where to start with a sewing machine?

homealone_2

i have a lovely brand new sewing machine i bought from tesco, have never used one before and am scared stiff to open it. it has become a family joke as it sits all nice and new in the kitchen while we all walk around it. i dont know what worries me the most opening it all up and not knowing what goes where or me sitting there fiddling for ages losing my temper and it ending up as a door stop. i know i cant get very far until i open it, am i foolishly beleiving i will be able to figure it all out by the instruction book?


diresthttp://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-2198.aspx

Quasar

The only way to find out is to open it up and have a go. You bought it, why just keep it under wraps now?

Do you know anyone who can use one and can help you out? I've never used one before but I would definitely experiment with it without delay - studying the instruction book, setting it up and keeping my fingers well away from the needle.

Good luck anyway. I'm sure other users here will have better advice for you.

skinnygirlnot

I could have written your letter myself (except I bought mine from Aldi). :rotfl:

Not only that but I have bought zillions of threads, fabrics, books etc but am worried I won't know how to use it.:o

I've looked for classes near me and there aren't any.

I'll start at the weekend if you do!

larmy16

Another sewing machine phobic here too I'm afraid. I think it was the whole palaver with the bobbin at school that put me off!:o

I have a bright shiny one from Tchibo, which has been used once and that was to sew a straight line (wobbly) on a piece of fabric. This bought on such a panic attack it went back in the cupboard, where it's remained since!!!:rolleyes:

Dazi

OK
I never touched a sewing machine from my 3rd year at School (where after breaking so many needles I decided that GCSE sewing was not for me) fast forward about 20 years and my daughter was into dancing, I was quoted £200 to make a Czech national costume:eek: and decided it was time to dust down the sewing machine and make one!

I won't say it was easy, tears and trantrums, not from DD I may add :rotfl: But I did it, then went on to make loads of other stuff. So here is what I say:

the first step is to put the machine onto a table or something like that where you can sew. Thread it up and just get a bit of material and try out all the stitches. Spend as long as you like on this, I was amazed to find out I could do zigggy zaggy stitches, I didn't really get the stretch stitch thingy till I sewed some stretchy material, and yes, yet again I was amazed that it worked.:D

Find something simple to sew, this looks ok http://www.knitting-and.com/embroidery/cushions.htm forget the embroidery bit unless you have one of those super duper machines that can do it

If you are still scared/stuck, come back here for more advice I can't promise I will have the answers as I mainly made stage costumes and you do not have to be perfect. Since DD has grown up I don't do much sewing now, just a few bits for the home, oh, did make a nappy stacker for DD last year.

there are a few sewing threads on here where people will help
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=683165&highlight=sewing

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1664531&highlight=sewing

Have fun

Jak xx

skinnygirlnot

Thanks Jak, I'll try 'playing' with it first this weekend. Trouble with me is I want to run before I can walk.

Larmy it's the bobbin that frightens me lol and the fact that I don't get how a sewing machine actually works - surely the needle (and thread) must go completely through and over/under to make a stitch?

Ishtar

I had a sewing machine given to me as a birthday present a few years ago - the only sewing I'd ever done was in the 2nd year of secondary school and I had no idea how to use it.

My advice would be to start with the instruction book and some odds and ends of fabric and work up to making some simple cushion covers - I made a couple of 'envelope' style ones, scared myself and then stopped using the machine :rolleyes:. A year or so later I dug it out to make some curtains for DDs room and haven't looked back...I think it's just a case of getting used to your machine and telling yourself that it doesn't really matter if you get it wrong.

Since then I've made loads of clothes for DD and I'm looking to make some for my baby boy, who's in cloth nappies and so needs extra space in his trousers. For me, I find it's a great feeling to know that your children are wearing something you made for them - they stand out from the crowd a bit more (I mean this in a good way!!)

I've made the odd one or two things for myself, too - mostly skirts.

The only thing I need now is more time!

D.

buxtonrabbitgreen

I can sew ok. Just don't have much time to do it now. Though I do make all the costumes for a dance show I am in every christmas. But what I was going to say , was , that I had a brand new car last month. My first ever. It is a manual and I have been driving an automatic for 8 years.
Well the car stood in the drive for 2 days while I read the instructions over and over. I was terrified of stalling and crashing it. In the end I went off on my own when none of the family were about. It has taken me a month to get used to gears again. Now I no longer think about it all and it comes natrually.
So take the machine out of the box and learn by doing.

JenniO

Hi
I understand what you all are going through! The first time I had to thread the needle, it took me at least half an hour! LOL. Now it takes me about 10 seconds.

I would go to www.youtube.com and type in 'how to sewing machine' and there are plenty on there about how to thread needles, and other demonstrations.

Also you could go to your local library and ask if they have any beginner's books on sewing. This may explain more than your sewing machine manual.

Good luck

skinnygirlnot

Homealone did you have another go?

I did and made a simple cushion cover:j.

Actually the hardest bit was measuring and cutting the fabric accurately.

I'm going to leave the machine out and play with it every day. If I don't then I'll forget how to use it and it will be the same story again.

BitterAndTwisted

I just spotted some rather nice sewing machines on special offer in Lidl the other day and am sorely tempted but I'm wary of spending nearly £100 on something that might be just a flash in the pan. I haven't used a sewing machine since I was 13 in needlework lessons in school but I know that even I could run up some nice, simple, unlined curtains in a couple of hours and my mind is spinning with all the great things I could make for myself during the dark, winter months. French seams, anyone?