The Last Stitch | Sew Better! 8 BEST Beginner Sewing Machine Tips @Thelaststitch | Uploaded June 2021 | Updated October 2024, 13 hours ago.
Want to get better at using your sewing machine? Then follow these simple 8 steps that will make a HUGE difference and make your sewing look much more professional.
Want to learn more beginner sewing tips? Then check out this video: youtu.be/FHIwqspbM6M
For tips on how to sew straight, watch this video: youtube.com/watch?v=VIwgS0dva9E
👖Order my latest book Sewing Jeans: The complete step-by-step guide
thelaststitch.com/sewing-jeans-book
✂️ Shop my sewing books and patterns
shop.thelaststitch.com
📘 My book Master the Coverstitch Machine
thelaststitch.com/master-the-coverstitch-book
🏃♀️ Get my book Sewing Activewear
thelaststitch.com/sewingactivewear
✂️ Shop my favourite sewing tools
amazon.com/shop/thelaststitch
8 Best Beginner Sewing Machin Tips
1. Release the tension
You do this by lifting the presser foot. This will release the tension disks. If you skip this step, the stitching might look off
2. Pull back the thread
Always pull the needle and bobbin thread towards the back before you start sewing. This prevents the thread from getting tangled.
3. Needle in fabric
This is another effective way to prevent the threads from forming a knot. Use the handwheel to lower the needle or see if your machine has a function that does this automatically for you. Using this method also assures that the needle won’t miss the fabric on the first stitch.
4. Stitch length and width
Stitch Length
The stitch length is usually shown in mm. For a straight stitch, a length around 2.5 mm is great for seams, and for topstitching increase the length to 3 or 3.5. Remember that a longer stitch length means less durability. It also means less coverage if you are using a zigzag stitch, which can cause fraying of the fabric.
Stitch Width
On a straight stitch, the width is zero, but on a zigzag stitch and other wider stitches, you need to adjust the width too. For a regular zigzag opt for a width around 2 mm.
5. Balanced tension
The mark of a beautiful stitch is balanced tension. If the needle tension is too loose, this causes the needle thread to form loops on the reverse side.
If the needle tension is too high, you can see on the red dots of bobbin thread showing on the right side.
6. Backstitch
The threads will unravel if you don’t secure them. Start and finish the stitch with backstitching. The exception is if you are sewing on the round, such as hemming a pair of pants. Don’t start with backstitching, instead finish by overlapping the beginning and the secure with a backstitch.
7. Sew straight
If the guides on the plate are not enough, use a raised seam guide to help you sew straight. A stack of post-it notes or a piece of lego attached with blue-tac is both great options if you don’t have a machine seam guide
8. Guide the fabric
Another trick for sewing straight is to guide the fabric with your hands. Softly pinch the fabric edge with your right hand thumb and index finger and gently guide the fabric with your left hand. Never pull or force the fabric, let the rhythm of the sewing machine decide your movements.
✂️Find me on the Internet✂️
My blog: thelaststitch.com
Instagram: instagram.com/laststitch
Facebook: facebook.com/laststitchsew
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.se/thelaststitchsew/
Want to get better at using your sewing machine? Then follow these simple 8 steps that will make a HUGE difference and make your sewing look much more professional.
Want to learn more beginner sewing tips? Then check out this video: youtu.be/FHIwqspbM6M
For tips on how to sew straight, watch this video: youtube.com/watch?v=VIwgS0dva9E
👖Order my latest book Sewing Jeans: The complete step-by-step guide
thelaststitch.com/sewing-jeans-book
✂️ Shop my sewing books and patterns
shop.thelaststitch.com
📘 My book Master the Coverstitch Machine
thelaststitch.com/master-the-coverstitch-book
🏃♀️ Get my book Sewing Activewear
thelaststitch.com/sewingactivewear
✂️ Shop my favourite sewing tools
amazon.com/shop/thelaststitch
8 Best Beginner Sewing Machin Tips
1. Release the tension
You do this by lifting the presser foot. This will release the tension disks. If you skip this step, the stitching might look off
2. Pull back the thread
Always pull the needle and bobbin thread towards the back before you start sewing. This prevents the thread from getting tangled.
3. Needle in fabric
This is another effective way to prevent the threads from forming a knot. Use the handwheel to lower the needle or see if your machine has a function that does this automatically for you. Using this method also assures that the needle won’t miss the fabric on the first stitch.
4. Stitch length and width
Stitch Length
The stitch length is usually shown in mm. For a straight stitch, a length around 2.5 mm is great for seams, and for topstitching increase the length to 3 or 3.5. Remember that a longer stitch length means less durability. It also means less coverage if you are using a zigzag stitch, which can cause fraying of the fabric.
Stitch Width
On a straight stitch, the width is zero, but on a zigzag stitch and other wider stitches, you need to adjust the width too. For a regular zigzag opt for a width around 2 mm.
5. Balanced tension
The mark of a beautiful stitch is balanced tension. If the needle tension is too loose, this causes the needle thread to form loops on the reverse side.
If the needle tension is too high, you can see on the red dots of bobbin thread showing on the right side.
6. Backstitch
The threads will unravel if you don’t secure them. Start and finish the stitch with backstitching. The exception is if you are sewing on the round, such as hemming a pair of pants. Don’t start with backstitching, instead finish by overlapping the beginning and the secure with a backstitch.
7. Sew straight
If the guides on the plate are not enough, use a raised seam guide to help you sew straight. A stack of post-it notes or a piece of lego attached with blue-tac is both great options if you don’t have a machine seam guide
8. Guide the fabric
Another trick for sewing straight is to guide the fabric with your hands. Softly pinch the fabric edge with your right hand thumb and index finger and gently guide the fabric with your left hand. Never pull or force the fabric, let the rhythm of the sewing machine decide your movements.
✂️Find me on the Internet✂️
My blog: thelaststitch.com
Instagram: instagram.com/laststitch
Facebook: facebook.com/laststitchsew
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.se/thelaststitchsew/
