Sewing Info
Sewing Info
Beginner Sewing Lessons Introduction:
This course is an excellent introduction to the basics of sewing. You will learn basic principle parts of the sewing machine, how to read and understand a pattern, measuring, prepare and cut fabric, sewing and hemming.
So, let’s get started. The first item you need to have is a sewing machine. It doesn’t matter if it is a brand new top-of-the-line machine or one you have inherited from your mother. The basics are the same, no matter what machine you have, and sewing techniques remain the same regardless of your tools.
Please make sure your machine is working before bringing it to class. If it is new, do take advantage of the free lessons offered by your dealer when you purchase the machine. They are invaluable for getting you acquainted with your particular model and can save you lots of time working things out for yourself. If your machine is an older one, try to find the manual that comes with it. If you don’t have one, you can contact a dealer who sells your brand of machine and see if they can get one for your model. The model number will be stamped on a plate either on the back or the underside of the machine. You may also check the internet, sometimes you can find machine manuals free.
Basic Sewing Tools Introduction to the Sewing Machine How to read a Pattern Measuring
Supply List Sewing Machine – machine sewing needles Thread Scissors Pattern Dressmaker’s tracing paper/wheel Seam Ripper Straight pins Tape Measure/yard stick Sewing basket or box Hand sewing needles Steam Iron/Ironing Board
When starting a new sewing project, it will be so much easier to have everything you will need available before you begin your project.
Threading Information:
You need to familarized yourself with your machine, it is time to thread it. First, you will have to wind a bobbin with thread. Sewing machines always sew with two threads, on the top and the other in the bobbin. The sewing machine action is such that the needle brings the top thread down underneath the throat plate, where it meets the bobbin thread. While the needle is going up and down, the bobbin is turning as well, bringing the bobbin thread to the exact place where the needle will catch it, loop the tope thread around it, and bring it to the fabric surface in a knot. The complementary action of these two motions is called “timing” and the timing of a sewing machine is crucial. The needle and bobbin must be working in sync in order for a stitch to be formed. If your machine simply won’t form a stitch, there is a good chance that your timing is “off” and this must be repaired by a sewing machine technician.
Don’t sew over pins. This is the #1 cause for timing problems. If the needle hits a pin, it will probably break, but it may also cause the action of the needle and bobbin to get out of sync and then the machine simply can't form stitches.
Tension is the degree of tightness on the upper and lower threads. The lower tension is adjusted on the bobbin case by loosening or tightening a tiny screw. Unless you are very familiar with your machine and understand how to do this, it is advised that you don’t touch the lower tension screw. This is set by the service technician and then the upper tension is balanced to it. The upper tension, however, is something that you may need to adjust. When the machine has been serviced, the upper tension will probably be set at 4 or 5 on the tension dial. (Check your manual) Test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric. If both the bobbin and the needle thread break, then the tension is fine. Make sure the bottom stitching looks good.
Also check your manual for oiling and cleaning of your machine. Regular cleaning and oiling will keep your machine working well and also reduces the need for servicing.
When you purchase a machine most business will give at least one class on the care and operation of your machine. Be sure to ask.
Keeping the Seam Allowance Constant:
The majority of patterns use 5/8” seam allowances. So it is good idea to practice sewing some strips using this allowance. This is usually marked on the throat plate. You may have several lines, the longest of which is generally the 5/8” one. I you don’t, I recommend placing a piece of masking tape or a bandaid 5/8” away from the needle. You can also get magnetic seam guides that can be placed on the machine whenever you would like the edge of your fabric to be. Magnets are not recommended for Computer machines.
As you start to sew, you will want to lock those first stitches so that don’t come undone. You can either start ˝” in from the edge of the fabric and backstitch or you can start at the edge, go forward 3 or 4 stitches, then backstitch to the edge, then come forwards again.
Suggested Fabrics:
Depending on your garment you could use cotton, rayon, polyester, poly/cotton fabrics. On the back of the pattern it will list some suggested fabrics. Pay close attention to the types of fabrics. The pattern may indicate use only stretch-knit fabric.
