What’s the Project? Looking for an easy way to learn to sew from the comfort of your own home? These free online sewing classes will walk you through the basics at your own pace. Everything from how to sew a straight line to making ruffles and adding elastic and it’s all free.
So you’ve got a sewing machine and you’re ready for a new hobby. And now you don’t know what to do with it. You’re not alone in this-it’s pretty common to be intimated by that machine. There are a lot of parts, a lot of sewing terms to try to understand, and it can all be overwhelming to learn about.
You could sign up for sewing classes at a nearby sewing shop. And that’s a great idea. But if you want something that you can do from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace, this Learn to Sew course might be just right for you! There aren’t any other participants and you’re sort of your own instructor, so you can customize this to your own needs! Online courses are such a blessing because you can do them anytime.
These are free online sewing classes and lessons that you can go through at your own pace and they include projects, or homework, with each lesson so that you can practice your skills and make sewing projects for beginners while you go!
I’ve got to tell you that even though my mom tried to teach me to sew when I lived at home, I didn’t really get into it until after I moved out. So a lot of my learning involved no real, set instruction. I just learned as I went. And on a really old machine and sitting on the floor (I know, I was weird). But if I could do it that way, you can for sure do it this way!
This Learn to Sew online sewing course will walk you through the basics—from how to sew a straight line to how to add elastic and how to topstitch with easy-to-follow lessons that are self-paced instruction. Do them on your own time.
It’s all easy and it’s all free! And you’ll be sewing fun things!
Free sewing courses online:
This webpage is your one-stop spot to get all access to everything you need for these online sewing lessons, so save this or pin this so that you can refer back to it easily. Are you ready to learn some sewing skills? Here’s what you need to know, so pull up your laptop or phone and get read and to learn from these sewing lessons!
Learn to Sew Pre-Lessons:
Here are some things to look over before you actually sit down at your machine. These will help you build a foundation and understanding before you get started sewing. You don’t have to look at these, but they are likely to be helpful as you get started.
- The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing: Everything You Need to Know to Learn to Sew: This post is a huge overview and walkthrough of everything you’ll need to know as you are getting started sewing. This post will direct you to some important information like understanding your sewing machine, where to access great beginner sewing patterns, and other helpful tips as you started.
- How to Use Your Sewing Machine: This is a beginner’s guide to understanding the sewing machine, starting with how to thread it, what all those buttons and dials mean, and how your particular machine works depending on what style it is.
- Understanding Sewing Terms: A Sewing Dictionary: This is a great picture guide to understanding basic sewing terms. Rather than struggling to understand the words you’re reading on patterns, give this a read-through so that you’ve got an understanding of the basics.
- How to Buy Fabric: Are you ever overwhelmed by the fabric store? There’s a lot of fabric there and it varies a lot by what you’re making. Let’s break it down a little with this walkthrough of how to buy fabric.
- What Sewing Supplies Will I Need: This post will give you a list of the basic sewing supplies you will want to purchase to get you started—pins and scissors, seam rippers, and thread, I’ve got you covered as you get started.
- The Sewing Pledge: Something to read before you start to remind you that this is a process and that you should go easy on yourself throughout that process. Amateur sewists sometimes think they’ve got to know how to do all the things even before they’ve tried. Give yourself grace and have some fun on the journey!
Learn to Sew Classes:
OK, once you’ve got the basics covered, here are the free sewing classes that you can go through at your own pace. Each of these lessons will have projects that you can do as a practice for what you’re learning. By the end, you could be sewing a skirt, a pillowcase, an apron, or a bag. Go through them at your own pace once you are ready to start and have fun with it. You’ll all be sewers by the end of this!
Sewing Skills You Need to Know:
Lesson #1: How to Sew a Straight Line
In this lesson, you will learn the very most basic but probably most used part of sewing—the straight stitch. You’ll use this to sew seams ALL the time, but the truth is, it takes some practice to get this down. So go ahead and get started trying the straight stitch out. Then sew a project that’s all straight lines at the end.
Once you’ve mastered the straight stitch, we will move on to zigzags. It’s pretty similar, but used for different things (which we will talk about in the post), so if you’ve got the straight stitch down, you’ll be a pro at this!
