My mother used to make our clothes when we were little. I would help her thread the sewing machine needle. That was the beginning of my love for sewing. I have many memories of my mother and the projects that we created. Here's to you creating many sewing projects and some beautiful memories of your own.
This video shows how to take body measurements, choose a pattern, and purchase the notions and supplies.
Body Measurements
On a piece of paper write down the following:
With a soft cloth or vinyl tape measure:
Bust = Measure around the fullest part of the bust.
Waist = Measure around the waist
Hips = Measure the fullest part of the hips.
These are the three basic measurements when picking out a pattern.
This video was created by Niler Taylor and placed on YouTube with embedding enabled. Visit her Playlist on YouTube.com.
You might find the following posts to be very helpful:
Now that we’ve threaded the upper thread, it’s time to thread the lower bobbin thread.
We need to place the bobbin in the lower bobbin case and pull up the thread. The bobbin is usually right below the needle in the bobbin case. Sometimes, with a free-arm sewing machine, there might be a removable section that will have to be removed to get to the bobbin case.
There are two different types of bobbins, a metal bobbin case or a drop-in bobbin.
Some machines have a metal bobbin case where you place the bobbin inside a case that fits into a small compartment. By holding the latch you can pull out the case and place the bobbin inside, making sure the thread is going counter-clockwise. There is a groove on the side of the bobbin case and you want to bring the thread through that groove and along the side until it comes through a hole. There is an extension piece that comes out from the side of the bobbin. Make sure the thread lays in front of the extension piece. Then, pull the latch, which will hold the bobbin in place. The extension piece will be pointing up and you will see that it lines up with the bobbin case compartment. You might have to turn the bobbin case until you hear it snap into place.
The drop-in bobbin is much simpler. You can usually see it through a clear plastic cover that slides out. You then drop the bobbin into the compartment, with the thread going counter-clockwise.
The next step is to pull up the bobbin thread so that it joins with the upper thread. While holding the upper thread, turn the wheel toward you. You will see the needle go up and down, and then it will pull up the bottom bobbin thread. Grab the bobbin thread and while holding it along with the upper thread, bring the two threads toward the back of the machine so that they are out of the way.
This video will show you how to thread the sewing machine.
Okay, the next step is to insert it if it’s not already there. The top part of the needle is wide and flat on one side. There is a small screw that needs to be loosened in order to place the needle up through the groove, flat side facing the back. Tighten the screw and you are ready to thread the needle.
Next, place the spool of thread on the back thread spool spindle. Make sure the thread is going counter-clockwise.
Now, not all sewing machines are exactly the same, but the principle is the same. Most manufacturers place a diagram on the machine to follow. This video will show you the basics, but make sure you refer to your manual to make sure you are doing it right.
You will guide the thread, along the guide marks, up and down and, finally, through the needle. You will probably need to cut the thread to make sure it’s not frayed so that it will be easier to thread the needle. Sometimes it helps to place your finger behind the needle so you can see the hole. Then, while holding the thread between your other fingers, push the thread through the hole.
This video was created by Niler Taylor and placed on YouTube with embedding enabled. Visit her Playlist on YouTube.com.
You might find the following posts to be very helpful:
This video shows how to thread and wind the bobbin.
Before we can start sewing, we must thread the machine. This involves threading the upper thread and the lower thread. The upper spool of thread, when threaded through the needle, is what creates the stitches on the top side of the fabric. The bobbin thread, when picked up and pulled through the hole to join the upper thread, is what creates stitches underneath the fabric.
The first step is to wind the bobbin. This is done by placing the bobbin on the top bobbin pin, then taking the thread from the thread spool pin and winding it around the bobbin. When the bobbin is pressed against the bobbin winder, you can now wind the bobbin with thread. Refer to the operator’s manual to see if you need to release the knob inside the wheel in order to stop the needle from going up and down. Some machines automatically stop the needle when winding the bobbin, others have to be manually adjusted.
