Learning to sew?

Question

My mom gave me a neche (spelling?) sewing machine that she doesn't need anymore, probably about 7 years old. She said it needs to be oiled-- what on earth does that mean? I have NOOO clue how to sew, but I see all these adorable patterns at Joann's and Wal Mart. How can I learn to sew clothes for myself!? DO I need to measure myself? I've sewn maybe twice in my life, both baby blankets where all I did was hem the edges and they were horribly crooked lines lol. Where on earth do I start? I want to someday make clothes for my kids and grandkids too!!! I'd ask my mom but she doesn't go beyond pillows and curtains.... thanks all!

Answer 1

The oiling is the maintenance of the machine. Like taking your car in for lube job. As far as sewing for yourself, your patterns would be in the same size as what you would buy in the store. If you feel better you can measure yourself and check with the pattern and see if it the right size for you. When you get your pattern, most of them tell you what to do and in what order to do it. When you cut out your material you are allowed 5/8 " for your seam. Take a ruler and measure 5/8 " from the needle on the machine and mark it on the machine in some way, tape, nail polish, etc. Keep the edges of your pattern on the mark you have placed and you should have a pretty straight seam. When you pin the material together put the pin in sideways as your machine is new enough to go right over the pins and not break them. Before I forget, ask you Mom if she stiil has the instruction book she got when she purchased the machine. If you can get the book it tells you how to take care of it and will save you $$$ to have someone else do it for you.

Answer 2

Yes, you can definately learn how to sew, just takes some desire, some patience and knowing to start simple and work your way up to complicated. FIrst, get a manual for your sewing machine, if your mother didn't give to you when you got machine, ask for it, and if she doesn't have it, type in sewing machine name and model number in search box and find one... it is important to have it, to learn about what feet to use when, how to adjust the stitches and tension, and how to do maintence on your machine. Recommend if it hasn't been used in a while to take it in for servicing if it isn't running well or if its been totally out of use (oil gets gummy ...thick and add dust to that. You want the experience to be a good one and a machine without problems will help that to be true)

Next, get to library or bookstore and buy or check out a beginners sewing book, there are many on the market (sewing for dummies...silly as the title is really is a great book for someone who knows nothing about sewing to begin)... Start with simple project... 2 piece skirt, or any super easy pattern that most major pattern companies have out in the market... don't start with lots of buttons, and zippers and detailing or you'll get very fustrated, and give up before you get going.)... Buy or used even an old sheet cut up, and practice sewing straight lines... then practise a while feeding two edges of fabric through following guides on machine to sew straight seam lines... those are the lines usually etched into the throat plate by the needle.... Relax... have fun... and remember one of the things we all learn we started... if the seam isn't straight, no worries... just take a seam ripper and pull out the stitches and do it again... it gets easier the more you do it.... enjoy.

Answer 3

Start with the pillows and curtains your mom knows how to sew and then try something harder.

You can also take a class at any sewing machine shop. A Necchi is a very good sewing machine (I wish I had one!).

Answer 4

First thing, get the machine in to be cleaned and tuned up. That needs to be done once a year. Tell them you will need to be shown where to oil it. It should be oiled after about every 15th hour of sewing.

You can take lessons at your local adult ed or sewing shop, or pick up a copy of "Sewing for Dummies" and just go to it!
.

Answer 5

Simplicity has a great site with lots of helpful tips, plus you can view the patterns before going to the store.

http://www.simplicity.com/

Answer 6

Hi:

The following will help you:

for Sewing :

Sewing can mean the following things:

embroidery, hand sewing, punch needle embroidery, needlepoint, machine embrodery,cross stitching, dress making, etc so to get what you want of sewing you will have type one of the above in the search box of the follow websites : Msn,Yahoo,Google,Info.com and barnes and nobels website

For books on the subject :

All book are available in any bookstore or library


How To Sew Leather, Suede, Fur
by Phyllis W. Schwebke, Margaret B. Krohn

Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket
by Staff of Creative Publishing International

