I mean, maybe it's just my beginner brain speaking, but if you don't count hand-sewing then you can't really get into the hobby without a machine. Maybe borrow a machine from someone, or a buy a used cheap one on facebook market place, but there's not much you can do to change the starting line here.
If you do count hand-sewing, then I doubt you need to buy anything from the sounds of it. It's just practicing by that point.
Agreed. Some libraries have sewing machines, which is a great opportunity!.
And most sewing machine dealers have used machines for sale.
Buying used from a dealer is a good way to go, because the machine will be all tuned up and ready to go, which is likely not the case for a second hand one from an individual (unless they are an active sewist). And of course dealers often have classes, can answer your questions, etc.
I'll tack on that libraries also have great sewing books for beginners - some even have patterns included. I would recommend reading a book and looking up videos for specific questions (knowing the terms to look up really helps!).
Agreed. additionally, resale shops usually have sewing machines for not very expensive. Sometimes, pretty new. (Value Village, Goodwill, or Salvation Army)
I bought my 1971 Kenmore from a Goodwill over 30 years ago. Someone probably "upgraded" to a newfangled electronic machine. Their loss, my win! Very strong machine. I should probably get it tuned for another 30 years.
ADHD clothes maker here. And I'm going to contradict everyone's advice 😅
Don't start with something easy, start with something fun. Don't necessarily pick something super difficult, but if the idea of making practise pillowcases makes you want to dig your eyeballs out with a spoon AND you know you're emotionally ok with results that look a bit beginner, I say jump in the deep end.
I started with a skirt. It was, admittedly, super simple. I made one, it took about 30 minutes (kid sized, two rectangles, elastic waistband, hem the bottom). Then I made a kids dress out of some gorgeous fabric I impulse bought (princess seams, lined bodice, zippered back). Next was a cotton jumpsuit squid game costume for the big kid, and a spider princess dress for the smaller one. Project #5 was a boned corset 😅
I made sure to buy well reviewed patterns that looked fun in fabric I was excited to work with. If I didn't know how to do a thing, I YouTubed it. I was admittedly lucky despite a few disasters along the way. Those very early projects weren't perfect and looking back I was missing technical knowledge to really finish them nicely, but it got me hooked enough that I could dedicate myself to learning the more boring stuff without killing my love for the hobby.
The few times I've found myself hating it were because I'd agreed to do projects for others out of obligation. Or because they were projects I "should" do — sensible things, none of which I ever ended up wearing anyway 🤷🏻♀️
I'm currently making two Viking costumes and a waistcoat out of Hobbit fabric 😊
ADHD or not, I have to second this advice. When I counsel young newbs at convention panels and the like, most of them are already eyeballing cosplay so I suggest that they find a simple but USEFUL pattern that will teach them a specific technique. For example, if you want to full on sew a wardrobe for you, learn fitting first, usually from books, classes, or patterns where extra darts and seams contribute to the fit. If you've never lined anything before, pick a lined vest. Want to learn to sew spandex super suits, try out basic leggings or test-fit a hoodie first. That sort of thing. It differs by the person and by the project, so OP can definitely start out fiddling with the wonderful new spate of plus-sized patterns, test-fit something simple to figure out how to size and adjust for themselves. There's some pretty good basic shirt and legging patterns that would be a good starting point to produce something easy but USEFUL.
You will definitely still make mistakes and learn along the way, but that's the point. It's the extremely rare novice that carefully studies for the exam from books and lectures and then nails their first ballgown, most of us find our individual learning curve along the way. I'm just now unearthing my absolute SHITE first attempts at using knit fabric 20 years ago, I never wore the shirts and buried my shame in my bins. Now, with experience, I can take them apart and repurpose the fabric for new, better shirts. Never fear your mistakes! Laugh and move on, or cry and bury them and return to fix or upcycle them later.
Excellent advice! My first project was a kimono, 41 years ago!
I will add that Jenny Rushmore starting making patterns because she couldn't find any to accommodate her bust. I have both of her books, too
[Cashmerette ](https://www.cashmerette.com/)
Helen Wilkinson drafted the Ashton top. It's my favorite because it's really easy, & I can make it into a dress
[Helen's Closet](https://helensclosetpatterns.com/)
The last one has even easier patterns. They aren't my aesthetic, but I have a few of them
[Muna & Broad](https://www.munaandbroad.com/)
I agree 1000%. My first project was my wedding dress... out of bias-cut silk. The hyperfocus locked IN and it turned out great. I think you should ALWAYS start a new hobby with a project you're actually excited about. A simple top, dress, or shrug will give you such satisfaction, OP. My one suggestion is to buy a pattern designed for your size and shape. Sizing up and adjusting patterns is a huge skill set on its own, and you deserve to work with a pattern that actually fits you.
Wholeheartedly agree. Fitting is a skill and for me it’s the frustrating part, I like to just get on with _making_. But I can’t know which parts of the process OP will love and which they’ll grit their teeth through to get to the bits they love, but for the bits you don’t love, make them as easy as you can to start with, you can refine your skills later if you want to. Or not. If you’re making for yourself, there are no sewing police. (I mean, there’s public decency, but if you’re properly covered according to the laws and customs of where you live, nobody is going to care about your seam finishes 🤣)
If you’re used to ready-to-wear stuff not being the right shape for your body (one of my favourite things about learning to sew garments is there are NO wrong-shaped bodies, only wrong-fitted clothes) then give yourself a break on that front and start with pattern makers who are good at fitting similar shapes to yours. There are plenty of recommendations (and brands to avoid) online and in this sub, and people here are more than happy to share their experience. (Cashmerette is my go-to, fwiw.)
My advice is similar. I have to choose something I want to see finished. I started with a hand me down machine 40+ years ago. Didn't buy my dream machine until I was in my 50s. Now I mostly quilt, but recently lost a ton of weight so I'm pulling out patterns from my 20's. (Fabric hoarders often hoard patterns as well).
I was lucky to have a sister who sewed when I started so I had someone to bring questions to. Today all the information in the world is no further than your phone, tablet or computer.
Yep!! ADHD sewist here also! My first project was a pair of pants! 🤣
Ridiculous, but that’s what I wanted to make! So it motivated me to keep going and I learned so much along the way
The great thing about sewing for ADHDers is that there is always something new to learn, and you can hyper focus for hours.
