Utilizing a sewing machine may seem intimidating at first, but with proper instruction and practice it shouldn’t be hard at all.
Starting off is simple – take a piece of fabric, fold it in half, crease it along its center line, and pin.
Quilting cotton or calico fabrics make sewing simple; fat quarters can be purchased easily.
Sewing with a needle
When sewing with needles, threading the eye is crucial. An eye is the small hole at the end of a pointy tip of your needle; and different types can be used for different tasks: milliners with round eyes are great for basting stitches; tapestry needles have oval ones and are commonly used in needlework projects; while Chenille needles boast heavy and sharp tips with an oval eye that’s great for embroidery/yarn darning projects.
At the outset of every sewing project, it is vitally important to use a fresh needle. This will ensure it remains sharp and doesn’t damage fabric during stitching. When your needle becomes dull or breaks, be sure to replace it immediately in order to ensure smooth sailing for your project and avoid unnecessary problems. In addition, keep scissors and seam ripper handy so you can quickly correct mistakes as necessary.embroidery machines that connect to computer
Sewing with a presser foot
Presser foot refers to the metal part used when sewing fabric together and is important to learn how to use. Simply lower (there’s a lever just above) it before sewing begins and raise it again when done to release fabric from under the foot.
There is a variety of feet for your sewing machine that can accomplish various tasks. Some are fixed on with just the claw-like part lining up with the needle bar to attach, while others feature screws which need unscrewing before fitting the new foot.
Your sewing pattern may instruct you to lower the feed dogs – these metal teeth grip the bottom of fabric to allow it to pass through the needle smoothly – on occasion. Failing to do so could result in uneven seams or pulled threads. Practice first on scrap fabric.
Sewing with a bobbin
Your sewing machine requires a bobbin to contain the lower thread that creates stitches on fabric, known as its lower thread, known as its stitched thread or stitching thread. The case where this bobbin resides on your machine can also be called its “bobbin case”.
The bobbin will contain one or two slots for thread to enter; you should guide its path so it wraps evenly around it. Metal or plastic bobbins may be available; your sewing machine’s make and model will determine which kind it can use.
Be sure to switch off your sewing machine before beginning to wind or insert the bobbin. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific instructions included with your machine (which you can find either online or in its manual), if available. If not available or needed a subscription can be obtained here for accessing numerous free downloads, templates and patterns!
Sewing with a spool
A spool is the bottommost portion of your machine used to store thread for sewing. Usually accessed via a small door on its front panel, its purpose is to hold thread securely while providing access to other components like the bobbin that create visible stitches on fabric.
When using a spool, it’s crucial that thread can flow freely off it in order to avoid tangles and unusual tension that could hinder sewing. Furthermore, you should keep it upright while working so as not to cause an accident during sewing.
Start by placing your thread on the spool pin – this tall stick at t