I finally want to start sewing, but I'm not sure which fabric I should buy. My mom recommended an old Singer to me, but I don't know whether cotton, jersey, or something completely different is easiest to work with.
What do you want to sew - something simple like a pillowcase or jump straight into a garment?
For a beginner, I'd definitely recommend cotton. Jersey is way trickier because the fabric's stretchy and tends to slip around while you're sewing - that just frustrates beginners more than anything. Cotton lies flat nicely, grabs well, and behaves predictably. Get yourself some poplin or woven cotton fabric - they're sturdy enough that small sewing mistakes don't show up right away. And yeah, an old Singer is perfect for this - those things are basically indestructible.
When you're buying, make sure the fabric isn't too thin (I'd avoid anything under 150g per square meter) and not too slippery - so skip smooth stuff like silk or viscose. For your first project, pick something with an interesting pattern, then small unevenness in the seams won't show at all. And this is really important: get yourself good sewing thread (polyester or cotton, has to match your fabric) and a sharp needle - with a dull needle even the best fabric becomes a nightmare.
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