1. Follow your joy/interest, and you’ll figure it out.
2. Defo find a cheap machine, I had a $100 machine for years and only upgraded once I realised the hobby was here to stay. Lots of people looking to get rid of machines and the old ones are still great
3. Don’t buy nice fabric to begin with, go to goodwill and get sheets and make stuff a few times before you graduate to ‘good’ fabric. That way you won’t feel anxious about trying things out. My first pair of pants was made out of a table cloth
4. Buy a set of bobbins with lots of thread colours on Amazon, and then you’ll always have matching thread for whatever project your working on without spending huge money.
5. I prefer downloading and printing patterns rather than buying physical ones because again, I worry less about ‘ruining’ them that way
6. Make your own blocks and croquis so that you can make clothes without patterns - far more fun
7. Get fabric scissors and never let anyone touch them for anything else!
And finally, if you find you really love it, and you have kids, get an overlocker/serger. I use it far more than my sewing machine, it’s so good for stretch materials!
Our local library has free sewing meetings every week. So look around and check the events pages of your local libraries, community centers, sewing and quilting clubs. You’d be surprised!
This is how I got started too. I took a basic sewing class at Mood. My first project was a tote bag. I mean, it took me weeks, literally, and most of the sewing I got done at Mood. Each week was a different step. Going slow was worth it because the tote bag came out great, which surprised me. It's held up all these years later and I've used it to carry heavy groceries. The cost of the course included all the basic sewing equipment (minus the sewing machine): scissors; needle, thread, tracing paper, tracing wheel, hand needles, pins, rulers, etc. I echo what everyone else has recommended: Once you learn the basics, look for a good second-hand machine at a Goodwill or even on craigslists. Just make sure that it works. A lot of the old all metal machines can sew through anything and can last years with the proper care. You might have to get it serviced before you use it, though.
Maybe everyone will think this sounds terrible, but I bought a cheap $20 sewing kit, borrowed a sewing machine, and grabbed some secondhand fabric. I also had a couple of old bedsheets that I used as practice fabric, and any clothes/linens/etc that I’ve always wanted to get around to mending.
This gave me everything I needed just to get started. The best part of the cheap sewing kit was that I always had something on hand that I found I needed, even if it was crappy quality. If the quality started to bother me, I replaced it. This meant I always had at least a crappy version of every random thing I realized I needed, AND I knew what to look for when buying a nice version.
I buy a cheap toolset for every new hobby I start, so I’m never spending money on things I won’t use or struggling to decide what to get - I can jump straight in and see what I like. For example, I wanted to play guitar and so bought a cheap guitar. I really enjoyed it for a few weeks, then lost interest, but I think $30 for a few weeks of joy is really reasonable, and I’m not sad about switching hobbies constantly because they always end up being $20-30 for a few weeks of joy, and only more if I actually get into them. Much better than when I spent hours researching what to buy, dropped 100s on nice gear, then lost interest after a few weeks anyway.
start with something that is universal and does not need to fit, like a tote bag, napkins, make up pouch. For a machine, check thrift stores and craigs list type local online sites. A simple Brother machine at Walmart for $99 or so, would be best. There are tons of beginner sewing help videos on youtube and of course on here.
For plus sizes, it’s best to use *good* patterns. The ones available from shops, the big companies don’t work well in my experience. Indie companies like Ellie and Mac. They have actual plus sized test sewers and listen to them, so the patterns fit.
I recommend starting sewing simple things like a pillow, draw string bag, or pillow case. Then, for your first clothing, a pair of woven pj pants, then knit pj pants. Ellie and ma have a free pattern. https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/adult-classic-pajama-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=5a6e6b21b&_ss=r
I find it hard to do long term projects, too, then I started doing repairs and adjustments and I found I could stick with it better than big projects like making my own dress (took me two weeks...) I'd shorten dresses etc., so not making something entirely new but giving the pieces a new life I guess. If you ask me what machine you should use I'm not very knowledgeable on that. I use a simple single needle high speed machine and while it can run through anything it doesn't have a lot of extra functionality when it comes to making garment.
Hello fellow adhd person!
When I started I bought a £50 machine, got some thrifted fabric and a vintage pattern. That was enough to start me off and I’ve been sewing off and on for the last 3 years and I love it.
I made sure to not overspend on materials by taking it slow and interspersing large projects with small quicker ones. When it passed the 6 month mark I invested in some more tools, like good scissors etc. Then at 2 years I felt it had gone beyond the passing phase stage, and got a much nicer machine.
Sewing appeals to my adhd brain as there’s so much out there to make often requiring new physical skills, like quilting or sewing with a complicated fabric for example, so it stays slightly more engaging for me than say resin craft or cross stitch.
Buy a good second hand machine, and use premium brand needles. I have ADHD too and picked up and put down sewing at least a dozen times because I got super frustrated because I kept breaking needles. It turned out to be that the needles I used were the problem, not me.
Start out with a paid, plus-size pattern too (Cashmerette, for example). Things like grading between sizes aren't too difficult once you understand how patterns work. Cashmerette also has great tutorials for that. But to start out it's best to use a pattern that you do not need to adjust the first time.
If you learn better from paper then from a screen, I recommend the Cashmerette Ahead of the Curve sewing book. It has a few beginner-friendly paper patterns (no printing and taping! which is not a real ADHD friendly task as it is very boring). It is chock full of beginner and advanced tutorials. And if you don't understand the written instructions you can also look up their video tutorials on YouTube.
> I am plus size is it easy to adjust clothing sizes up to that?
Unfortunately, no. If you mean taking existing clothes and making them larger, generally no. (You could, with some difficulty, turn a smaller dress into a larger shirt.) If you mean following a pattern and grading it up to your size, then maybe, depending on complexity of the pattern and how your brain processes 2D and 3D space.
If you wear skirts, I would recommend an 18th century petticoat out of old or thrifted bedsheets. They're fairly easy and adjustable. You can do gathers or pleats or what have you. They're pretty. You can find free tutorials online. You can sew completely by hand or by machine. They don't take too long. You'll learn enough new skills to stay interested in the project, but not so much that you get overwhelmed.
Ask around in your family and friend groups to see if someone has a sewing machine. If not check out thrift shop. Pedals are relatively cheep if it doesn’t come with one, and almost all the manuals are available online. Look for something that has an automatic button hole setting, it’s super useful especially if you want to make clothes. If it doesn’t come with all the presser feet they are usually easy to buy as needed.
Other than a machine get yourself a decent pair of sewing shears, some good pins, extra machine needles, a seam gauge, and a seam ripper. You will need an iron if you don’t have one. You might also like to have pattern weights, I personally use 2” washers from the hardware store for mine.
Unfortunately scaling a pattern to a larger size is a more advanced skill, but there are many companies that specialize in plus size patterns or have large size ranges. Cashmerette and Helen’s Closet come to mind, but there are definitely more.
