No more falling down the “how do I…?” sewing search rabbit hole! I’ve rounded up the most common “People Also Ask” sewing questions for beginners, so you can spend less time scrolling and more time actually sewing.
When you’re just starting out, sewing can feel like a whole new “insiders only” world wrapped in fabric and tangled thread. Maybe you’ve tried to search for help, but ended up more confused than when you started.
That’s why I’ve put together this handy, one-stop guide—full of answers to the most common beginner sewing questions, straight from Google’s “People Also Ask” suggestions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated with your sewing machine, or just unsure where to begin… you’re not alone. These are the exact questions beginner sewists (just like you!) are searching every day—and now I’ve got them answered here in one friendly place.
Ready?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
Stop Googling! These Are the 10 Beginner Sewing Questions You Need Answered
1. Which sewing machine should I buy?
You don’t need a fancy machine to start sewing. Look for a basic model with straight, zigzag and a few other stitches, a buttonhole function, and an easy-to-use bobbin system. Brands like Brother, Janome, and Singer all offer machines in a range of price and features categories.
Keep it simple—you want something reliable and user-friendly, not overwhelming with 300 stitch options. If you can, test one out at a store or watch a demo video to see if the layout feels intuitive.
Tip: for more info to help you with how to choose the right sewing machine for you, take a look at this post 👉 HERE 👈.
2. What basic tools do I need to start sewing?
Start with a few essentials: fabric scissors, pins or clips, a measuring tape, seam ripper (your new frenemy 😅) and thread. A marking tool (like chalk or a disappearing ink pen) also helps.
You don’t need an entire sewing room and cupboards full of 8 pairs of scissors and a rainbow of cotton threads. Even just a small box of tools and a kitchen table can get you going. Don’t get lost in curated Pinterest pins and fall into the trap of thinking you need everything before you can start. (Psst! You don’t.)
Tip: Check out the essential tools you actually need blog post with more details to help you get prepared.
3. How do I thread my sewing machine and bobbin correctly?
Every machine is a little different, so your manual is gold here (seriously—keep it nearby!). But here’s the general flow:
- Wind the bobbin.
- Load it into the bobbin case (depending on the machine, it will be loaded from the front or dropped in), making sure the thread is set to unwind in the correct direction.
- Put the top thread in position on your machine and thread it carefully through the tension guides (☝️ there’s often numbers and/or arrows showing you the thread path) and then finally the needle.
- Hold the top thread while you turn the handwheel until the bobbin thread gets “picked up” and you can gently tug it backwards away from the needle. Both the top thread and bobbin thread are now ready to go!
And if you’d like to check it’s all correct or if you’re more of a visual learner, you could always look up “[your machine model] threading tutorial” on YouTube for step-by-step help.
Tip: You can watch how I thread my sewing machine.
4. Why does my sewing machine keep jamming and how to fix it?
Urgh—so frustrating, right? It might even make you want to throw your machine out the window. Don’t!
Jams usually happen because of:
- Incorrect threading
- Tangled or incorrectly inserted bobbin
- Dirty lint (AKA fluff bunnies) buildup
- The wrong needle or thread for your fabric (or even a blunt or bent needle 😧)
Try re-threading both the top thread and bobbin, clean under the needle plate, and double-check that you’re using the right (sharp) needle. Nine times out of ten, a jam is your machine’s way of saying, “Let’s try that again!”.
Tip: Visit this post for a quick rundown on setting up your machine the right way.
5. How do I choose the right fabric for my very first project?
What came first, the chicken or the egg? It’s kinda like planning your first project. Do you choose the project first and then find the right fabric? Or buy a lovely fabric and then find a project for that? (My suggestion would be, choose the project first.)
No matter which way you choose it, always read the sewing pattern to find out what sorts of fabrics are recommended to work with that project. Not all fabrics are created equal and you won’t want to be trying to sew that cute t-shirt using denim. 😅 You get the idea…
Try something easy to sew, like cotton or linen. These fabrics don’t stretch, slip, or fray too much, which makes them ideal for learning. Avoid anything sheer, or super slippery (like satin or chiffon)—those are better once you’ve built up a little confidence.
Tip: You can find more information about fabric types and terms 👈 here.
6. Do I need to pre-wash fabric before sewing?
Yes—unless it’s labelled “pre-shrunk” (which is highly unlikely!) give your fabric a wash and dry in the way you’ll treat your finished project.
This helps avoid surprises like shrinking, bleeding colours, or stiff textures after your first real wash. It’s one extra step, but it protects your time and effort later. (Bonus: it also softens the fabric, making it easier to work with!)
Tip: Read more about preparing your fabrics for sewing.
7. What is seam allowance, and how can I keep my stitches straight?
Aha! Another popular sewing question! Seam allowance is the space between the edge of your fabric and the line you sew. Common seam allowances include 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1cm depending on your project.
Your sewing machine likely has lines on the needle plate to help you guide your fabric and keep that seam allowance just how you want it.
Go slow, don’t tug or push the fabric, and keep your eye on the fabric edge—not the needle.
Tip: Find out more with these 3 simple tips to help you sew straight.
8. Do I need a serger?
Nope, you don’t need a serger to finish your seams. (You don’t need all those fabrics either… 😅🤣)
Most beginners get by just fine with a zigzag stitch on a regular machine. It won’t look quite as fancy, but it’ll stop your fabric from fraying and do the job well. Some sewing machines even have a “serger-like” stitch too. Once you’ve been sewing for a while and want to upgrade, then you can consider adding a serger to your lineup.
Tip: Discover more about the differences between serger and sewing machine.
9. How do I read a sewing pattern?
Start with simple, beginner-friendly patterns (Psst! You can find some good ones in my JennyFamtasticSews Etsy shop).
Focus on the basics:
- The materials list (what tools and fabrics you’ll need)
- Cutting instructions and seam allowance info
- Bonus points if you find a pattern with loads of step-by-step diagrams 💪
- Actually read and understand each step before you put scissors to fabric
Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at first—it’s totally normal. Look for patterns labelled “easy” or “beginner.” Better yet, start with tutorials that include photos or video walkthroughs so you can see what each step looks like as you sew.
Tip: Try reading more things to help you work with sewing patterns or even Google *gasp!* unfamiliar terms.
10. What easy sewing projects can I make in under an hour?
Quick wins build confidence! 🤩 (And who doesn’t want to feel proud of their sewing projects?!?)
Try a scrunchie, fabric bookmark, headband, drawstring bag, cushion cover or simple pouch. These small projects don’t take much time or fabric—and they give you a real sense of accomplishment fast.
Bonus: you’ll learn skills like straight stitching, turning things inside out, and topstitching… all without the pressure of a big time and fabrics commitment. 💪
Tip: Try the super easy bean bags pattern which you’ll be able to knock over in 15 minutes!
More learning resources to help sewing beginners
✨ Understanding sewing machine terms
✨ Simple ways to clean sewing machine
See? You didn’t have to open 20 tabs or request to join dozens of internet forums to get started. These are some of the questions sewing beginners Google the most—and now you’ve got the answers right here in one place.
Whether you’re nervously threading your machine or choosing your first fabric, you’ve already taken the most important step: starting.
Want more help like this (in plain English, not sewing-school speak)? Don’t miss my newsletter for beginner sewing tips, quick project ideas, and a little extra encouragement every week.
You’ve got this. Let’s sew. 🥳