Ready, Set, Cut, Sew:
Press your fabric to be smooth and wrinkle free. Lay the pattern out on the fabric. Be sure that the edge of the pattern is an even distance from the salvage of the fabric. Carefully pin the pattern to the fabric, avoiding having lumps and bunches of fabric where you pin. Double check your pattern to make sure the when you cut the fabric that the pattern and fabric are totally smooth. Remember that you can re-pin but you cannot add fabric to what has been cut, so it is worth it to double-check everything before you cut.
Economical Sewing Machines for Learning the Basics --- A basic straight stitch machine will give the beginner an opportunity to experiment and learn all the basics of sewing. Zig zag and buttonhole stitches are a wonderful extra if they are available but not absolutely necessary.
Newspapers and Classified Ad Papers --- Many times you can find a basic sewing machine with a cabinet even for as low as $35.00. The older machines are usually more durable.
Thrift Stores --- As homes and attics are cleaned out many times machines will be donated to these sources. You may even find sewing baskets, boxes of patterns, notions and more.
Yard Sales --- Here you will have an opportunity to meet the owner of the machine that may be a real bargain or a real lemon. Talk to the person selling the machine and try the machine out.
Sewing Machine Buying Tips --- I would not venture to tell anyone what brand or type of machine to purchase. Sewing is such as varied craft. There are so many brands on the market. So how do you decide? Here are the things I would consider if I was to purchase a sewing machine.
Your first step should be to decide what features you want on a sewing machine. Only you know what kind of sewing you do. What kind of accessories you may use. What accessories you would use if you had them. Research all the different brands on the Internet. At least once a year in the “Sew News” they will have a comparison chart. These machines are considered the top of the line on down according to the comparison chart.
1. Baby Lock
2. Bernina
3. Brother
4. Elna USA
5. Husqvarna Viking
6. Janome Sewing Machines
7. Pfaff
8. Singer
Sewing References and Information Supplied by:
Sewing Essentials from the Singer Sewing Reference Library
Basic Sewing
Sew News is published monthly - www.sewnews.com
101 Essential Sewing Tips - DK Publishing, Inc. - www.dk.com
Simplicity's - Simply the Best Sewing Book - Simplicity Pattern Co.
www.simplicity.com www.mccall.com www.butterick.com www.kwiksew.com www.threadsmagazine.com
Beginner Sewing Lessons Introduction:
This course is an excellent introduction to the basics of sewing. You will learn basic principle parts of the sewing machine, how to read and understand a pattern, measuring, prepare and cut fabric, sewing and hemming.
So, let’s get started. The first item you need to have is a sewing machine. It doesn’t matter if it is a brand new top-of-the-line machine or one you have inherited from your mother. The basics are the same, no matter what machine you have, and sewing techniques remain the same regardless of your tools.
Please make sure your machine is working before bringing it to class. If it is new, do take advantage of the free lessons offered by your dealer when you purchase the machine. They are invaluable for getting you acquainted with your particular model and can save you lots of time working things out for yourself. If your machine is an older one, try to find the manual that comes with it. If you don’t have one, you can contact a dealer who sells your brand of machine and see if they can get one for your model. The model number will be stamped on a plate either on the back or the underside of the machine. You may also check the internet, sometimes you can find machine manuals free.
Basic Sewing Tools Introduction to the Sewing Machine How to read a Pattern Measuring
Supply List Sewing Machine – machine sewing needles Thread Scissors Pattern Dressmaker’s tracing paper/wheel Seam Ripper Straight pins Tape Measure/yard stick Sewing basket or box Hand sewing needles Steam Iron/Ironing Board
When starting a new sewing project, it will be so much easier to have everything you will need available before you begin your project.
Threading Information:
You need to familarized yourself with your machine, it is time to thread it. First, you will have to wind a bobbin with thread. Sewing machines always sew with two threads, on the top and the other in the bobbin. The sewing machine action is such that the needle brings the top thread down underneath the throat plate, where it meets the bobbin thread. While the needle is going up and down, the bobbin is turning as well, bringing the bobbin thread to the exact place where the needle will catch it, loop the tope thread around it, and bring it to the fabric surface in a knot. The complementary action of these two motions is called “timing” and the timing of a sewing machine is crucial. The needle and bobbin must be working in sync in order for a stitch to be formed. If your machine simply won’t form a stitch, there is a good chance that your timing is “off” and this must be repaired by a sewing machine technician.
