ok got a sewing machine, now what?

[sahm2boys]

Hey

been busy for a while
got a old camper we are fixing up and husband had a light bulb moment about making pillows curtains...etc...


so i got a sewing machine on Cl for $25

but i dont know how to use it..lol

i want to learn to make the boys Pjs bottoms...any tips? sites?

thanks

[Contrary Housewife]

Do you have the manual for it? If you do, read it. If not, look for the make and model number and any kind of serial number on your machine and look it up on the web. There are places that provide replacement manuals.

Has the machine been cleaned or tuned up recently? If not, or you don't know, or if it is old, consider taking it to a shop to have that done.

The two big fabric store chains are Joann's and Hancock's. Look up their web sites and get on the mailing list for their sale flyers and email alerts. That will get you sale notices and monthly discount coupons.

Those stores sell patterns for pajamas, and patterns go on sale nearly every week for one of the 3 major pattern makers. So keep an eye out for the pattern sales and you can get one for 99c or $1.99 instead of $17.

The stores may also offer beginner sewing classes, or have a board where you can find a local sewing teacher. Ask if you don't see it.

I have found that the store employees can often (but not always) be helpful picking out fabric and notions, especially if you approach them on a day they are not busy (not Saturday, for example).

The sewing machine manual will tell you how to thread the machine and wind the bobbin, and change the needle. You should probably change the needle out right off, since you don't know how worn it is and needles are cheap.

Practice sewing on scrap fabric first, to get the hang of it. Generally, sewing is like driving. You have a foot pedal to make it go, and you steer with your hands. Don't push the fabric, it will feed through by itself. You may have to make subtle adjustments to tension (the manual will tell you how) for different kinds of fabric, like denim or sheer thin fabrics.

There is a series of sewing books that are very good for the beginner, called the Singer Sewing Reference Library. You'll find them in the fabric shops, used book stores and on Amazon starting at a penny.

[nuisance26]

~Get thee to Google for your manual and then to the library for easy project books. I taught myself to sew with vintage, borrowed books.
It just so happens that pillows, curtains and pj pants are the perfect beginner projects!
Check if you have any old sheets to cut up. Bargain sheets are almost always cheaper as a fabric source than buying yardage. Get flannel for pj pants. You can get vintage floral sheets at yard sales for $1 and they make excellent curtains!
I never use a pattern for pj pants. I use the trace-a-pair-of-your-baggy-pants method. How to Sew Your Own Pajama Pants
Oh, if you don't have a pair already, invest in a great pair of fabric scissors. It will drive you crazy that they will be as expensive as your used machine but you will be so grateful you made the investment when you're still using them 20 years from now!~

[frugalfranny]

Like the other posters have said.............

TONS of info online......videos and everything........but KNOW YOUR MACHINE first........

You have picked good beginner projects.

[wjcalderon]

Do you have any friends or relatives who sew?
If you do, just a couple of hours with someone who knows how would be a huge help.