewing project. I love my Gingher true left-handed shears, but there are a lot of other wonderful options out there.
• Pins and Pincushion: Pins are your extra hands during the sewing process. Use them to hold fabric together or keep patterns in place. A magnetic pin cushion is the quickest and easiest option to use while sewing.
• Clips and Fabric Weights: Pins are an inexpensive classic tool, however, if you have small children or pets, consider that pins are a hazard. Clips won't poke anyone and still hold the fabric together. They are also great when working with fabrics that you do not want to make holes in, like leather or plastic. If you do not use pins, you can use pattern weights to hold your pattern pieces in place while cutting. Pattern weights can be cans from your pantry or hand weights instead of purchased.
• Cutting Board: Choose from a cardboard cutting board to protect your table or a self-healing cutting mat if you prefer to use rotary cutters instead of shears. The rotary mats come in many sizes. I have a smaller cutting mat that is backed by an insulated pressing pad, creating two helpful tools in one.
• Measuring Tape: Accurate measurement is key in sewing. Get a flexible, fiberglass measuring tape to measure fabric and your body to ensure your garments fit perfectly.
• Seam Ripper: Mistakes happen, and that's where a seam ripper becomes your best friend. It allows you to undo stitches without damaging the fabric.
• Needles: Have a variety of machine and hand sewing needles in your kit. You'll find different thicknesses suitable for various fabric types. For machine needles, a great choice are Schmetz Universal needles. They come in different sizes for different weights of fabric.
• Iron: You need a basic iron to press your fabrics, seams, and finished project. If the iron does not have a steam setting, you would also need a simple spray bottle for water that you can use to spray your fabric when you need to create steam (not suitable for all fabrics). If you live in a small space, they make very small irons. I have the Go Iron Portable Mini Steam Iron in my RV.

Gathering these tools ensures that you are well-prepared and won't have to stop midway through a project to go and grab the item you are missing.

Fabric Selection for Beginners

When starting, fabric choice can be a make-or-break part of the sewing process. Opt for fabrics that are easy to handle and work with, such as woven mid-weight cotton, linen, or cotton blends or a less-stretchy double knit. These are stable and won't slip too much while you work with them. Avoid fabrics like silk, satin, or jersey knit until you’ve mastered the basics, as they can stretch, slip, or fray, demanding more skill and patience.

Be sure that if you are using a commercial sewing pattern that you read the recommended fabrics and do your best to match their guidelines. Otherwise, the garment will not turn out as well.

Begin your sewing projects with solid colors or simple patterns in your fabrics. Avoid plaids or other fabrics that require you to match and align prints. Trust that as you gain confidence, you can gradually move to more intricate fabrics and designs.

Getting Started: First Sewing Projects

Embarking on your sewing journey is both exciting and rewarding. Especially for women over 50, it offers a chance to break free from the mundane, crafting unique pieces that reflect your essence. But where to start? The key lies in picking achievable projects that will boost your confidence and skills. Let's explore some ideas and tips to make your sewing experience enjoyable right from the beginning.

Easy Patterns for Beginners

Diving into simple patterns is a great way to build your foundation. Starting with commercial patterns that have straightforward designs helps you grasp the basics without feeling overwhelmed:

• Tote Bags: Perfect for practice, tote bags require minimal shaping and sewing techniques and you don't have to worry about fitting them to your body! They make excellent reusable shopping bags or beach companions.
• Pillowcases: Try a basic pillowcase to get the hang of sewing straight lines. It's quick and offers a splash of personal touch to your home décor.
• A-Line Skirts: With a simple waist construction, A-line skirts allow easy experimentation with different fabrics and lengths.
• Simple pants: As long as the pattern is labeled “easy to sew” and have a drawstring or elastic waist, pants can be an achievable first project.

Most garment pattern books and envelopes will tell you if they are intended for beginners. These projects allow you to focus on mastering basic skills like handling your machine, cutting fabric, and sewing seams.

