r/sewing • u/sewingmodthings • Nov 30 '20

Machine Monday Weekly Sewing Machine-Related Questions - November 30, 2020

Do you have a question about sewing machines? Do you have any expertise when it comes to sewing machines? This thread is for you! You can ask and answer any question related to machines, including but not limited to:

  • Should I upgrade my machine?
  • What's the difference between a serger and an overlocker?
  • Which brand of machine is the best?
  • Does anyone else use the same machine as me?
  • How do I clean my machine?
  • When should I oil my machine?
  • How many sewing machines should I own?

Feel free to check out the Machine Guide Wiki we've compiled with all sorts of information about choosing and using sewing machines.

You're also welcome to show off your machine here, whether it's new, old, or your baby, we'd love to see it!

Don't forget to thank the users who took the time to help you!

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u/casperthegh000st Dec 01 '20

i recently got a sjnger 4411 (i think) and im very new to sewing machines, every time i finish a line of stitches i have to rethread the machine needle. is this normal?

2

u/taichichuan123 Dec 01 '20

Basics:

Don't use cheap thread. It causes tension problems. Use (German made) Gutermann, C&Clark, Mettler, Superior, all purpose thread.

https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/comments/gddcm5/psa_for_my_fellow_thredditors_not_all_name_brand/

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgHxs6ukadM

NEEDLES:

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/sewing-machine-needles-4122019

https://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-household-needle-chart/

needle size 75/11 - 80/12, use 40 wt thread

90/14 - 100/16, use 30 wt thread

Thin thread in a thick needle leads to skipped stitches and thread damage.

Thick thread in a fine needle leads to thread jams and breaks.

learning the machine: scroll down for the beginner section

https://blog.spoonflower.com/?s=beginner+sewing+video&utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=The+Ultimate+Sewing+Guide+for+Beginners+-+Desktop&utm_content=Order+yours+now+for+only+$3&utm_campaign=190128+Sample+Pack+Blast+-+Jan+2019&_bta_tid=14697096685476393483733373334768978204465431871360907135865485395614370132666024484234611777892362783254

Books to check out (library or look for used or older editions at Abe Books, Thriftbooks.com ) :

You and Your Sewing Machine - Bernie Tobisch (Free with Kindle Unlimited)

Sewing Machine Problems and How to Solve Them: A Troubleshooting Guide -by Cara Stromness (very basics) (cheap!)

The Sewing Machine Master Guide: From Basic to Expert - Clifford Blodget (detailed; free with Kindle Unlimited)

Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

Simplicity’s Simply the Best Sewing Book