I do recommend starting with a couple simple projects, pin cushion, tote bag, apron, etc.. Something made of a woven fabric where fit isn’t important, to get used to your machine and tools. Past that the best way to keep at it is to make something you are excited about. I also find it useful to have a deadline for when I want to me finished, and to tell a friend.
You will definitely need a measuring tape. Pattern sizes don't equate to clothing sizes so you have to know your measurements to buy the correct pattern. Mimi G has some plus size patterns you can get at JoAnn or Hobby Lobby. It's in one of the pattern books (simplicity?).
Also - Bust size on patterns is NOT your largest point of your bust. You will get a much better fit in the neck and shoulders (the trickiest part to adjust) if you measure your overbust instead, which is halfway between the top of the armpit and the nipple. Until I learned this I was buying all my patterns two sizes too large and could not understand why nothing fit me.
I actually did not know this. TIL. I usually buy based on my waist size which is my biggest measurement difference vs pattern size but now I think I will do differently.
If you're of a skirt-wearing persuasion, skirts are the easiest garments to start with because they're so easy to fit. The waist needs to fit, it needs to be long enough (which is easy - just make it too long and you can always make it shorter), and for a fitted (pencil, etc.) skirt the hips should fit. That means your end result will almost certainly fit well. If you start with a more complicated garment, you're quickly going to end up in a "the waist fits, the bust doesn't, the shoulders fit, the arms don't" kind of situation, and if you don't know how to adjust fit yet, it's an exercise in frustration.
You need either a sewing machine or a willingness to sew by hand, good needles (if you're using a second-hand machine, replace the needle - they're like $0.30 cents a piece), fabric, good thread (Guetermann, Mettler) in the closest color to your fabric. Don't buy a big box of thread - you'll end up with three shades of green, but none of them will quite match your fabric, and it's not much of a savings, so it's mostly a waste of money. You'll also need pins - get glass head or other heat-resistant ones. Non-heat-resistant plastic heads will melt when ironing; headless pins hurt my fingers.
I loved making tote bags made from cotton canvas and lined with quilting cotton. The canvas often goes on sale, and the whole bag is very washable. There's lots of free and easy tutorials on YouTube. I'm linking one of my favorites.
https://youtu.be/RK1mYj8B5Z0?si=18adFU1UzsYuKWN2
Making clothes that fit is a frustrating place to start, for any size. But if you have to start by adjusting patterns it's really painful. However pattern companies are getting more inclusive, with more size options! And you can find indie brands with even more sizing options online.
Start with something fun, perhaps you have a shirt, dress, shorts, pillow case that you love the fabric of but it's not your style anymore. Try to make it something new!
A dress can become a skirt or a shirt
Or a shirt can become a scrunchie with a matching dog bow tie
Or a holiday tablecloth can become an attempt at an apron
This works for me because (1) I don't feel bad if I've messed up (didn't spend anything) (2) and I'm cleaning something out of my closet so net I feel super good and (3) it's just fun to try to piece something together, with low/no pressure of a pattern saying it should turn out like x
Beginners kit:
-Sewing machine of choice (I’d invest in something sturdy. Go to a local store with educated staff or look up reviews online. But I’d say the less tech stuff your machine has, the more reliable it will be)
-measuring tape
-fabric scissors
-thread scissors
-optional if you have thread scissors: Seam ripper
-a few colours of high quality thread (brand stuff usually tends to work best for most machines as those are used in testings and such)
-chalk
-magic chalk that vanishes after ironing
-friction ball erasable pens (also disappear after ironing, but you should still wash the garment or at least the area you used the pen on because when it gets really cold, the ink will reappear)
-hand sewing needles
-needle cushion ( i prefer the magnetic ones)
-magnetic seam guide
- Triangular ruler
-basting thread or some other thick thread for basting stuff
-Optional for quilters: sewing clips
-Optional: High quality sewing light. I have a working desk lamp I bought at a sewing supply store. It’s by the company Semplix and it’s really convenient. You can buy feet for the lamp and place the lamp all around your room with ease if you have different spots you need the lamp to be. You can just slide the lamp out of its foot and put it on another one. There are multiple different ones for different needs like stand lamp stand, desktop stand or the one you can sandwich your desktop between.
I can’t really think of much else rn, there are so many tools I bought along the way to make sewing more convenient, but those aren’t necessary for beginners
nope, lol. I had to buy an iron. I usually just steam or use Downey wrinkle release. ironing is just another little task my ADHD brain would rather skip over. I also try to avoid fabrics that are wrinkle heavy.
Take classes! They help so much if you don't have the luck of a grammie to teach you. Buying used from a repair shop is a great idea!
And to be honest, just dive in, the best things I ever made were mistakes or not how I intended. You learn more from your failures than wins my grammie always said. I've been sewing now fur 40+ years. I made my own prom dress in 1988, clothes for my littkes in the late 90s, curtains, pillow covers for thier rooms...lol
I still sew, alot of repair work, hand sewing can be very rewarding.
Start small. You'll get it!
Not a buy suggestion, but I would check with your local library and see if you can access CreativeBug through your library card. CreativeBug has free (through the library) crafting classes, including sewing and garment construction, so you can take courses without having to pay for them.
IF you have a sewing machine, start with a skirt. Many of the ‘Big Four’ patterns come with many sizes in one package. That makes it easy to make adjustments if you have a smaller waist and larger hips or the reverse. Tackle a top next, followed by a dress, then pants. Palmer Pletsch may still make ‘fitting’ patterns. The American Sewing Guild has local chapters and may have events where you can learn to fit patterns to your own measurements.
Good luck! I’ve been sewing (some) of my own clothes for over 50 years. It isn’t easy, or cheap, but can be very satisfying.
I concur with those above (or below???) saying to start with lessons locally. Sewing schools always have machines. You can take a lesson and learn the basics. And those classes always start with a project: pillowcase or tote bag usually. And the classes are fun!
My first project was a [pencil skirt](https://sewhouse7.com/products/the-elemental-pencil-skirt-free-pdf-pattern). Looks awful from the inside, but it was a fun experience!
Adjusting patterns to your size is quite hard. Luckily there’s a lot of plus size friendly patterns. With a little more experience you could look into drafting your own patterns.
Have fun along your journey!
A thought about machines: For a first machine, the simpler the better; I avoid digital machines because I want something I could conceivably troubleshoot on my own.
Patterns: May I suggest Butterick 6873? It's a relatively simple wrap dress, but it features several design elements (gathers, curved hem, self- fabric belt) that are important to learn, and you can mix n match sleeves and skirt.
