Podcasts and sewing go SEW well together. When starting out it can be overwhelming to try to find the right sort of content to help you as a beginner. I have put together a list of some really great episodes full of practical advice to get you started.

Why podcasts?

Whenever I delve into a new hobby or interest (and by delve yes you can read do a deep dive and become low key obsessed) podcasts are one of my first ports of call for some easy to absorb information. No matter what the topic, you can bet your socks that there are a host of similarly passionate people out there creating podcasts to share what they love. When it comes to the world of sewing, my goodness there are more than most. Whilst this does mean you are very likely to find something to suit even the most niche sewing kink (no shame here) it can be completely overwhelming as a beginner.

I have compiled a list of some of my recommended podcast episodes that really cover some of the basics, and some of the topics and questions that are great to get you started. Going episode specific on this list was very deliberate to pin point the most relevant content for you. It is also a great way to test out the tone of the podcast, see if you like the presenters and even if you don't return for another of their episodes, you should still come away with some useful information.  Some topics are covered by more than one episode because getting several perspectives is always better than just one.  One last thing before we dive in, listen with careful attention to where the podcasters are based.  In sewing so much is universal, but some things such as the availability of certain brands, measurements and terminology will vary depending on where in the world the presenters are based. 

1. Stitch Please – Episode 252 – Beginner Sewing Machines: What to look for.

   The official show of Black Women Stitch and hosted by Lisa Woolfork, a 6th generation sewing enthusiast, the podcast aims to provide a dedicated platform for Black women, girls and femmes in sewing.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Check Your Thread – Episode 104: How to Successfully Shop for Second-Hand Sewing Machines

   Bringing you an array of ways to sew more sustainably, Check your Thread is hosted by founder of Me Made May, Zoe Edwards.  In this episode she gives you practical advice on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a machine second hand.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Seamwork Radio - Episode 160 – Things We Wish We Knew as Beginners.

4. Episode 140 –  The Advantages of Being a Beginner

5. Episode 93 – The Best Sewing Books for Beginners

   As the official podcast of indie pattern company Seamwork, it is not surprising that there are several episodes full of expertise and advice from Seamwork Radio.

   
   

6. 

   Love to Sew – Episode 32 – Beginner Sewing

7. Love to Sew – Episode 178 – Beginner Q&A

   There is not much that Canadians Helen Wilkinson (Helen’s Closet) and Caroline Somos (Blackbird Fabrics) cannot answer when it comes to sewing.  Boasting a hige back cataloguie this is sure to become a staple for any sewer, but these episodes are a great place to start.

   
   

   

   
   

8. New Craft House – Episode 6 – Starting Your Sewing Journey

   Friends and co owners of the New Craft House fabric shop, Rosie and Hannah always provide relaxed and informative tips and advice.

   
   

   

   
   

9. UnCUT – The Makers Podcast – Episode 74 – Setting Up a Functional Craftroom for Productivity

   Ok, you have all the kit, all the ideas but can’t move for all the fabric and plans you have?  Co-hosts Atia and Juliet will get you sorted.

Sew where now? I know you appreciate a pun as much as I do, sew you are welome. Hopefully this has given you not only some great starter advice, but a new selection of favourite sewing podcasts to trawl through.  I picked episodes that focussed on practical advice, but I will have another post coming soon looking at some others shows that interview artists, designers, changemakers and more, delving into the way our politics, environmental activism, feminism (and so much more) intersect with craft and creation.

This leads me onto my tips for where to go next. If any of the episodes tickled your fancy, give the rest of their back catalogues a listen. Many of the hosts have their own sewing businesses or social accounts and this includes some lovely newsletters. Freebies, tips and exclusive offers as well as lovely stories and content will usually be what they deliver to your inbox if you sign up. With this in mind, if you have made it his far and quite enjoy reading my own ramblings, you can sign up to my own newsletter the Sunday Stitch Up here. I send out a weekly digest of recipes, sewing tips, recommendations for books, shows, podcasts and more.

Until next time - Happy Sewing