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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: happybunny
Date: 12-16-2003, 03:40 PM (1 of 18)
| Hi, i just recently started using my singer 5050C sewing machine i got for christmas last year and i cant use it well at all. i cant sew in a straight line well and i dont understand how to make hems and seams.. i really want to be able to make clothing, i want to be able to take a shirt and add on to it, or like changing the sleeves and stuff like that. any advice would be great! |
User: happybunny
Member since: 12-16-2003 Total posts: 2 
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From: Llantrisant
Date: 12-16-2003, 03:50 PM (2 of 18)
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Why don't you look for the sewing classes on this site main page?
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
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User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144 
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-17-2003, 08:00 AM (3 of 18)
Hi happybunny, welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-17-2003, 08:01 AM (4 of 18)
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Read, read. read -- starting with your manual -- there are tons of books and magazines out there. Start simple and work your way up. Practice, practice, practice. But the best advice is -- if you don't enjoy the time you spend practicing, making pillows and pot holders and the like; if you don't think, almost all the time, about what you will make next and then after that and after that; if you aren't driven; if it's not your passion then find something else that is. If you do find you love it -- dont worry, you'll learn fast. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: threads_40
Date: 12-17-2003, 08:55 AM (5 of 18)
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Hello there happybunny, Just practice, read and all the above. The girls here are great and will help all they can. I have been away a while myself, but always enjoy playing catch up. Happy Sewing threads_40 "Your goal is greater than your struggle"
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User: threads_40
Member since: 03-26-2001 Total posts: 28 
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-17-2003, 09:04 AM (6 of 18)
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Arub, where the heck have you been?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: happybunny
Date: 12-18-2003, 04:58 PM (7 of 18)
| thanks for the advice. i try to practice but i dont seem to be getting any better. i dont know the way to sew things together, like what stitch to use or what to do first. |
User: happybunny
Member since: 12-16-2003 Total posts: 2
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From: stitchmd
Date: 12-18-2003, 06:58 PM (8 of 18)
| If you are finding that reading and diagrams don't give you the info you need to learn then you need to find classes or a private teacher. Maybe you can find someone who is retired and would trade sewing lessons for a service you could perform. Check in fabric stores for business cards, bulletin boards, etc, check community centers, churches, adult ed programs. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-19-2003, 06:50 AM (9 of 18)
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Before anything else, take out your manual and read it. You have to become familiar with your machine and the names of all the different parts. The first thing you have to do is learn how to thread your machine. Have you done this? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Llantrisant
Date: 12-19-2003, 03:18 PM (10 of 18)
Also check your television for lessons like sewing with nancy.But read your manual first, as Mary says learn to thread your machine etc.
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
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User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-19-2003, 03:31 PM (11 of 18)
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You need to use a straight stitch to practice on. It looks like this. ------ MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: colojd
Date: 01-03-2004, 02:30 PM (12 of 18)
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If you got your machine from a sewing machine dealership, see if they offer classes. Most fabric shops also do classes as well as some community colleges. There are good classes and workshops on this site, too. As everyone said, practice, practice and you will get the hang of it! Start with simpler patterns that don't have a lot of pieces and work your way on up. A lot of patterns are rated as "very easy" and so forth to help new sewers start with easier patterns. You can go to any of the pattern companies websites and they have online catalogues. Most now have ratings of the patterns (Easy, advanced, etc) so that you get an idea of what they are like. Try the library for basic sewing books. A lot of companies like Simplicity make good ones that have color pictures and illustrations to help you understand what they are talking about. Then if you have questions as you sew, you can come here and ask for help. Good luck, Joyce |
User: colojd
Member since: 05-03-2002 Total posts: 83 |
From: brendalou
Date: 01-03-2004, 02:55 PM (13 of 18)