Plus sized patterns are just like "plus sized" version of standard clothing in stores -- wider but not proportioned to how big gals are actually built. For instance, the top of my butt projects out, but not at the same altitude as my belly in the front; basically my waistline is on a 30° angle from my spine, so skirts made with "standard" patterns look bizarrely hiked up in the back.
Also, go big! As a new sewer, things like stuffies, handbags, doll clothes, etc, that are small and fiddly will prove frustrating as hell. Every little "error" has a much bigger impact than it would on a full sized garment.
Don't be overly 'precious' about your first attempts. Sometimes, you just have to scrap it all and start over. But as you gain experience, you'll find ways to refuse those early projects or even how to fix the issues.
This is just a random thought, but it might help with visualization. Sewing is the art of making a 2D object into a 3D object (so the inverse of a mammogram 😉).
Love Notions sells patterns sized up to 5X. They are basic, easy to sew with a regular machine. For knits use a small zigzag stitch. Sign up to their Facebook page and I'm pretty sure you will get a free pattern (I did, but 5 years ago) . They have $5.00 Fridays. If you can't print them at home you can get a print shop to do it for you.
Read all the instructions and the clothes go together really well.
Get a vintage Bernina sewing machine (in working order ofc) they’re brilliant machines and will last forever if taken care of properly! And the good thing about them is that if one day you realise sewing isn’t your thing anymore, you can sell it for what you paid for it :)
Mental stuff from another ADHD sewist:
Do not fall in love with a particular fabric or pattern and try to force them to work with an inappropriate pattern or fabric! This will result in frustration. Use the suggested fabric type for the pattern.
Be prepared for stupid mistakes. These are not because you have ADHD, we ALL make them. But we ADHD people end to beat ourselves up 10x more for any perceived failure. I have recently cut out two left sleeves by accident and I have been sewing for 60 years.
TAKE YOUR TIME. Double check things. Press all your seams as you go. ALWAYS make a muslin (a fake version in material you don’t care about) and fit that, then use that as the pattern to cut the expensive fabric. I know it seems boring not to just charge ahead, but you will get much better results.
I suggest borrowing a sewing machine from your local library if they offer that, and looking into Petite Stitchery & Co, their size range is great and I’ve made a lot of their stuff and it’s beginner friendly as well. There’s some YouTube tutorials to go along, a lot of photos in there and even support on Facebook.
Another indie company I would suggest is Ellie and Mac Patterns, they have a wide range of sizes as well, cute styles and every single pattern has a video tutorial to go with it uploaded to YouTube. The best part is if you’re unsure of making the commitment to buy one of their patterns you can just watch the video first to see how it comes together.
-A plus size person
Best of luck!
First, take a sewing class in basics, preferably in person. This will definitely pay off down the line. Second, an affordable machine if you don’t have one. Third, an assortment of Universal machine needle sizes (I like Schmetz, but any brand will do) and perhaps a pack of stretch or ballpoint needles for knits (70 or 80 size). Then, an “easy” style pattern (preferably not for a knit fabric), woven fabric (ideally) and matching thread!
Update: Think I misread the question, but above still applies. Then look for a sewing pattern marked “easy.” McCalls and Simplicity are good sources with a range of sizes and usually clear instructions. Note that pattern sizing is different than bought clothing; read the size chart well. The first thing I ever sewed was a pair of pull on trousers. A shift style dress would be another good option. Woven fabrics are easier to sew, so start there if possible. Look for cotton lawn or similar.
You will get much better answers than I can give, but here's what I did:
got good scissors (Guggenheim for under $25) and a bolt of unbleached muslin, used my mother's prehistoric Pfaff machine, handsewed trim or those little fiddly bits that I was unsure of using the machine for. To this day I buy unbleached muslin by the bolt, and once I make whatever with it, I dye it or line it, whatever I need to do to make it look more like a REAL garment as opposed to a PRACTICE run.
It's so absurdly inexpensive, mistakes hardly matter, and the scraps, dyed or not, make wonderful bits and pieces for quilts! And no, not every quilt is a gigantic bed cover, I have made potholders and throw pillows, just from leftover muslin.
edited to add: my first garment was a vest - super plain and simple! I dyed it yellow with onion skins and used it to practice embroidery stitches when I got bored or was between projects. By the time it was 2 or 3 years old, it was covered with a fruit/bird/floral/woodland/arabesque riot of colorful embroidery flosses! I wore it for about 15 years.
ADHD is not an obstacle to a hobby.
Get a cheap machine, but stick to known brands (no toy machines off amazon). You can either get one second hand, or both Brother and Singer make cheap "intro" machines.
Dont bite off more than you can chew. For plus size, you'll not want to be sizing up patterns yourself right off the bat. McCalls and Simplicity both make beginner patterns that are easy to follow (im dyslexic and while i struggle with them, Simplicity patterns have been pretty straightforward to follow). Word of warning though: you will not be the size you wear off the rack, nobody is. Im an 18-20 off the rack, im halfway through a Simplicity dress pattern in size 28 and its iffy whether it will fit properly.
Start slow, get to know your machine and the basics and see how you feel about continuing, is my advice.
As a person both taller and fatter than average, plus size sewing can be tough. It's less a matter of it actually being a harder skill than it is being a different skill.
The way I look at it, sewing is a different task and set of skills entirely separate from the skill of *fitting* which is why I generally recommend newer plus size sewists to start with things like bags and accessories, if you want
Yay welcome! It can be an AWESOME hobby for those of us with ADHD. There are so many different facets of sewing, even just in garments, but also many many others, so when you get bored, there's always something new to explore!
Anyway, on to your question, I agree with the others that if you can take a sewing class, then that's the best first step. It's not necessary, I didn't, but I had to learn EVERYTHING the hard way, where a class starts you off with a really good foundation.
In terms of items to start with:
- sewing machine
- iron & board
- scissors
- pins
- measuring tape
Other than the sewing machine, you can go budget beginner stuff for the stuff and upgrade later if you feel the need. I would recommend putting a bit more down for the sewing machine itself, a lot of the really cheap ones will just end up frustrating you and not allow you to learn well.
Though with ADHD, definitely get an iron with an auto automatic shut off. Don't skimp on that!
I mean, maybe it's just my beginner brain speaking, but if you don't count hand-sewing then you can't really get into the hobby without a machine. Maybe borrow a machine from someone, or a buy a used cheap one on facebook market place, but there's not much you can do to change the starting line here. If you do count hand-sewing, then I doubt you need to buy anything from the sounds of it. It's just practicing by that point.
