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I want to impart my passion to others and I hope I can spark the creative juices for someone else, no matter their age.:) This Instructable will serve as an introduction to sewing with a sewing machine. I'm aiming it for an absolute beginner, and am writing this as a really basic lesson. If you're a beginner, and a step isn't clear enough, please let me know. p.s. There are already several good instructables on how to thread a sewing machine, so I won't be including that part. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 1: Tips on Acquiring a Sewing Machine If you already have a machine, it's imperative to make sure it's been recently serviced. If you haven't been gifted a machine and are looking to purchase your first machine, here are some hints to help you choose the right one. a. Start by finding a reputable sewing machine repair shop. Often they will be attached to a dealership (just like cars!). If you can find an independent repair shop, and you have a good rapport with the mechanic, you might be happier. This guy (or gal) will be straight about repairs and won't tell you to give up your old machine to buy the latest model. If, on the other hand you find that your local sewing machine dealer is fabulous, by all means, use your best resources and go for it. b. Get a machine with all-metal parts. Many cheaper model sewing machines have plastic pieces. These parts are the ones that will invariably break first. Replacement of the parts may be cheaper, but you'll end up spending far more for the labor to install new plastic parts that will break again. (SIDE NOTE: my stepmom bought me a Sears Kenmore 12-stitch: all-metal parts. In all honesty, you're likely to never require more stitches than those included with the basic 12-stitch model. If, down the road, you find your sewing becomes detailed enough that you need a more complex machine, look for a machine that'll fit those specific needs.
You can then keep your first machine as a workhorse, to just do crafting, or buttonholes, or whatever. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 2: Fabric Definitions and a Good Fabric Choice to Start With What makes a good seamster will be familiarity of medium. The most important part about knowing how to sew on a machine is learning how to manipulate the fabric as it goes under the needle. This is where fabric choices come in. Generally, you have lightweight (feels thin to the touch, mostly sheer enough to see your hand through them, you can fold it many times without creating much girth - most often used for curtain sheers), midweight (feels more substantial, folding creates some girth - most often used for clothing) and heavyweight (thick, folding will create substantial girth - most often used in home decorating, like upholstery) The STRETCH TEST: Fabric can also have stretch. How to tell a fabric stretch (or non-stretch) is by stretching it both lengthwise and widthwise (all fabric will have some amount of stretch on the diagonal, also called the bias). Non-stretch fabric will have little give on both the length and width. FIBER CONTENT: This means what makes up the fabric. Natural fibers can be cotton, silk, linen, bamboo. Polyester and Nylon are examples of manmade fabrics. 1. Start with a medium-weight, non-stretch fabric made from natural fibers (like cotton). 2. You'll want to choose a fabric that has thin stripes that are about a half inch to an inch apart. The stripes should run down the fabric, not from selvage (the finished edge on the side) to selvage. Fold it in a half and make a crease (you can use an iron to create a more firm crease) at fold. b1. Thread your machine (consult your manual or the other Instructables for this step). b2. For this first bit of sewing, you can use a needle for mid-weight, woven fabric. (As for choice of needles, look to eventually having a variety of needles.
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Several things can determine the type of needle to use, such as the fabric choice or the type of stitch. Some have a knob, others have a multi-stage switch) b4. Set your machine to Straight Stitch, which is usually the first stitch in your list c. Begin with the Needle in the highest position (you should always start and end with the needle in this position) and draw up Presser Foot. d. Draw out your Top and Bobbin Threads about 6 inches back from the Feed Dog. To do this, use the Hand Wheel to lower the Needle into your fabric layers. Once you are more familiar with your machine, you can generally eyeball needle placement. h. Put your fingers on your fabric, so as to guide it, down the stripe, under the Presser Foot. Press down gently on the Foot Pedal and start sewing. This is where your training begins, to teach your fingers how to touch, grasp and hold your fabric layers as they are sewn together. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 4: Check Your Work So, you've sewn your (first?) seam! How did you do? Let's check and troubleshoot it: a. Speed: Did you notice if you sped up and slowed down alot. Totally reasonable as you get used to how the Pedal Foot operates. You want to maintain a constant speed throughout the stitching of a seam. Maintaining a constant speed will create even stitches. Don't worry if you're slow at first; you just need to be at one speed. It's okay to stop and start, just get to one speed. Eventually, you can increase your constant speed, until you are pedal-to-the-medal. b. Stitch Length: Is it even, or are some of the stitches longer than others. If the later is true, and you're maintaining speed, then you may be pulling at the fabric layers as they're been stitched together. Make sure you are letting the feed dog do its work and your finger are simply guiding the fabric under the pressure foot. b. Straight on the Stripe: Were you able to sew right down the stripe or is your seam a little offsides. This will simply take practice.
