Sewing Fails & First Projects: What I Learned (And What Not to Do!) as a Beginner
Thank you for visiting sewaliche and welcome to my first blog post!
My name is Alice, but my mum used to call me "Ali-che" when I was growing up, hence the name Aliche. This space is where I plan to share my DIY projects, whether that’s sewing, crafts, or interiors.
I started sewing in 2017 while in medical school and haven’t stopped since. It’s been vital for me to have this creative outlet, as it’s somewhere I can escape to when work gets tough. When I first started sewing, I found blogs useful for pattern reviews, tutorials, product recommendations, tips, and so on. I joined "sewing Instagram" in 2019, which at the time was a great tool for seeing others' makes via pattern hashtags. However, Instagram has changed a LOT since then and it’s now more difficult to see the actual sewing content over the constant stream of adverts. It also (obviously) doesn’t allow for more long-form content, and I wanted to give more details in my captions about sewing projects and patterns. Hence starting this blog.
In 2023, I was finally able to buy my first home with my partner. Since then, I’ve branched out into DIY house projects and interiors, learning to use power tools and trying to save money for the mortgage.
My goal in starting this blog is to create a helpful space outside of Instagram for others who sew and dabble in DIY. Over time, you’ll find a wide range of my makes, my mistakes, tutorials, tips, sewing pattern reviews, and hopefully, some inspiration. You can also follow me on Instagram, Threads, Tik Tok @sewaliche for behind-the-scenes glimpses of my projects, thoughts and sewing inspiration, as well as on YouTube @sewaliche for some longer video content (eventually).
Keep reading for my first sewing projects.
Granny’s trusty vintage Jones sewing machine, mid-repair – a true relic that survived time (and almost gave me an electric shock!).
My First Ever Sewing Project, Circa 2017
Behind every great sewing machine is a dad with a toolbox! Fixing up my Granny's vintage sewing machine after a close call with a live wire—thanks, Dad, for keeping me (literally) grounded!
As this is my first blog post, it feels only right to talk about my first ever sewing project. In July 2017, I was a 26-year-old student, about to enter my final year of medical school, and going through a relationship break-up. I needed an escape, and my friend suggested I try sewing as a hobby (thank you, Eliza!). After setting up the Jones sewing machine (Threadlite model A1) I inherited from my Granny, I was hooked on the hobby—and almost electrified (no, really, the old foot pedal had a live wire loose that my dad luckily fixed before I did some serious damage).
I’m an impatient person, so after playing around with the basic stitches on the now-safe machine, I went to the local fabric store and bought some cotton poplin and stretch fabric to make pyjama bottoms. It’s a common misconception that sewing is cheaper than buying clothes, and—eek—that fabric was expensive. I also had NO idea about fabric, finishing seams, or anything sewing-related for that matter. In hindsight, I wish I had done things differently. Jumping into stretch fabrics as a novice is not a good idea, and not finishing the seams was a problem with the fragile cotton poplin.
Thankfully, my mum stepped in and taught me the basics. Since then, I’ve been learning through YouTube “University,” books, blogs, and a LOT of trial and error. Soon, all my free time was spent sewing, which, although great fun, probably wasn’t the best idea since I should have been studying. But everything is about balance, and having sewing as a creative outlet was crucial for surviving the madness of that final year of medical school—though it did wreak havoc on my bank balance as I quickly developed a fabric-buying addiction.
Anyway, my first sewing project, or rather projects, were these pyjama bottoms (Simplicity ‘Learn to Sew’ 2061). When determining what size to cut, I measured myself and couldn’t believe I was a size 16 according to the sewing pattern. How could I be a size 16 when my dress size from ready-to-wear clothes was 10/12? So, I ignored the pattern sizing and cut a size 12 in my new, unwashed (!) cotton poplin… (It honestly hurts my soul writing this, knowing what I know now about fabric, pattern sizing, and measurements. How ridiculous was I?). After several hours of trying to translate the pattern instructions and sewing, I had the finished pyjama bottoms and couldn’t wait to try them on. I was so proud of myself for making something! But… why wouldn’t they go over my hips?!
Lessons were learned that day, and I was humbled.
I then made the pattern in the stretch fabric in a size 16 (i.e., my actual measurements per the pattern, not my ego), and thankfully they fit. The stretch fabric, though a nightmare for a beginner to sew, was much more forgiving. Luckily, the pattern advised using a zigzag stitch; otherwise, ‘Alice the Neophyte’ would have been using a straight stitch on that stretch fabric.
So, what were the main lessons from my first project?
Don’t rush—take the time to learn about fabrics, stitches, patterns, sizing, measurements, techniques, and how to follow pattern instructions.
Don’t expect to make quality garments right away; practice definitely helps!
A sewing project is 70% preparation (pre-washing, pressing, measuring, cutting, etc.) and 30% actual sewing.
Finishing seams and pressing as you go leads to a higher-quality project that lasts longer.
Sewing generates waste, so have a plan for scraps and finished garments.
What happened to those first projects?
Thankfully, I have a lovely petite friend who gave my woven-too-small pyjama bottoms a loving home, despite the unfinished seams. The stretch pyjamas lasted five years, despite multiple wears and the seams not being properly finished (stretch fabric doesn’t fray like woven). Sadly, the fabric eventually wore down with use and wasn’t fixable, so the holey pyjamas joined the scrap pile to be recycled into something else… one day.
Moving Forward: My Sewing Journey and What’s Next
I’m now seven years into sewing and would classify myself as a beginner-intermediate “sewist” only when making certain garments (dresses, skirts, tops). I still have to look up techniques, tutorials and “how tos” mid project. For example, sleeve plackets are still a nightmare, and I’ve yet to try sewing jeans, a coat, lingerie, swimwear, sportswear…and the list goes on. I’m still learning and still making lots of mistakes, which you will see on this blog if you want to follow along for the ride.
So thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy my crafty side of the internet.