How do I teach myself how to use a sewing machine?

[Liberal Veteran]

How can something so simple be so damn complicated?

[sangh0]

1. Two words

Very....carefully

[Liberal Veteran]

2. Okay....

What's the next step then?

[Red State Rebel]

3. I sew a lot, what can I help you with? n/m

[Liberal Veteran]

5. Just threading the damn machine is an adventure.....

And what's all this business about tensions and stuff?

[SmokingJacket]

11. If tension is too high or too loose

the thread might get tangled. I just keep mine at "5" out of 10 and don't have any problems.

[Hoping4Change]

15. Stuff about tension, thread tension that is.

Tension is the pressure exerted on the thread. The tension ensures quality stitches on both sides of the fabric. If the tension is either too tight or too loose you'll get really crappy stitches. Your maual will indicate the best tension but you can adjust it by turning the nob. To test whether your tension is correct sew a piece of scrap material together. You'll have the right tension if the stitiches on both sides of the fabric are identical.

[Hoping4Change]

4. Do you have it threaded properly?

And is the bobbin threaed threaded properly?

[Liberal Veteran]

7. Yeah....I managed that after my 4th attempt...

:)

[Red State Rebel]

8. What exactly is it doing/not doing?

[Hoping4Change]

6. Is the machine and bobbin threaded ?

I bet that is where your problem stems.

[SmokingJacket]

9. I sew a lot too

The first thing is to figure out how to thread the damn machine. Your manual should show you a picture.

The next thing to do is wind a bobbin. This is tricky -- look at your manual to do that, too. Or there should be some place on the web that can show you. I could explain, but it's confusing.

Get an easy pattern, like a tote bag or something. Move up to some shorts.

The key to making things turn out to is to be as PRECISE as possible about measuring, lining up and pinning your fabric, and all that.

[Zookeeper]

10. I like to sew...

but I hate sewing machines. They are probably why I do more woodworking than sewing. My suggestion: Read the manual.

Good luck!

[Kahuna]

12. I taught myself to use a machine and to sew. If I can do it..

Anybody can. :7

[hlthe2b]

13. take a class at a sewing/fabric store? Some might let you

bring your own machine and help you learn it....

[GoddessOfGuinness]

14. There's a book by Singer called "Sewing Basics"

Which is wonderful.

If you can take a class at your local fabric store, I'd recommend it. Well worth the money.

[geniph]

17. That is a good book

I have a copy of that one, too. Never could figure out how to do an invisible hemline until I followed the directions in that book.

[geniph]

16. Nearly every place that sells sewing machines

has staffers who would be happy to show you how to use your machine. They probably won't even try to sell you a new one. Most of them are really into the whole sewing thing and love to get people into it.

I discovered 90% of my sewing problems with thread bunching up into horrid knots, stuff like that, was caused by misthreading, not fiddling with the tension like I thought. I'd been threading the machine wrong for years.

I can barely do a hem, but when I need help, the machine goes into the sewing shop and I have them SHOW me how to do something on MY machine. They'll definitely do this if you bought the machine there, but most will do it even if you didn't. And they all have basic adult sewing classes where you can bring your own machine. Get it adjusted, too; they generally charge a few bucks for that, but it does help.

Oh, and get rid of old dull needles. You should usually discard a needle after it's been used a few times. A dull needle wastes your time and money, because it won't make crisp stitches and it'll break or make a mess of your fabric.