learning to use a sewing machine

kevana

hi, I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on teaching yourself how to sew - using a sewing machine - I'm very tempted but as there are seem to be no courses in my area I'm put of at the thought of getting something that I will not be able to use. Unfortunately I doubt it will be as easy to learn as you tube and crochet - which I did a couple of years ago.

Does anyone have any good site recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

pink_numbers

do you have any friends/relatives that could show you what to do?

knithryn

I must admit this is something I ought to do too.
I have a sewing machine. All it seems to do is pucker everything into a scrunchie mess. So I turn the tension dial. And it still puckers.

I know that a local shop told me that to learn to sew round shapes, draw a shape on paper, don't put thread in the machine, but practice sewing the paper going over the shape.

kevana

I think it may be a case of finding someone knowledgeable but have to admit chances are I would end up with the 'scrunchy' effect.

I do have some wonderful fantasies of what I could create or even just fixing the bargain buy trousers from the charity shop that are far to long but generally reality falls far short.:(

toffee65

kevana wrote: »

hi, I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on teaching yourself how to sew - using a sewing machine - I'm very tempted but as there are seem to be no courses in my area I'm put of at the thought of getting something that I will not be able to use. Unfortunately I doubt it will be as easy to learn as you tube and crochet - which I did a couple of years ago.

Does anyone have any good site recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Being a sewing machinist is my trade...I'd say if you get a machine practice on pieces of A4 paper with drawn lines on and machine NOT threaded up so get the hang of how fast it is and how to get the hang of moving something around. You'll find it's a bit like driving a car (if you do) having to use feet and hands at the same time.

Draw, lines, spirals and corners to practice

toffee65

knithryn wrote: »

I must admit this is something I ought to do too.
I have a sewing machine. All it seems to do is pucker everything into a scrunchie mess. So I turn the tension dial. And it still puckers.

I know that a local shop told me that to learn to sew round shapes, draw a shape on paper, don't put thread in the machine, but practice sewing the paper going over the shape.

I think you may find that your bobbin case screw needs adjusting...on the side of the bobbin case there is a small screw loosen or tighten this by a quarter at a time and see how it works...general rule of thumb is to thread a cotton reel into case and hold end of thread and drop it into other hand...if it reels out, then tighten it....if it doesn't budge at all loosen it. You have to just tap it to reel out...like a yoyo...it should drop and stop, drop and stop. Once you sort that out you can then adjust your top tension.

Hope that helps and makes sense if not I'll try to explain better.

kevana

sounds like a good idea and many thanks for the advise. just been lurking throught the shabby chic thread and it seems there is a sewing thread on the special occasions bit = will have to lurk through there - although maybe tomorrow -

stardrops42

I've taught myself to sew just by reading books and looking on the internet I'm certainly no expert but I've made some nice things including blinds, cushions, bags, sock monkeys, stuffed animals etc:D

JulieGeorgiana

I borrowed my mum's machine... and made my son some bunk bed curtains... it worked fine!!!

After reading this thread I now wonder how I managed it!!!

stilernin

Have you thought about finding a 'buddy' to show you how to use a machine?

An ad on Gumtree comes to mind. Perhaps you have a Time Bank or similar near you. How about a 'lunch club' for older folk who usually have a wealth of experience and often spare time. Put an ad on your local college notice board if they run relevant courses, someone might be able to give you some instruction/support for a square meal/bottle of wine.

Others might have more ideas.

Primrose

I don't know whether you use your local library but you could try putting up a notice in there asking if there is anybody in your area who uses a sewing machine who would be prepared to show you how to use it.

A group of people in our nearby library have recently formed a Sewing and Knitting group to enable people to exchange skills or help each other to learn how to do things. Many people with such skills are often only too pleased to help a novice. Do you have any Craft shops in your local area? They might be able to put you in touch with somebody who could help you.