Sewing is Easy

What to look for

Sewing brands and stores are plentiful and the choice of machines is endless. We recommend a basic checklist of must haves and a second list that is helpful but dependant on your budget. Choose wisely as you are going to have a long relationship with your machine.

For top three choices see our section on machines here  http://www.sewingiseasy.com/sewing-easy-suggested-machines-beginner-sewers/

Must Haves

Drop in Bobbin

(A bobbin is the little plastic or metal wheel that fits underneath the needle plate of a sewing machine. Thread runs off the bobbin, gets picked up by the needle’s thread and forms the bottom part of a seam. The bobbin is an essential part of a sewing machine. It enables the machine to form a seam from two threads, which makes a stronger, smoother, neater seam.)

Stitch length control

(This determines the length of the stitch. Stitch length for normal sewing is 2.5, and 4 for gathering. For decorative stitches, zigzag or appliqué, the closer the length the tighter the design).

Stitch Width Control

(This is used for the positioning of the needle as well as for decorative and zigzag stitches. For normal sewing the needle is in the central position. For zig zag, overcasting, appliqué or decorative stitches, the width is customised according to your desired effect)

1 step button hole

(This feature allows you to complete a buttonhole in one easy step. Also,by using the buttonhole foot,included with your machine, the machine will automatically calculate the size for you).

Some decorative stitches

Free arm

(A removable or drop down plate on the bed of the machine to allow you to sew pant legs, cuffs, etc.)

Hard cover case

Optional Features

Needle threader

(A small device that aligns the thread and threads needle for you)

Extra Presser foot

(The presser foot exerts downward pressure on the fabric as it is fed under the needle).

Speed Control

Mechinical vs computerized

Combined sewing/embriodery machine

Finding My Way Around My Sewing Macine

In Sewing Is Easy’s first DVD -Learn to Sew, you will find a whole area devoted to learning how to understand the different parts of a sewing machine, how to thread and so much more!

Check the manual of your machine, as position varies from company to company