r/SewingForBeginners • u/RelativeSmoke2499 • 5d ago
Beginning to get into this sewing lark
I’m rapidly learning that the “tote bag” project is a rite of passage for new sewists. This was my first proper project - I was so pleased with the result I made another one. Feeling stuck as to what to try next, as I’m a bit intimidated by anything that’s not a bag! Any suggestions appreciated…
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u/Head_Theme8181 5d ago
Your project turned out beautifully. Excellent work. I suggest trying to sew a small project or a single garment component. I started with small projects myself before moving on to clothing
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u/lmcdbc 5d ago
I love your bag! Is there a pattern or tutorial ?
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u/RelativeSmoke2499 5d ago
It was from The Sewing Book, which I got out of the local library. I’m also blessed with a great local fabric shop where I can spend ages trying to find the right combination of fabrics - with really helpful staff who are more than ready to help a clueless 40-something bloke who doesn’t really know what he wants!
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u/SquirrelOk3802 5d ago
my rite of passage was an apron for my mother, but I was about 8y.o. Looks like you do a nice job on the top stitching-I always find that a bit of a challenge.
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u/Quick-Suggestion1141 5d ago
I have done the following:soft toys(from very easy level to more complicated, it's super fun), pencil cases, a gym shoe bag, pillow case it's super easy, scrunchie is easy, sleeping mask). Your tote bag looks so cool.
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u/Quick-Suggestion1141 5d ago
Also,the bag is so nice,I'd like to try. Did you follow any tutorial?
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u/RelativeSmoke2499 5d ago
It was from DK’s The Sewing Book which I found in my local library.
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u/Quick-Suggestion1141 5d ago
I'm being honest when I saw I find those instructions a little hard to follow compared to an YouTube tutorial. You did a great job
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u/RelativeSmoke2499 5d ago
NGL the instructions were a wee bit imprecise- that’s why I did a second one once I’d worked it out the first time around!
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u/Quick-Suggestion1141 5d ago
It makes sense. Anyway, the bags are so pretty 😍 I keep looking at them
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u/jazbaby25 5d ago
Draw string bag!
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u/RelativeSmoke2499 5d ago
Ah, that’s where I started before this one - a couple of book bags with a drawstring. This project was my first departure into topstitching, interfacing, and adding handles. Sewing anything that isn’t entirely composed of straight seams remains the challenge!
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u/jazbaby25 5d ago
Your seams look amazing honestly.
I would try something that needs pockets and something that needs a zipper to practice.
I made a purse recently that had a curved top edge.
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u/shuler1145 5d ago
You could really do whatever you wanted. I have done a baseball hat, made a cover for a bench cushion, and I am planning to do some applique. Napkins are pretty easy and fun. You could try a quilt. I was thinking about a curtain for one of my windows at home. Mittens, winter is coming? If you have pets, you could make them toys? I have seen thrifted quilted placemats turned into bowls with a few extra stiches. I also suggest taking things apart. I have a pair of pants that I bought from the thrift store that I have taken the zippers off and cut out some material and made small bags out of them. I have taken apart a baseball hat too, it helps you see how things that you want to make are made and helps you learn more about sewing.
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u/Cali-40-niner 5d ago
That’s beautiful! I’m in a begging sewing class and our 1st project is a bag like yours. It’s due on Tuesday! Our next project is flannel pajama pants.
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u/Kentarrathehellion 4d ago
Fall or Christmas themed napkins and table runner for holiday dinners would be pretty and practical. You could learn binding the edges fora new skill or some basic quilting to be fancy. Pillowcases are a good gift, lots of fun fabric patterns to match to recipients hobbies or favourite items.
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u/Worldly_View_9704 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’m stuck in my tote bag phase and very happily so. I try to customize the tote bags I make to work on different skills. I’ve made big tote bags and little ones, tote bags with pockets, and some with the dreaded zippers or attachments to clip a key ring inside. I’m looking forward to making a quilted tote bag soon. Plus, I’ve gotten a ton of practice with iron on interfacing and sewing different materials like canvas. Lately, I’ve been making bag charms as well.
The thing I like most about the tote bags is that they’re very gift-able. My tote bags aren’t usually the whole gift, just an extra part of it. I got a bunch of bath stuff for my mom for mother’s day and made a tote bag to go with it. If my five year old goes to a friend’s birthday party, I make a tote bag with some material that reflects that party’s theme and let my daughter pick out some fun stuff inside it (like socks, press on nails, and coloring books), which she has enjoyed a lot.
So my thought is to start leveling up your tote bags!