Is it worth it to learn how to sew?

Since I am petite, I frequently have trouble finding clothes that fit properly. Often petite selections do not offer the same variety as "regular" sizes. For some reason with pants, I seem to fit better in regulars than in petites, especially when it comes to the rise. This doesn't make much sense to me since I am petite and short waisted but regulars seem to hit that sweet spot that disguises the baby tummy the best while a good fitting petite version of the same pants (and especially jeans) give me a muffin top. I've also purchased a few knit tops lately that seem a tad too long (a couple are even petite sized).

Knowing what I know now about PPL and the right length for tops, I am facing a mountain of alterations - for clothes that I currently own and ones I will purchase in the future. The majority of alterations that I will have to do will be for simple hems - pants, jeans, knit tops etc. This can really add up but as I experiment with different lengths on myself and from what I have seen from the ladies on the board, the right length makes a huge difference! I wonder if it would be worth it just to buy a sewing machine and learn how to do it myself (which is what my mother does since she's just 4'11). For anyone who does sew, do you think I should take some sort of class or would this be something one could learn by practice????

17 years ago

Christie

Active Member

I definitely think its worth taking a sewing class. My mom is a seamstress and has been doing my alterations but I know it would add up. She charges $20 per hem which definitely could add up. If you bought an inexpensive machine, you'd spend $100 or so, and you could probably find a sewing class at a community college or weekend class through a sewing store for $50.

In fact, I just had my mom teach me how to hem my jeans because I started feeling bad asking her to do so many alterations for me without charge. Besides, I figure I should learn how to do some of this myself.

marianne

I think a class would be useful. You don't need to be a pro to do hemming, but you can't just sit and start sewing right away. If your mother sews, maybe she could teach you some basics? You might not like it, but it's a good skill to have.

I also wanted to add that you'd have to pay more than $100 for a machine that can do real professional hemming.

shell

i also agree that sewing is a great skill to take up. if you buy a machine at a decent local store, they may even offer a free introductory sewing class or continued lesson for a fee.

there should be ample websites that could teach you how to hem pants.

oops, double post

Nicole

Veteran

I agree 100%. Learning to sew is a wonderful idea. (My mom used to teach adult sewing classes at night, first at the local HS then out of her home. She alwayshad a waiting list to get in. But that was 30 years ago!)

You could look for a group class (is there a technical highschool in your area?) or a commuity college. You could also ask your tailor if they know anyone who sews who could teach you one on one.

Or how about your mom? Is she close enough that she could teach you? (my mother tried to teach all 8 of us how to sew. Almost all of my sisters are good sewers...2 of them are as good as or better than my mother. I am the only one who is horrible. I don't have the patience for it.)

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