Then, press the pedal and the bobbin will start turning. The harder you press the pedal, the faster the bobbin will spin. When the bobbin is completely full, it will stop automatically. You will then remove the bobbin and cut the bobbin thread from the spool thread. You will need to lock the wheel knob again, if that’s how your machine works.
This video was created by Niler Taylor and placed on YouTube with embedding enabled. Visit her Playlist on YouTube.com.
You might find the following posts to be very helpful:
This is used to guide the thread and will move up and down as you sew and connects with the bobbin.
Upper Thread Tension Dial
This is used to adjust the amount of tension of the upper thread. If the top stitches seem to be too tight, lower the tension. If the top stitches are too loose, tighten the tension. The manufacturer usually marks this dial with a line that indicates the normal range (between 4, 5, and 6). The numbers usually go up to 9. Start with the tension within the normal range and adjust accordingly.
Upper Thread Guide
These are the guides that the thread feeds through. Some machines have marks that you can follow along when threading the machine.
This video was created by Niler Taylor and placed on YouTube with embedding enabled. Visit her Playlist on YouTube.com.
You might find the following posts to be very helpful:
This video touches on some important parts of the machine. For example:
Thread Spool Pins:
There are usually two thread spool pins. These are the tall spindles on top and all the way to the right.
The back pin holds the top thread that threads the machine.
The front pin holds the spool of thread that is used to wind the bobbin.
In some older machines, the top thread spool is also used to wind the bobbin. This is somewhat inconvenient because you have to remove the spool that threads the needle and replace it with the spool used for winding the bobbin.
We’ll discuss threading the machine later on, but I just wanted to point out that there are two thread guides. One is for threading the needle of the machine, and the other is for winding the bobbin.
Bobbin Winding Spindle
This is the small spindle that holds and winds the bobbin. The spool of thread sits on one of the tall thread spool pins, and the thread goes around the bobbin thread guide to the bobbin. The bobbin snaps against a small post that will detect when the bobbin is full, and the winder will stop spinning automatically.
I use Coats & Clark Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread. Start out with some basic colors – black, white, brown, navy blue. When purchasing fabric, always buy matching thread. Then with each sewing project you can add to your thread collection.
Presser Foot Pressure Regulator:
This is what you use to adjust the pressure of the presser foot on the fabric.
To increase the pressure, push down on the inner pin. For ordinary sewing, the inner pin should be pushed all the way down. To decrease the pressure push down on the outer ring.
Insufficient pressure may cause poor feeding of the fabric, skipped stitches, or difficulty in guiding the fabric.
When sewing multiple thickness or heavy fabric, decrease the pressure. When sewing lighter weight fabric, increase the pressure. If feed dog or presser foot marks appear on the fabric, decrease the pressure.
Most home machines don’t have a pressure regulator. If it does, it is usually preset by the manufacturer and very rarely requires adjusting. Refer to your manual to identify the parts to your machine.
This video was created by Niler Taylor and placed on YouTube with embedding enabled. Visit her Playlist on YouTube.com.
You might find the following posts to be very helpful:
This series will teach you about the different parts of your sewing machine and what they do, setting up your sewing area, winding the bobbin, threading the sewing machine, taking body measurements, choosing the pattern and fabric, cutting the pattern and fabric, and sewing a skirt from start to finish!
Setting Up Your Sewing Area
Before we get into the necessary steps to using a sewing machine, you want to make sure that your sewing area is comfortable and convenient, and that you have the necessary tools to work with. Refer to our post titled, Welcome to the World Of Sewing, where we show you some of the basics.
Part 1 – Sewing Machine Safety
This course was designed for those who have little or no experience with a sewing machine, even those who have never seen a sewing machine before. After going through this course, videos 1 through 11, you should be familiar with the different parts of the sewing machine, how they operate, and, hopefully, be able to put a simple garment together.
