They say adventure begins when you enter the sewing room. Sewing is one of the most creative arts that for years have been known to be one of the most powerful arts one can have. The internet is flooded with information on how to use a sewing machine for beginners.
However, information from most sources will leave you disappointed and not knowing where to begin, especially if you are a beginner. Very few sources contain clear and accurate information to help you sew.
What is a Sewing Machine?
A sewing machine seems to work magic. One time you have, say, two fabrics, and after a very short time, the two are neatly knitted together. To understand how to use a sewing machine for beginners, one must be well versed with the parts of a machine. This will allow you to understand everything that concerns how to use a sewing machine.
Know your Sewing Machine
Some of these parts include;
Needle
When one begins to sew, this is the part that goes through the fabric with its thread. When a machine is moved without a fabric, the needle is seen moving up and down. It is attached to a needle bar – the part that moves up and down, causing the needle to move – with screws.
Note: there are different types of needles. They vary with sizes starting from size 8. The other needles enable you to sew different kinds of materials, both thin and thick.
Bobbin
When sewing a fabric, two threads are needed. One is at the top while the other one is at the bottom. The bobbin provides the thread from the bottom. It is enclosed in a shuttle case, which keeps the bobbin rolling, thus unwinding the thread needed for the fabric.
Presser Foot
A fabric being sewed appears to be pulled backward. This is done by the presser foot. It also ensures that the material is held tight to deliver neat stitches. Although most presser feet are used with different fabrics for different purposes, some are used for specific work, such as making a buttonhole.
Thread Feed
This is the most complex part of the machine for most beginners. However, as discussed later in this article, it becomes a cinch once you get the skill.
Reverse Stitch Lever
This is an important part that is used to reverse the stitches. It is primarily used at the end of the stitch to reinforce it. This ensures that the stitches are not ripped off easily. Interestingly, at this point, the presser foot pulls the fabric forward.
On / Off button
This is usually in electronic machines. When one presses on, it implies that you want to sew without using the foot pedal. As a result, the engine starts to run electronically.
How a Sewing Machine Works
Having gone through the major parts of the machine, it is now straightforward to learn how it works.
- The needle, with the thread in it, goes through the fabric on the presser foot.
- When the needle is beneath the fabric, the hook extended from the shuttle takes the thread and makes a loop.
- At this point, the bobbin, which is at the bottom, provides another thread that locks with the loop created by the hook from the rotary shuttle.
- The needle then moves up. As it progresses, it tightens the two threads, thus forming a lovely firm stitch. This process is repeated over and over. Depending on the stitch speed set, the machine can sew with speed as high as 66000 stitches/seconds in some machines.
Learn to use a sewing machine
When a sewing machine is mentioned, the thought that crosses anyone who has ever tried to learn how to sew with a sewing machine or watched someone trying to learn is a broken needle, tangled thread, broken string, stuck fabric, among others.
This makes sewing appear like one complex art that is not only tedious but also hard to learn. However, it becomes straightforward with the proper instructions and step-by-step guide of how to use a sewing machine for beginners and takes you a very short time to learn.
Sewing Machine Beginner Guide
If you are here, it is because you have a new sewing machine or you are in the process of purchasing one. If you have not bought, there are a few factors that you need to consider to purchase the machine that suits you best. These factors include:
- Budget
- Manual or automated
- Simple or complex – simple machines are designed for light-duty and for beginners too. When purchasing, however, it is imperative to keep in mind that you will not always be the first-time sewer! Buy something that you can use comfortably as a pro.
Already purchased? No need to worry. With the myriad sewing machines brands that we have in the market today, they only differ slightly. You will be able to use the one that you have already purchased with ease. Just learn it!
Get More Info Here: An Ultimate Sewing Machine Buying Guide 2022
How to Use a Sewing Machine for Beginners
First, read the manual. As prior mentioned, every machine is unique to itself. However, that should not put you off. Just go through it to understand any unique feature. That is enough to get you started.
