There are somethings like buttons and snaps that need to be sewn on by hand.

Hand sewing hasn't changed much in the last few hundred years:

http://vintagesewing.info/19th/1892-sn/sn-02.html#buttons

http://vintagesewing.info/1920s/26-fcm/fcm-12.html

(BTW, you can sew non-shank buttons and snaps on with a zigzag sewing machine: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/1765/its-so-easy-to-sew-buttons-by-machine )

Considering someone has no experience, is it possible to become a really good sewer in a short amount of time?

It doesn't take long to learn how t use a machine well – but the things that distinguish a good seamstress involve a lot of other skills, including pressing their seams, fitting a pattern/garment, taking good measurements, learning about fabrics, needle sizes and threads, etc.

Things like setting in sleeves, and setting zippers also take extra practice. I wouldn't plan on sewing a wedding dress any time soon…

You might have better luck, initially, working on non-garments. things like purses or whatever – where size/fitting isn't relevant – just honing your sewing skills.

I haven't sewn in years. I took sewing in HS and took a basic sewing class but want to buy a machine. I have bought alot of yardage on sale and have alot of patterns. What would be the easiest way to start sewing again? And what do you suggest for a simple pattern for dummies like me?

It seems to me that you have thought this through and are pretty well prepared so I guess that means you are not a dummy!

That said, there are patterns specifically for beginners.There are patterns that are labeled easy, dummy, quick, etc. Look for a skirt or blouse without buttonholes or zippers. Fleece is a very forgiving fabric. Errors are well hidden. do you need new valances in your house? Most are made with basic construction and will alllow you to get used to your machine. i made a tone of pillowcases out of gingham fabric and than cross stitches peoples names on the end of them for gifts. I put a ruffle on the girls'. What about pajama bottoms? Everyone needs a new pair of flannel jammies.

Just jump in and ask any questions you need to ask along the way. The yahoo answer's community is always willing to give you the answer!

I really would like, okay LOVE to learn to sew! I havent been able to find any sewing classes around here, and I think I can do it with a little practice. I want to make my own clothes.

Start out correctly, and learn how to hand sew first! Yes, learning how to hand sew is essential to good machine sewing. If you decide to sew garments, finish a quilt binding, or do detailing, hand sewing is very good to know. Machines can do it all, but you'll have to pay a hefty price.

As a sewing instructor, I start all my students out by hand. There is a kit that teaches students 12 functional hand stitches. The kit also has a video that will aid you in learning the techniques. The kit can be viewed at:

www.ezstitchsampler.com

Remember, the machine has only been in use for a little over 150 years. Prior to that, all sewing was done by hand; even the extraordinary Parkas made by Inuits. Do yourself a favor, learn old school techniques that will help you understand what you are doing when you mechanize.

Good Luck!

I am starting my own business and i would just like to know the basics of sewing.

Like how does a 3 threads look like? How different it is to a 5-threads?

What is piping?
How does pleats / sheering look?

im sorry im such a novice when it comes to this. i usually have sewers to do it for me but i need to know how its done to avoid complication.

Can u refer me a site where i can learn just the basics? I mean a site which includes photos to illustrate the stuffs i need to know.

Our local College used to do Evening courses in basic needlework. Have you checked out yours? So much easier to have even a small amount of tuition first hand.
Don't they teach needlework in schools any more? Thank goodness mine did, so much simpler to learn when you are a kid.

Well I live in tualatin, Oregon and I want to know of a place where I can learn how to sew. Why you ask? I have my reasons and I want to learn. Also will people make fun of me for it?

Anywhere you live, you can find people who love to sew and teach classes. I have never been teased for sewing. In fact, the most common reaction when showing off your newest creation is amazement and compliments. When you become proficient, your biggest problem will be too many people who want you to sew them an outfit that they can't find in a store. I have been sewing costumes for the past 20 years; and have a waiting list backlogged about 3 months full of requests for elf, Renaissance men's costumes, and re-enactment uniforms. This is skilled labor, and I get paid from $10/hr to $15/hr depending on difficulty of outfit, above the cost of materials.

