How to Start Sewing Today

Do you have a sewing machine and aren't sure how to start sewing? Well, you've come to the right place!

Get your machine out. Set it up according to instructions. Now, sit down in front of the machine with the manual and learn the components of your machine. {Parts, how to thread your machine, etc.} You might like my post on How to Thread a Sewing Machine. It's pretty similar on every regular sewing machine.

When you're ready to start sewing, practice first as in this tutorial on Sewing Lesson #1. Practice on a sheet of notebook paper with no thread in the machine. This will help you get the hang of the speed of your machine, the feel of it, etc.

Now, thread your machine and put in the bobbin. Practice sewing on a scrap of fabric. With presser foot in the up position and needle raised. Align your fabric with the sewing guide (the metal plate on your machine with lines engraved in it). A standard seam is 5/8th inch. So, line up the right side of your fabric on the 5/8th line.

Now, lower the presser foot.

And lower your needle into the fabric either by using the wheel on the right side of the machine or by using the needle button on your machine, if you have one.

Then, start sewing, about 5 or 6 stitches. Stop and press the backstitch button or lever and hold it down while you backstitch over those same 5-6 stitches. Let go of the button/lever and continue sewing as normal. The backstitch just reinforces your seam. You will do this at the beginning and end of every seam.

If you need to sew around a corner, sew down to where you need to turn. Let off the pedal. Lift presser foot, keeping needle in the downward position still in your fabric. Turn fabric to the position you need to finish sewing. Lower presser foot and then finish sewing.

When you are finished with your seam, backstitch again and then let off the pedal, lift presser foot, raise needle, then gently pull fabric (still attached to thread) out to the left. Now, carefully cut the threads with the thread cutter attached to machine.

Need some beginning sewing project ideas? Try these posts:
Elastic Waist Skirt
Basic Sewing Stitches and How to Use Them
How to Hem Pants
Easy Duvet Cover Tutorial

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Good luck on your sewing endeavors! Have questions? Contact me or leave a comment and I'll reply as soon as I can.

Happy Sewing!