how to sew at your library
hacking the expense of sewing your own clothes + book recs
Sewing can be expensive!!
I meet many wonderful people in my comment section who are afraid to start sewing because of the expense. They are not sure they will even be good at it, and investing money in a sewing machine and the tools required to start seems like an unattainable dream.
For these people, and for anyone interested in getting their sewing feet wet, I would recommend that they check out their local library! You may be surprised by the resources available to you!
Check out a sewing book!
The most common resource at a library is obviously to check out a book and read it. But what should you check out to get started on your sewing journey?
Check out the Libby App here to access e-books and audiobooks from your local library, using your library card!
The most common book that is recommended in my comment section is The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. I have an e-book and I can attest to it being a wonderful reference! It has a lot of great diagrams that are easy to understand!
I love The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters! Sherri Lynn Wood inspired me when I was first starting! Just look at this quilt from the book!
But, the library is NOT just for books!
If you want to try out sewing by getting used to a sewing machine, your library probably has a maker space! You can go in and use a sewing machine! A lot of libraries have classes to get you familiar with the basics.
Other ways to use the library for sewing:
Print free sewing patterns (like from Mood), using the low-cost printing services!
See if your library offers a catalog of sewing patterns! Some common brands are Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, and Simplicity.
Sewing magazines! PressReader or Libby offer magazines with your library card!
Threads (Taunton Press)
Sew News
Burda Style
Ottobre Design
Simply Sewing
Love Sewing
Quiltfolk
Seamwork Magazine
Stream CreativeBug or Craftsy!
Some libraries offer streaming access to popular courses on sewing!
Oftentimes, we think of our hobbies as an isolated endeavor.
Sometimes, we think we must learn every detail in isolation, separated from support and community. Well, that is wrong. Sewing is wonderful because of the community that you become a part of when you begin!
Thrift store clothing can be a source of fabric. Cut it up, press it, and you can start sewing.
Ask about library events too!! A local tailor hosted a “Mend It Night” and taught people how to make simple mends and alterations with a few machines, and that’s what made me more confident in buying one. It was a great, and I hope to pay it forward by hosting one when my skills are on par, lol