The Top 3 Beginner Sewing Mistakes I Made (And How You Can Avoid Them)
When I first started sewing, I had no idea what I was doing. Sure, I had a sewing machine and a pile of fabric, but my skills? Let’s just say they were… a work in progress. Looking back, there are a few big mistakes I made that, if avoided, could have saved me a ton of time, energy, and frustration. So today, I’m sharing the top three sewing mistakes I made when I was starting out—because trust me, you’re not alone in the struggle!
1. Not Taking a Beginner Sewing Class
This one was a biggie. I thought I could teach myself how to sew with some quick YouTube searches and trial-and-error. Spoiler alert: I was very wrong.
I spent hours fighting with my sewing machine—why wasn’t it stitching properly? What even was tension, and why did it hate me so much? After countless failed projects, I finally decided to take a beginner sewing class. And let me tell you, it changed everything. My instructor helped me fix all the problems I’d been battling within the first class. It was such a relief to finally understand the basics, and it gave me the confidence to move forward.
If you’re just starting out, I can’t recommend a beginner sewing class enough. It’s worth every penny to have someone walk you through the fundamentals and set you up for success.
2. Not Making Toiles
What’s a toile? That’s exactly what I thought when I first heard the term! A toile is essentially a mockup of your garment made from inexpensive fabric, like muslin. And wow, if I’d known about this earlier, I could have saved so much time, energy, and money.
When I was starting out, I’d dive right in with my “good” fabric, only to end up with ill-fitting or misshapen garments. It was so discouraging to see beautiful fabric go to waste. Toiles are game-changers because they let you practice assembling your garment, check the fit, and work out any kinks—without risking your precious fabric.
Trust me, if you’re not already making toiles, give it a try. It’s a beginner-friendly habit that pays off in the long run.
3. Not Buying a Serger
Okay, I know this one might be controversial, but hear me out! When I first started sewing, I avoided buying a serger because they’re pricey, and I wasn’t sure if I’d even use one. But the truth is, if you plan on sewing stretch fabrics, a serger is a total lifesaver.
I struggled a lot with sewing knits on my regular machine—wonky seams, skipped stitches, you name it. Once I finally invested in a serger, it felt like a whole new world opened up. Sergers make sewing stretchy fabrics so much easier, and they give your projects that professional, polished look. If you’re serious about sewing, especially with knits, I’d say a serger is worth considering.
Which One Surprised You?
So, those are my top three beginner sewing mistakes—and what I learned from them! I hope sharing these helps you avoid some of the frustration I went through.
Which one of these surprised you the most? Or do you have your own sewing mistakes to add to the list? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!