Lesson #3: Turning and Top Stitching
Now we will get into some of the important parts of things that you’ll use for sewing just about anything, whether it’s your own clothes, bags, crafts, or whatever it is. This is sewing something with right sides together and then turning it right side out and stitching on top. You’ll use this is a lot in your sewing.
If you’re going to make clothes at all, you’ll for sure what to give this one a whirl. Adding elastic to things like a waistband isn’t hard, but it takes a little practice. I’ll show you how and then you can try something like pajama pants! (Fun!)
Depending on what you are sewing, you may or may not use ruffles all that often, but either way, this post will teach you about gathering, which IS a sewing skill that I think you’ll find comes in handy. So take some time to go through this post and if you love ruffles, then you can sew up something cute!
Lesson #6: How to Insert a Zipper
Everyone is always scared of the zipper—but they don’t need to be that scary! I’ll show you how to do these right so that someday you can master adding a zipper to pants or a bag or a dress. It does take a little practice, but you’ve got this!
Lesson #7: Buttonholes and Applique
Finally, we will look at how to make buttonholes so that if you are sewing garments of any kind, you’ll be all set. It’s the same thing as applique, which is what I use to make all of my hooded towels, so it’s handy even if you don’t think you’re going to be adding a button to anything.
Hopefully, by the time you’ve been through all of those sewing lessons, you’ll feel like you’ve got some basic sewing techniques down and like you know how to function a bit and can get started on some other fun projects.
There are many more free sewing resources on my site, so stick around and learn more!
Once you’ve completed these online lessons for these sewing classes, and tried out some of those sewing patterns, here are a bunch of fun beginner sewing projects that you could try!
And if you’re itching for more sewing knowledge, there’s a second Learn to Sew course-this one in free ebook form.
Hopefully, these free online sewing classes will really help you get going on learning to sew! Have fun with the process and enjoy what you are creating!
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Quick and Easy Sewing Projects:
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Mary says
I know how to sew. I want to know where is the pattern you have pictured on Pinterest. The tan and white sleeveless one.
Amber says
I’m sorry—not sure which pattern you mean, but I don’t have anything tan and sleeveless. Sometimes people pin things that don’t actually lead to the right post on Pinterest and that’s probably what happened. 🙁
Lori S says
What kind of sewing machine are you using? It is so fast! lol
Amber says
I just a Janome and I love it!
Lauren says
Is lesson #2 the zig-zag stitch still available? I keep getting an error message.
Amber says
Oh thanks for the heads up on that. Not sure what happened but here is the correct link: https://crazylittleprojects.com/learn-to-sew-series-lesson-2-zigzag-stitch-2/
Laura says
Thak you for posting the great information regarding sewing that helps you learn all the techniques of sewing. Thank you a lot.
Amber says
Glad you are enjoying the posts!
Diana Valle says
I know how 2 sew. However, gained weight + don’t know what size pattern or how 2 adjust patterns. I like swing style dresses/skirts but need 2 adjust bust sizes, waist,hips etc. Also, I like cotton knit for these dresses + hard 2 find in NYC. Can u help me please. I’ve made baby quilts, rag dolls, etc. Made a suit for my ex husband long time ago! Never again. Too much work. Have problem with linings cause would like 2 make coat. Don’t like styles/colors of coats. Bought coat in store + filling coming out after 1 month! Allergic to wool but can use faux fur, etc for coat. Look forward 2 hearing from u.
Sew New York says
Great information!!! Thanks for sharing this information and really enjoy your video.
Gloria says
The site is very informative for a beginner. please can you recomment a sewing machine to buy as a beginner. thank you
Sew New York says
Great information!!! Thanks for sharing this information. I really enjoy to read this blog.
Cindy says
I love that cross back apron. Do you have a pattern for it? If so where can I purchase one? Love your ideas!
Paula says
I do not know how to sew a stitch. I am tall and get frustrated about the cost of basic pjs in my inseam that I think I am better off just learning to makebthem myself. I’ve also wanted to a bunch of DIY projects and this skill would be handy. Would you also recommend a suitable seeing machine to purchase?
Amber says
I’ve got a post on that here: https://crazylittleprojects.com/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners/
Steff says
Couldn’t purchase the ebook. It says product can’t be found
Amber says
It’s a free download now.