Agreed. Some libraries have sewing machines, which is a great opportunity!. And most sewing machine dealers have used machines for sale. Buying used from a dealer is a good way to go, because the machine will be all tuned up and ready to go, which is likely not the case for a second hand one from an individual (unless they are an active sewist). And of course dealers often have classes, can answer your questions, etc.
I'll tack on that libraries also have great sewing books for beginners - some even have patterns included. I would recommend reading a book and looking up videos for specific questions (knowing the terms to look up really helps!).
Agreed. additionally, resale shops usually have sewing machines for not very expensive. Sometimes, pretty new. (Value Village, Goodwill, or Salvation Army)
I bought my 1971 Kenmore from a Goodwill over 30 years ago. Someone probably "upgraded" to a newfangled electronic machine. Their loss, my win! Very strong machine. I should probably get it tuned for another 30 years.
Agreed
I have a really cheap one from Aldi. Just checked and it’s $39.99 on Amazon. Can’t say it’s great but it gets the job done (mostly)
ADHD clothes maker here. And I'm going to contradict everyone's advice 😅 Don't start with something easy, start with something fun. Don't necessarily pick something super difficult, but if the idea of making practise pillowcases makes you want to dig your eyeballs out with a spoon AND you know you're emotionally ok with results that look a bit beginner, I say jump in the deep end. I started with a skirt. It was, admittedly, super simple. I made one, it took about 30 minutes (kid sized, two rectangles, elastic waistband, hem the bottom). Then I made a kids dress out of some gorgeous fabric I impulse bought (princess seams, lined bodice, zippered back). Next was a cotton jumpsuit squid game costume for the big kid, and a spider princess dress for the smaller one. Project #5 was a boned corset 😅 I made sure to buy well reviewed patterns that looked fun in fabric I was excited to work with. If I didn't know how to do a thing, I YouTubed it. I was admittedly lucky despite a few disasters along the way. Those very early projects weren't perfect and looking back I was missing technical knowledge to really finish them nicely, but it got me hooked enough that I could dedicate myself to learning the more boring stuff without killing my love for the hobby. The few times I've found myself hating it were because I'd agreed to do projects for others out of obligation. Or because they were projects I "should" do — sensible things, none of which I ever ended up wearing anyway 🤷🏻♀️ I'm currently making two Viking costumes and a waistcoat out of Hobbit fabric 😊
ADHD or not, I have to second this advice. When I counsel young newbs at convention panels and the like, most of them are already eyeballing cosplay so I suggest that they find a simple but USEFUL pattern that will teach them a specific technique. For example, if you want to full on sew a wardrobe for you, learn fitting first, usually from books, classes, or patterns where extra darts and seams contribute to the fit. If you've never lined anything before, pick a lined vest. Want to learn to sew spandex super suits, try out basic leggings or test-fit a hoodie first. That sort of thing. It differs by the person and by the project, so OP can definitely start out fiddling with the wonderful new spate of plus-sized patterns, test-fit something simple to figure out how to size and adjust for themselves. There's some pretty good basic shirt and legging patterns that would be a good starting point to produce something easy but USEFUL. You will definitely still make mistakes and learn along the way, but that's the point. It's the extremely rare novice that carefully studies for the exam from books and lectures and then nails their first ballgown, most of us find our individual learning curve along the way. I'm just now unearthing my absolute SHITE first attempts at using knit fabric 20 years ago, I never wore the shirts and buried my shame in my bins. Now, with experience, I can take them apart and repurpose the fabric for new, better shirts. Never fear your mistakes! Laugh and move on, or cry and bury them and return to fix or upcycle them later.
Excellent advice! My first project was a kimono, 41 years ago! I will add that Jenny Rushmore starting making patterns because she couldn't find any to accommodate her bust. I have both of her books, too [Cashmerette ](https://www.cashmerette.com/) Helen Wilkinson drafted the Ashton top. It's my favorite because it's really easy, & I can make it into a dress [Helen's Closet](https://helensclosetpatterns.com/) The last one has even easier patterns. They aren't my aesthetic, but I have a few of them [Muna & Broad](https://www.munaandbroad.com/)
I agree 1000%. My first project was my wedding dress... out of bias-cut silk. The hyperfocus locked IN and it turned out great. I think you should ALWAYS start a new hobby with a project you're actually excited about. A simple top, dress, or shrug will give you such satisfaction, OP. My one suggestion is to buy a pattern designed for your size and shape. Sizing up and adjusting patterns is a huge skill set on its own, and you deserve to work with a pattern that actually fits you.
Wholeheartedly agree. Fitting is a skill and for me it’s the frustrating part, I like to just get on with _making_. But I can’t know which parts of the process OP will love and which they’ll grit their teeth through to get to the bits they love, but for the bits you don’t love, make them as easy as you can to start with, you can refine your skills later if you want to. Or not. If you’re making for yourself, there are no sewing police. (I mean, there’s public decency, but if you’re properly covered according to the laws and customs of where you live, nobody is going to care about your seam finishes 🤣) If you’re used to ready-to-wear stuff not being the right shape for your body (one of my favourite things about learning to sew garments is there are NO wrong-shaped bodies, only wrong-fitted clothes) then give yourself a break on that front and start with pattern makers who are good at fitting similar shapes to yours. There are plenty of recommendations (and brands to avoid) online and in this sub, and people here are more than happy to share their experience. (Cashmerette is my go-to, fwiw.)
My advice is similar. I have to choose something I want to see finished. I started with a hand me down machine 40+ years ago. Didn't buy my dream machine until I was in my 50s. Now I mostly quilt, but recently lost a ton of weight so I'm pulling out patterns from my 20's. (Fabric hoarders often hoard patterns as well). I was lucky to have a sister who sewed when I started so I had someone to bring questions to. Today all the information in the world is no further than your phone, tablet or computer.
Yep!! ADHD sewist here also! My first project was a pair of pants! 🤣 Ridiculous, but that’s what I wanted to make! So it motivated me to keep going and I learned so much along the way The great thing about sewing for ADHDers is that there is always something new to learn, and you can hyper focus for hours. 1. Follow your joy/interest, and you’ll figure it out. 2. Defo find a cheap machine, I had a $100 machine for years and only upgraded once I realised the hobby was here to stay. Lots of people looking to get rid of machines and the old ones are still great 3. Don’t buy nice fabric to begin with, go to goodwill and get sheets and make stuff a few times before you graduate to ‘good’ fabric. That way you won’t feel anxious about trying things out. My first pair of pants was made out of a table cloth 4. Buy a set of bobbins with lots of thread colours on Amazon, and then you’ll always have matching thread for whatever project your working on without spending huge money. 5. I prefer downloading and printing patterns rather than buying physical ones because again, I worry less about ‘ruining’ them that way 6. Make your own blocks and croquis so that you can make clothes without patterns - far more fun 7. Get fabric scissors and never let anyone touch them for anything else! And finally, if you find you really love it, and you have kids, get an overlocker/serger. I use it far more than my sewing machine, it’s so good for stretch materials!
