Stuck on something? Here are all my free sewing tips in one place, in the order I teach them. Start at the top if you’re brand new, or jump straight to the one you need.
Getting started
- Learn how to sew: a simple beginner’s guide
- 10 sewing tools every beginner needs
- What to put in a beginner sewing kit
- Best sewing machine for beginners UK
- Sewing machine needles and threads
- Where to buy sewing fabric in the UK
Your sewing machine
- How to thread a sewing machine (and start sewing without tangles)
- Sewing machine won’t sew? 10 fixes to try
- Sewing machine feet: the only 3 a beginner needs
- Types of sewing stitches: hand and machine
- How to use a handheld or mini sewing machine
Start sewing
- How to sew a straight seam, with seam guides and backstitch
- How to stop fabric fraying
- How to sew corners and curves
- When to iron when sewing
- How to sew stretchy fabric
Dressmaking
- Top 10 dressmaking tips for beginners
- How to measure your body for dressmaking
- How to cut fabric using a sewing pattern
- What are notches in sewing?
- How to sew darts
- How to sew a hem: straight, curved and rolled
- How to shorten a hem
- How to iron on interfacing
- How to gather fabric and fit a sleeve
- How to sew in a zip
- How to sew on a hook and eye (coming soon)
- Sewing clothes for beginners: what to make first
Quick hand-sewn makes
- How to make a Suffolk puff brooch (coming soon)
- How to make fabric-covered buttons (coming soon)
Patterns and projects
- Free sewing patterns for beginners
- 16 easy beginner sewing projects
- How to make a personalised tote bag
Learn step by step with the sewing cards
Want to learn properly, one skill at a time? Nanna Betty Sewing School has a simple sewing card for every skill, with short videos for your phone. Every make takes 2 hours or less, and it’s all free.