LibGuides: Sewing Machines: Resources

Contact the Makerspaces

Library 21c:
(719) 531-6333 x2549
Library21cMake@ppld.org

East Library:
(719) 531-6333 x2372
EastMake@ppld.org

Sand Creek Library:
(719) 531-6333 x7018
SandCreekMake@ppld.org

Manitou Springs Library:
(719) 531-6333 x7004

Resources

Looking for some tips and tricks to help with your sewing project? We've pulled together a selection of resources which cover a broad range of sewing topics, with helpful instructions and explanations to support new and seasoned sewists.

So scroll down, take a look, and learn something new!

Get Started - Beginner Level

If you have never sewn before, or just need a refresher, explore the following links to help you get started on your sewing journey.

Sewing Practice Sheets
Made by Lily Shine Creates, these four practice sheets can be printed and used with a sewing machine to become comfortable with sewing a straight line, pivoting, and sewing curves.
Sewing 101: Sewing Basics
In this article, Let's Learn to Sew identifies several pertinent blog posts which overview sewing basics, which are sorted from very basic to more advanced. These articles are good introductions to the basics, but are not as in-depth as other articles included in the advanced section of the guide. Learn the parts and functions of a sewing machine; how to choose (and change!) a needle to suit your project; how to finish a seam; and discover basic sewing tools and fabric types.
Machine Sewing Class - Instructables
In this robust, comprehensive guide, class author Mikaela Holmes provides an 8-lesson course that provides in-depth coverage on the following topics: 1) Sewing Tools and Supplies; 2) Meet Your Sewing Machine; 3) Sewing Straight Seams; 4) Hemming and Seam Finishing; 5) Sewing Curved Seams; 6) Sewing Stretch on a Home Machine; 7) Sewing Zippers and Buttons; 8) Gathering and Sewing Elastic.
21 Sewing Terms Every Beginner Should Know
Don't know a backstitch from a staystitch, or why fabric has a right side and wrong side? Explore these quick definitions with example photos to get the hang of basic sewing terminology. Article provided by Colette.
How to Pin a Seam - Sewing Tutorial for Pinning a Seam for Accuracy
The Spruce Crafts provides a detailed overview of things to keep in mind when pinning a seam.
Schmetz Needle Guide
Learn the anatomy of a needle, as well as common types, sizes, and uses. This article overview Schmetz brand needles, but the information applies to most needle brands.
Threads Mastery: A Guide to Understanding Thread
Discover the many types of thread for machine sewing, and when to use which type!

Sewing Level 1: Tote Bag Instructions
Project instructions for creating the tote bag from the Sewing Level 1 class that is offered on a rotating basis in the Makerspaces.
Utensil Wrap Instructions

Intermediate / Advanced Sewing

After mastering the basics, keep leveling up your skills by learning new techniques!

Sewing Terms: A Sewing and Pattern Making Glossary
An A-Z guide of sewing terms for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced sewist provided by The Creative Curator. Jump to a letter of the alphabet from the Table of Contents, or scroll down to learn common terms in alphabetical order.
All About Needles
SCHMETZ Needles has gathered a useful list of information about sewing machine needles, ranging from Needle History, Thread Sizing Guides, Needle Eyes, Needle Life, etc.
A Pin for Every Purpose
Did you know that sewing projects require different types of pins? Threads magazine provides a detailed overview of pin anatomy and appropriate uses.
Fabrics 101
This blog post overviews basic fabric terminology, and explains how to select the right fabric for your project. This blog (TeacupLion) is geared toward sewing handmade plush toys.
Basics: Pattern Symbols
Sewing patterns have all sorts of symbols, from solid, dashed, and dotted lines, to diamonds, notches, and circles. This article by Yesterday's Thimble provides useful images with explanations for many types of common sewing pattern symbols.
Sewing Darts - Step by Step Easy Tutorial
Learn how to transfer a dart onto your pattern piece, pin it in place, and stitch it! Then, learn how to press the dart to ensure it lays properly and doesn't create bulk. This tutorial is provided by Treasurie Sewing Blog.
Tutorial: How to Sew Darts
An additional overview of how to sew darts, Collette shares quick explanations of how to sew a straight dart, curved dart, and a double point dart.
How to Install an Invisible Zipper
The most common invisible zipper is made by Coats®, and so it requires a special zipper foot. This Joann.com tutorial explains how to use the Coats® Invisible Zipper Foot to install an invisible zipper.
Mastering the Narrow Hemmer
The narrow hemmer foot can be a valuable tool, if you know how to use it! Threads magazine provides a step-by-step visual of forming a narrow hem.
Collette Tutorials
Explore various tutorials on the Collette blog, featuring specific techniques and garment construction, working with specific types of fabric or sewing notions, useful apps for sewing, and much, much more.