From Seam to Screen
how I began my sewing journey + beginner sewing tips
There are a lot of elements that attributed to my love of sewing and fashion. My auntie letting my sisters and I choose fabric so she could sew us Halloween treats bags or watching innovative and stylish characters on That’s So Raven or True Jackson VP. Hey, even the mice from Cinderella!
But it wasn’t until my friend, Jacob, mentioned that he had a sewing machine in his truck that his mom asked him to donate at Goodwill, that I actually started making clothes of my own. “I’ll take it.” “Really?” “Yeah. I’ve always wanted to sew.”
This was 2019 and little did I know I was about to have ample time during the pandemic to learn. I took the machine home and with the help of Youtube learned some of the basics:
My search history probably included titles like these:
“How to thread a sewing machine”
“How to wind the bobbin”
“How to adjust the tension” or “What tension for knit fabric?”
“How to sew a halter top”
“Why is my machine eating my fabric?”
If you’re someone who wants to sew but always figured it was too hard or believe you’re not crafty enough. I’m here to tell you that you can totally do it! All you need is (obviously) a sewing machine, materials, and a ton of patience!
Like any hobby you only get better with time and practice. Sewing is really no different and though it can be an expensive investment to dive in to I find it to be so personal and rewarding to make something by you for you (or for a loved one).
The first thing I ever sewed was a halter top. I had no idea what a pattern was. I had no clue that (most of the time) you’re supposed to line your clothing, or the importance of back stitching! What I did know was I loved my lime green, 70s inspired floral fabric that I used as two table cloths for my 21st birthday, and I wanted to turn it into a top.
As a creator, growth thrives on your willingness to fail. You might not even notice it happening because you're so caught up in the excitement of reaching the next peak, all while still climbing an even steeper mountain.
Trust me, I thought I was hot shit wearing my unlined, ripping at the seams halter top because of the pride I had from making it. When I look back I realize it was SO BAD, and it ended up ripping after a night out (another story).
As much as I love fashion, I’ve always had a deep passion for film and tv, and when my university chose to fund my pilot, Please Excuse Our Dad, I knew that on top of being a writer I wanted a creative role on set.
This was the first time I was able to have my two passions intersect: costume design.
Though working on this pilot was not my magnum opus it was a great stepping stone in learning how to connect fashion with film and understanding how clothing can tell a story.
It wasn’t until two years later when I moved out to Los Angeles that I devoted a lot more time to learning how to sew - and what I liked to sew. I started posting on TikTok @everyoneknowsamaddie and with that came consistency.
I hunted down unique patterns and ventured to downtown LA off 8th and Flower St. to find the best deals. From there I began to create some of my favorite looks that mostly included bell sleeves.
When my friend, Jake Carpenter - yes, yet another Jacob - came up with the idea to make a fashion film. I knew I already had two beautiful pieces made from vintage fabric my lovely aunt got for me from an estate sale that we had to base the film around.
A few months later, a short script, a great crew, and collection of seven looks were born and we created: Doppelgänger.
When you enter a crowded room, one of the first things you notice about people are their clothes. When Jolaya - the star of our film - enters the party she is surrounded by beautiful people and their wardrobe. A contrast of flowy fabrics and bright color that she doesn’t necessarily match with her own dark attire.
As we move into the kitchen, she’s able to step into the light and come face to face with her doppelgänger. Someone who’s also hidden away from the crowd - and whose dress is made of the same floral print as Jolaya’s corset.
Our two characters bond over their choice of fashion- and a joint- and soon they have enough confidence to blend in with the rest of the party. In our final shot, we finally see that all of the women’s wardrobe complement the other through small details.
Being able to tell a short story through clothing is so fulfilling because it transforms garments into symbols, allowing emotions, identities, and connections to unfold visually and speak where words cannot.
I think oftentimes people overlook the importance and power of costumes within stories. The truth is everyday people make a conscious decision to wear what they want, what best defines them, or makes them feel comfortable. In doing so we’re expressing our character.
As a writer, I love characters and writing small details that makes that character unique so when I can do that in a visual manner as well it feels like the perfect fusion of narrative and design.
And I’m über excited to finish the post-production on my latest fashion film, Ghosted, that I directed with Lindsey Ellis. I will definitely post more about the creative process of sewing those pieces as we grow closer to our release date in 2025.
For now, I’ll leave you with a bit of advice when it comes to tackling sewing as a beginner. I’m not suggesting that you read this and got super inspired to pick up a sewing machine and change your life!
But, maybe there’s a part of you who wants to learn sewing less for the art but more for the practical use. Those jeans aren’t going to hem themselves. Or maybe you’re looking for a simple yet personal Christmas gift. Or possibly you’ve just always thought about sewing in general and just need that little push. Trust me, it’s a very fun yet peaceful hobby. Think of it as a puzzle that you have to assemble and at the end of you have a beautiful blouse, pillowcase, dress and so on.
If you’re looking to start sewing here’s a few things I had wish I’d known at the beginning:
Simplicity patterns are great but don’t sleep on Etsy digital patterns - plus you can support young creators.
Youtube is your best friend! But so are websites like Mood Fabrics (who have free digital patterns) or even TikTok to get inspiration for questions you’ve yet to think to search up.
If your machine is acting up (i.e. thread is getting tangled or eaten when you sew) always start by rethreading completely and adjusting the tension. You’d be surprised how simple the fix can be.
Start with a project you’re passionate about! You might not finish the whole thing in a day so choose something you know you’ll be excited to come back to in your free time - not something you’ll dread.
Different fabrics behave differently. Starting with a simple fabric like cotton will help build up your confidence.
Press your fabric!! Girl, trust me, press those seams it’ll make all the difference.
Pay attention to seam allowance this will make or break your project when it comes to sizing, but don’t worry they make awesome tools like Seam Guides to help.
Most machines come with them but invest in a seam ripper, and don’t let it get you down when you have to use it.
Common materials you’ll need:
Various needles (different fabrics require different types for best results)
Matching threads based on fabric
Fabric scissors (never cut your pattern paper with these)
Measuring tape
Seam ripper
Pins
Weights (for fabric you don’t want to pin)
Iron and ironing board
Cutting mat (it’ll save your floor or table)
Pinking shears (to help with fraying)
Tailor’s chalk
Zipper foot and/or invisible zipper foot
Zippers, buttons, elastic (your pattern will tell you which notions you need to start)
Start simple and trust the process! You'll soon discover the creations that bring you the most joy and the stories you’re meant to tell.
♡ Maddie