Question for those who sew?

Question

I have never so much looked at a sewing machine but I got one for free that I of course don't know how to start using, but I am determined that it will not end up like the free workout bench we got that now sits in the corner collecting dust......What are the absolute musts as far as what every project needs? I.E....pins, fabric, etc? What do I need to get started? thanks.

Answer 1

first you need to orient yourself with your machine- each machine is different with how to thread it or what stitches you can do. buy some cheap cotton (the easiest material to sew with) in a light color and some dark thread - and just start playing around- not makeing anything at first, but just seeing what you can do. the dark thread on the light cotton will show you what the thread is actually doing and you can get a sense of gauge, and stitching.

below are some books i think you should get your hands on- they're great and they have you makeing simple projects that you will actually use. or if not these check what your local library might have on sewing basics...



as for tools you'll absolutely need:

fabric, thread, scissors (nice sewing scissors so your cuts will be straight and wear you want them- dull scissors will leave you with jagged edges), pins ( get the kind with the plastic ball on the head so you won't loose them so easy), and iron and an ironing board (trust me- its makes it soooo much easier!) and a seam ripper ( don't neglect this- when you have to rip a seam out this does it nicely with out tearing or stretching the fabric or worse) you'll also want extra needles and bobbins. a needle threader can be really handy too.



books to check out:

Sewing-101-Beginners

http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-101-Beginners-Guide/dp/1589230698/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-5081536-2127145?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176590744&sr=8-1



Lotta-Jansdotters-Simple-Sewing-

http://www.amazon.com/Lotta-Jansdotters-Simple-Sewing-How/dp/0811852571/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9/104-5081536-2127145?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176590744&sr=8-9



Simple-Sewing-French-Twist

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Sewing-French-Twist-Illustrated/dp/0307351823/ref=pd_bbs_sr_12/104-5081536-2127145?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176590744&sr=8-12

Answer 2

You need



- fabric cutting board (gridded cardboard)

- a pattern (for a shirt, a pillow, whatever you are making)

- pins, pin cushion

- replacement needles for the sewing machine

- measuring tape

- marking pen (ink fades in a few days)

- good cutting scissors (Fiskars makes good ones, save it to use on the fabric only)

- thread to match the fabric

- bobbins for the sewing machine



Your list of supplies will grow as your interest in sewing grows. Look for a beginners sewing course through a sewing store or your local park district. I learned in junior high in a home ec course and then learned much on my own. You could try finding a book on beginning sewing if you like to learn by reading. Don't give up. It's a great hobby. Don't forget that you can use your machine for simple seam repairs too. You might want to pick up some scrap fabric just to practice sewing on. That will help you learn to control sewing speed and learn to just guide, not force the fabric with your hands.



Good luck!

Answer 3

Basically, you need some cloth and thread, though pins are almost a requirement. It depends on what exactly you want to do with your machine. I would recommend going to a Michael's or similar and picking up a book of project ideas. Most beginners start by perfecting techniques on paper. Simply find a children's coloring book (preferably with thicker paper) and see if you can follow most of the lines without thread loaded in the machine. Once you feel comfortable, load thread and keep perfecting you technique. Then move on to a simple project like a pillow or pillowcase.

Hope I was helpful! Sewing can become a fun hobby and the other commenter should not be heeded.

Answer 4

First of all buy some cheap calico and practice with that, trying different stitches, button holes and stuff. many sewing centres have classes that may be good for you too, at least to get started! I have been sewing since I was about 6, when I got a "holly hobbie" machine, it is hard to remember the basics as it all just seemed innate to me. i remember one thing I learnt, when threading the machine you should have the letter "N" at the front, if you have threaded it right, N for needlework!

Each pattern is different, but some handy things are: Cotton, bobbins, pins, spare needles, elastic, buttons, a white makers pencil, and fabrics

Answer 5

Go to your craft/fabric store and find a BASIC pattern for something easy you can wear, or a small throw or craft sewing project and pick out a sale fabric. The pattern will list notions you need. Get someone who knows how to sew to help. Make sure you find some scrap fabric to practice with because your machine may need settings changed, and you need to get a feel for sewing straight seams.



Do not pick something with a zipper or buttonholes.



Good shears, marking pencil for fabric, needles for hand sewing and basting, seam ripper, embroidery scissors.

Answer 6

If you check out your local fabric store's they should be able to help you get the basic's and they may even have some classes for you that could help. If not check out the coumnity centers they usaly run things like that. But start simple and work your way up. Dont give up my mom had her machine for over 32 years and I had it most of that time. She has not got her self a new one and has even used it and made her self something. Its just practice just like any thing else GOOD LUCK.

Answer 7

of course fabric and make sure you get extra rolls of sewing string and since its a sewing machine that you have never used befor make sure to look over the manual you mostly know what you need just get extra rolls of sewing string

hopes this helps

Answer 8

Here's a site with recommendations for a sewing starter kit:



http://www.bellaonline.com/ArticlesP/art2931.asp

Answer 9

adult adult males that stitch is continuously a plus. I once said a guy my age in a stitching keep and at the same time as he said me he kinda appeared embarrassed, yet i concept it replaced into tremendous that a guy ought to stitch... it would not look female in any respect to me because I form of associate it with the DIY ethic of in accordance with your self rather of on business organization, so yeah it really is acceptable. I also like adult adult males that ought to play the guitar and practice dinner...

Answer 10

fabric (your choice), needles, those little things to put the string around, string, scissors, measuring tape, I may be young but my mom teaches me how to sew.

Answer 11

sewing is easy, you need fabric to sew together, thread, scissors, and creativity

Answer 12

go to ur local joann's, they'll help u.

Answer 13

u sew ha ha ha!!!