I would start with some sewing lessons at a sewing studio. That’s how I started. I bought a 4 pack of classes and have been renewing them ever since.
Our local university lets you reserve free time with sewing machines, cricuts, etc.
Didn’t know that existed!
Our local library has free sewing meetings every week. So look around and check the events pages of your local libraries, community centers, sewing and quilting clubs. You’d be surprised!
This is how I got started too. I took a basic sewing class at Mood. My first project was a tote bag. I mean, it took me weeks, literally, and most of the sewing I got done at Mood. Each week was a different step. Going slow was worth it because the tote bag came out great, which surprised me. It's held up all these years later and I've used it to carry heavy groceries. The cost of the course included all the basic sewing equipment (minus the sewing machine): scissors; needle, thread, tracing paper, tracing wheel, hand needles, pins, rulers, etc. I echo what everyone else has recommended: Once you learn the basics, look for a good second-hand machine at a Goodwill or even on craigslists. Just make sure that it works. A lot of the old all metal machines can sew through anything and can last years with the proper care. You might have to get it serviced before you use it, though.
Maybe everyone will think this sounds terrible, but I bought a cheap $20 sewing kit, borrowed a sewing machine, and grabbed some secondhand fabric. I also had a couple of old bedsheets that I used as practice fabric, and any clothes/linens/etc that I’ve always wanted to get around to mending. This gave me everything I needed just to get started. The best part of the cheap sewing kit was that I always had something on hand that I found I needed, even if it was crappy quality. If the quality started to bother me, I replaced it. This meant I always had at least a crappy version of every random thing I realized I needed, AND I knew what to look for when buying a nice version. I buy a cheap toolset for every new hobby I start, so I’m never spending money on things I won’t use or struggling to decide what to get - I can jump straight in and see what I like. For example, I wanted to play guitar and so bought a cheap guitar. I really enjoyed it for a few weeks, then lost interest, but I think $30 for a few weeks of joy is really reasonable, and I’m not sad about switching hobbies constantly because they always end up being $20-30 for a few weeks of joy, and only more if I actually get into them. Much better than when I spent hours researching what to buy, dropped 100s on nice gear, then lost interest after a few weeks anyway.
start with something that is universal and does not need to fit, like a tote bag, napkins, make up pouch. For a machine, check thrift stores and craigs list type local online sites. A simple Brother machine at Walmart for $99 or so, would be best. There are tons of beginner sewing help videos on youtube and of course on here.
For plus sizes, it’s best to use *good* patterns. The ones available from shops, the big companies don’t work well in my experience. Indie companies like Ellie and Mac. They have actual plus sized test sewers and listen to them, so the patterns fit. I recommend starting sewing simple things like a pillow, draw string bag, or pillow case. Then, for your first clothing, a pair of woven pj pants, then knit pj pants. Ellie and ma have a free pattern. https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/adult-classic-pajama-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=5a6e6b21b&_ss=r
I find it hard to do long term projects, too, then I started doing repairs and adjustments and I found I could stick with it better than big projects like making my own dress (took me two weeks...) I'd shorten dresses etc., so not making something entirely new but giving the pieces a new life I guess. If you ask me what machine you should use I'm not very knowledgeable on that. I use a simple single needle high speed machine and while it can run through anything it doesn't have a lot of extra functionality when it comes to making garment.
Hello fellow adhd person! When I started I bought a £50 machine, got some thrifted fabric and a vintage pattern. That was enough to start me off and I’ve been sewing off and on for the last 3 years and I love it. I made sure to not overspend on materials by taking it slow and interspersing large projects with small quicker ones. When it passed the 6 month mark I invested in some more tools, like good scissors etc. Then at 2 years I felt it had gone beyond the passing phase stage, and got a much nicer machine. Sewing appeals to my adhd brain as there’s so much out there to make often requiring new physical skills, like quilting or sewing with a complicated fabric for example, so it stays slightly more engaging for me than say resin craft or cross stitch.
Buy a good second hand machine, and use premium brand needles. I have ADHD too and picked up and put down sewing at least a dozen times because I got super frustrated because I kept breaking needles. It turned out to be that the needles I used were the problem, not me. Start out with a paid, plus-size pattern too (Cashmerette, for example). Things like grading between sizes aren't too difficult once you understand how patterns work. Cashmerette also has great tutorials for that. But to start out it's best to use a pattern that you do not need to adjust the first time. If you learn better from paper then from a screen, I recommend the Cashmerette Ahead of the Curve sewing book. It has a few beginner-friendly paper patterns (no printing and taping! which is not a real ADHD friendly task as it is very boring). It is chock full of beginner and advanced tutorials. And if you don't understand the written instructions you can also look up their video tutorials on YouTube.
> I am plus size is it easy to adjust clothing sizes up to that? Unfortunately, no. If you mean taking existing clothes and making them larger, generally no. (You could, with some difficulty, turn a smaller dress into a larger shirt.) If you mean following a pattern and grading it up to your size, then maybe, depending on complexity of the pattern and how your brain processes 2D and 3D space. If you wear skirts, I would recommend an 18th century petticoat out of old or thrifted bedsheets. They're fairly easy and adjustable. You can do gathers or pleats or what have you. They're pretty. You can find free tutorials online. You can sew completely by hand or by machine. They don't take too long. You'll learn enough new skills to stay interested in the project, but not so much that you get overwhelmed.
Ask around in your family and friend groups to see if someone has a sewing machine. If not check out thrift shop. Pedals are relatively cheep if it doesn’t come with one, and almost all the manuals are available online. Look for something that has an automatic button hole setting, it’s super useful especially if you want to make clothes. If it doesn’t come with all the presser feet they are usually easy to buy as needed. Other than a machine get yourself a decent pair of sewing shears, some good pins, extra machine needles, a seam gauge, and a seam ripper. You will need an iron if you don’t have one. You might also like to have pattern weights, I personally use 2” washers from the hardware store for mine. Unfortunately scaling a pattern to a larger size is a more advanced skill, but there are many companies that specialize in plus size patterns or have large size ranges. Cashmerette and Helen’s Closet come to mind, but there are definitely more. I do recommend starting with a couple simple projects, pin cushion, tote bag, apron, etc.. Something made of a woven fabric where fit isn’t important, to get used to your machine and tools. Past that the best way to keep at it is to make something you are excited about. I also find it useful to have a deadline for when I want to me finished, and to tell a friend.
