i recently got a sewing machine !!!!!?

Question

So i've bought a pattern for a simple summer dress for my daughter as my first project , any advice from any pro's out there on how to approach it etc , or just any tips in general , thanks in advance ,

Answer 1

I bought a $349 sewing machine, heavy duty professional back in 1974 and the salesman told me the following. First off every machine is different so DO read the manual through. You should oil as recommended with a special SEWING MACHINE oil which is sold in cans with a pointed nozzel. Put one or two DROPS of oil on ALL MOVING PARTS. This means you must unscrew the top and turn the wheel on the right side to see what parts move. Don't forget the side where the needle is. ALso oil the wheel. Then last, oil the underneath. You will need to tilt the machine away from you to do this. You don't have to oil that often if you do not sew much. Maybe a few times a year.After you oil it, let it sit a few hours. Then sew on a piece of old fabric in case any oil drops down on the material. Once the fabric doesn't show any oil it's safe to sew your project. But if you sew with felt always brush out the lint from under neath the plate that is under the needle. A very narrow paint brush is great for that. I STILL have my heavy duty machine from 1974 and I bought it reconditioned. If you take care of it the right way it should last a long time. If you have problems with the thread or fabric puckering up, consult the tension guide inthe manual. Also different weight fabrics take different size needles. They are easy to change. I find sewing is very relaxing. If your back hurts from the stooping over, put a small pillow behind your lower back. That can be a sewing project for you, too!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

Well, everyone has given you some great answers, but I'll give you one more tip...your best friend is your trusty seam ripper. You WILL make mistakes, that's a given, so keep your seam ripper handy. You might also check the store where you bought the machine, many stores will offer free classes to get your familiar with your machine. If your store doesn't, check with any fabric store, because most of them do offer learn to sew classes.

A dress is a good first project IF there are no buttons and no zippers. Buttonholes and zippers do require a little more work--heck, I've been sewing for years and still hate putting in zippers! If you think that might be too challenging, then sew a simple skirt with an elastic waist, either that or an apron will be about the easiest thing to sew. Sewing is great fun though, it's rapidly addictive. I've been known to stay up all night sewing, drives my hubby nuts! ;-) Have fun!

Answer 3

Another tip is if you've bought expensive fabric for a project try the pattern and size on something cheaper first. I don't know what it is but measurements aren't always accurate anymore so I make all my patterns first out of scrap muslin or an old sheet just to get the sizing right.

Also, if your pattern has multiple sizes on one pattern, rather than cutting the size you need out and ruining the other sizes you can trace the pattern onto tracing paper or tissue paper. That way you save the pattern in case the measurements put you in the wrong size (like I said above) or you want to make the same pattern next season for a growing child.

Answer 4

Buy extra fabric and notions just in case. The first thing I made with a pattern was a small top for a baby girl (not mine), I made so many mistakes and I am not sure if it even held up after they washed it. But I had to start over on it more than once. Take your time and ask questions when you can. Read everything and then re-read it. But have fun. You will get better the more you do it.

Answer 5

Read ALL the directions all the way through before you start doing anything. Measure twice before you cut once. And enjoy! Sewing something yourself is a thrill.

Answer 6

Find the oiling points and make sure you oil it regularly! Other than that, sorry, only just got mine. Oh, and don't sew over pins, you will snap your needle. Have spares in case, it's really frustrating to find yourself without a needle.

Answer 7

dont try to sew while slaying a dragon or scuba diving for golf balls. these mistakes constantly pop up in the wide world of sewing and can often be fatal!

Answer 8

I'm a professional seamstress and I second what BasketCase says - the seam ripper is your friend. But really it's a seam picker, because it can tear apart the fabric if you rip with it. .

Answer 9

Make sure to pin your fabric together properly. This will keep it from sliding and bunching when sewing. Also, take your time.

Answer 10

re-read all the directions