SEWING MACHINE LESSON #1
prepared for an introduction to your sewing machine
Lessons made easy start when you are preapred for an introduction to your sewing machine. I learned at a very young age how important the relationship between a sewing machine and their owner is. If it is positive, you will enjoy sewing! If it is shall I say less than positive, it is not pretty!
I believe in presenting the learning material, so it is easy to follow and given in a logical order. Beginners interested in quilting or other sewing endeavors will benefit from learning about the sewing machine and what it is capable of, as well as what it can’t do. Even non-beginners may need further instruction/clarification of the material found in the sewing machine manual.
Intimidated to confident
If you are intimidated by your sewing machine, I can help you grow from intimidated to confident. First you need to be introduced. You are not alone. Not sure if “intimidated” really identifies you, keep reading.
If you relate to or have given any of these excuses, you just may be a tiny bit intimidated!
- “I have a brand-new machine still in the box because I don’t have a clue how to use it!”
- “My mom/grandma used to sew, but they never taught me.”
- “I have a sewing machine somewhere.”
- “I’d like to learn, but who will help me since I won’t even know which end of the needle to thread?” (If this is you, don’t despair, there is hope for you if you stick with me!)
Easy first steps to confidence: taking the sewing machine out of the box (or finding it) is a good starting point and makes it easier to introduce you to it. Locating the user manual is step 2. If you don’t find it or never had it, google what you are looking for. It is out there somewhere. Buy it when you find the best price. You will be so happy to have it when you can get answers to most questions.
What Machine Should I Have/Buy?
This is a very typical question and I have my typical answer: “I don’t know! And I don’t think you know. So, let’s start from there.” At this point you don’t even know if you will like sewing, therefore look at the most non-committal ways that don’t involve buying. Is there someone you know you could borrow a machine from? Spread the word and see what may be offered. I’ve even had machines given to me to keep! If that happens to you, it is the perfect machine and one I highly recommend provided they show you it sews.
Next best is checking with local sewing machine stores that have used machines they may rent to you with an agreement rent charges can be applied to the purchase price of any machine in the store if you decide to buy. There is no harm in asking straight up and you are not obligated to buy, but if you do you are ahead. Look at renting a beginner machine. The most it needs to do is sew straight stitch forward, backward, and zigzag. You can always invest in the fancy machines that do everything if you want to, but be honest with yourself and ask if you will do everything the machine can do! I have so many machines and tools and cooking machines that can do more than I have the desire to learn or more importantly, the need, yet I paid for them because finding a stripped down whatever generally doesn’t exist.
Whatever way you get a machine, be sure you also get the user manual. It is invaluable for a beginner.
So You Really Want to Buy a Sewing Machine
Oh, do I understand that excitement when you decide you really want to buy a sewing machine! Then at the sewing machine store where they will ask what features you are looking for, what will you be creating, and show you more bells and whistles you probably would never use, but it sounds too good to pass up when the salesperson is talking. You need to trust me here when I suggest you buy a machine with basic stitches and a few decorative ones. Shopping at Wal-Mart, Joann’s, and big box stores, you will be able to purchase one for $100-$250, that will meet your immediate needs and probably until you have a better understanding of what you need the machine to do to justify the purchase.
Online stores like Amazon have a wide selection of machines. I purchased several machines from the Amazon Warehouse at nicely discounted prices because the boxes had the corner slightly crushed. The machines were not affected by the crushed corner, and they come with the original warranty.
Pawn Shops are not normally thought of when looking for unused items, but you might be surprised, especially after Christmas. Stores will only give what the lowest price of the item was in the past 30 days if you are returning without a receipt. Pawn shops may do better in what they offer. Again, a new warranty would apply if the machine is new. I have purchased lightly used machines from pawn shops at a fraction of the cost of new ones. It is just another source for saving money.
Regardless of where you purchase a machine, double check the user manual is with it.
YOU HAVE A MACHINE AND ARE READY
You have a machine and are ready for the easy first lesson. I love introducing sewing machines and people. I will work with you and your machine to help you develop a close relationship, understand each other’s peculiarities, and produce beautiful creations. You have signed up for a fun journey!
Now with your machine in front of you and manual in hand, find the page that tells you what name all those knobs and levers have. Don’t start playing with them yet. The next lesson will explain when and why you will use some of what you see. I love the older machines, the non-computerized because you get a much better view to see how each piece has a function as the stitches are formed.
PROGRESSIVE CLASSES IN SECTION 1
I. What machine should I have/buy? I’ll give you my honest answer and it might surprise you.
II. What do all the knobs and levers do? ⚠ Warning don’t start playing with them yet! Will post 01/11-2024.
lll. Bobbins – Winding correctly and inserting properly for perfect stitches. Will post 01/25/2024.
lV. Threading – No short cuts if you want perfect stitches. Will post 02/08/2024.
V. Tension – You will be asked to solemnly swear you will NOT touch this dial until told to. 02/22/2024.
Vl. Needles – Basic needle knowledge shared, and it is time to actually make stitches! Will post 03/14/2024.
Vll. Basic Stitches and Sewing Tools – A list will be provided and practice threading. Will post 03/28/2024.
Vlll. Easy Maintenance – Trial run on how to clean your machine when needed. Will post 04/11/2024.
lX. Making a Book of Fancy Stitches Your Machine Can Do – A useful resource. Will post 04/25/2024.
X. Machine Accessories – A quick review of where we started and all we learned, talk about the most common accessories that come with a machine, and a chat about the fun to come. Will post 05/09/2024.
XI. A Fun and Useful Sewing Project – Easy to make and you will love it. Will post 05/23/2024.
Move right along to the first lesson The Anatomy of a Sewing Machine.