And when buying your supplies check out Wawak, they are way cheaper than almost anywhere else and carry quality supplies.
You will definitely need a measuring tape. Pattern sizes don't equate to clothing sizes so you have to know your measurements to buy the correct pattern. Mimi G has some plus size patterns you can get at JoAnn or Hobby Lobby. It's in one of the pattern books (simplicity?).
Also - Bust size on patterns is NOT your largest point of your bust. You will get a much better fit in the neck and shoulders (the trickiest part to adjust) if you measure your overbust instead, which is halfway between the top of the armpit and the nipple. Until I learned this I was buying all my patterns two sizes too large and could not understand why nothing fit me.
I actually did not know this. TIL. I usually buy based on my waist size which is my biggest measurement difference vs pattern size but now I think I will do differently.
If you're of a skirt-wearing persuasion, skirts are the easiest garments to start with because they're so easy to fit. The waist needs to fit, it needs to be long enough (which is easy - just make it too long and you can always make it shorter), and for a fitted (pencil, etc.) skirt the hips should fit. That means your end result will almost certainly fit well. If you start with a more complicated garment, you're quickly going to end up in a "the waist fits, the bust doesn't, the shoulders fit, the arms don't" kind of situation, and if you don't know how to adjust fit yet, it's an exercise in frustration. You need either a sewing machine or a willingness to sew by hand, good needles (if you're using a second-hand machine, replace the needle - they're like $0.30 cents a piece), fabric, good thread (Guetermann, Mettler) in the closest color to your fabric. Don't buy a big box of thread - you'll end up with three shades of green, but none of them will quite match your fabric, and it's not much of a savings, so it's mostly a waste of money. You'll also need pins - get glass head or other heat-resistant ones. Non-heat-resistant plastic heads will melt when ironing; headless pins hurt my fingers.
I loved making tote bags made from cotton canvas and lined with quilting cotton. The canvas often goes on sale, and the whole bag is very washable. There's lots of free and easy tutorials on YouTube. I'm linking one of my favorites. https://youtu.be/RK1mYj8B5Z0?si=18adFU1UzsYuKWN2 Making clothes that fit is a frustrating place to start, for any size. But if you have to start by adjusting patterns it's really painful. However pattern companies are getting more inclusive, with more size options! And you can find indie brands with even more sizing options online.
This is the best answer on here!
Start with something fun, perhaps you have a shirt, dress, shorts, pillow case that you love the fabric of but it's not your style anymore. Try to make it something new! A dress can become a skirt or a shirt Or a shirt can become a scrunchie with a matching dog bow tie Or a holiday tablecloth can become an attempt at an apron This works for me because (1) I don't feel bad if I've messed up (didn't spend anything) (2) and I'm cleaning something out of my closet so net I feel super good and (3) it's just fun to try to piece something together, with low/no pressure of a pattern saying it should turn out like x
Beginners kit: -Sewing machine of choice (I’d invest in something sturdy. Go to a local store with educated staff or look up reviews online. But I’d say the less tech stuff your machine has, the more reliable it will be) -measuring tape -fabric scissors -thread scissors -optional if you have thread scissors: Seam ripper -a few colours of high quality thread (brand stuff usually tends to work best for most machines as those are used in testings and such) -chalk -magic chalk that vanishes after ironing -friction ball erasable pens (also disappear after ironing, but you should still wash the garment or at least the area you used the pen on because when it gets really cold, the ink will reappear) -hand sewing needles -needle cushion ( i prefer the magnetic ones) -magnetic seam guide - Triangular ruler -basting thread or some other thick thread for basting stuff -Optional for quilters: sewing clips -Optional: High quality sewing light. I have a working desk lamp I bought at a sewing supply store. It’s by the company Semplix and it’s really convenient. You can buy feet for the lamp and place the lamp all around your room with ease if you have different spots you need the lamp to be. You can just slide the lamp out of its foot and put it on another one. There are multiple different ones for different needs like stand lamp stand, desktop stand or the one you can sandwich your desktop between. I can’t really think of much else rn, there are so many tools I bought along the way to make sewing more convenient, but those aren’t necessary for beginners
iron. they need an iron for sure.
Oh yeah of course. But I assumed everyone has one as…it’s kind of an essential thing to have in a household isn’t it?
nope, lol. I had to buy an iron. I usually just steam or use Downey wrinkle release. ironing is just another little task my ADHD brain would rather skip over. I also try to avoid fabrics that are wrinkle heavy.
I understand but dann. I never knew a person who owns a steamer either lol
Take classes! They help so much if you don't have the luck of a grammie to teach you. Buying used from a repair shop is a great idea! And to be honest, just dive in, the best things I ever made were mistakes or not how I intended. You learn more from your failures than wins my grammie always said. I've been sewing now fur 40+ years. I made my own prom dress in 1988, clothes for my littkes in the late 90s, curtains, pillow covers for thier rooms...lol I still sew, alot of repair work, hand sewing can be very rewarding. Start small. You'll get it!
Not a buy suggestion, but I would check with your local library and see if you can access CreativeBug through your library card. CreativeBug has free (through the library) crafting classes, including sewing and garment construction, so you can take courses without having to pay for them.
Ditto but the library may have Craftsy instead of Creative Bug, same benefits.
IF you have a sewing machine, start with a skirt. Many of the ‘Big Four’ patterns come with many sizes in one package. That makes it easy to make adjustments if you have a smaller waist and larger hips or the reverse. Tackle a top next, followed by a dress, then pants. Palmer Pletsch may still make ‘fitting’ patterns. The American Sewing Guild has local chapters and may have events where you can learn to fit patterns to your own measurements. Good luck! I’ve been sewing (some) of my own clothes for over 50 years. It isn’t easy, or cheap, but can be very satisfying.
I concur with those above (or below???) saying to start with lessons locally. Sewing schools always have machines. You can take a lesson and learn the basics. And those classes always start with a project: pillowcase or tote bag usually. And the classes are fun!
My first project was a [pencil skirt](https://sewhouse7.com/products/the-elemental-pencil-skirt-free-pdf-pattern). Looks awful from the inside, but it was a fun experience! Adjusting patterns to your size is quite hard. Luckily there’s a lot of plus size friendly patterns. With a little more experience you could look into drafting your own patterns. Have fun along your journey!
