Introduction
- If you want to create personal gifts or unique clothes and items for yourself and your family, consider learning how to use a sewing machine. Sewing your own clothes and household linen, tablecloth and other items can both save you money and be fun.
Sewing clothes, accessoires and other items can be time-consuming before you get used to it. But it can also be a great way to repair clothes, sew personal items and gifts and save money. This page takes you through the steps of how to use a sewing machine.
Step 1: The Sewing Machine
- First, learn the basic components of a sewing machine. Read the instructions of the machine you are using.
- A sewing machine has thread in two places: at the top of the machine in a spool pin, and at the bottom, in a bobbin spool located inside the machine. The main spool creates the stitches on the top, while the bobbin spool creates the stitches on the inside or back.
- Most machines are controlled by a foot pedal (presser foot) which starts the machine.
- The needle of the machine pushes the main thread through the fabric where it connects with the bobbin spool.
- The needle has a presser foot, which keeps the fabric in its place.
- The hand wheel raises and lowers the needle.
Step 2: Setting Up
- Before you use a sewing machine, set it up for the fabric and thread you are using.
- Chose a needle. Different fabrics require different needles. Consult the instructions for your machine or a sewing manual for details.
- Raise the needle.
- Thread the machine according to its instructions.
- Choose an appropriate setting for the fabric and type of stitches.
- Place the fabric to the left and underneath the needle.
- Lower the presser foot and the needle.
Step 3: Sewing
- It's time to sew. Be sure to practice on leftover pieces of fabrics if it's been a while since you used a sewing machine or if it's your first time.
- Press on the foot pedal to start the machine.
- The machine will pull the fabric back as it sews. You will need to help with the process, however, by gently assisting the fabric to move backwards.
- When you are done, raise the presser foot and needle.
- Slowly pull out the fabric a little bit.
- Cut off the bottom and top thread before fully removing the fabric.
Conclusion
It's easy to use a sewing machine once you learn how to. Learn how the machine works, set it up and start sewing. Just make sure to practice on a few leftover pieces of fabrics before you start sewing in order to avoid mistakes.
References
Fast Facts
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1.
Think of the pedal as the gas pedal in your car. You don't need to use a ton of force, just a little to get the needle moving steadily.
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2.
Be careful when sewing. Don't wear floppy sleeves or large jewelry on your hands that can get caught under the needle!
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3.
Check the needle package for the type of fabric you're using. Be sure to use the right size.
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4.
When sewing with knits, use a ball point needle. It will be less likely to break the threads of the fabric and cause runs/ladders.
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5.
Before electricity, sewing machines were powered by treadles, like a spinning wheel.
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6.
Not all sewing machines will handle all fabrics--make sure you don't wear out the motor by trying to sew through dense or heavy fabrics.
