I made my first project using the sewing machine yesterday. It’s an envelope cushion cover, following this tutorial. I used Moda Hideaway Folk Art fabric in ‘Sky’ which I bought from Fabric Rehab and a 40 x 40cm cushion insert which I had already. On reflection, I’m not sure I used the right type of fabric for a cushion cover. The Moda is quilting weight cotton – should I have used home decor weight instead?
I did a practice run with an old cotton sheet first to give me some confidence before cutting into my beautiful fabric (that’s what scares me most about sewing – once it’s cut, it can’t be uncut). It turns out that cutting fabric accurately and in a straight line is harder than it looks. I tried using a paper template to cut the fabric pieces on the practice run, but I found it hard to cut the fabric straight around the paper, so I marked directly onto the Moda fabric with a dressmaker’s pencil.
I learned to do a double fold hem and how to use a seam gauge. It’s a sad truth that ironing is an essential part of sewing. I never iron anything normally. I sewed the hems for the back pieces and then pinned the front and two back pieces together before sewing. I realised when I’d finished sewing around the sides that the front piece was the wrong way around because the right side of the fabric was facing inwards! So I had to acquaint myself with a seam ripper and start again. Once the pieces were sewn together, I tried to neaten the seam edges with zigzag stitch, but I’m not sure if I made it look better or worse…
Anyway, the cushion cover fits and I like it a lot, but it took me ages. I’m going to do another one and I hope that will be quicker. I thought sewing in a straight line would be my main problem, but it turns out I find other things more problematic – cutting fabric properly being one. Also, sewing may be quick, but you need a lot of time beforehand to prepare. However, I’m really looking forward to starting my sewing course, it will be good to pick up some basic skills. I’m going to need a lot of practice before I attempt to make a skirt.
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January 22, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Renee Anne
I never thought sewing was that difficult until I sat down and tried to make a skirt for a Hallowe’en costume on a whim…and it wasn’t so much that the sewing was the problem but the actual sewing machine. As I didn’t have time to hand-sew the skirt, I wound up not doing it. Oh well…….someday I’ll get a proper machine and learn to sew. For now, hand sewing it is.
January 22, 2012 at 9:40 pm
agirlinwinter
Sewing machines are difficult and I think the secret is lots of practice. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway…
January 22, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Stitched Together
I’ve often sewn the envelope the wrong way round before. It’s easily done. I really like the fabric you used. Home decor weight fabric makes for a harder wearing cushion cover, but I think your cover will last long enough that you’ll enjoy replacing it when it wears out! If you ate going to sew you need an iron. I didn’t iron before sewing, but last year I got a nice light one for my birthday and bought myself a table top ironing board (best investment ever!)
January 22, 2012 at 9:42 pm
agirlinwinter
Glad it’s not just me! Thanks, it’s the first fabric I bought and I’ve been hoarding it ready for my first sewing project. Thanks for the fabric advice. I wouldn’t have an iron and ironing board if my mum hadn’t insisted on buying them for me. They’ve never been used so much
January 23, 2012 at 12:36 am
Stephanie (foggyknitter)
It looks great to me – though I should ‘fess up to being a total beginner at sewing myself. Well done! I love the fabric
January 23, 2012 at 1:09 am
Samantha
I love it! I’ve been making cushion covers for the last couple of days as well! There must be something in the air…
January 23, 2012 at 12:24 pm
mooncalfmakes
Nice work!
Using the ‘good’ fabric and the fear of mis-cutting have held me back too much in sewing. You’re right to push past them.
Recently I’ve been doing all my cutting with a rotary wheel. Being left-handed (and clumsy) I never got the accuracy I wanted with scissors.
January 24, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Miss M
It’s sweet! I like the fabric, and agree with Mooncalf that you’re right to use the good stuff.
January 25, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Jenny
It looks lovely! I too have trouble cutting into good fabric, but I agree with mooncalf that it’s important to push past the fear.
January 27, 2012 at 9:17 am
noknittedknickers
Hurray! Well done you. This looks great. Don’t think it matters what fabric you use and yours is so pretty. You’re on your way now. C.x
January 30, 2012 at 11:41 pm
whatktmadenext
It looks fab! That fabric is really lovely. If you’re thinking of doing another cushion, checkout this tutorial for one with an invisible zip http://sewkatiedid.wordpress.com/2010/04/24/zip-to-your-pillow/ . Everyone seems to say that invisible zips are impossible but this tutorial is soooo simple to follow!