Instructions on How to Use a Sewing Machine

Knowing how to use a sewing machine gives you creative freedom.

Knowing how to use a sewing machine allows you to mend and alter your own clothing and create new garments. With a sewing machine, you can also make pillows, curtains and other items for your home. Some machines sew many decorative stitches, but even a machine that sews only a basic straight stitch will allow you to sew many items.

Instructions

1. Remove the cover from the machine and plug it in. Make sure the presser foot is connected to the machine. Some machines have a presser foot that plugs into the machine via a cord or cable. Flip the off and on switch to the "On" position. The light on the machine should illuminate.

2. Thread the machine if it is not already threaded. The thread should run from the spool, through the thread guide and tension control and then down through the eye of the needle. If you have a manual with the machine, follow the diagram in the manual to thread the machine.

3. Wind thread on the bobbin and insert the bobbin in the bobbin case. Turn the flywheel on the side of the machine to lower the threaded needle and raise it again. This will bring out the end of the bobbin thread. Pull the bobbin thread until the free end is clear of the bobbin case and on top of the needle plate.

4. Raise the presser foot. Arrange the item you want to sew beneath the needle and lower the presser foot. Press down on the presser foot with even, gentle pressure. The needle will move in and out of the fabric. Gently guide the fabric forward with your hands, keeping your fingers clear of the needle.

5. Remove your foot from the presser foot to stop sewing. Raise the presser foot. Pull the garment toward you and snip both the bobbin and top threads close to the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• If your machine sews various stitches, you can experiment with other decorative and utilitarian stitches by changing the stitch selection dial.

References

• "Simplicity How to Use a Sewing Machine"; Marie Clayton; 2010
• Sew and Serge: Parts of a Mechanical Sewing Machine

Resources

• Sewing.org: Sewing Machine Basics