Don’t sew over pins. This is the #1 cause for timing problems. If the needle hits a pin, it will probably break, but it may also cause the action of the needle and bobbin to get out of sync and then the machine simply can't form stitches.
Tension is the degree of tightness on the upper and lower threads. The lower tension is adjusted on the bobbin case by loosening or tightening a tiny screw. Unless you are very familiar with your machine and understand how to do this, it is advised that you don’t touch the lower tension screw. This is set by the service technician and then the upper tension is balanced to it. The upper tension, however, is something that you may need to adjust. When the machine has been serviced, the upper tension will probably be set at 4 or 5 on the tension dial. (Check your manual) Test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric. If both the bobbin and the needle thread break, then the tension is fine. Make sure the bottom stitching looks good.
Also check your manual for oiling and cleaning of your machine. Regular cleaning and oiling will keep your machine working well and also reduces the need for servicing.
When you purchase a machine most business will give at least one class on the care and operation of your machine. Be sure to ask.
Keeping the Seam Allowance Constant:
The majority of patterns use 5/8” seam allowances. So it is good idea to practice sewing some strips using this allowance. This is usually marked on the throat plate. You may have several lines, the longest of which is generally the 5/8” one. I you don’t, I recommend placing a piece of masking tape or a bandaid 5/8” away from the needle. You can also get magnetic seam guides that can be placed on the machine whenever you would like the edge of your fabric to be. Magnets are not recommended for Computer machines.
As you start to sew, you will want to lock those first stitches so that don’t come undone. You can either start ˝” in from the edge of the fabric and backstitch or you can start at the edge, go forward 3 or 4 stitches, then backstitch to the edge, then come forwards again.
Suggested Fabrics:
Depending on your garment you could use cotton, rayon, polyester, poly/cotton fabrics. On the back of the pattern it will list some suggested fabrics. Pay close attention to the types of fabrics. The pattern may indicate use only stretch-knit fabric.
Ready, Set, Cut, Sew:
Press your fabric to be smooth and wrinkle free. Lay the pattern out on the fabric. Be sure that the edge of the pattern is an even distance from the salvage of the fabric. Carefully pin the pattern to the fabric, avoiding having lumps and bunches of fabric where you pin. Double check your pattern to make sure the when you cut the fabric that the pattern and fabric are totally smooth. Remember that you can re-pin but you cannot add fabric to what has been cut, so it is worth it to double-check everything before you cut.
Economical Sewing Machines for Learning the Basics --- A basic straight stitch machine will give the beginner an opportunity to experiment and learn all the basics of sewing. Zig zag and buttonhole stitches are a wonderful extra if they are available but not absolutely necessary.
Newspapers and Classified Ad Papers --- Many times you can find a basic sewing machine with a cabinet even for as low as $35.00. The older machines are usually more durable.
Thrift Stores --- As homes and attics are cleaned out many times machines will be donated to these sources. You may even find sewing baskets, boxes of patterns, notions and more.
Yard Sales --- Here you will have an opportunity to meet the owner of the machine that may be a real bargain or a real lemon. Talk to the person selling the machine and try the machine out.
Sewing Machine Buying Tips --- I would not venture to tell anyone what brand or type of machine to purchase. Sewing is such as varied craft. There are so many brands on the market. So how do you decide? Here are the things I would consider if I was to purchase a sewing machine.
Your first step should be to decide what features you want on a sewing machine. Only you know what kind of sewing you do. What kind of accessories you may use. What accessories you would use if you had them. Research all the different brands on the Internet. At least once a year in the “Sew News” they will have a comparison chart. These machines are considered the top of the line on down according to the comparison chart.
1. Baby Lock
2. Bernina
3. Brother
4. Elna USA
5. Husqvarna Viking
6. Janome Sewing Machines
7. Pfaff
8. Singer
Sewing References and Information Supplied by:
Sewing Essentials from the Singer Sewing Reference Library
Basic Sewing
Sew News is published monthly - www.sewnews.com
101 Essential Sewing Tips - DK Publishing, Inc. - www.dk.com
Simplicity's - Simply the Best Sewing Book - Simplicity Pattern Co.
www.simplicity.com www.mccall.com www.butterick.com www.kwiksew.com www.threadsmagazine.com