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Keep practicing until your fingers nimbly guide the fabric straight as an arrow. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 5: Other Hints to Help You Sew Other factors can be a help or hindrance when sewing. Here are a few: a. Where to sew - Lighting: Make sure you have bright lighting available on your sewing area. This is a great start, but you should also invest in a gooseneck lamp that can direct more light at your Presser Foot. Position it behind and to the right of your machine, with the light directed to the sewing surface and not into your eyes at all. Additionally, if possible, have a decent room light on, so you won't be blinded by the contrast of a well-lighted work space and a dark room. b. Where to Sew- Machine placement: Have your machine on a surface that is comfortable to work at. Too high and your shoulders and neck will cramp up. I like to have my machine at the same height as a computer keyboard should be, or possibly a little higher. c. Where to Sew- Surface: Make sure the surface will be stable enough to handle the up and down action of the needle. If you have a very large table (like a dining room table), try to have your machine close to a table leg, where there's more stability.Take special precautions when working with these unusual textiles). By washing your fabric, you'll wash out the sizing and your fabric will show it's true shape, often much more supple and sometimes shrinking (very likely when your fabric is 100 natural fibers). f. HAVE FUN! Really, if you're not having fun, you'll never put in enough time to get good at sewing. Don't be discouraged if you first few attempts seem like complete dreck. They're not, they're the things you've made that'll get you to understand what works and what doesn't. Nothing is a waste of time, it's a chance to learn. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Share it with us! I Made It!
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Recommendations Animatronic Cosplay Wing Mechanics I just assumed that a newer machine was better than an older one, but it doesn't sound like that's necessarily true--especially if the older one has all metal parts and is in reasonably good condition. 0 Artem Maccarthy It will be really helpful for beginners. I also know that it is sometimes difficult for beginners to choose a sewing machine, to decide on a brand, model and functionality. After reading this article, you will understand that it is not difficult at all 1 Jtoohill I like sewing very much, so I find your information just great. I must have much persistence to cope with this craft, but doing your best always brings good results. Effective and original academic papers done by professional writers can make your life easier 0 PenesisRick Thanks so much for making the entry to sewing a little bit easier. Nice work! 0 steadfast1984 I went online and found out how to thread this old machine. IT WORKS. This is my first experience with a sewing machine. Now its just down to practice. I haven't known any other guys who enjoy sewing but i do know there are others out there like me who do. I get this satisfaction when I can repair my own things. There are a lot more then just clothing that sewing is useful for. 0 1moloom I just got my machine and took a class and made an apron and pot holder just like in Home Ec in 8th grade. It was lots of fun. Now I would like to sew a patch on the knee of a pair of jeans. Is there a way to get the leg on the machine so you don't sew it on both sides? If your sewing machine's 'standard' set-up is with a table, you should be able to either slide it out to the left or detach it by pulling it up to reveal the sewing arm. 0 AnimattersInc In talking with a friend of mine (that has inspired me to invest in a good machine) he told me he uses seam tape instead of pins but that it gunks up the machine after a few hundred yards of sewing.
He's sewing ripstop nylon and said he uses the tape because pinning, by nature of the project would take the finished piece (a kite) to an inch of it's life.too much perforation.I'm doing practically the same thing 3 yeas after you. I have a Brother machine and am about to try sewing kites with ripstop. Can we exchange tips.I have however sewn up some rail covers, a bimini boat top, some outdoor curtains, replacement cushions, upholstered a couch (that is actually a coffin until you open it) and made some doll beds for my kids. But not a stitch of ripstop. I can say however that the dual feed machine of mine will still benefit from the seam tape method over pins because in most all of my long run sewing I've still noticed a little material drift. Here's the inspirational source for my kite making ambition - 0 JoyM421 I also have a Janome.:) 0 FelisaC Grazie per aver condiviso questo blog informativo con us.Really gente comune puo imparare su come cucire con macchina da cucire.I want to try again, not having sewn for over 30 years, the last time in a needlework class at school (I can't remember the basics) can anyone recommend a book. I've bought a couple and they all assume you can thread a machine and know the basics and I don't, I'm not even sure if all machines thread the same?:) Thanks! 0 paulrc1964 Subsequently I learned a little something. A few years back I borrowed my sisters machine to alter my curtains that the previous owner made probably back in the 80's. They were actually pretty basic. I really just needed to lose the color edge, and cut them down to fit inside the widow trim neatly. I took my time and was pretty maticulous and it worked out well. I have ten windows, so it was a fairly ambitious project for a beginner. I dug out an old machine that someone gave me years ago. It may have been one of my sisters, or maybe my grandmothers, nobody seems to know. It is a beauty, a Morse Fotomatic IV. I really would like to try my hand at quilting.
