11 tips & tricks for sewing machine beginners
Are you new to sewing machines? Then continue reading!
I've included a few pointers and tricks from my own personal experience that are simple to implement and will help you get the most out of your sewing machine.
Let's get started!
1) Choose the right machine
You may obviously skip this if you already have a sewing machine (and make do with what you have). If you must purchase one, there are sewing machines best suited to novices to pick from.
I'm not going to go into detail about the benefits of those models here, but I strongly encourage you to read a couple of the product descriptions to get the flavor.
2) Use matching threads
A sewing machine employs two threads. To minimize unequal tension, jams, and breakages, always use the same type of thread (same material, same thickness*) on the top and bottom. Of course, you can mix colors (to match the inner and outer cloth or to create decorative stitching), as long as the thread is the same type.
The simplest way to match threads is to begin each job with an empty bobbin and fill it from the spool. If you frequently use the same spool, load many bobbins at once to avoid re-threading your machine. Just keep note of where they come from! (Label each bobbin or store it with its spool.)
3) Keep your lines straight and your curves neat
If you've never used a sewing machine before, this may appear difficult, but it's actually fairly straightforward (though you'll need some practice).
To stitch a straight line, align the edge of your cloth with one of the lines* on the needle plate and hold that position while stitching.
These lines can be found on the majority of sewing machines. If you don't have one, you can make one by placing a piece of tape on the needle plate.
Begin softly and gradually increase your speed as you develop confidence. Always concentrate on the alignment rather than the needle or the stitching: they move too quickly for your eyes to follow and hinder you from seeing the greater image.
Stitch carefully while twisting the fabric with both hands to create a smooth curve. If you can, do it in a steady, continuous motion; if you can't (or if you need to make a sharp turn), always stop with the needle down into the fabric. This enables you to pivot the fabric around the last stitch, resulting in a tidy curve.
4) Keep hold of the threads' tails at the start
Before you start stitching, the thread tails are loose. This can lead them to become entangled in the machinery of the machine and possibly drag the fabric in with them (especially light thin fabrics).
Always grasp the thread tails with your left hand when sewing the first stitches to avoid this issue (and maybe having to cut a hole in your cloth to fix it).
5) Flatten your fabrics before sewing them
By flattening the cloth before sewing, you can avoid the crooked stitches that result from sewing scrunched up fabric. Simply smooth out all the lines (including the nice folding ones) with your hands, or iron it if necessary.
It takes a little extra work at first, but it will make your life easier in the long run.
6) Practice, practice, practice
Practice makes perfect, and isn't that what you desire for your work?
I understand how tempting it is to dive right in and get started. However, keep in mind that each cloth, thread, and stitch has unique properties. Varied threads demand different tensions; thin cloth might be delicate, whereas thick fabric necessitates a large, strong needle; stitches come in a variety of forms and sizes; and so on.
You can make corrections without destroying your work by practicing on a scrap of fabric for a few minutes. Obviously, you must reproduce the circumstances of your project for this to make sense. So, for your test and your project, use the same fabric (and the same number of layers), thread, and machine configuration.
To gain a feel for it, complete beginners can practice on printed paper initially. There are numerous free patterns (lines, curves, and even drawings) available online that you may print at home and practice with.
7) Keep your scraps of fabric
How will you practice without them?
Plus they can be useful for smaller projects, or even to add a bit of a twist on larger ones.
8) Don't be a slob
Clean your computer on a regular basis.
When you stitch, fluff gets caught in the mechanism. It can have an impact on your machine's performance (even if you aren't always aware of it) and noise level (which you should notice, otherwise maybe clean your ears too :P).
It's also a good idea to cover your computer to protect it from dust. Most machines come with a slipcover or case, but if you don't, they're simple to build!
Good maintenance may also save you a trip to the mechanic.
9) Maintain ideal sewing conditions
You'd be surprised how many mechanical issues can be resolved by cleaning the machine, rethreading it, or changing the needle.
I've already talked about cleanliness.
Another useful maintenance procedure is rethreading. Try rethreading everything if you can't seem to get the tension right, if the thread keeps jamming or breaking, or if anything feels strange (spool and bobbin). This will usually solve your problem.
When it comes to needles, make sure to use the correct one for each job. Universal needles are useful in many situations, but they are not always the ideal option. They will not perform as well on very thin or thick textiles as thinner/thicker needles. Jeans, for example, are a daily item, but they take more than just a regular needle!
Needles can also become blunted or twisted rather quickly. This can cause thread clogs or, worse, the needle collapsing into the needle plate rather than passing through the hole (and consequently breaking). Change it on a frequent basis to provide better, safer stitching.
10) Make sure you have enough thread
Check the state of your bobbin before beginning a new project (or a key chunk of a project).
Make sure there's enough thread on it so you don't run out in the middle of a neat seam or difficult stitch.
If the bobbin is nearly empty, it is preferable to change it at the start rather than dealing with it afterwards.
11) Slow down!
Operating a sewing machine is similar to driving a car (well, not quite, but deal with me) in that you must be smooth with the gas pedal.
Don't force it all the way down (or risk completely losing control of your stitching). Slow down for accurate maneuvers. Maintain a reasonable pace of practice.
Many electronic equipment have a speed control button that lets you select a maximum speed. It's ideal for beginners or those with sensitive pedals.
Another method is to sew barefoot (or with socks on, basically just remove your shoes). The increased sensitivity aids in pedal control.
