How To Use A Sewing Machine For Beginners
I know a lot of my regular readers are sewing aficionados, but I also have to consider my newbies, who require a ‘How To Use A Sewing Machine For Beginners’ type of post. So here it is.
Your Sewing Skills
How many of you are inspired to sew by TV shows like The Great British Sewing Bee or Project Runway, or because you can’t find clothes that fit well or you’re tired of wearing the same thing as everyone else?
My Sewing Skills
I’d like to be your sewing godmother!
Is Sewing Really That Hard?
I know sewing appears difficult to many, but once you get started, it’s not that difficult! So, for the absolute newbies in the house, those eager to learn how to use a sewing machine for beginners, I’ve got you covered.
A ‘How to Use a Sewing Machine for Sewing Beginners’ Tutorial
I’ve put together a great guide to the 15 different types of sewing machines currently available on the market – here are some of the best for you!
My Machine
I’ve never owned a non-mechanical sewing machine, and I’m sure many of you have, but I’ve always reasoned that if the majority of my readers will only ever own a fairly basic sewing machine, it’s better for me to teach them on that type.
Using a Mechanical Sewing Machine
If you have a mechanical sewing machine, you’ve come to the right place. Every type of sewing machine used by home sewers requires a bobbin, and the most important step is to learn how to thread your machine correctly.
What’s A Bobbin?
A bobbin is a small thread holder that goes into your sewing machine and provides the ‘bottom’ thread when sewing. You wind thread onto the bobbin with a bobbin winder and then load it into your machine.
Step 2: Guide The Thread
Wind the thread anti-clockwise around the thread guide on the top of the machine, which helps to maintain good tension; however, check to see if your machine has an arrow pointing the way!
Step 3: Load The Bobbin On The Bobbin Winder
On your Bernina or similar machine, load the bobbin with thread first, then disengage the hand wheel to keep the needle from moving up and down while you’re loading it. It’s important to do it in the right direction so that no thread comes undone.
Step 4: Wind The Thread Onto The Bobbin
The bobbin winder will evenly load thread onto your machine’s bobbin; once the bobbin is full, snip the thread and disengage the winding mechanism; then return the hand wheel to its normal position, allowing the needle to move up and down.
How Do You ‘Thread’ A Sewing Machine?
Learning how to thread a sewing machine isn’t as difficult as you might think; here’s a step-by-step guide. Plus, I have an amazing online sewing course called Master Your Machine that you can work through at your own pace.
Threading Your Machine – Step By Step
How do we get the bobbin thread and upper thread to work together in sewing? I always load the upper thread first and then bring in the bobbin. Some machines have a built-in needle threader; if yours doesn’t, feel free to use it!
Loading The Bobbin
If you’re using a mechanical machine, you’ll need to put your bobbin in a bobbin case, which helps control the tension of the bobbin thread. A pair of scissors is useful for threading the bobbin on a sewing machine.
Getting Started Sewing
Eve teaches an online course on how to use a sewing machine, including how to use different types of needles, presser feet, and treadles, as well as how to clean and oil your machine for extra love. The course is over three hours long, so take a look!
Is Bernina a good sewing machine?
BERNINA 435 Bernette sewing, embroidery, and overlocker machines are the best-quality, feature-rich, dealer-supported machines for your buck, making bernette perfect for all your ideas. Built under the watchful eye of the BERNINA Textile Group, bernette sewing, embroidery, and overlocker machines are the best-quality, feature-rich, dealer-supported machines for your buck u2013 making bernette perfect for all your ideas.
Which Bernina Sewing machines are made in Switzerland?
Bernina: Their international headquarters are in Steckborn, Switzerland, where they still manufacture only the highest-end machines, such as the B880, Q20, and Q24.
Can you teach yourself to use a sewing machine?
Try these free Learn to Sew lessons online if you prefer a self-taught, learn at your own pace method. They will walk you through the basics of sewing, from sewing a straight line to adding elastic and buttonholes. They are basic and easy, and you can learn as you go with projects to help you try each skill.
Is a Bernina worth the money?
Their craftsmanship is unrivaled, and even the most basic machines have so many features that make sewing a joy. This is not to say that you can’t sew beautifully on a different type of machine, but Berninas provide an experience that is well worth the money.
Which is better Bernina or Pfaff?
Finally, it comes down to whether you want an embroidery machine or a quilting machine; if you prefer to sew and then embellish your projects, the Pfaff Creative 1.5 is the model for you; quilters, on the other hand, can’t go wrong with the Bernina 435.
What sewing machines do professionals use?
In 2020, the Top 5 Industrial Sewing Machines
- Singer 191D-30.
- Juki DDL-5550N.
- Consew 206RB-5.
- Juki DDL-8700. Juki is without a doubt one of the most respected and reliable brands in the industry.
- Janome HD1000. Janome sewing machines are built to last for decades, not years.
Is Viking the best sewing machine?
Husqvarna Viking sewing machines are highly regarded by both professional and hobby sewists, and it is one of the leading sewing machine manufacturers, alongside Singer, Brother, Bernina, and a few others.
Are expensive sewing machines worth it?
Just because a sewing machine is expensive doesn’t mean it’ll be a good fit for you. Consider what you usually use your machine for, or what you’ll be using it for if you’re a beginner: if all you need is to be able to sew basic garments, an inexpensive sewing machine will suffice.
What is the easiest thing to sew for beginners?
25 Sewing Projects for Beginners:
- Easy Pencil Case:
- Easy Tote:
- Birthday Banner:
- Easy Baby Blanket:
- If you’re daring enough for a zipper… Easy Pencil Case:
- Laptop Case:
- Ipad Sleeve:
- If you’re daring enough for a zipper…
Is it worth learning to sew?
Sewing does not make you a better mother, but it is no longer a necessary skill for every woman to have. Sure, it’s nice to be able to repair clothes and make one-of-a-kind gifts, but your children will be warm and well-fed even if you don’t sew.
Is sewing an expensive hobby?
Yes, sewing is significantly less expensive than buying readymade garments because you can tailor garments to your preferences and budget, whereas readymade garments have a set price and design. If you decide to sew, you can save money by purchasing fabric online.