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I'm a bricklayer and have a lot of spare time on my hands during the winter More Comments Post Comment Categories Circuits. Sewing by machine is not that difficult, but getting the right basics in place will make all the difference to your journey and make the ride simple and successful. As a first-time machine sewer, it is important to be familiar with all the bits and bobs of the machine from the power switch to the presser foot. Take time to check through each item on the machine noted in the manual. Look for these simple points. Some may seem very obvious but going through the list before you start sewing will make your journey smoother. This is generally on the side of the machine. The speed regulator so that you don’t break the speed limit. Some machines will have a switch on the foot allowing you to choose between high and low speeds. Many cheaper beginner sewing machines will have set stitches and lengths whereas more expensive machines will allow you to set length and width independently. These are important for getting nice even stitching with no loops. Presser foot and the plate with the stitch guides. Needle and small screw that holds the needle in place. You will need to know where this is to change needles. Some newer machines are sealed units and don’t need oiling so double check this before you start squirting oil everywhere. The upper threading and sewing machine tension are linked to the needle and the lower threading and tension are linked to the bobbin. Upper Threading Start by looking at the upper threading and follow your manual as you trace the steps the thread goes through. The thread will start at the top of the machine where the spool goes, all the way down to the bottom where the thread meets the needle. Most machines all follow the same path through hooks and tension wheels until they reach the needle. The thread must enter the needle from the front to the back and should pull through nicely with a bit of tension but not too tight.
If you don’t have a manual for your machine see these free online resources to download most brands sewing machine manuals. Be sure to check your manual carefully as different machines have different bobbins and casings. The bobbin may be inserted from the top or the front of the machine. Top loading bobbins go straight into a casing (photo on right) which is attached to the machine. Front loading bobbins first go into a case (photo on left) and then that is loaded into the machine. Winding the bobbin is an important part of the process, so be sure that you know how to wind a bobbin too. This is generally done by placing your main thread on the spool pin, winding it around a thread guide and across to the bobbin winder. All bobbins will have a hole in the top through which you can insert the thread to start it off. Push the bobbin winder across and start winding. Some machines will also require you to disengage the flywheel to stop the needle going up and down while you are winding. Turn the flywheel (the large round wheel on the right) of the machine towards you. It may also be labeled as a hand wheel in your manual. This will allow the top threaded needle to travel to the bobbin area. Watch how easily the upper thread curls around the lower thread and pulls it up to the upper level of the machine. Always remember to turn the wheel towards yourself until you can see that lower thread emerging. Pull the lower thread out and then keep the threads together towards the back of the machine. The best fabric to get started with would be stiff cotton. Quilting cotton is always easy to sew and can be purchased in fat quarters which are a small piece of pre-cut fabric. Calico is also a cheap easy to sew fabric for beginners. This cream-colored fabric is usually a little stiff and because it is a light color, you can make notes on the samples as you go. You will find that a little extra thickness is much easier. My Janome has a fast and slow switch that I can adjust.
Not all machines have this option, but if yours does it really can help with your first seams. Set it to SLOW. If your machine has no speed adjustment, just put your foot down on the pedal really gently when it is time to sew. Most sewing patterns will specify how far from the raw edge you will be sewing. We do this so the threads don’t get tangled and stop us from sewing forwards. This will prevent your stitches from coming undone at the beginning and end. Luckily no license is required and any mistake can always be unpicked with a seam ripper (unpicker). Don’t feel bad if you have to unpick some stitches. Even experienced sewers have days when they need to use a seam ripper. Further Reading: How to Use a Seam Ripper, Step 3: Checking Your Tension You can now check the tension of your row of stitches and adjust if necessary. This just means looking at your sample and assessing if the stitching looks nice and flat or if it has loops showing on either the top or bottom of the fabric. Further Reading: Sewing Machine Tension How to Use a Sewing Machine and Adjust Tension MORE TROUBLESHOOTING ARTICLES Sewing Needle Keeps Breaking How to Clean a Sewing Machine Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches Seam Puckering when Sewing Sewing Machine Manuals Sewing Safety Tips for Beginners Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Sewing Machine Tension How to Thread a Sewing Machine Sewing is a very forgiving craft so feel free to experiment and try a variety of fabrics and the different stitches your machine has to offer. Make full use of your manual to guide you through the steps of sewing buttonholes, using the zig zag stitch or other decorative stitches. Test your fabric scraps and learn how to gather and how to finish seams. There are so many exciting avenues to explore. Beginner Sewing Tutorials If you bought your first machine from a reputable dealer there should be how to use a sewing machine lessons available to help you with your new- found hobby.
