I need to learn how to sew asap..

[Omphaloskepsis]

I need a cheap sewing machine ($300) or less too. How the fuck do I learn this trade quickly? What machine should I buy? Any links that teach a clumsy dude how to sew.

[crim son]

1. Just buy the most basic machine

unless you plan on doing machine embroidery. An automatic buttonholer is very helpful. Sewing is like drawing a straight line... if you can draw it, you can sew it.

[Omphaloskepsis]

5. I just need simple straight lines...

My mom could help with this question.. I just don't think I can talk to her right now.

[crim son]

6. Why can't you talk to your mom?

Listen, if it's simple straight lines buy a Singer basic for about $150. You can't kill the machine and the instruction booklet will make it very easy to learn how to sew straight lines. I started sewing my own clothes at twelve, because I was too tall and skinny for what was sold in the store. If I could do it then, you can do it now.

Everything okay?

[MissB]

2. Well, you could run down to your

local JoAnn's Fabrics and buy a White sewing machine for $100 bucks or so. Get one that isn't computerized. http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=127490&PRODID=104411&source=search They come with an instruction book on how to thread them and work each stitch.

There are lots of independent sewing machine repair and sales type businesses in my area. Most of them allow you to sit down at a machine and test them out. You could walk in and try a few - and someone there may even feel sorry enough to give you pointers.

One of the bigger (non-chain) fabric stores around here offers sewing classes. So do some community centers. Your fabric stores are probably your best source of info on this.

[AlCzervik]

3. i have "Sewing for dummies" and it helped a lot, straight line sewing--no problem

i even made curtains.

[carly denise pt deux]

4. OMG what are you trying to sew???

Buy a sewing machine from walmart, they have Brother sewing machines for like 100 or so. Read the instructions on how to thread the machine, set the tension to about 3, and carefully follow the instructions on the sewing pattern... http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/bb/sewing101.htm

if all else fails, go to walmart and just buy whatever you were trying to sew,
Carly