Sewing & Fabric
Choosing a Sewing Machine
It’s good to know how to use a needle and thread to hand-stitch something, but if you’re interested in taking up sewing as a hobby, you really need a sewing machine. There are so many kinds of sewing machines on the market, with features for every type of seamstress. If you’re just interested in sewing generally, then one of the most enduring brands, like a Singer sewing machine, might be a good place to start. Other popular brands include Brother sewing machines and Bernina sewing machines. If you really get invested in sewing as a hobby, you may just find yourself dreaming about having more than one! If you want to add embroidered details to clothing and household items, an embroidery machine would be a good fit for you.
How to Ensure Success
Whether you’re new to sewing or you’re a pro, it helps to focus in on projects that inspire you. Maybe you’d like to upgrade your bed; quilting patterns and quilting stencils can help you create an heirloom-quality quilt, while upholstery fabric and sturdy Velcro can help you make that new headboard you’ve been dreaming of. Or perhaps you want to make your own clothing? eBay’s selection of patterns include everything from cute skirts to tote bags, plus buttons, iron-on patches, fabric paint and more.
Stock Up on Fabric
Once you’ve chosen a machine and a project to make on it, you’ll need fabric to complete just about any sewing project. If you’re looking for warmth when you shop fabric, fleece fabric might be the best choice, while something elegant might be best designed with silk fabric. If you want a durable garment with a little stretch, polyester fabric is a durable choice. And don’t forget coordinating thread!
Create a Quilt
Traditionally in quilting, 100 percent cotton fabric is the material of choice, and eBay has plenty of that fabric online to offer. Many quilters shop by brand (for instance, Moda is very popular, and they have fabric, quilting supplies and sewing notions). You can also search quilting or craft fabric by color or pattern. You’ll need quilt batting too. Basically, when you buy fabric, it’s a good idea to have a project in mind at the beginning.
Sewing for the Modern Age
Once you get started buying sewing supplies online, you’ll learn that it’s not just about a bygone era of your grandmother’s notion box full of bobbins and sewing materials. You can have one of your own boxes, filled with the sewing supplies to make your creativity shine and the projects to show for your time investment.