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The lessons often work their way through a sampler book and you will always have that as a reference to your lessons and the stitches and different techniques. In addition, my Treasurie sewing blog is filled with specific tutorials for sewing and troubleshooting and can be referenced at any time. The sewing for beginners section is a great place to start with lots of links to all my absolute beginner articles. Look for some beginner type items to make as you build up your skills and your confidence with the machine. It is always a good idea to try new skills out on a scrap first and then when you are sure you know how to do the steps to complete any new technique then set about applying the skill. Here are a few wonderful and easy projects for the beginner to tackle. Most of these have accompanying videos to make your learning journey even easier. I post weekly craft and sewing videos on my YouTube channel so make sure you subscribe. How to Make Cloth Napkins DIY Sleep Mask DIY Hair Ties Burp Cloth Pattern Tissue Cover Pattern How to Make Gift Bags How to Make Bunting How to Make a Baby Blanket Bunting Gift Bags Sleep Mask Scrunchies Cushions and Pillows are amazing first projects as all the stitching is straight. There are no curves or anything tricky. This envelope cushion cover is one of the easiest things a beginner can sew. The back is a simple overlap so there are no buttons or zippers to worry about. These can really transform your lounge room. How to Make a Cushion Cover Envelope Pillow How to Use a Sewing Machine: In Conclusion Your new machine sewing skills will give you so much pleasure. Sewing is a wonderfully creative and practical hobby and learning how to use a sewing machine is the first step in an amazing direction. You may not be ready to be a formula one racing driver but with your foot on the pedal of the sewing machine, you can race up the path of practical and creative sewing and you will love every part of the journey.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Types of sewing machines How does a Sewing Machine Work How to use a sewing machine How to Start to sew with your sewing machine Introduction The first sewing machine was invented by an Englishman named Thomas Saint in 1789. At least he has a known patent to his name for a machine which sews. Since that time so many things have changed. Technology, people, culture, geographical boundaries. So we cannot expect sewing machine to stand still in this path of change Check out the post on Sewing Machine History for more details on who invented the sewing machine and others. So many types of sewing machines with different functions and capabilities have come out since the early almost crude sewing machine. Sewing machine and consequently sewing has benefitted from the constant inventions. You can nowadays find these machines in the vintage category and those who have them are fitting theirs with electric motors so that they can keep the old fashioned sturdy workhorses of yesteryears at the same time work efficiently and fast. Most of them come with button hole stitching, utility stitches and a few decorative stitches. They are mostly automated with stitch lengths and width which can be set automatically. They will have convenient features like an automatic one-step buttonhole and different overlock stitches. It can download patterns, memorize operations, perfectly synchronize speed and needle functions and give precise stitching. Different operations of sewing are done with perfect co-ordination without you bothering your head about it. They have touch screens and USB ports to input sewing patterns and embroidery designs. Most of the work is done automatically and sewing is all the more joyous because of the smooth operations. And all this comes with a heavy price tag, ofcourse. The serger finishes the seams in one go along with the seam stitching and cutting the seams.
Checkout the post on serger to know whether you need to buy a serger or not. 2 Embroidery sewing machine These are sewing machines which are used to create detailed and intricate embroidery designs and monograms. The embroidery machines can be computerised as well making it easy to download or upload designs and do the work instantaneously 3. Industrial sewing machines These are heavy duty sewing machine used by professionals. If you are interested in starting a sewing business this is the sewing machine you should buy so that you can make things with perfection. These machines are heavy duty machines capable of sewing through thick fabric layers. They can be used to make accessories like bags made with thick fabrics like denim and leather with perfection. Some of the prominent brands of sewing machines in no particular order are as follows Janome Babylock Bernina Brother Elna Pfaff Riccar Singer Viking Husqvarna How does a Sewing Machine Work A sewing machine sews when the top thread and the bobbin thread interconnects forming a continuous loop connecting fabric layers. Sewing Machines have an electric motor that works the machine. You have control of the operations by way of the foot pedal. The advantage of this foot pedal is that both hands are free to manipulate and move the fabric. The foot pedal of your sewing machine controls the motor speed so if you increase the amount of pressure you put on it the machine will speed up stitching and if you reduce the pressure on the pedal the machine stitching will slow the speed of stitching. The upper thread and the bobbin thread should meet exactly in the middle of the fabric layers for perfect stitching. This youtube video correctly demonstrates the formation of stitches by a sewing machine -how a bobbin catches and knots a thread to form a stitch that holds pieces of fabric together.
