Yes, you can sew!
The biggest tip for anyone new to sewing is choose your project wisely and believe you can!
Take time to read the instructions.
Don’t be too scared … you can’t sew anything wrong (it can always be undone and re-sewn) but you can cut wrong so always measure twice, cut once.
Start with a beginner level pattern, generally the fewer pattern pieces, the simpler the project.
And, choose group or individual tuition to help you along the way.
Sewing is about learning the basics and building your skills with lots and lots of practice. Some of your projects will go right straight away, some will be unpicked and redone several times and some will seem to confuse you forever and end up in your ‘work in progress’ [WIP] bag. But have faith that with a little more practice that confusion will turn to clarity. You just need to understand the very basics.
It’s really important that you understand firstly fabric construction because correct alignment of pattern pieces to the fabric warp, weft and bias will go such a long way towards successful projects. Next you need to match fabric types to your chosen project. Most of the big commercial pattern makers will give suggested fabrics on the back of the envelope but remember these are suggestions only. So,if you fancy making a skirt from fake grass, go for it (do remember to change your machine needle to suit). It’s all about understanding how drapey your fabric is if you’re making a long fishtail dress for a red-carpet occasion … it won’t work in a thick, stiff fabric, much better to choose a fluid satin-type.
This all may sound confusing but good choices, practice and someone to give guidance build your confidence and before you know it you’ll be saying those magic words, “Yes, I made it myself”.