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
by Elissa K. Meyrich

Start to Sew: All the Basics Plus Learn-to-Sew Projects
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by)

Complete Photo Guide to Sewing: 1100 Full-Color how-to Photos
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by), Creative Publishing International

Vogue Sewing
by Vogue, Sixth & Spring Books (Manufactured by)

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special
by Faith Blakeney, Ellen Schultz, Justina Blakeney, Anka Livakovic

Basic Sewing (101 Essential Tips Series)
by Chris Jefferys, James Harrison (Editor), DK Publishing (Manufactured by)

Its A Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, and Bowls
by Susan Breier

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
by Anne Marie Soto (Editor), Simplicity Pattern Company (Editor), Martha Vaughan (Illustrator)

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)

Amy Butler's in Stitches: More than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
by Amy Butler, Colin McGuire (Photographer)

Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches: Photographs, Diagrams, and Instructions for Over 260 Stitches
by Jennifer Campbell, Reader's Digest Editors, Ann-marie Bakewell - a execellent book

Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches
by Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Jan Eaton, Jan Eaton (Compiler) - another execellent book on the subject

Embroidery Stitches
by M. E. Wilkinson - a very good book

The Embroidery Stitch Bible
by Betty Barnden, Debbie Bradley (Editor) - Get this book. It the best book I know on the subject for you to have. I own one. well worth your money to spend on it.

Embroidery Stitches: Over 400 Contemporary and Traditional Stitch Patterns
by Mary Webb (Editor) - a very good book read it.

Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel
by Marion Nichols - a good book for a beginner to have.

Stitches of Creative Embroidery
by Jacqueline Enthoven

Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques
by Sally Saunders, Anne Butcher, Debra Barrett, Anne Butcher (Illustrator)

The Embroiderer's Handbook: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Creative Stitches and Versatile Techniques
by Margie Bauer

Basic Stitches
by Katie Ebben, Chris Tubbs (Photographer)

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible: The Essential Illustrated Reference to Designs and Techniques
by Joan Gordon - another good book to have.

Needleweaving and Embroidery: Embellished Treasures
by Effie Mitrofanis


For Machine embroidery ( or sewing machine sewing) :

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)

Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
by Wendy Mullin, Eviana Hartman, Beci Orpin (Illustrator), Beci Orpin (Illustrator), Agnieszka Gasparska (Illustrator)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques
by Nancy Bednar, Joanne Pugh-Gannon, JoAnn Pugh-Gannon, Joann Pugh-Gannon

ABCs of Serging: A Complete Guide to Serger Sewing Basics(Creative Machine Arts Series)
by Tammy Young, Lori Bottom, Naomi Baker (Foreword by)

Machine Embroidery with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide
by Nancy Zieman

Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs
by Jeanine Twigg, Lindee Goodall

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Basic Techniques: 20 Designs and Project Ideas to Develop You Embroidery Skills
by Jeanine Twigg

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Fleece Techniques
by Nancy Cornwell

More Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Customize, Edit and Create Decorative Designs
by Jeanine Twigg

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Applique Techniques
by Mary Mulari, Jeanine Twigg

Sew with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide to Basic Sewing
by Nancy Luedtke Zieman

101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine
by Elizabeth Dubicki

Everything Sewing Book: From Threading the Needle to Basting the Hem, All You Need to Alter and Create Beautiful Clothes, Gifts, and Decorations
by Sandra Detrixhe

Making an Old-Fashioned Patchwork Sampler Quilt on the Sewing Machine
by Andrea L. Shedletsky

Fine Machine Sewing: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing and Embellishing
by Carol Laflin Ahles

Sewing Machine Guide: Tips on Choosing, Buying, and Refurbishing
by John Giordano

Sewing Basics: All You Need to Know to Begin Sewing Clothes and Home Furnishings
by Wendy Gardiner, Mary Senechal (Editor), Kate Simunek (Illustrator), Martin Norris (Photographer), Paul Forrester (Photographer)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques
by Wendy Gardiner


Hopely this will get you started in the right direction.

Hope this helps