Checkout this post on the things to consider for buying a beginner’s sewing machine You will also have a considerably comfortable table to operate your sewing machine on. This is actually very important. If you are going to be sewing for a long time you might as well be comfortable doing it; otherwise backache is going to make you stop operating it before soon. Checkout this DIY plans to make a sewing table if you are the DIY kind who likes to work with wood too other than fabric or buy a perfect one on which you can comfortably rest your elbows without straining your back and neck. After the sewing machine table with the sewing machine is set up properly take up the sewing machine manual which comes with it and read it thoroughly cover to cover. This is the bible you should always have at hand because everything related to your particular sewing machine is mentioned in this.Checkout this post where you can download the sewing machine manual and print it out if you have not got the manual. Some more tips for beginners on using the sewing machine can be found here. Study the different parts of your sewing machine and the pressure feet and other accessories you have got with the machine. This post will give more details on the sewing machine parts and the pressure feet. Another post which may interest you is the different types of sewing tools you will need for sewing. Not all of them at the same time but for specific purposes you may need to buy some of them. Thread Good quality thread is a necessity not an option for good dressmaking. Checkout this post on the best thread to use with a sewing machine for more details on this. Suffice to say different types of fabrics call for different types of sewing threads. A basic knowledge of this is necessary for smooth sewing. Needle You also must know that sewing needles are not made equal. Checkout the post for more details on which needle to use with your sewing for more details on this.
You should also know how to replace the needle properly. All the experts replace their needles after 6-8 hours of sewing with it. They do not want bad needle to destroy their sewing. Checkout this post on the correct order of threading your sewing machine; this is a very important element in correctly operating the sewing machine without problems. Most of the problems when working the sewing machine can be solved by correctly threading the machine. One step is off and your sewing will go all awry. Ensure that when you are threading the machine the presser foot is raised and the needle is in the highest position. Bobbins Checkout the sewing machine manual on how to put the bobbin thread case in your particular machine. Winding the bobbin also will be different depending on the type of bobbin case. It is important to never ever hurry when winding the bobbin. Go at a steady and medium speed for good winding. Take out the bobbin thread through the gap as per the directions. Move the hand wheel towards you gently. This will bring up the bobbin thread to the pressure feet area. Take this thread to the back of the machine along with the needle top thread before you keep the fabric under the pressure feet to start stitching. How to Start to sew with your sewing machine Turn the handle (balance wheel) towards you to place the needle inside the fabric and start giving pressure on the foot pedal. Increase the pressure slowly. Use both hands to gently guide the fabric. Your sewing machine manual will have an illustration of the different types of stitches available in your machine. It is a good idea to make a sampler of these stitches and keep so that you have ready reckoner when you want to make some decorative stitches.Most home machines have them displayed on the panel.
Some general rules when starting the sewing machine are as follows When you start, ensure that pressure foot is down holding the fabric in place Never run the machine without cloth and with pressure feet down. Never run the machine without cloth and needle threaded with bobbin and top thread Always turn the handwheel towards you. Do not pull the fabric when sewing. The pressure feet will automatically push the material forward. If it does not there is something wrong. You may have to manipulate and guide the fabric in case of certain types of material but other than that the movement should be fluent. If the fabric gets stuck when sewing, stop the sewing by taking the foot off the foot pedal and gently turn the handwheel towards you. Most often this will un-stuck the fabric. Handle the fabric gently. Try to keep the whole fabric on the sewing machine table; if it hangs down as you sew there may be puckers and snags and damage to the cloth. Try to maintain a constant speed on the pedal. Do not operate pedal unless the cloth is kept on the machine under the needle; the thread will snag on the bobbin. Ensure that your machine is kept in a place with adequate light. To turn at the corner, pivot the fabric with the needle still in the fabric. This way you will not miss any stitches. When you finish take up the needle to the highest point, take up the pressure foot lever and gently remove the fabric. You can cut the thread with the thread cutter in the machine if it is available. Take the thread again to the back of the pressure foot. Never drop water or liquid on your machine and keep it covered at all times. After the sewing is over remember to plug off. Familiarize yourself with the following as well How to reverse stitch in your machine How to wind a bobbin How to insert the bobbin. How to set sewing machine tension. How to adjust stitch length and width. Tension This is the balance between the upper thread and the bobbin thread.