Marissa says
I would like to make thing with my sewing machine. And thanks
Lisa says
Hi how do I start this program on learning how to sew & baking?
Amber says
Just follow through each of the lessons. There are some pre lesson posts and then lessons starting at 1-How to Sew a Straight Line: https://crazylittleprojects.com/learn-to-sew-series-lesson-1-how-to-sew-a-straight-line/
Jenice R. King says
I really want to learn to SEW… i have a couple of mental disabilities that prevent me from learning. My memory is well. I have a real Problem with Instructions. I can read them, but I just can not Understand them… Now once I’m showed how to do it, then I’m on my way. I’ve tried to learn to thread my machine. Even tho I have the 1 2 3 basic Instructions. I’m just not capable of Comprehending all that..
Amber says
I hope some of these lessons will work for you!
Sew New York says
Thanks for posting about information about sewing, its really helpful for those who wants to be a professional swer.
Sew New York says
You really doing a best to providing the information about sewing, designing, stiching and drapping.
Nady Favour says
Just woke up this morning and said to myself enough is enough. I wish to be a registered nurse but for now am at home with my kids. I think I got to make use of the free time I have for to do something creative. Sewing came into my mind and eventually I fell on your website.
I have alot to acquire from you and I am excited about it. I think am ready to use my imagination in this art. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Amber says
Love that and good luck!
Sew New York says
Thanks for posting information about sewing that help to all the learners who want to learn sewing
Adeola says
I am motivated by your lessons and all the wonderful comments I have read here. I really want to learn to sew but I am not sure what machine to buy yet and where to purchase it. Kindly advise.
Thank you.
MARISSA says
Learning to sew in sew* important! I love all these guides. I also wrote one myself!
veronica ilere says
i was taught to sew by mum when i was young, but i lost interest when i went to high school. for some reason, i have developed this desire of relearning to sew again.
SICHILINDI BEVIN.M says
I would love to learn. I bought a machine but I don’t know how to use it. I have got that passion for sawing. please help me.
Amber says
Take these lessons! You’ll learn a lot. 🙂
Les Gourmandises de FLO says
Love it !!!
Thanks !!
Nancy says
I would love to relearn what I lost after a stroke. I have figured out a lot by myself but I wonder if I can keep up learning everything quickly. Also, how much will the course cost and if I find I cannot keep up will be a problem for me not knowing everything you are teaching? I think I can learn a lot and I’m hoping to be able to sew aprons, furniture covers and anything I’d like. Thanks!!!
Amber says
Oh good luck! The course is free and you can just do it at your own pace so it should be perfect for you!!
Leslie says
I love this! My son had a sewing machine delivered to his front porch. When he finally found it (uses back sliding door), he tried to return to Amazon. They told him to keep it so now he wants to learn to sew.
Amber says
Nice!
Joan says
I would love to learn how to properly cut material with a cutting board and mat and cutter! I would love to start your on-line sewing classes. This is an awesome idea, although i have been sewing for awhile and am self taught, I know I can learn more from a professional sewer like you!
Thanks, Joan
Mrs. Rene Jackson says
I am also self-taught learning from my mom mostly. I’m 51 now and a widow, and sewing more than I have sewed before. My daughter has learned to sew and picked it up very quickly after years of shying away from the idea of needle and thread, but has sewn on buttons for her fiance. Now that’s she’s taken to the sewing machine, we both are learning quite a bit. I’ve sewn by hand for years. It was not until this year I put my hands on a sewing machine. This is a great site with lots to learn. I hope to learn much more as I dream of being a fashion designer and selling my creations to others and being in shows. I am glad I stumbled across it.
Amber says
That’s wonderful!
Terri C says
What a nice thing for you to do,Happy sewing!
Rebecca says
I LOVE YOU! I have almost paid close to 100 bucks to have my skills revamped and refreshed after a 20-year absence. Thanks. I have made some tings for friends and family and the response is: ‘Wow! You thought of me/us/ my new baby? It’s SOOOOOOOO awesome to think of me! It fits perfectly. I never had anyone make something like this for me!” You are right; nobody cares if there are a few threads. They each feel loved and thought of.
Amber says
Love this! 🙂
Makielah Glaze says
me too
Uche Lydia says
Nice one