I have a sewing machine that I don't know how to use and would like to learn. It is a Simplicity Pioneer II and is about 4 years old.

I tried to find sewing classes around here but had no success. I went to Michael's also but they have no classes.

Does anyone use a sewing machine and can give me some advice on how to get started?

The last time I used a sewing machine was in junior high in Home Ec class. The machine intimidates me. I don't know where to begin. I read the manuel but I am a hands on type of learner.

Does your town offer adult extension courses? Lots of towns offer classes at night, usually at one of the schools, and basic sewing is usually offered there.

Or, try the Arts and Crafts, Skills Development Center, or whatever the name of it is at your local base (or the one you are moving to).

Check with JoAnn's or somewhere similar. They might not offer classes but may have someone on staff that could still help you some.

The local high school may have something in their adult ed to help too.

Get some scrap material and just start playing around on it is the best thing really. I've got 2 sewing machines and a serger right now. A 3rd sewing machine is on its way from my grandmother. LOL


Sgt Mom

I had no idea how to really work one either. lol....I just grabbed some of my mama's fabric, opened that sucker up and started playing around with it.
I'm a hands-on learner as well, I think the hardest part for me was remembering how to thread the bobbin.

check with your local community college.. they often have adult education course/non credit courses like this.

as soon as I buy a house, I am going to take my Mom's sewing machine. of course i have NO idea if it even runs or what kind of condition it is in.. But I want it. Luckily I have a MIL who is willing to teach me.

I have several sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers. I'd be happy to help anyone get started. I could talk sewing all day lol, just hit me up with your questions!
-nobia

I been having a sewing machine for a few years now, but I am in the same boat as you.... No clue how so ever on how to use the sucker!!

OK - heres's the machine manual which is the first step in some direction (which may be a successful straight stitch or a busted bobbin- your choice)

Go to your local fabric store and buy cottons and poly/cottons like your basic craft fabric, flannel, perhaps a corduroy, twill, (not denim) and some thin fabrics w/o a lot of 'give'. Things like stretchy poly, and fabrics with sheen and silky hands will be hard to use for first timers. If you're not familiar w/ fabric types you may not want to go to the bargain bin so you can buy 1/4 yd (smallest size that easiest to handle) pieces.

Test the zigzag, straight, button hole (if you have a button hole foot) and other types of stiches (read the manual on how to use them and change them out)

Get good thread no matter what you're messing around with. Poly thread will not due and jams up your system. Coats and Clark mercerized thread is a very basic and sturdy (get sewing thread and not the other heavy or specialty kinds)

You sewing toolbox will consist of some of these notions:
seam ripper (yes, you will rip those little bitty things out a LOT!)
bobbins (whatever your machine takes)
little snip scissors
soap or some type of marking pencil
needle threader (metal or plastic)

You can start out with Simplicity patterns as they are what they're named, for both craft and fashion.

I learned how to sew at an early age and my mom made all our clothes up to 7th grade. I made my own clothes and still have 1-dress from 2001 that I havent worn lately but I'd like to again.

Good luck!

What is a serger?

Wow, thanks everyone! I promised myself when we get to our new PCS station and get settled in, I am pulling out the sewing machine and will learn it! I can't wait to make some projects.

When we visited my FIL and his wife over the weekend, she made us quilted placemats and pot holders for every season. They were beautiful. I want to try and make stuff like that.

A serger is basically an "all in one" seam finishing machine. LOL it's good for more than that, but I use mine mostly for finishing seams. It encases seams in 4 threads, and cuts off the excess fabric all in one motion!

They range in price from about $200 to up to $3000 for home units. And there is a bit of a learning curve, but once you get it down you will wonder how you ever sewed without it!
-nobia

ahhhhhh...ok. thanks nobia

I am not much of a seamstress but am working on a project. I am making some herbal heat packs. Going to give them for CHristmas. I took some old pillow cases since I have so many and some othe rscrap fabric to practice sewing straight lines and seeing what the different stitches are so I can figure out what I want to use. I also practiced on some old T-shirts. Anything I would want to get rid of, I practiced on.

Then when it came time to make the rough draft, I was told it looke dprofessional and it was only the second one i made. YEAH for practice. LOL

OK, I have a couple of questions. I have my sewing machine pulled out, never used it. I am now determined to learn it.

I started from the beginning reading the manual. There is a foot missing, the all-purpose foot. (This was my daughter's machine).

Questions 1: Are the foots on sewing machines interchangable with other machines and are they easily found in stores like JoAnn Fabrics or will I have to order one from the manufacturer?

Question 2: 4 of those foots (feet) came with the machine - all-purpose foot, button attaching foot, open toe satin stich foot and the zipper foot. The one missing of course is the commonly used one, the all-purpose foot. Can the open toe satin stich foot be used to do basic and common stiches? They look similar except the missing one has a closed toe.

quote:

Originally posted by LadyHarleyRider:
OK, I have a couple of questions. I have my sewing machine pulled out, never used it. I am now determined to learn it.

I started from the beginning reading the manual. There is a foot missing, the all-purpose foot. (This was my daughter's machine).

Questions 1: Are the foots on sewing machines interchangable with other machines and are they easily found in stores like JoAnn Fabrics or will I have to order one from the manufacturer?

Question 2: 4 of those foots (feet) came with the machine - all-purpose foot, button attaching foot, open toe satin stich foot and the zipper foot. The one missing of course is the commonly used one, the all-purpose foot. Can the open toe satin stich foot be used to do basic and common stiches? They look similar except the missing one has a closed toe.

I can answer question one, as I just ordered a foot online.
They kind of work like buying printer cartridges- you need to buy one that fits your model, whether it's made by the manufacturer of your sewing machine, or by a company that makes accessories for sewing machines to fit different models. You'll probably need to get a model number for the foot you need, and look for either that foot, or the equivalent. Not all feet will fit all machines, but you're not stuck with going to the sewing machine manufacturer either. Does that make any sort of sense?

Yes, for most fabrics it will be okay to use the open toe foot instead of the all purpose foot.

Thanks to both of you! I am reading the manual and learning the machine. The last time I used a sewing machine was in high school. (I am 46 now).

I know once I overcome my intimidation of the machine and get to know how everything works, I will be able to do sooooo many things with it!

I still haven't learned the machine but yesterday......I signed up for a 6 week class on beginners sewing. It starts in 3 weeks. I have to take my machine into the class each time.

They teach how to use your machine and then we do 3 projects....a pillow, tote bag and pull on pants. By then, I'll be a pro! Ha!

Good for you! It should be fun and you will have a really good working knowledge when done and can branch out from there.


Sgt Mom

Anyone make name tapes?? I have a brother sewing machine so I'm not sure if I can do it on that.