Secondly, ensure that you have all the items that are needed to begin. The items include; scissors, fabric, seam ripper, and bobbin. These are the basics. At least the rest of the things can be purchased along the way.
After you are done with all these, you are now right in front of a machine, ready to begin to sew. Here, we take you through sewing machine beginner tutorial to ensure that at the end of it, you will have made your very first stitch successfully as the beginning of a more significant project.
Steps on How to Use a Sewing Machine for Beginners
Part 1 of 3
Locate important parts of the machine
Some of the important parts that you need to locate and familiarize yourself with before sewing include;
Find the On / Off Button
Find the power switch. In most machines, it is located on the right side of the sewing machine. However, it may be placed differently depending on the brand of the machine that you have.
The Thread Guide
The thread guide guides the thread from the top to the bobbin winder. It is usually on the left side of the machine. Again, it is vital to ensure that you find it as it may be slightly different in some of the machines.
The Bobbin Winder
As prior mentioned, the bobbin provides thread from the bottom during sewing. Locate the bobbin winder as it will help wind the thread on the bobbin during sewing. This is easily done with the use of a manual, as it has the parts of the specific machine clearly labeled.
Needle Clamp Screw
As the name enact, this is a screw that helps get hold of the needle. It is right under the arm of the sewing machine on the left-hand side. The screw sticks on the right side of the needle.
The Presser Foot
Finally, locate the presser foot. This is an essential part of the machine located under the needle. It holds the fabric tight as one begins to sew.
At this point, you can raise and lower the presser foot several times as a practice to help you once you begin to sew.
Part 2 of 3
Set up the Machine
Setting up the machine involves vital yet straightforward tasks such as;
Needle Installation
The needle has two ends, the flat end, and the shank. Install it securely by tightening the screw as much as possible. The screw should, however, not be tightened using a tool whatsoever. This is a simple task that should take you less than 10 minutes.
The Bobbin
They say sewing is fun until the bobbin thread runs out. As prior mentioned, the bobbin provides the thread from below. While winding is an all-complex skill, the small pin next to the wheel makes it very easy to do the job.
Follow the instructions in the manual and wait until the bobbin is full. When the bobbin gets full, cut the thread and insert the bobbin into the cage.
Threading A Sewing Machine
Even to some of the people who are a little used to using the sewing machine, threading it is usually a nightmare. This becomes worse when the thread keeps coming out and cutting after sewing a few stitches. Check to see that you thread the right way as per the manual.
Tip on threading: Trim the thread to ensure that the end of the thread is intact. This will make threading easier.
Get the Two Threads (Bottom and Top) Out
Select The Stitch
The best stitch, to begin with, is a straight stitch. This is the simplest stitch one can use to learn. However, its simplicity does not compromise its practicality and usefulness whatsoever. It is indeed a very common stitch that has been used in most clothes.
Note: Begin with a firm cotton fabric.
Every machine has a unique way of selecting the stitch. Some of the sewing machines do not have this provision. Ensure that you read the manual to get to the bottom line of the same.
Part 3 of 3
Guidelines For Using a Sewing Machine
Step 1 of 4
Lift the Foot Presser
As you had practiced earlier to lift and lower the presser, lift the presser, and put the fabric in between. After you have ensured that it is in the right position, lower the presser so that the fabric is held tightly.
Step 2 of 4
Put the Two Threads at the Back
Sewing involves two threads. The upper one and the lower one from the bobbin. Put the two threads at the back so that they do not come in the way when sewing. This prevents the threads from tangling, thus causing the machine to jam.
Step 3 of 4
Lower the Presser
Most first-time sewers forget to lower the presser. As a result, the thread comes off the needle, which makes putting the thread through the needle repetitive and boring. At this particular point, it is also important to ensure that you still have the two threads in order.
