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The dummy would be me. I got a sewing machine as an early birthday present from my family. I read the manual, so I understand how to thread it, etc., but there are still some very dumb questions I have about sewing. Such as - why is there a top thread and a bottom thread? And, how do you tie knots? Is there some secret way that I don't know about?
space opera, who is bound to sew her own hand to a fabric remnant
Posts: 2578 | Registered: Apr 2004
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You are not a dummy...you did read the manual.
Two thread sewing machines make a better stitch. The two threads interlock each time the needle passes through the fabric. Machines that have only one thread make what is called a chain stitch, which will unravel from one end if it is pulled. (That's the stitch the farthest from the edge in most store bought clothes.)
To make a knot, you go forward a few stitches, then backward, then forward again to continue the seam. When you get to the end, you do it again to make it so the fabric pieces do not easily come apart.
Always hold the thread ends when beginning a seam until a couple of stitches are made. This prevents them from being sucked down and tangled under the throat plate. You can just put a free finger on them; that's enough.
I recommend the Reader's Digest book of sewing if you can find one. I'm sure there are others now, but I am old.
Try to avoid putting your fingers or thumbs under the needle when you're sewing. It hurts.
And if you hit it in the right (wrong?) place, the blood will spurt for four or five feet. And stain the paint on the walls, the carpets, and other things in the way.
And then you'll wind up with a hole in the nail where the needle went through, it'll be black and blue, and will hurt like heck for a long long time.
So, you know, don't do it.
(Been there. Done that. Have the scar to prove it. )
Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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And if you do, don't jerk your finger away. The resulting tear hurts worse than the initial puncture. Posts: 1379 | Registered: Feb 2002
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Space Opera - congratulations! You will love sewing, I really, really enjoy it. I made my older kids costumes this year, and they were both so thrilled. I also love sewing gifts for people, and being able to redecorate my house inexpensively by making curtains and pillows for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you get to pick just the perfect fabric.
If you have any questions - feel free to post them. You aren't a dummy. You are learning. As for the ones you did post - they've already been answered. Find the reverse button, and just reverse stitch a couple times at the beginning and end of each seam and you'll be in good shape. Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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There are two threads because the needle can’t go all the way through the fabric and turn around like it would if you were hand sewing. Instead the top thread loops around the bobbin so that the two threads are interlocked.
Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Thanks for the tips and explanations! I haven't touched a sewing machine since seventh grade home economics and I was bad at it then.
Let me make certain I understand the whole knot thing. There aren't knots, correct? Sort of like in crochet, you backtrack over a few inches of your stitches and then clip the thread as close as possible.
I'm pretty excited about this whole sewing thing. My first project will be rag dolls for my baby nieces. The pattern looks pretty easy and sewing dresses for them should be easy as well. Hopefully I'll get started on them next week; right now I'm finishing up a crocheted baby blanket. I'll make sure to post when I have more questions!
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Correct – it isn’t really a knot. Reversing and stitching over the same place just tangles it up enough to act like a knot. You could also set your stitch length to zero and stitch in place for a few stitches.
Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Hey, Space Opera, how'd it go? I know I'm really late in asking, but better late than never, right? Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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SO, I'm actually writing a Sewing Class on Sakeriver right now, after Noemon and CT expressed an interest in learning. I'm going step by step, going through the exact process I'm using to make a pair of Pajama pants and a wrap skirt.
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Speaking of sewing for dummies...has anyone else tried the Sewing for Dummies patterns from Simplicity? I've only used the toddler Halloween costume patterns, but my mom and I agreed that it was "Sewing written by dummies." There were missing steps, and some parts were ambiguous about which fabric we were supposed to be using. We got the costume put together, but it took a lot of brainpower.
So, is this typical of that line of patterns? In general, I like Simplicity better than McCalls, but I'm pretty leery of the Sewing for Dummies patterns now.
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I've looked at the Sewing for Dummies stuff, but haven't tried any because I didn't see any patterns I liked. I like Simplicity patterns a lot.
I'll check out the sewing class on Sakeriver. I've played with sewing stuff before but never sewed anything "serious". I did make an attempt at a Kaylee dress and a pretty floral bonnet for the Serenity scavenger hunt. They held together long enough to take pictures. It was great fun, though, and I was pleased with how the skirt of the dress came out--enough that I'm (very very slowly) trying to make a "serious" skirt now.
My park district is offering sewing classes in the spring. I'm thinking of signing up, especially since the classroom is in the building across the street from my condo! I just need to pay a few more bills before I have the funds to register. I really want to learn to sew, as I think it'd be great fun.
Posts: 1805 | Registered: Jun 1999
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I think I've used those patterns, and you're right not enough steps. I'm usually happiest with Simplicity Patterns, though somehow I keep picking Vogue (bad me).
Posts: 5362 | Registered: Apr 2004
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quote:Instead the top thread loops around the bobbin so that the two threads are interlocked.
OOOOOOH! It finally clicked for me. You have succeeded in solving the mystery of the sewing machine for me. When I thread the machine, the top thread always loops around the bobbin. I have seen it happen a million times. And yet, I had never made the connection that that's how it happens when I'm sewing. Of course!!
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I like reading your instructions kwnsi! They look really good so far.
However I have caught one glaring thing that you didn't mention that I REALLY think you should - before you pin/cut your fabric, you should wash and dry it (wash it with whatever washer/dryer settings you'll wash the finish piece)! There are few things more frustrating than making some new thing and having it get all weirded the first time you wash it. If you're worried about fabric that frays easilly, you can either apply fray check (kinda like fabric glue) to the cut edges or else serge or zig zag them, but I've never had a problem with something fraying so much that it's unusable (I just cut off the frayed part with my rotary cutter).
Oh - I've never had a problem ironing my patterns. It's especially useful when you go to a use a pattern for the second time (since it's usually gotten considerably more wrinkled than when you first used it).
Another helpful pattern hint - if you make something and decide you love it and will want to make it again lots of times, I would suggest placing scotch tape in the places where you pin (then carefully add pin holes). The patterns are so easy to tear, that after multiple pinnings they can look like cottage cheese. Or you can make yourself a duplicate pattern out of heavier paper (like from a paper bag).
Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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I always zig zag the ends of the fabric to prevent fraying before I wash. Even though most cotton won't be a problem, it's still a good preventative measure to get into.
I would also suggest mentioning to beginning sewers that, before they buy the fabric for their project, that they show the pattern and the fabric to someone at the store who knows the product well and ask to verify how much shrinkage they can expect. The staff should know which products will shrink the most and can give good advice. (I recently bought some fabric here that shrunk 25% )
I also always iron my fabric before cutting out - I get better results this way. And I make sure I have straight fabric by ripping a straight edge if I can (doesn't always work). If you don't make sure your fabric is straight, then you can get crooked results, like a sleeve or a leg that hangs twisted. I hate those!
I also always iron my paper pattern pieces. As long as steam is OFF and it's on the low temp setting, it's fine. I've never had a problem with it.
kwsni, I read your instructions over at sake, and they look good. Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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It was great fun, though, and I was pleased with how the skirt of the dress came out--enough that I'm (very very slowly) trying to make a "serious" skirt now. ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
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