Did you know that a lockstitch can be formed anywhere on the material being sewn and does not need to be near an edge? The lockstitch involves two threads, one passing through a needle and one coming from a bobbin or shuttle.
Computerized sewing machines, although somewhat more expensive, are far superior to other types of sewing machines. They can stop for any color change in the pattern, trip the thread that they use, and even create intricate patterns and enviable stitch work.
If you've invested in a quality sewing machine, you'll want to make sure it stays in good working order as long as possible. The manual will give tips and recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. A good rule is to clean lint out of the machine every time you finish a project and to make sure it stays oiled.
Did you realize there's an easy to test for fabric content? Cut a tiny piece of the fabric, and burn it (under safe and controlled conditions). Pure cotton will turn to ash, while a poly blend will melt somewhat. Melting will alert you to the presence of synthetic fibers.
The zipper is a wonder of craftsmanship developed by a man named Whitcomb Judson in 1893. If you own a sewing machine, it probably includes an auxiliary foot designed to attach zippers to fabric.
Twin needles get their name because they are basically two identical needles right next to one another. These twin needles are able to sew two perfectly straight parallel lines. This can be used anywhere that you need some additional strength, such as along seams.
Do you know the correct way to put together your fabric pieces when sewing seams? You will want the right sides together so that the seam is only seen on the inside of the garment.
A zigzag stitch is a back-and-forth stitch that is a variation of the lockstitch. It is used when a straight stitch is not enough or would quickly be unraveled. Zigzag stitches are used in stitching stretchable fabrics or in joining two work pieces temporarily.
Just like with a camera or a computer, it's a good idea to get the best sewing machine you can afford. Purchasing a cheap, inferior machine just to "see if you like it" is often why many people get frustrated and stop sewing altogether.
Did you realize that there are some pretty sophisticated threads on the market today? From metallics to glow-in-the-dark thread, simple stitching isn't so simple anymore. There are even threads that dissolve when wet. They're great for basting.
Did you know that many common fabrics today still come from plants? Cotton, bamboo, jute, hemp and flax are the most common today.
Did you know that, if you use the wrong bobbin on your sewing machine, it can bend, chip, wear out, or otherwise go bad? Be sure always to use the correct bobbin for your machine and to make sure that the bobbin is wound evenly.
Make sure that the needle you use in your sewing machine is compatible both with your fabric and the thread. Otherwise, it will force the thread through the fabric, causing broken or sheared threads.
Sewing is a great way to make functional additions to clothes you already have. For example, you could improve your woolen gloves by sewing in hand grips to protect your fingers from cold or wet surfaces in colder weather.
There are many sewing machine supplies that most people should have. Fabric scissors are vital, as are safety pins and measuring tape. You may want to keep extra bobbins handy, as well.
When you're cleaning your sewing machine, it's usually best to focus on cleaning a single area at a time. This will keep you from confusing which parts go where during reassembly.
If you do not have a serger or an overlock sewing machine, do you know what kind of stitch would create the same effect needed? The stitch is called a zig-zag, and, if you look at the stitch an overlock machine makes and a zig-zag stitch from a regular machine, you’ll see that they are very similar.
The needle clamp on a sewing machine is the screw that tightens to hold the needle in place, and loosens when you want to change the needle. It’s always good to have a stash of new needles on hand, as you never know when one may need replacing.
Electrical sewing machines—found in homes in the 20th century—were a huge improvement over earlier mechanical ones. They used an “electrical impulse” to rhythmically move the needle and feed fabric or cloth through the machine. This replaced push-and-pull mechanisms, and allowed tailors more freedom in terms of pattern and stitching.
If your sewing machine is not running properly, incorrect threading will most likely be the cause of it. Something as simple as threading your sewing machine with the presser foot down can cause breakage and bunching.
If you've ever sewn a buttonhole, you know that it can be a fiddly, tedious process to get right. The good news is that many of today's modern sewing machines have a one-step buttonhole feature that uses a sensor to create perfectly sized buttonholes every time.
A serger can perform a number of sewing and other functions at one time. Here's an example: A serger can produce a very elastic stitch using multiple threads. While applying the stitch, it also binds the raw edge of the fabric and cuts away excess material.
If you're trying to remove lint from your sewing machine's bobbin case, use a small brush or a mini vacuum cleaner. Avoid blowing into your machine. The moisture in your breath can oxidize small metal parts, causing big problems later.