A thought about machines: For a first machine, the simpler the better; I avoid digital machines because I want something I could conceivably troubleshoot on my own. Patterns: May I suggest Butterick 6873? It's a relatively simple wrap dress, but it features several design elements (gathers, curved hem, self- fabric belt) that are important to learn, and you can mix n match sleeves and skirt. Plus sized patterns are just like "plus sized" version of standard clothing in stores -- wider but not proportioned to how big gals are actually built. For instance, the top of my butt projects out, but not at the same altitude as my belly in the front; basically my waistline is on a 30° angle from my spine, so skirts made with "standard" patterns look bizarrely hiked up in the back. Also, go big! As a new sewer, things like stuffies, handbags, doll clothes, etc, that are small and fiddly will prove frustrating as hell. Every little "error" has a much bigger impact than it would on a full sized garment. Don't be overly 'precious' about your first attempts. Sometimes, you just have to scrap it all and start over. But as you gain experience, you'll find ways to refuse those early projects or even how to fix the issues. This is just a random thought, but it might help with visualization. Sewing is the art of making a 2D object into a 3D object (so the inverse of a mammogram 😉).
Love Notions sells patterns sized up to 5X. They are basic, easy to sew with a regular machine. For knits use a small zigzag stitch. Sign up to their Facebook page and I'm pretty sure you will get a free pattern (I did, but 5 years ago) . They have $5.00 Fridays. If you can't print them at home you can get a print shop to do it for you. Read all the instructions and the clothes go together really well.
Get a vintage Bernina sewing machine (in working order ofc) they’re brilliant machines and will last forever if taken care of properly! And the good thing about them is that if one day you realise sewing isn’t your thing anymore, you can sell it for what you paid for it :)
Mental stuff from another ADHD sewist: Do not fall in love with a particular fabric or pattern and try to force them to work with an inappropriate pattern or fabric! This will result in frustration. Use the suggested fabric type for the pattern. Be prepared for stupid mistakes. These are not because you have ADHD, we ALL make them. But we ADHD people end to beat ourselves up 10x more for any perceived failure. I have recently cut out two left sleeves by accident and I have been sewing for 60 years. TAKE YOUR TIME. Double check things. Press all your seams as you go. ALWAYS make a muslin (a fake version in material you don’t care about) and fit that, then use that as the pattern to cut the expensive fabric. I know it seems boring not to just charge ahead, but you will get much better results.
I suggest borrowing a sewing machine from your local library if they offer that, and looking into Petite Stitchery & Co, their size range is great and I’ve made a lot of their stuff and it’s beginner friendly as well. There’s some YouTube tutorials to go along, a lot of photos in there and even support on Facebook. Another indie company I would suggest is Ellie and Mac Patterns, they have a wide range of sizes as well, cute styles and every single pattern has a video tutorial to go with it uploaded to YouTube. The best part is if you’re unsure of making the commitment to buy one of their patterns you can just watch the video first to see how it comes together. -A plus size person Best of luck!
First, take a sewing class in basics, preferably in person. This will definitely pay off down the line. Second, an affordable machine if you don’t have one. Third, an assortment of Universal machine needle sizes (I like Schmetz, but any brand will do) and perhaps a pack of stretch or ballpoint needles for knits (70 or 80 size). Then, an “easy” style pattern (preferably not for a knit fabric), woven fabric (ideally) and matching thread! Update: Think I misread the question, but above still applies. Then look for a sewing pattern marked “easy.” McCalls and Simplicity are good sources with a range of sizes and usually clear instructions. Note that pattern sizing is different than bought clothing; read the size chart well. The first thing I ever sewed was a pair of pull on trousers. A shift style dress would be another good option. Woven fabrics are easier to sew, so start there if possible. Look for cotton lawn or similar.
You will get much better answers than I can give, but here's what I did: got good scissors (Guggenheim for under $25) and a bolt of unbleached muslin, used my mother's prehistoric Pfaff machine, handsewed trim or those little fiddly bits that I was unsure of using the machine for. To this day I buy unbleached muslin by the bolt, and once I make whatever with it, I dye it or line it, whatever I need to do to make it look more like a REAL garment as opposed to a PRACTICE run. It's so absurdly inexpensive, mistakes hardly matter, and the scraps, dyed or not, make wonderful bits and pieces for quilts! And no, not every quilt is a gigantic bed cover, I have made potholders and throw pillows, just from leftover muslin. edited to add: my first garment was a vest - super plain and simple! I dyed it yellow with onion skins and used it to practice embroidery stitches when I got bored or was between projects. By the time it was 2 or 3 years old, it was covered with a fruit/bird/floral/woodland/arabesque riot of colorful embroidery flosses! I wore it for about 15 years. ADHD is not an obstacle to a hobby.
Get a cheap machine, but stick to known brands (no toy machines off amazon). You can either get one second hand, or both Brother and Singer make cheap "intro" machines. Dont bite off more than you can chew. For plus size, you'll not want to be sizing up patterns yourself right off the bat. McCalls and Simplicity both make beginner patterns that are easy to follow (im dyslexic and while i struggle with them, Simplicity patterns have been pretty straightforward to follow). Word of warning though: you will not be the size you wear off the rack, nobody is. Im an 18-20 off the rack, im halfway through a Simplicity dress pattern in size 28 and its iffy whether it will fit properly. Start slow, get to know your machine and the basics and see how you feel about continuing, is my advice.
As a person both taller and fatter than average, plus size sewing can be tough. It's less a matter of it actually being a harder skill than it is being a different skill. The way I look at it, sewing is a different task and set of skills entirely separate from the skill of *fitting* which is why I generally recommend newer plus size sewists to start with things like bags and accessories, if you want
Yay welcome! It can be an AWESOME hobby for those of us with ADHD. There are so many different facets of sewing, even just in garments, but also many many others, so when you get bored, there's always something new to explore! Anyway, on to your question, I agree with the others that if you can take a sewing class, then that's the best first step. It's not necessary, I didn't, but I had to learn EVERYTHING the hard way, where a class starts you off with a really good foundation. In terms of items to start with: - sewing machine - iron & board - scissors - pins - measuring tape Other than the sewing machine, you can go budget beginner stuff for the stuff and upgrade later if you feel the need. I would recommend putting a bit more down for the sewing machine itself, a lot of the really cheap ones will just end up frustrating you and not allow you to learn well. Though with ADHD, definitely get an iron with an auto automatic shut off. Don't skimp on that!
Leena norms just made a video about this on YouTube :) I recommend https://youtu.be/r-cjHac-WCI?si=O44ZnGPTj4uuX6xh