American Sewing Guild Chapter locations:

http://www.asg.org/html/chapters.html

Hancock Fabric Store and Classes location link:

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/storelocator/storeandclasslocator.jsp

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store location link:

http://www.joann.com/store_locator/locator_main.jhtml;$sessionid$5331HEIAAGJ1UP4SY5KRIHR50LD3UEPO

Oregon Sewing Centers and locations link:

http://www.all-oregon.com/state/hobbies/sewing.htm

I never wear heels, so most suit pants are too long for me. I'd like to learn how to shorten the legs properly, make simple garments, etc. I've picked up patterns at fabric stores, but the designs are always too frumpy to be worth making, and even the packets marked "for beginners" do not define unfamliar terms, like "baste."

I know the basics of how to operate a sewing machine.

When heming the best thing to do is use hand sewing Look to this site for the diferent stitches.

http://www.perestroika.ca/html2/vest/handstitching.php

I'm getting frustrated trying to find drapes I'd like (I always prefer crafty, unique rather than run-of-the-mill factory things). And I'm thinking of attempting to learn how to sew — borrow an old machine and maybe try to make drapery panels as a first project.
Good or bad idea? Any suggestions, good sites on learning? Supplies? Fabrics? Thanks!

You want to learn two things:

How to use a sewing machine AND
How to make draperies/curtains.

Don't borrow any sewing machine unless the owner shows you how to use it and can provide an instruction manual for using the machine.

How to use a sewing machine – http://www.howcast.com/videos/1063-Sewing-Machine-101

To make drapes or curtains you will need to calculate the amount of fabric needed –

http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/fabric4curtains.htm

"Related Articles" near the bottom of the link will provide tools needed and easy to follow instructions for cutting and sewing.

Choose the right sewing machine needle according to the type of fabric you will be using. Here is an overview for matching the right needle to the fabric –

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/needle.shtml

I really want to learn how to sew, but at home I have no one who can teach me. I was wondering if anyone can recommend any certain books, or resources that can teach a newbie like me how to sew.

You might check with your library — they've probably got a number of beginning sewing books. One that I know was especially written for people who'd never sewn before is Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book — there are numerous editions, but try the recent one by Anne Marie Soto.
That will get you through the beginnings of sewing.

If you're thinking about sewing clothing, you might also like Connie Crawford's Guide to Fashion Sewing, which was written for fashion design students who didn't know how to sew. Very step by step, picture and a few sentences of explanation, all the way through all the basic garments. Harder to find as it's considered a textbook, but available used.

Check also with your local adult education department, community college, senior/adult center, fabric stores and sewing machine stores for beginners lessons. It really does help to have someone, for instance, get you started on preparing a pattern for cutting. You might check with quilt shops, too… basic machine handling and seaming is pretty much the same between fashion sewing, home dec sewing and quilting — only the seam allowances differ!

If you're in the US, another resource might be the American Sewing Guild — there are state chapters and "neighborhood groups". If there's a neighborhood group near you, someone may be willing to mentor you a bit. http://www.asg.org
http://www.asg.org/files/locator/index.php (There is even an internet chapter!)

You might also want to consider joining an email sewing group or two. JustSew at Quiltropolis is one that welcomes people of all experience levels, and we've had some beginners asking questions there (it's a pretty quiet group till there is a question) http://lyris.quiltropolis.com/scripts/lyris.pl?enter=justsew

A busier, more structured group that has a lot of different levels of sewing represented is "creative machine" on yahoo groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/creativemachine/
Once a month, there's a professional or advanced sewing person on to lead a discussion on sewing topics. We're just beginning a week of a shirt sewing "contest" mentored by professional shirtmaker Pam Erny — you might enjoy "listening in" on the conversation there.

Most of all, enjoy!

I want to start my own clothing line but idk how to sew. I live in Queens and go to school in Nassau County so anywhere around Queens and Nassau would be good.

Some stores where they sell sewing machine have classes. You might want to check with some of the senior centers around you as ther are women there that would probably be glad to teach you and use your company. They may not even charge you but you know you could make some arrangement with them.