However, after doing a few stitches, you can let loose the threads. The machine will just run them without tangling. After this, let the needle run over the fabric. The cloth will move away from you automatically.
A common mistake at this stage is pushing the cloth away. This sometimes causes the machine to skip some of the stitches.
Step 4 of 4
Back Stitches
When you are through with the line, right before lifting the presser, press the reverse button. This will do a reverse stitch which helps secure the stitch, ensuring that it does not get undone after stitching.
It is vital to note that some of the machines in the market today do not have a button. Instead, one is supposed to move the reverse stitch lever. After you are done, lift the presser to remove the fabric. Move the horizontal wheel slightly to let the thread loose, then cut the two threads.
Well done! You have made your first stitch!
It does not have to be perfect. With time, you will master the skill and will make a perfect stitch without any struggle with the help of above sewing machine tutorial.
Instructions on How to Use a Sewing Machine for Beginners
- Do not expect perfection – in any learning, you do not expect perfection as a beginner. Let the seam ripper be your very close companion.
- Always ensure that your fingers or those of your friend trying to place the fabric well for you are off the feeding plate before running the machine. This will prevent injuries that the needle may cause.
- The sewing machine breaking is not only irritating but also a time-waster. If the needle keeps breaking, check to see that the needle is not bent, it is in the right position, and that you are using the right needle size for that particular fabric. Also, check to see that you do not pull the fabric, as that can be another cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I use a sewing machine for the first time
To use a sewing machine for the first time, you need to learn the basics. This will enable you to know what type of fabric you will need and the needle. It will also make it easy to customize the settings if need be.
Generally, this will also help you as a first-time sewer to familiarize yourself with the machine making it restful to start sewing.
2. How easy is it to use a sewing machine
As has been prior mentioned, sewing is pretty straightforward. Having gone through the article and following the step-by-step guide to the letter, then you can agree with me that it is not as complex as it seems to be.
Apparently, the most imperative thing is to ensure that you get all the guidelines from a reliable source. This will get you sewing within the first days of the learning process.
3. How do I use a sewing machine for dummies
Using a sewing machine for dummies is easy. Just follow the instructions given and remember to read the manual. Apparently, sewing machines for beginners are simplified and have fewer and more direct instructions in the manual.
4. How do I learn to use a sewing machine
It’s going to take time; it’s a learning process. While the time taken to learn a skill varies from one individual to the other based on so many factors, one must acknowledge that learning is a process. You learn little by little until you perfect the skill.
Ensure that you follow all the instructions patiently, as that is the gateway to learning to sew.
5. How do I start a stitch on a sewing machine
As prior mentioned in the guidelines, making your first stitch is easy. First, make sure that the machine is well set and threaded at the top and the bottom. Secondly, place the fabric in position, then lower the presser.
Before running the machine, ensure that the two threads are to prevent them from tangling. Run the machine. You will have made your first stitch!
6. Is a sewing machine hard to use
Not really. A sewing machine only becomes hard to use if you do not have the basics at hand. Essentially, it becomes a challenging task for anyone who rushes to thread the machine and run it.
Learn the basics first. This will help you avoid frustrations such as a stuck fabric, broken needle, among others.
7. Can I teach myself to use a sewing machine
Yes. Over time, one of the most common learning methods to use a sewing machine has been to go to a nearby sewing shop and learn it from there. However, people have become very busy in the current digital world, making the only time available to learn being in the evening.
This highly inconveniences the trainee. Nevertheless, with our how to use a sewing machine for beginners guide, you can teach yourself to use a sewing machine! It’s pretty easy!
Conclusion
One who makes no mistake never makes anything. Do not be too hard on yourself. As you begin, errors such as those cited in the previous discussion are bound to happen now and then.
However, by learning how to use a sewing machine for beginners, with time, you will perfect the art and will make whatever you want with ease. After all, sewing is not supposed to be a difficult task but an enjoyable hobby or career.
Happy First Stitching!
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