Sewing?

[y2kitty]

I received a mini sewing machine but no instructions. Does anyone have any resources on where I can go online to learn to sew? I''m trying youtube but there are no videos that are helping me.

 

[kroshka]

What kind of mini sewing machine did you get? Just asking because I''ve had some of the small ones that were a pain to work with. I thought they would be good because they are portable, lightweight, and great for light sewing projects like scrapbooking, etc but they literally were useless! That being said, there are some small ones that are great - like the Janome Sew Mini. To get some practice, you could start out with scrapbook projects that are small or kids sewing projects. You can find a bunch of step by step kids projects online for practice. Another one you could do that would be very basic is a simple pillowcase.


Kroshka

 

[y2kitty]

Sew Easy Mini Portable Sewing Machine by Singer. This is it:Linky

 

[VRBeauty]

Here''s a possibility:
http://www.sewing.org/html/guidelines.html

Are you planning to sew clothing or household stuff?

 

[Maria D]

Are you saying you need instructions on how to use the machine itself? This would be filling the bobbin, threading, changing stitch length/width, etc. Or are you looking for instructions on how to sew a project?

If you need an instruction manual you can probably download one Singer''s website. For a project, good beginner ones to try would be something like a skirt (doesn''t have the fitting issues that a shirt or pants would have) or something home dec like tab top curtains. You can find beginner patterns at a fabric store or online and they come with good instructions. Think of it as following a recipe.

Portable machines usually can''t handle anything beyond lightweight stable fabrics so avoid anything thick, slippery or stretchy. I started with a portable Brother machine and as long as I stuck with plain weave cottons I was fine but anything else left me frustrated. If you get the sewing bug you can upgrade your machine!

 

[kroshka]

Date: 10/12/2009 12:09:46 AM
Author: y2kitty
Sew Easy Mini Portable Sewing Machine by Singer. This is it:Linky

Hmm, I have a feeling this might fall into the category of machines that don''t work very well and may be frustrating to use. This type of machine, if it works, will be best suited for super light fabric and light projects for scrap books. If you are looking for a truly portable machine, google the Janome Sew Mini (its weight is like 5 lbs) or if you want a better machine but still very portable there are what they call 3/4 size sewing machines that are still lightweight at around 10-12 lbs. Of course the more portable usually the less features you get overall. But they make for a great basic machine for non-heavy duty things.

Kroshka

 

[fleur-de-lis]

Y2Kitty, my friend''s boyfriend gave her a sewing machine a few months back and she found herself in a similar position to you. A quick google search revealed that the local Y offered "how to sew" classes in her neighborhood; perhaps an organization in your city does as well? It could be the fun way to learn!

 

[luv2sparkle]

some community or remedial school (for people getting a GED) offer classes as well. If you go to a fabric store they will have some beginning books. I guess it will depend on how you like to learn best.

I understand better if I read it. If someone tries to explain something to me it is harder. I learned to sew after I gave birth to my daughter. I wanted cute little clothes but didn''t have the money to
buy the fancy ones. I started sewing trim on onesies. I made her beautiful dresses when she was growing up and she kept them all. Also, made shirts for my boys and dozens of halloween costumes.
I am telling you this because I started out from the bottom 27 years ago and now I can sew anything. You can do it. If the sewing machine is giving you fits, ditch it and get a better one. You can get a
good used one for a couple hundred dollars. Many sewing machine dealers take in trade ins when people upgrade. I started with a basic Viking and then upgraded a couple of years later to a Janome
that was computerized. What a huge difference that made. Buttonholes automatically. That is where it took off for me. It made it so much easier. About 7 years ago I traded up for a Bernina that does
embroidery. I will keep that one forever unless I really get into it again for grandkids but they get very pricey at the high end.

A good middle of the road computerized model will make your sewing a lot more fun if you decide you like it. I wish I could teach you!