Safety Warnings:
This video expresses the importance of sewing machine safety. Even though this is a course for beginners, it is not designed for children under the age of 18. No child should ever be left unattended when they are around a sewing machine. Make sure your child has adult supervision when taking this course.
Setting Up Your Sewing Machine
When setting up your sewing machine, make sure that you place it on a sturdy surface that doesn’t wobble. Never operate your sewing machine while on a bed, couch or chair because you could damage yourself or the machine, or break the needle. Also, the soft surface might interfere with the circulation beneath and around the bottom of the machine.
Make sure the table is a proper height or use a comfortable and adjustable chair.
This video was created by Niler Taylor and placed on YouTube with embedding enabled. Visit her Playlist on YouTube.com.
Here is another inexpensive sewing machine that sells for under $60.00. This sewing machine doesn’t look like a toy, and it would make a great first sewing machine for a child, or a good travel machine for small sewing projects and mending. It includes electric scissors and a 100-piece sewing kit.
The LSS-505 from Michley is a multi-purpose sewing machine that features double thread, double speed, 8 built-in stitch patterns, forward and reverse sewing and automatic thread rewind. Sews sleeves and had a built-in sewing light. Use hand switch or foot pedal to start. Drawer, thread cutter, foot pedal, adaptor, and thread bag included. Uses DC 6V power.
Features:
Eight built-in stitch patterns
Automatic thread rewind, can sew sleeves, LED sewing light
Includes two bobbins, two thread spools, needle, threader, foot pedal, and AC adaptor
Double speed, double thread, forward and reverse sewing
Measurements: approx. 10-4/5″ by 4-4/5″ by 10-1/5″
This combo kit also includes Electrical Scissors and a 100-piece sewing kit
Any one of these beautiful casserole/pie carriers would make a great housewarming gift, or something special for a friend during the holidays. Take it one step further (or even two or three steps further depending on your budget), and add a dish and a decorative bag of ingredients, with the recipe attached. Isn’t that a great gift idea? Wouldn’t you love to receive a gift like that? I know I would!
These Casserole and Pie Carriers are the perfect tote along for holidays and events. If you’re showing up somewhere with a homemade dish, you’ll want to keep it warm and ready to eat.
Turn your ordinary placemats into something new with the Placemat Casserole Carrier. Whenever you need to take a cooked dish somewhere, this casserole cozy will be useful. Plus, it’s easy and fun to make!
If you’re traveling with a dish, keep the food warm until it’s time to eat. With the Cozy Toter casserole carrier pattern you’ll have a great sewing project that’s useful and easy to make.
Casserole Tote: Everyone needs a handy Casserole Tote for family gatherings and parties. This casserole carrier pattern features fabric handles and easy open flaps. Make this sewing project and you’ll love the results.
Casserole Carrier: Looking for a free casserole carrier pattern? This Casserole Carrier will come in handy for potluck dinners, events and parties. With a solid handle, you’ll be able to take this useful craft anywhere!
Insulated Casserole Carrier: You’ll find yourself needing an Insulated Casserole Carrier at some point this Summer. With all the picnics and parties coming up, don’t get caught without the proper casserole carrier. Follow this sewing tutorial and create the useful craft.
These adorable flowers can be used to accessorize headbands, barrettes, purses, bags, hats, scarves, brooches, etc. They are so quick and easy to make, and would be great gifts.
Materials Needed:
small strip of fabric 14″ long x 2-1/2″ wide*
heavy-duty thread
buttons
hand-sewing needle
scissors
You can use any fabric you choose. This video shows flowers made with polyester knit and fleece.
This ruffled flower is hand sewn, but could be easily sewn on a sewing machine if you prefer. Just set your stitch length to the longest so that you can easily gather the fabric.
Also, I haven’t tried this but I think it would be very pretty. Use Organza and Chiffon. Make several flowers, alternating the organza and chiffon. Then, layer them on top of each other and sew together. Embellish the center with a brooch or satin button.
Following is a video that shows how to make a shoulder adorned wedding flower. It is exquisite.Continue reading »
