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If you’re looking to start sewing on a sewing machine, you first need to get to know your sewing machine! So we’re going to explore and get to know the parts of your sewing machine, so you’re familiar with it before you begin sewing.
Your sewing machine comes with an instruction manual (and if you don’t have it, search for it online). Read through it, because your machine will have particulars that are unique to the make and model that you have.
Your sewing machine will have either a digital or manual control panel, for adjusting the stitch length, width, and type of stitching. Every machine is a little different. You can see that my Juki sewing machine has digital controls.
My Singer sewing machine has a combination of digital and manual adjustments. Some sewing machines will be all manual. These controls are what you will use to adjust your stitches (if you want to use a zig-zag or a straight stitch, make it wider or longer, etc.). You will need to consult your manual to see exactly how your particular controls work. The most common stitches are usually pretty obvious on your controls (as you can see below).
Some sewing machines have controls for speed, moving the needle up and down, cutting the thread, lifting the presser foot, or sewing backwards. More basic machines will not have separate controls for all of these, and you will need to do these manually. Below you can see that my Juki sewing machine has many controls:
My Singer machine, however, only has a button for sewing backwards:
Let’s take a look at the part of your machine that actually does the sewing!
Sewing machines are generally all pretty similar when it comes to the needle and presser foot.
There are many different feet you can purchase to go along with your sewing machine (and your machine probably came with at least one or two extra feet), but most of the time, the main presser foot will be the one you’ll use the most often. I would say that my zipper foot is one I also use often, along with my buttonhole foot. These are super helpful as you get more advanced in your sewing, but you can sew a lot of things without ever changing out your presser foot!
You can also see the needle in the photo above (well, it is a bit disguised, but if you look closely, it’s there! ;). Consult your manual to see the proper way to change your needle. I personally use the Schmetz brand needles, and choosing a needle that is specific to your fabric type is always best. It’s also best to replace your needle after each project. I know, that sounds excessive, but dull needles can cause a lot of problems, especially with bunching or broken thread as you are sewing.
Your sewing machine will also have a place for the bobbin thread near the needle and presser foot. It may be a top loading bobbin like mine is pictured here, but some machines (especially older machines), might load in from the front. Newer machines (especially within the last 15-20 years) have made it very simple to insert the bobbin.
Your sewing machine will also have a way to load your thread onto the bobbin. Again, every sewing machine is slightly different in how this looks and works, but they are generally the same. (Also… please don’t judge how dusty my machines are ;)
Threading your sewing machine gets a scary rap, but there is almost always a guide (especially on modern machines) to show you the steps for how to thread your machine and needle. You can see in the photo above how there is a diagram with numbered steps, so that all I have to do is follow those steps to bring the thread through the machine and then thread the needle. Some machines have a little lever that helps you thread your needle.
Now let’s talk about all those little levers and knobs and pedals! Your sewing machine will have a manual knob to move the needle up and down (photo one). Even machines that have a button do move the needle will also have a way to do it manually. You can also see in the first photo the button that turns on the machine’s power.
On the back of your machine (photo two) there should be a lever to move the presser foot up and down. There’s a chance this is located in a different spot, but usually it is located right on the back, directly behind the presser foot.
And finally (photo three), you will have a foot pedal. This is how you begin sewing! Press lightly with your foot at first, as you are getting to know the speed of your sewing machine. If your machine doesn’t have a speed control, YOU are the speed control! The more you press the pedal down, the faster your machine will sew. Go easy on it as you are beginning to learn, and then as you feel more comfortable, you’ll be able to go faster. If you are sewing more complicated parts of your project or smaller pieces, you will not want to sew as quickly.
There are many different types of sewing machines you can use that have slightly different purposes, like the serger and coverstitch machines shown here, but those can be saved for another time. ;)
If you’re looking for a sewing machine, these are the ones I personally have used and recommend:
Brother CS600i – this is a great machine for beginners or children!
Janome Kids’ machine – this is a good basic sewing machine for young children. We have this machine, and it’s great quality, but I honestly don’t think it’s really necessary for kids to have a machine like this. If you think your kids will ever sew beyond age 8, I would just invest in a good basic machine. However, this is a good budget friendly option.
Singer Confidence – this is a middle of the road sewing machine, and the one I used for many years; my kids use this one currently
Juki Exceed – this is the machine I currently use and I am VERY happy with it. It’s more expensive, but it is a workhorse and can sew through just about anything. I have rarely had any problems with it.
You can see a list of my recommended sewing supplies here.
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