How to Start Using Your New Sewing Machine

No one can use a new tool perfectly the first time. This rule applies to your new sewing machine, as well. Here are some tips to help you start to use your new sewing machine.

Any skill takes practice. If sewing is new to you, you will need to practice with your new machine. This can be accomplished with some scrap or very cheap fabric. Practice keeping the edges of the fabric together. You will also need to practice using the foot pedal and controlling the speed of the needle.

When you sit down in front of the machine, make sure you are right in front of the needle. You should only have to lean forward slightly in your chair. So position yourself the correct distance from the table your sewing machine is on. The foot pedal should be placed just in front of the foot you are going to use on it.

If there is an adjustable seam guide on your sewing machine you should set it at about 5/8 of an inch from the needle, which is the average seam allowance used in most sewing projects. If there is not a seam guide, there will be lines on your needle plate. Just find the one that is 5/8 of an inch from the needle.

Pin the fabric together with the right sides facing together. The pins should be place a couple inches apart, they should be perpendicular to the stitching line, and the heads should be at the outside edge of the fabric facing out. Raise the presser foot and place the fabric under it. Once the presser foot is lowered onto the fabric, it is time to sew.

At the beginning of each seam, stitch about an inch forward, then an inch in reverse, then stitch forward again. This will help keep the seam from unraveling. Your hands should be flat on each side of the needle and should gently guide the fabric to keep it straight. When you reach the end of the fabric, backstitch again, then go forward to the end of the seam again, stop and raise the needle. Then raise the presser foot and gently pull the fabric from the machine. Cut both threads leaving at least an inch of loose thread on the fabric.

Now check your work. How did you do. Is the seam straight? Did you keep the seam the same distance from the edges of the fabric? Learn what you need to practice. Then keep practicing it. After you feel comfortable with making straight stitches, try turning a corner or zigzag stitches. Once you feel that you and your machine are working together and it feels more comfortable, you are ready to move on to a simple project.

Do not let the sewing machine intimidate you. All it will take is practice. And, the more you practice the more you will enjoy sewing. Hopefully, you will keep practicing and become addicted to sewing on your new sewing machine.

SOURCE

Detrixhe, Sandra. "The Everything Sewing Book". 2004. F&W Publications, Inc. Avon, MA, USA.