If you are experienced at sewing, you can ABSOLUTELY take apart a garment and use it for a guide.
And for the beginner, it is DEFINITELY easier to make a new garment from “scratch” than to alter. Just say, “replace a busted zipper” to a group experienced at sewing, and listen to the moans and cries!
Definitely play with the sewing machine on scraps, until you figure out how it works. Thread tension is the killer, and to confuse matters even more, some machines have a tension on the top thread AND a tension on the bobbin thread.
The two stitches you’ll need the most are the straight stitch, and the plain zigzag. Master those FIRST.
For long pieces, it is tempting to “give it the gas” and run the machine as fast as it will go. WRONG ANSWER. Until you are very adept at controlling the fabric, all that will do is give you a sewn line that wiggles all over the place. By using a slow, steady speed, you can control the fabric and eventually learn how to do beautifully straight seams.
Get a good seam ripper, and realize that a LOT of sewing means learning how to tear out what you just sewed WRONG. Sometimes you’ll be toodling along, thinking all is well, and when you finish the seam and pull the garment out, you’ll find you have an unexpected tuck, or you sewed the front and the back together. Scream, yell, and gnash your teeth, and then use the seam ripper to pull the wrong stitches out. Don’t just TEAR the seam open, either. You’ll weaken the fabric, and you’ll have to sit there for hours pulling all the little busted threads out. NOT FUN.
Invest in an iron and ironing board. Good sewing projects have to be pressed frequently. Seams are often pressed open to allow the garment to hang nicely.
BIAS TAPE can be your best friend!
Curved areas around necklines and armholes can make you crazy. Pin and baste as much as you need, and remember to sew this slow-slow-slow, so you have absolute control over the fabric.
Oh and look carefully at the patterns you buy. They often are GRADED, “Easy,” “Intermediate,” “Advanced.” The patterns come with big sheets of instructions. Read them carefully, use a pencil to make notes, and if your eyes cross with confusion, ask another seamstress or take it to the fabric store and find somebody to give you a translation.
You’ll be sewing an entire wardrobe in no time!! Have FUN!
~VOW