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This is an old trick..... unthread your machine, grab some notebook paper (ruled) and sew straight lines. do 2-3 sheets, and it will be done before you know it, and you will have a better feel for sewing straight lines (I did it) Then thread your machine, grab some scrap fabric, draw some lines on it, and sew straight lines. Then grab some more scrap fabric, play with a zig zag stitch (same thing, draw lines) the biggest thing is to get comfortable with your machine. Test stitch every stitch provided on your machine, take notes... A friend of mine said EVERYTHING can be made with a simple straight stitch. (that is all my grandmothers treadle made) Hit the library and check out every book that looks interesting about sewing, and read them all. (you may not understand it yet- but read them). Then hit the sewing lessons on this web page.... you will be amazed and how quickly things will "click" for you. My DH bought me a machine and it took a month for it to be delivered (back ordered) in that amount of time, every night, I would read what ever I could. I knew alot more than I realized... Ask a bunch of questions here, everyone is so nice & helpful. This webpage got me sewing and got me addicted to it. You will do fine... just take it slow and steady and don't get frustrated just yet. Good luck! ==Brenda Lou
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User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: MartySews
Date: 01-03-2004, 11:29 PM (14 of 18)
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One of the best books that is easy to follow with lots of pictures is Nancy Zieman's book "Essential Guide to Sewing". In the back she has a wonderful glossary that explains the different tools, why you use them, how to choose the right needle for the fabric and the correct stabilizer. It is sold at Hancock Fabrics, Jo-Ann's, Barnes & Noble as well as Nancys Notions. The cost is about $20. The Home Sewing Association recommends that their certified teachers use Sewing 101 which is another excellent resource. It is about $25 and can be found at the above mentioned sites. Let us know how you progress and we're here to help if you need us. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: talking_head
Date: 01-04-2004, 10:03 PM (15 of 18)
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The besy way to learn for a beginner (I am one) is to see someone do it. DH's aunt gave e a couple of quick lessons (tricks of trade) and boy! did that help!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cheers! Savani |
User: talking_head
Member since: 12-17-2003 Total posts: 90
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From: Linda Marie
Date: 01-04-2004, 11:40 PM (16 of 18)
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All of us were beginners once. I haven't sewn much for years but have decided to re-learn. It takes practice, and my lack of it was evident in the skirt I worked on this weekend. I know it will come. Don't feel intimidated by your machine. I really liked the idea about the notebook paper. That is very practical. Getting the feel is the key. That can only come through trial and error. Hit those dollar tables for samples of different types of fabrics. Read--that is also key. Your manual is first but you also need to know what the terms mean. If your manual is full of sewing "jargon", get a book that spells this out in layman's terms so the manual will make more sense. Most important--ASK QUESTIONS! The only dumb question is the one you DON'T ask! Good luck and keep coming back. This is a willing bunch here who are glad to offer their experience to anyone. Good luck! Linda Marie
Rock Hill, SC |
User: Linda Marie
Member since: 12-20-2003 Total posts: 26 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-09-2004, 03:12 PM (17 of 18)
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Most important--ASK QUESTIONS! The only dumb question is the one you DON'T ask! Good luck and keep coming back. This is a willing bunch here who are glad to offer their experience to anyone. Good luck! __________________ Thanks for the recommendation, I appreciate it.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: quiltguy154
Date: 01-12-2004, 04:30 PM (18 of 18)
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All of the above, PLUS keep a notebook. Enter any question that comes to mind, your successes, things you're having trouble with, notions you might want to try, little tricks to help you, etc. If you do get a good basic sewing book, read it thoroughly, and use a hi-lighter on the things you believe will be important. We can't keep ALL the sewing knowledge in our head. Once you become proficient, the little tricks you learn will become second nature. Find a sewing buddy. People who sew love to help those just starting out, it's so obvious from the many posts in response to your questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help, we've ALL been there. Start a simple project e.g. a pillowcase, or an apron, or a quilt block, maybe a ninepatch or a four patch. 95% of the time, a straight stitch is all you need. Remember, folks have been hand sewing for millennia just doing a straight stitch[sometimes called a running stitch] Zigzag and dedcorative stitches are nice, they'll come later. Ever heard that saying, "You have to crawl before you can walk." Take one thing at a time, and practice 'til you can almost do it blindfolded. Don't though, you DO have to keep your eye on the needle, and the fabric, and the foot, and... and... and... Not enough eyes? Believe me, the more you sew, the more eyes you grow. Post again with any questions or problems, that's one of the reasons so many nice people are on this site. Good luck. |
User: quiltguy154
Member since: 01-04-2003 Total posts: 14 |
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