Tips for Success on First Projects

Making mistakes is natural, but having a few tips can smooth the road:

• Read Patterns Thoroughly: Before cutting anything, read through the entire pattern. This helps you understand each step and prevent common mishaps.
• Choose the correct size: Pattern sizing is not the same as retail clothing sizing. Take accurate body measurements to see which size you will need. Don't judge the number or the size you end up in! An example is Simplicity's sizing chart. After you know what size you will make, you will cut the correct size and pieces from the pattern tissue. You can customize the size, but it is a more advanced skill that we will cover later.
• Start with Cotton: Choose fabrics like woven cotton to practice with. They're forgiving and easier to manage than slippery synthetics or knits.
• Cut Fabric Accurately: Precision matters. Use a rotary cutter or a sharp pair of scissors for clean cuts. Always “measure twice, cut once.”

With preparation and patience, the learning curve becomes less daunting, leading to successful and enjoyable sewing experiences.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Sewing

Learning to sew as an adult can be a fulfilling journey, but it comes with challenges like any new skill. The trick is to develop a growth mindset and see mistakes as learning opportunities.

Time Management Tips

Balancing sewing with life's daily demands can be daunting, but with a bit of planning, you can make it work. Start by setting realistic goals. Who says you need to finish a dress in a day? Break it into manageable chunks, like prepping your fabric and pattern one day, pinning and cutting one day, and sewing over the next few days. Incorporate sewing into your routine—perhaps an hour after dinner or block out time during weekends. If mornings suit you better, sip your coffee while stitching away.

Another approach is the 5-10 minute rule. If you find a spare moment, use these short bursts to accomplish small tasks like organizing your materials, reading through your pattern directions, or prepping the next piece of fabric. You can keep a list of 5-10, 15-20, and 30 minute tasks to help you decide what to do with the time you have available.

Consider keeping a sewing journal. It helps track what you’ve done and you can use it to plan ahead, keeping you motivated. It also helps you to remember what pattern you intended to use with that gorgeous piece of fabric you bought a few months ago!

Building Confidence in Skills

Giving up when things don't go as planned is tempting, but confidence in sewing grows with practice and patience. The more you sew, the better you will get and the more comfortable you will be with the process and your skills. Celebrate the small wins, like sewing a straight seam or mastering a tricky stitch. Mistakes? They're just part of the learning curve, not failures.

Start by setting up a progress board or a project journal. You can make an album on your phone to keep project pictures. Take photos of each project stage and jot notes about techniques you tried. It's a visual diary of growth and discovery, showing that mistakes are a stepping stone to mastery. It also becomes a reference for you to use on future projects that incorporate the same techniques.

Making Space for Sewing

Where you sew can influence how much you enjoy it. Carving out a dedicated space can transform your sewing experience. Think your home lacks room? Get creative! It doesn't even need to be a dedicated space to still be functional.

An unused bedroom can become a sewing haven. If you are tight on space and need to work in an open area of your home, a foldaway cabinet can be a great solution. Check Facebook Marketplace for good deals on sewing furniture. If space is scarce, don't overlook your dining table. By storing supplies in a portable bin or in a rolling cart, you can set up your workstation when needed and easily clear it away afterward.

Even a small corner desk can create a cozy nook. Add shelves or cube storage to keep supplies within easy reach, ensuring that your sewing space is always ready to inspire. Consider using small bins with lids that can stack to keep your small supplies organized and easy to access.

You can buy square or rectangular pegboard at the DollarTree and Ikea which can work well for keeping your sewing tools handy in a smaller space. If you have more room, you can look for bigger pegboard options!

And don't forget to personalize your space with a mood board or design board for inspiration. Creating a dedicated sewing space, no matter how small or temporary, invites creativity and enthusiasm. It's your place where your ideas become reality.

What's Next?

Learning to sew is a journey that weaves empowerment, creativity, and practicality into your life, especially for women over 50. Embrace the empowerment that comes from crafting your garments.

Now is the time to pick up that needle and thread. Start with a simple project, and watch as each step and project builds layers of satisfaction and skill.

Ask yourself: what unique pieces will you bring to life? Share your sewing stories and projects in our Facebook Group! It's never too late to begin, so jump in and see what you can accomplish in the world of sewing.