Useful tips for sewing newbies
Posted by Kerry
January 7, 2008
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Poor old Vanessa was having a bit of trouble setting up her new sewing machine this weekend, resulting in a lengthy transatlantic phone call about bobbins. We sorted the issue out in the end, but I was reminded of a number of sites that I found very useful when I was just starting out. I’m sure Vanessa will be fine from now on, but for anyone else who got a sewing machine for Christmas and is just about ready to tear out their hair, here are a few helpful pointers…
When I was a bit stumped about setting my machine up, I found this bit of the Singer website very helpful – they have generic instructions for most common tasks and helpful troubleshooting tips. As most sewing machines are basically pretty similar, a lot of these tips will be useful to anyone needing a bit of a hand with the basic operation of their machine – obviously you should rely on your own manual first and foremost, but if it’s unclear then a better description and diagram can really help and I found these particularly clear.
Craftster is another fantastic resource, and this one’s definitely not just for newbies! Browse or use the search function to find out if anyone else has had the same problem as you, and chances are you’ll find the solution in seconds. If not, sign up and post a friendly request for help – ideally with as detailed a description as you can manage, and even a picture or two if it’ll help. You’ll have the answer you need in no time!
Howstuffworks has a fantastic guide to what’s actually going on when you use your sewing machine. Definitely worth a read for anyone new to sewing or for anyone who has never quite understood exactly how the magic happens! As well as just being plain old interesting, this is useful stuff – the better you actually understand your machine, the more likely you’ll be to be able to diagnose problems with your machine (plus it really makes you appreciate the importance of regular maintenance!).
I’ll be back soon with my own top tips for getting along with your new machine, but hopefully that’ll give you something to get started with!
9 comments Categories: craft
January 7th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
That’s great, thanks! I’m definitely going to check those links out! DO you have any advice on general maintence, such as cleaning / oiling etc? I have no idea where to start with those!
Thanks again :)
January 7th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I do! I’ll add them to my next post, tentatively titled “Things I wish someone had told me when I first got my sewing machine”…
January 8th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Also see Tim Hunkin’s classic cartoon guide to the invention and operation of the sewing machine:-
http://www.secretlifeofmachines.com/secret_life_of_the_sewing_machine.shtml
January 8th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Ooh very interesting link Peter! I like the pic of a sewing machine shaped like a squirrel.
January 8th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I LOVE Tim Hunkin! I have a huge collected book of his stuff, called Almost Everything There is to Know, that I’ve loved ever since I was a child.
January 8th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I was going to post a picture of me slumped over my machine in despair and then put your ‘helpline’ number underneath, but I thought you might be a bit cross. It did save the weekend though!
May 17th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
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