How to start sewing by machine! Here’s everything that you need to get started, without spending too much!
Interested in starting machine embroidery? Start here!
1. You’re going to need a sewing machine! You can use any sewing machine you want! Here are a couple examples:
- The Brother se600 This machine can do both sewing and embroidery! It’s the best budget machine if you’re looking to do both sewing and embroidery! I highly suggest this machine.
- The Brother Machine CS5055PRW, Project Runway, is a nice sewing machine with tons of features!
Sewing thread does not shred or break as much as embroidery thread, don’t get me wrong, it may still shred and/or break, but it doesn’t happen as often!
The other huge difference between sewing thread and embroidery thread, is that with embroidery it’s almost a given that you need to use a thread stand to prevent problems but with sewing, the built-in thread holder works just fine!
3. You’re gonna need bobbin thread.
Unlike embroidery, with sewing I actually prefer winding my own bobbins. Sewing is not as picky with thread types and tightness/looseness!
Here's my two cents! If you’re interested in embroidery, or if you already embroider, purchase prewound embroidery bobbins and use a few up, and use those empty ones and wind them up for sewing!
If you don’t want to do that, then I suggest purchasing empty or wound sewing bobbins and once they’re empty wind them yourself! For sewing this is definitely the most cost-effective method!
4. Sewing machine needles
Your machine will come with some, but you are going to want more just in case they break or bend.
Sewing machine needles most of the time the brand doesn’t matter, all you need to make sure you do is you the correct size needle for the job.
You’ll need hand-sewing needles too!
I know what you’re thinking. ‘Why would I need hand-sewing needles if I’m doing it by machine??’ And the answer is, you’re gonna need those needles in case there’s something that you need to sew that can’t be done by machine! You don’t need too many, just keep a few for when you need them.
5. Scissors
Most machines will come with an automatic thread cutter (which I love!) but you still have to cut those threads and the thread from the beginning!
It’s definitely a good a idea to get some good scissors. I suggest getting thread scissors, fabric scissors, separate paper scissors that can be used for your patterns and a spare pair just in case!
6. Seam ripper
This one is huge!! I can’t tell you how many mistakes I’ve made while sewing that I’d have to rely on my trusty old seam ripper!
If you’re purchasing a machine new, it will most likely come with one, and it’s always a good idea to buy a backup!
7. Rotary mat, ruler and cutter
Having these three cutting tools makes cutting fabric so much similar! The mat has markings on it so that you can line up the fabric, line up the ruler and cut a super simple straight line!
8. Measuring tape
You’ll be surprised at how many times you’ll use your measuring tape! It’s so crucial in a sewer's life!
9. Pins + pin cushion
Pins are so important! You’re gonna need something to hold your fabric together while you’re sewing and pins are the best way!
Yes, sometimes you’ll just sew without the pins (guilty!) but sometimes you really will need them! They’re especially important for quilters.
You also have the option of using sewing clips, they are very similar to pins, I just prefer using pins!
10. Iron and ironing board
You will definitely need an iron and ironing board so you’re not sewing wrinkled and creased fabric! If you don’t smooth out your fabric before you use it, it will ruin your final product, and we don’t want that!
Fun sewing tip! If you're sewing machine starts to act up, it's probably because you need to clean the race!
Need ideas for projects to do now? Check out this article! Here's one of my favourite sewing projects!
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