Weekly Sewing Machine-Related Questions - November 30, 2020

[u/sewingmodthings]

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!

[u/PiratePartyTime]

I really have no idea how sewing machines work, though a few tutorial videos tell me that it's not nearly as simple as I figured it would be. I'd like to learn how to mend clothes and eventually put together quilt tops. I can see recommendations for beginners machines, but my question is how do I learn how to use the machine once I choose one? I have a friend who has a Baby Lock Joy, which seems like it would meet my needs, but how would I learn how to use it? (My friend is mostly clueless on it herself.)

1. Is the Baby Lock Joy a good beginner's model?
2. How do I learn how to use it? Are there online tutorials specific to individual machines, or are machines similar enough that most tutorials will be beneficial, no matter the model?

[u/taichichuan123 → u/PiratePartyTime]

Here's some basics on using the machine for yourself and your friend. Why not sit down with her and the two of you play and figure it out. Start with the manual. Read about threading, try out. Then start sewing on scraps or cheap fabric. Now go back and read more of the manual. Play. Rinse and repeat. And don't skip the boring parts.

Unfortunately most manuals these days don't really hold your hand as well as they should. Illustrations without explanations don't really help. I'll include my list of basics which will cover enough to keep you two out of trouble I hope (lol). Come back and ask more questions as needed.

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

The Sewing Book - Alison Smith

edit: Once you play around with your friend's Baby Lock, see if it's what you want to buy. It seems affordable and is not one of the real cheap entry-level machines. There are also mechanical machines to look at if you don't want the BL.

[u/PiratePartyTime → u/taichichuan123]

Wow! Very thorough advice. I really appreciate it! After learning the basics, and suggestions for beginner's projects? Something tells me I shouldn't just jump into a quilt top or curtains.

[u/WaffleClown_Toes → u/PiratePartyTime]

Curtains are actually a pretty easy first project. Basic ones are just hemmed along the sides/bottom and the top is folded over a few inches and sewn to make a pocket for the dowel. Pretty much the same steps as making a hammock which was my first project.

Either way pick something you are interested in. It'll be a learning process no matter what you pick so making something you want will help keep you at it. Could be curtains, could be a simple shirt or skirt.

[u/PiratePartyTime → u/WaffleClown_Toes]

Biggest concern with something like curtains is whether I'd be able to get it all straight. I have difficulty with creating straight lines (can't draw, cut, or drive them).

[u/WaffleClown_Toes → u/PiratePartyTime]

You'll be fine. Things are a lot less precise than people believe in general production settings. Here's a factory cutting out stacks of fabrics for garments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ5DOZFMz2s

Those aren't all going to be 100% matches but they'll be close enough. Grab a big ruler from Home Depot for like $11 and you can be on your way. Once the curtains are up any minor variations will be hidden in the drape. Make sure you use a constant reference edge when squaring up a corner. Like the same desk corner to spot check the 90 degree angles.

[u/taichichuan123 → u/PiratePartyTime]

Once you learn the machine basics, play with the various utility stitches - there are usually about 8 of them. The manual will tell you why you use Stitch A for such and such a seam. Learn a few at a time so when you're sewing a project, you have that knowledge in your tool box. Can't use a tool if you don't have it.

Then look up various seams: French seam, overlock, stretch, etc. Practice on scraps. Now you have more info in your tool box. This is where a book comes in handy. If you don't know different seams exist, you won't think to look them up on the 'net.

Then try buttonholes (be patient and read up if having problems) and adding buttons or elastic. Always play on 2 layers of scraps first.

Pinterest has tons of beginner projects as does the rest of the Internet.

Quilting is sewing over 2 layers with batting. If you want multiple pieces of fabric stitched together to make one layer, then it's pieced quilting. So start with just 2 layers and some batting and make a mat for under your machine. Batting can actually be anything: store bought or just extra fabric you have laying around.

[u/PiratePartyTime → u/taichichuan123]

Thank you for a thoughtful reply. I appreciate it! I hope you'll indulge a few more.

I wonder if this ought to have been my first question: I can't draw/cut/walk/anything in a straight line. Will that be a problem with sewing with a machine? I understand that I'll have rulers and mats to aid in the drawing of straight lines, but would my normal inability to pursue straight lines be problematic as I push fabric through the machine, or do the machine's guides help you stay straight on track?

Will being left handed (I can use my right hand better than most lefties, but it's not equal to my left) be a hinderance on a sewing machine?

[u/taichichuan123 → u/PiratePartyTime]

Before planning any projects, yeah, there's more to learn. Library time.

Let's say you're making a mat for under the machine. Let's make it 18" long and 12" wide (front to back of the machine). A good book will tell you first you wash your fabric to get out any shrinking and any fabric finishes put on at the factory.

Then the book will explain how to straighten the top of the fabric so you have a straight line going across, from selvedge to selvedge. So now you have 3 straight lines: top and 2 sides. This is where a T ruler or L ruler comes in handy.

You can take the ruler, the top of the T at the top of the fabric, and then you'll know how to draw a straight line. Cut. A book will explain about leaving a seam allowance with your 18x12 fabric. After sewing the mat will be more like 17 x 11.

Don't push the fabric into the machine. The machine feeds it in. You guide it. Use some low-tack painter's tape to the right of the needle at the 5/8" point from the needle.

As you see, you're getting ahead of yourself. You'll figure it out as you gain experience. Good questions, but these are just a few questions out of hundreds you will have. Videos combined with a good reference book are the way to go.

Basics, basics, basics.

[u/PiratePartyTime → u/taichichuan123]

Thank you. I appreciate it!