sewing machines! 🪡🧵

[xSuperMario64x]

so last weekend I bought myself an older Brother VX-1120 sewing machine, and I plan on using it to make my own plushies and stuffed animals. I honestly have everything I need now to do it: fabric, brand new sewing machine needles, hand sewing needles, thread, sewing/embroidery scissors, a seam ripper, pins and a pin cushion, you get it. and I'm so excited about it!!!

but the thing is, I've never actually properly used a sewing machine before. I used to have one a few years back, and I didn't know how to use it properly and it would get jammed a lot. I'm worried that when I try to use my new machine—which, thankfully, I know does work properly, because the previous owner used it quite a bit—I won't be able to get it to work properly. I'm fairly positive I threaded the needle and bobbin correctly but I still doubt myself lol.

does anyone here use a sewing machine? what has been your experience with it? also, are there any online/video resources you would recommend? I'm thinking about checking out CreativeBug, which is actually free with my library card hehe.

I'm just feeling so intimidated haha someone pls send their condolences

 

[-Lumi-]

I think if you can find any/if you haven't already I'd look up videos specific to your machine in terms of threading it! It was really helpful for me.

I think it's recommended that the first thing you do is just sew some lines down a piece of fabric to check the machines tension. I also bought a little magnetic thread guide that attaches to the needle plate thingy to help me sew straight. It's been a while since I've tried sewing, though!

I was more interested in learning to sew clothes vs plushes so I don't have any references for that. The library is a great resource, though!!

If you find you really love sewing and want to stick with it I absolutely recommend getting a rotary cutter and mat. I find a rotary cutter a lot smoother to use!

Edited to add: do you own an iron? I know for making garments you need to press your seams quite a bit!

 

[Aniko]

I didn't use a sewing machine for a while, and when i do, I just curse a lot at it. A LOT....
First recommendation: be careful, keep your fingers away....
I used an industrial machine for a while, it's fast but also can be a little dangerous...Already sew my finger. It was really painful. Do not recommend...
One of the most important thing, is making your bobbin right. Not too loose, not too tight, etc. There are videos for that. If your bobbin is not right, nothing will work. Then you try lines and check on both sides. If the thread looks twisted is most likely your bobbin but you can play with the tension first.
Also important to use the right foot, thread and needle. Machine needles come in different sizes and forms depending on the fabric used. Same for the thread. If you don't use the right ones it coud damage the fabric, or not sew well. The needle could break too.
Like sewing silk or jeans with an ordinary needle and thread won't work well. Important to have the right ones.

 

[S.J.]

I have a Bernina Aurora 430, and I love it so much! Unfortunately the sewing machine foot pedal stopped working the last time I used it, and so now I need to take it to a sewing centre that maintains sewing machines so hopefully they can see what's going on!

I honestly don't have any resources to recommend! I always just started out with a project in mind, and then worked from there while learning how to use it! I do however send my well wishes, since I'm excited for you with your new hobby!

 

[Millysaurusrexjr]

Sewing is a lot of fun!! I have a Brother Simplicity machine, I haven't had any major problems with it so far!

As far as resources go, honestly I think YouTube is the best. There are so many amazing tutorials on YouTube... it's pretty much how I have been learning how to sew. I really only make bags, however I am interested in making plushies (I really wanna make this bat plushie by BeeZeeArt if you are looking for any cool plushie pattern recommendations) I just haven't gotten around to it A quick search on YouTube has brought up a lot of plushie-sewing tutorials!

I'm not sure I would recommend Domestika or Craftsy, they are apparently pretty shady when it comes to cancelling your subscription.

If you haven't sewn much, some easy beginner-friendly projects include making a tote bag, a drawstring bag, pajama pants, a pillow, a pillowcase.. Oooh and pencil pouches are actually pretty easy too, and useful!

Spoiler: some sewing supplies recommendations + tips

- Sewing pins are great, but I recommend also buying some sewing clips if you can! They are cheap on eBay! Very useful for holding fabric together without putting holes through the fabric. They also come in handy for closing bags of chips or whatever lmao

- There are air erasable and water erasable pens specifically meant for fabric. Tailor's chalk is also useful for marking fabric! I sometimes even use color pencil for marking my fabric (though it's not erasable so be careful if you try it)

- Always keep the manual for your sewing machine, it's super useful!! If you don't have the manual, try find an uploaded copy on the internet if you can

- Don't wait for a sewing machine needle to break in order to replace it.. some people say to replace your sewing machine needle after 8-10 hours of continuous use but that might be overkill, I'm not sure, it seems to be a controversial topic lmao

- Be sure to clean out the bobbin case area regularly to clear out any lint, threads, dust, etc. All that gunk will have an effect on your sewing, and it's also flammable.

- Put a cover over the sewing machine when not in use (or make your own sewing machine cover!)

- Not all sewing machines require oiling. Consult the manual to figure out if your sewing machine needs to be oiled

- Not all fabric can be ironed directly, always google first, and do a test iron!

- Magnetic guides are useful for sewing straight but if you can't afford one at the moment, a post-it note or washi tape helps a lot too!

- When turning a corner while sewing, leave the needle in the fabric while you lift the presser foot and rotate the fabric

- Practice sewing curves -- I imagine there will be a lot of curve sewing when it comes to making plushies... and sewing curves is kinda challenging. Take your time for sure!

- Consider saving all your scrap fabric and scrap threads.. they could be used as filling for smaller plushies!

- Beware of AI generated sewing patterns.... they're out there..

- "Measure twice, cut once"

 

[QueenCobra]

Sewing machines are traumatic af. When I was in middle school, I had to take a Home Ec. class. The sewing unit involved the machine.

My first project was a tote bag. I brought the fabric, thread, and rope. No big deal. But one day, when I was sewing, it stabbed me in the thumb. (Fleshy part, thankfully.) I was so shocked, I didn’t feel any pain. I tried to call my teacher, but she was like, “just a minute”. Another kid saw I was hurt, and then another, so they alerted her, and she had no choice but to see what happened.

The class went silent. The nurse had to come in to…I think…lift the needle out? Then I had to go to her office where I was all patched up with big bandages. I called my mom about it, but I don’t think I got sent home early.

I finished the project, somehow, and the teacher washed the bloodstains out of the fabric. I really don’t know how I passed the class, but I did!