All About Sewing

Shopping for Your First Machine

I’M BUYING MY FIRST SEWING MACHINE – HOW DO I CHOOSE ONE??

Your first sewing machine can be one of the most thrilling purchases you’ll ever make! It may also seem like one of the most daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some valuable tips that will help simplify the process and take the stress away.

First of all, consider your BUDGET. Even the higher priced brands make budget-friendly models for beginning sewers. Although some higher priced machines typically offer more features and greater durability, you can always trade up when your sewing skills increase.

What FEATURES are most important to you? Although most machines today are computerized there are many that aren’t which will reduce the cost. Do you plan to sew garments and want those perfect automatic buttonholes or hem stitch? Love decorative stitches? Automatic needle threaders are a great option. Compare the basic feet and accessories included with each brand. Whatever area of sewing you’re passionate about there’s a machine that offers it.

SPACE REQUIREMENTS. Consider what space you have available for your sewing machine and your sewing area.

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Necessary for Survival

NON-NEGOTIABLE KNOW-HOWS

Machine Basics

  • How to correctly thread a sewing machine (top thread + bobbin)
  • How to wind and insert a bobbin correctly
  • Understanding tension basics (what loose vs tight stitches mean)
  • How to change a needle properly
  • Using the correct needle type for fabric (knit, woven, denim, etc.)
  • Presser foot pressure and why it matters
  • How to clean lint and oil (if applicable)

Fabric & Cutting Fundamentals

  • Understanding grainline (this is HUGE)
  • Difference between woven vs knit fabrics
  • How to lay out pattern pieces correctly
  • Why fabric should be prewashed (and when it shouldn’t be)
  • Cutting accurately and why dull scissors are criminal behavior
  • Directional prints & nap

Stitching Essentials

  • Seam allowance basics and how to maintain it
  • Backstitching and when to do it
  • Straight stitch vs zigzag and when each is used
  • Why pressing seams is NOT optional
  • How to sew straight lines
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Good to Know

  • THESE GOOD TO KNOW BASICS WILL SERVE YOU WELL

    · Reading fabric labels and fiber behavior

    · How to choose interfacing types

    · Understanding ease (design vs wearing ease)

    · How to grade between sizes

    · Order of construction strategies

    · Batch sewing techniques

    · When to upgrade tools vs when not to

    · How to troubleshoot common stitch problems

    · Fabric substitutions

    · Pressing tools beyond an iron (tailor’s ham, sleeve roll, etc.)

    · How to store fabric and patterns

    · Basic garment fitting concepts

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    Bonus Category

    THE SEWING MINDSET SURVIVAL KIT

    • The iron is as important as the machine
    • Ripping out stitches is normal, not failure
    • Fabric choice can make or break a project
    • Expensive machines do not fix bad technique
    • Slow sewing is actually faster sewing
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