How to Use a Sewing Machine

Tap to Read ➤ Suketu Mehta

if you love stitching, using a sewing machine can make your life a lot simpler. Learn how to use one, by following simple instructions mentioned here.

Stitching clothes yourself can be very useful if you like to create and wear innovative designs, color combination and also fabric combination. Women, especially, are more inclined towards this and most of them learn stitching at a very young age from their mothers.

If you know basic stitching, you can create innovative stuff to enhance your home decor. Stitching using a thread and needle can be time-consuming at times, and therefore you need to learn how to use it. With it, you are able to stitch almost any fabric in a much more easy and quick manner.

Sewing Machines For Beginners

Step 1

Before you start learning, you must ensure your machine is in proper working condition. It won't harm if you can get it serviced once, prior to using it. You should also go through the manufacturer's manual, which is available along with the machine, to get yourself acquainted with all its parts and their functions.

Step 2

Select a needle in accordance with the type of fabric you will be sewing. On the sewing machine, you will find a hand-wheel on your right hand side. With the help of this hand-wheel, bring up the needle to its highest position. You will also have to raise the presser foot.

Step 3

Now, sew the thread through the place provided for the same on the sewing machine. You will then have to pull the top end of the thread to the right, while the bottom end to the back of the machine.

Step 4

Take the fabric you need to sew, and place them one above the other, below the raised presser foot you. You will have to adjust your fabric and set it such a way that distance between the needle and fabric border is same as the seam allowance you need.

Step 5

Bring down the presser foot on your fabric and start rotating the hand-wheel, till you notice the needle has pierced the fabric. Now, you can start the actual stitching process.

Keep pressing the foot pedal and gently direct the fabric movement with your hands. Don't go very hard while applying pressure on the fabric, as it could result in a faulty stitching line while stitching.

Step 6

After you are done, again raise the needle to its highest position. Bring up the presser foot and take out the fabric you just stitched. To free the fabric from the sewing machine, cut top and bottom threads you had earlier joined.

Tips and Warnings

● It is always a good idea to stitch sample fabrics while you are learning, so that you do not end up spoiling any fabric. ● Experiment with using a varied combination of tension levels and stitch length on different fabrics. This will be useful in giving you an idea as to what works and does not work on these fabrics.

● When your work is done, do not pull out the fabric from your left hand side, as it will damage the needle by bending it. Also, do not use a thread cutter to cut the thread ends. Use a scissor instead. ● Be careful while using your right hand to guide the fabric, to avoid your fingers coming under the needle clamp.

● Keep spare needles of different sizes, handy, while using a sewing machine. Doing this will make it easier for you to make adjustments quickly while sewing, if required.

It is a simple process and basics of a sewing machine will remain the same, irrespective of the brand you own. You will surely require some practice before you become an expert.