If you are interested in learning how to use a sewing machine confidently READ ON for everything you need to know about getting started, top tips for success and helpful PDF downloads.
BENEFITS OF SEWING
Firstly lets touch on WHY you might like to learn to use a sewing machine.
There are many reasons why learning to sew is the best idea that you've ever had.
Below are 5 good reasons to consider starting sewing or get back into it now.
1. Save money
2. Gain independence & self-reliance
3. Creativity & self-expression
4. Sustainability
5. Mental well-being
In short, learning to use a sewing machine gives you practical power + creative freedom, a skill that pays off again and again so you should definitely give it a go.
SEWING KIT
So if you are interested in getting started in sewing the first thing you will need is some KIT.
Beg, steal, borrow or buy, here's your kit list for starting out in sewing and my essential recommendations.
- Sewing machine
- Quality threads
- Fabric woven non stretch
- Fabric shears + Paper scissors (not the same thing!)
- Thread snips
- Stitch ripper
- Extra spools
- Tape measure
- Pins or clips
THE SEWING MACHINE
Once you have a sewing machine you will need to make friends with it!
Old or new, knowing the important and most used parts of the machine will save you a lot of time when you get going.
Here's a comprehensive list of the machine parts that I feel are most useful to find right away:
- Power lead entry point
- On/off switch
- Hand wheel
- Bobbin winder spindle
- Thread spindle
- Tension dial
- Looper
- Needle
- Presser foot
- General purpose foot pedal
- Spool case
- Reverse function
- Stitch function / menu dial
- Feeder dogs (seriously)
Use your machine manual or go on a scavenger hunt around the machine.
THREADING UP
Like operating a car you need to give yourself practice time to become confident and make less mistakes.
Now that you are familiar with the main parts of your machine, let's get this thing threaded up and ready to sew.
There are four things you need to do to set up your machine ready for sewing:
- Fill a bobbin with thread
- Install this spool into your machine spool case (top or front loading)
- Thread the top of your machine
- Join the top and bottom threads together under the needle
TOP TIP: Don't leave your machine threaded up. Empty your machine after each project and start a fresh each time. This will force you to practice and become confident threading up the machine quickly and accurately every time, even after a long break
Once you are all threaded up it's time to go for a TEST DRIVE.
DRIVING
Like operating a car you need to give yourself practice time to become confident and make less mistakes.
Firstly take a piece of fabric doubled over and practice stitching up and down this fabric in STRAIGHT lines.
Next practice PIVOTING - This is where you stop sewing with your needle down in the fabric, lift your lever foot up and pivot (turn) your fabric in a different direction 90degrees for example to turn a corner. Then put your foot lever back down and carry on sewing.
And then find your REVERSE lever and practice alternating sewing backwards and forwards using the reverse lever. The machine usually likes to reverse whilst in motion so try not to stop and start this process.
Finally sew two layers of fabric together along the raw edges, taking note of the SEAM ALLOWANCE GUIDE. See if you can sew straight and true to your measured guide. This is crucial if you want to follow sewing patterns and succeed when construction from patterns.
TIPS FOR CUTTING FABRIC
This is where your fabric scissors come in, paper for patterns and fabric for... well fabric! Cutting paper will blunt your fabric scissors in the long run I promise.
Sharp fabric shears are crucial for cutting fabric quickly and accurately so invest if or when possible and KEEP THEM SHARP.
Always check whether your project has SEAM ALLOWANCES included or not.
- If it HAS then you cut along the edge of your paper pattern or your drawn line.
- If seam allowances are NOT included in your project then you will need to allow your own chosen allowance. I recommend at least 1.5cm or 1/2 inch (roughly the same)
Note all my sewing patterns have seam allowance included.
And now its time to choose a sewing project!
STARTER PROJECTS
If you have followed all the instructions so far and are sewing confidently on scrappy cotton fabric, then I think that you are ready to find some SIMPLE SEWING PROJECTS and get sewing.
Finally I hear you say, but all the prep will be worth it you'll see!
Here is a selection of quick and easy starter sewing projects, perfect for beginners, minimal pattern pieces and no zips.
Each project comes with PDF pattern templates and most of the time accompanied by a photographic blog tutorial.
Find me on FACEBOOK for direct support and coaching
If you would like to discuss any part of the sewing process further don't hesitate to contact me. I can offer you 1: online lessons or constructive advice.
Good luck and HAPPY SEWING
