where to start with a sewing machine?

Counting_Pennies_2

I wonder if you can advise me.

I am looking to buy my first ever sewing machine.

I am planning on making curtains and roman blinds for my new home.

I have not used a sewing machine before, I don't plan to go into embroidery in a big way, just need basic stitches, but I think I need to go for an arm/foot (??) that will rise up to get the fabric under when doing the curtains.

I have looked on the John Lewis website and there is such an array of choice I am lost.

Can anyone advise me please?

Thanks

Pink.

Hi Counting_Pennies,

These previous threads may help:

Any sewing machine recommendations?

learning to use a sewing machine

where to start with a sewing machine?

Buying a Sewing Machine

Pink

CountingPennies

Pink-winged wrote: »

Hi Counting_Pennies,

These previous threads may help:

Any sewing machine recommendations?

learning to use a sewing machine

where to start with a sewing machine?


Buying a Sewing Machine

Pink

I kust got a brand new sewing machine off my mam so this will be very helpful to me as i haven't got a clue where to start! Thanks! :T

zippychick

ive merged this with the thread Pink linked to

Zip

ZsaZsa

Mine scares me too, in the past 3 weeks I've managed to move mine from the loft to the dining table, and get 3 books from the library. After 4 years in the loft I'd say thats progress haha. I can't get to a class but I'd love someone to just sit and talk me through it.

poohzee

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

I wonder if you can advise me.

I am looking to buy my first ever sewing machine.

I am planning on making curtains and roman blinds for my new home.

I have not used a sewing machine before, I don't plan to go into embroidery in a big way, just need basic stitches, but I think I need to go for an arm/foot (??) that will rise up to get the fabric under when doing the curtains.

I have looked on the John Lewis website and there is such an array of choice I am lost.

Can anyone advise me please?

Thanks

Hiya - I just got my first sewing machine and was terrified of it!! but this one came with a dvd which i sat and watched with my sewing machine (bonding time!) with the remote being used for pausing quite a bit and now there is nothing stopping me....except for the price of fabric!! I have made a dog doorstop, a bag, and curtains! Good luck!

Money_maker

I've had my two over 10 years! Reckoned I'd try youtube sometime for step by step instructions. Just don't have the time right now.

meritaten

ok - The way a sewing machine works is that the needle carries the top thread and the bobbin carries the bottom thread and the machine then magically marries them both together! TOTALLY different to hand stitching!
one of my first jobs was a machinist in a garment factory which made clothes for many major retailers including M&S. we had three weeks training before we were let loose on the factory floor! the first day we were given a pad of lined A4 paper and told to use the machines without cotton and learn to follow the lines! after 8 hours of this nearly all of us could sew in a straight line! the second day we learned curved lines - S shapes printed out for us. another 8 hours! see where I am going here? you dont need to use fabric and cotton to learn how the machine works - try practicing on paper first to get a 'feel' for the machine. you wont ruin anything and waste money! it took a week before they let us learn how to feed the thread in the machine! I can still do it with my eyes closed!
You dont need to go to that extreme - but get the cover off and dont thread the machine up - get some printing paper and get going! get a 'feel' for the machine - find your comfort level then get it threaded up and make some beautiful things!