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Thread: How to Use a Sewing Machine – SIMPLE for Beginners

  1. #1

    Default How to Use a Sewing Machine – SIMPLE for Beginners

    Ready steady go…..it’s time to get to grips with how to use a sewing machine. 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. It doesn’t matter whether you went out and bought a new one, or great aunt Bessie gave you her old one, you need to know and understand the basic language of your ‘new’ machine.

  2. #2

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    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.

  3. #3

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    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.

  4. #4

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    Where the arm comes off for sewing, is storage for things you need and want to carry with you. This Zest from Flint Sews includes the presser foot pedal, 4 snap-on feet, blind hem, sliding buttonhole, zig-zag, and zipper. Also including a darning plate, 3 bobbins, needle package, and a seam ripper. Adjust your stitches from 0mm-4mm long for your own unique designs. Talk about easier than I ever has it, we had 1 or 2 different stitches. This also has the front-loading bobbin and a free-arm sewing.

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by Polly Lieberman View Post
    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.
    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.

  6. #6

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    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. It is always a good idea to test drive your machine on a sample of fabric first. 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.

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by danielhowell View Post
    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. It is always a good idea to test drive your machine on a sample of fabric first. 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 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.

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