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How To Use A Sewing Machine – For The First Time

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If you’re a beginner to sewing – it is more likely that you have no idea on where to start from / what to do to with that sewing machine. No matter how automatic your sewing machine is, you will not be able to use it without any basics or guide. These machines are very helpful when it comes to making clothes, mending fashion damages, adding designs to home décor and clothes and so many others which is why I have made some really good research to give you the very best ways that will help put your sewing machine to use.

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Learning the different parts of the sewing machine

Before anything else, you have to learn the different parts of the sewing machine because it is with the work of these parts that you can be able to do something good with your sewing machine. Below are all the part of the sewing machine and what they do. To avoid confusion look through the machine’s manual to find diagram or illustrations of the different parts.

  • Power switch and stitch dial: a sewing machine cannot start without you turning the power switch on so where your machine’s power switch has to be the first part for you to locate. Then you have to know which stitch you will be using which can only be done using the stitch dial, the stitch dial allows you to select any stitch that you would want to use.
  • Spool pin:there are usually two pins that stick out on top of the sewing machine, the longer or taller one is spool pin on to which you have to place your coil of thread.
  • Bobbin winder or pin:there is another pin just next to the spool pin and it is always shorter than the spool pin, it is where you wind your bobbin from.
  • Thread guide:this silver piece of metal protrudes out on top of the sewing machine and directs the thread as it comes from the spool to the bobbin winder.
  • Stitch adjustment button:this is the same as the stitch dial and simply lets you choose any stitch that you want to use, whether to stitch reverse or forward and also allows you to change to any stitch length you would want.
  • Tension dial or regulator:with this dial you can control tension of the thread when working on different fabrics because the thread should not be tight and neither should it be too loose.
  • Needle clamp screw:this is also known as the needle lock as it helps to keep the needle securely held in place during the sewing process.
  • Presser foot: located just below the needle clamp, the presser foot is what holds the fabric as you sew and guides it into the machine all through the sewing process.
  • Presser foot lever:this helps to adjust the presser foot either up or down when you want to hold the fabric down you lower the presser foot down and to pull fabric out you will have to move the presser foot up.
  • Take up lever:in most sewing machines it is usually located just at the left front side of the machine.
  • Feed dog:this simply pulls the fabric through the machine while you sew.

Set the sewing machine up: when you have enough knowledge about the different parts of the sewing machine it is generally easy to set it up. Place your sewing machine on a very comfortable and firm table, correctly engage the bobbin, thereafter you can wind the bobbin, thread your sewing machine and turn the switch on to get on with your sewing project.

  • Select stitch and stitch length: the most commonly used stitches are straight and zigzag stitch as they can sew just about anything. The best stitch length to use is medium for avoid any faults and ensure to do this when the needle is out of the fabric and up.
  • Train yourself on how to start: you cannot train yourself on the real fabric you want to sew, it is better if you start with a small piece of material that is not so important. This should be a light or thin fabric because thick fabric is usually difficult for beginners to sew fabrics that are thick.
  • Set the fabric under the needle:to avoid messing up your stitching you need to make sure most the fabric is on your left side and only little part of the fabric protruding through to the right.
  • Adjust the presser foot down: use the presser foot lever to lower the presser foot down so that it holds the fabric securely for easy sewing as the feed dog pulls the fabric through. Moving the fabric through the machine is dangerous for your sewing so just let the machine to what it is supposed to do.
  • Begin sewing:first of all hold the ends of both the spool thread and bobbin thread so that they don’t interrupt with your sewing. Sew a few inches into the fabric and before releasing the threads then after that you can let your hands free and use them to make different adjustments with the machine and keeping the fabric in place.
  • Push the foot pedal: most of the sewing machines have a foot pedal and when you are starting to sew, it is better to begin with a slower speed and as you go ahead you can push the foot pedal harder in order to sew faster. Some sewing machine however have a knee pedal and it is what you push. Let the fabric advance into the machine on its own and don’t try to use any force on the fabric while it is moving already and make sure that you don’t by any chance put your fingers below the needle when it is moving.
  • Make use of the reverse lever: this helps to fasten the ends of hems and seams to prevent them from becoming loose or coming out. In reverse instead of the fabric moving away from you it will instead move while coming towards you.
  • Remove the fabric: move the presser foot up, make sure the thread is pulled up as well and then get the fabric out of the machine. If the stitches come out well then you will have mastered your sewing basics and can now try out more complicated patterns.

Vanilla Farmer, Amazon Retailer & Tech Researcher. Yosaki is my personal blog but I'm working on some big tech project back doors. I will keep on posting various topics on things I have knowledge about.

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