• Home
  • About
  • YouTube
  • Etsy Shop
  • That’s Sew Cool!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Paige Handmade

You are here: Home / FAQs / Sewing FAQ!

Sewing FAQ!

in FAQs on 02/05/21

FULL VIDEO Q&A

Short Summarized Answers

(full answers in the video)

Q: How did I learn to sew?
A: I got my first sewing machine when I was 13. I began experimentally sewing from there. I made a few blankets. I tried making shorts out of an old white sheet. They were not even remotely wearable. I started sewing more seriously after my first daughter was born. That is when I made my first dress. I followed the pattern and learned so many new techniques. The execution of the techniques was not very well done, but I did it. I used YouTube to learn how to do new-to-me sewing techniques. I looked through beginner sewing books. Slowly I built my sewing vocabulary. Over the last decade and a half I have learn so much through books, YouTube, experimental sewing, blogs, other sewers on Instagram, courses, etc.

Q: What are my favorite book resources?
A: My top favorites are Pattern Making Primer and Couture Sewing Techniques. These do focus on garment sewing. For a basic sewing book try The Sewing Answer Book.

Q: How do I make time to sew with kids and chores?
A: Two things help… 1) I have a designated sewing space. My cabinet in the corner is the biggest help. The cabinet is in my living room, so I feel like I can sew and be around my kids easily. 2) I like to sew after my kids have gone to sleep and the house is quiet.

Q: Do I ever quilt?
A: Yes! You can see those beautiful works in the video. I’ve made one for each bed in my house.

Q: Do I sew for others?
A: Yes, for family and friends. No/very rarely for purchase.

Q: Where do I buy fabric from?
A: Top three places: JOANN, Mood, and fabric.com (affiliate).

Q: Where do I buy notions from?
A: 50/50 between JOANN and Amazon. You can find my recommendations in my Amazon Storefront*. I also get notions from a few shops on Etsy. My favorite place for trims, lace, or other fancy things is Mary Not Martha.

Q: Do I save my fabric scraps?
A: Yes. I even have a bag for the unusable scraps that I am saving to stuff an ottoman pouf.

Q: Do I ever struggle with getting the needle stuck or thread tangled?
A: Let me tell you, I used to, but now I very rarely do. My Sewing Machine Basics playlist will help you with that… and practice.

Q: Where to start?
A: I say start where you are most interested. If I must pick one thing then make a pillow WITH a zipper. Conquer the zipper!

Q: How do you choose a sewing machine?
A: This may disappoint you, but my first rule is: buy a sewing machine that fits in your budget. Get the nicest features you can get, but don’t spend more than you should (preach, MRS. FRUGAL!). I really like my sewing machine and here is one that is very close to it.

Q: Do I have any tips on fitting or sizing?
A: Distilling this into a few sentences is near impossible. The books I mentioned will help. Making a muslin teaches you a lot. Let practice teach you.

Q: Do I plan on teaching sewing classes live?
A: I am the caretaker of my children and they like to talk to me and run around and sing. A live class would be either a circus or after their bedtime. Never say never, but not right now.

Happy Sewing! -Paige

Related

2 Comments

My Sewing Recommendations: Paige Handmade Amazon Storefront*

*The products linked are all products I personally have used, enjoy, or are on my wishlist! Some links may be affiliate links. The affiliate links do not affect the price you pay, but they do provide a small compensation to me. I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program.

« That’s Sew Cool: Be Mine!
My Top 3 Sewing Scissors »

Comments

  1. daphne Duffy says

    February 7, 2021 at 12:58 am

    You are so sweet, the first time I saw you ,was when you made your birthday dress and were so happy it fit and you cried . I felt you satisfaction and delight. I cried with you. You make me want to do better at sewing. I sewed my kids clothes when they were small ,40 years ago. and I feel I was better then, or have things changed. Thank you. Love you sewing..

    Reply
    • Paige says

      February 9, 2021 at 5:40 am

      Such a sweet note. Thank you! Every time I make a new project it helps me get better at sewing. Just keep going forward and trying new things.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I'm Paige... Paige

...an elf who has achieved Master Tinker status. Give me a tool and I’ll make something! I am married to the coolest nerd and Mama to two girly girls.

My mission is to take the overwhelm out of projects, so you can go get creative and make something you love! a little more backstory…

Getting Started Sewing

How to Thread a Sewing Machine

"You crawl before you walk, you walk before you run." You thread before you sew. I tell people that sewing is just a collection of techniques strung ... View Post

Thread Tension & Troubleshooting

One of the most frustrating problems you may run into when learning how to sew is thread tension issues. The thread can be too tight and bunch up the seam or, ... View Post

Selecting Stitches on a Sewing Machine

Selecting a Stitch Sewing machines can come with a large assortment of stitch options. You'll see some with *50 stitches, *110 stitches, *240 stitches, and ... View Post

Copyright © 2025 · Paige Handmade