Seams And Scissors

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
  • Quilting
    • Baby Quilts
    • Bed Quilts
    • Mini Quilts
    • Quilt Blocks
    • Throws & Lap Quilts
  • Sewing
    • Accessories
    • Clothing
    • Decor
  • Tutorials
  • Giveaways

Sewing Lesson: The Basics of Your New Machine + Giveaway

September 14, 2015 by AllFreeSewing 74 Comments

National Sewing Month 2015

Today’s National Sewing Month Project (a video lesson!) is brought to you by Angel Peterson from FleeceFun.

Now that you’ve picked that perfect machine and brought it home, it’s time to learn how to use your sewing machine!  Angel sat with us in the AllFreeSewing studio and will teach you about all the parts of your sewing machine. She will explain what the tension plate, feed dogs, and the hand wheel are. This free sewing lesson will get you going on that project you’ve picked out with confidence.

Now that you have learned the basics, are you ready to take that new machine for a spin?  Here are a few of our favorite beginner sewing patterns to get you started.

 

Cute and Easy DIY Christmas Ornaments – STAFF FAVORITE!

cute-easy-diy-christmas-ornaments_Medium_ID-739810

15-Minute Mouse Pad Wrist Rest – USEFUL and perfect test-drive material.

15-minute-mouse-pad-rest_Medium_ID-494699

Perfect Pre Cut Quilt Pattern – A great way to practice driving that machine!

Perfect-Pre-Cut-Quilt-Pattern_Medium_ID-605841

Josephine Free Doll Pattern – Why not make a special gift?Josephine-Free-Doll-Pattern_Large400_ID-1151887

20-Minute DIY Skirt – Perfect for kids and easily adaptable to adults.20-Minute-DIY-Skirt_Large400_ID-1020465

 

Now for today’s prize.  We are giving away this great thread organizer and a collection of Coats&Clark thread!
Day14-june-tailor-30-spool-rack

 

What part of the sewing machine do you struggle with the most?

Official Rules for Daily Contest

  • There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
  • Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
  • You have until tonight, September 14th, 2015 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

NSM-03Enter daily for your chance to win the National Sewing Month 2015 Grand Prize Giveaway.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
AllFreeSewing
Editor at AllFreeSewing at AllFreeSewing.com
AllFreeSewing is the ultimate resource for quick and easy sewing patterns, tutorials, and charts. You'll find dress and bag patterns, alteration guides, even instructions to help you with that pesky sewing machine. The best part? It's all absolutely free. Come and join our community!
Latest posts by AllFreeSewing (see all)
  • The Biggest Selection of Free Bag Sewing Patterns! - January 9, 2021
  • We Love Precuts: 13 Jelly Roll Quilt Patterns - January 7, 2021
  • Blue Jean Baby: 19 Denim Sewing Patterns - January 6, 2021

Share and Enjoy !

0Shares
0 0

Filed Under: Giveaways & Contests Tagged With: Giveaways, National Sewing Month 2015, Video Tutorial

Comments

  1. Kathy E. says

    September 14, 2015 at 1:41 am

    I don’t really struggle much with my sewing machines. I know them well! But the one thing that I’d rather not deal with is the button hole attachment. It’s just fiddly and takes time to get it right. Good thing I don’t need button holes that often! Coats and Clark thread is my favorite….would love to win!

    Reply
  2. Mom C says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:52 am

    Depends on the machine I’m using, I have a number. I like to try them all because they have features I like. The thing that frustrates me the most is threading the bottom threads of my serger. They are always the ones that break and they just seem so ticky to get everything back to functioning good again. Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Jenna Rae Klingebiel says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:25 am

    Choosing what stitch option to choose! Sometimes being creative is a burden when you cannot decide between so many amazing different options!

    Reply
  4. Debby says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:59 am

    I wish the little button to back stitch was located somewhere different. I hate that I have to hold it down with one hand when I really want to be using that hand for guiding the fabric better or something. Maybe it is just because I am fairly new to sewing, but I think there must be a better set up for this. Otherwise, I love my sewing machine!!!

    Reply
  5. Claire Ross says

    September 14, 2015 at 5:44 am

    I just got my first sewing machine in July for my birthday. Not tackled the automatic button hole feature as yet! Have managed a pretty good invisible zip with my new zipper foot so I just need to keep practicing!!
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  6. Linda says

    September 14, 2015 at 5:57 am

    I have an old machine passed down from my mother with a knee paddle. I find threading the machine the most difficult. I believe it is much easier on new machines.

    Reply
  7. Glynda says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:48 am

    I’m still trying to master the narrow hemmer.

    Reply
  8. lisa says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:10 am

    Normally I don’t have issues, but I’ve been having trouble with my bobbin housing lately. I think it got jostled in a move too much, and I may need to take the entire thing apart to get it permanently right again. For now, though, I just take it out and fix it every time it jams.

    Reply
  9. Julie Swerlein says

    September 14, 2015 at 9:03 am

    I don’t struggle much with anything on my sewing machines.
    But I do wish buttonholes could be made simpler.

    Reply
  10. Rita Long says

    September 14, 2015 at 10:47 am

    I struggle with adjusting the tension when I’m sewing something different.

    Reply
  11. Jean Lesslie says

    September 14, 2015 at 10:49 am

    The bobbin causes me the most problems. Not huge problems but it seems to slow me down too much. It is distracting.

    Reply
  12. Amy says

    September 14, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Currently I’m struggling with FMQ, but it is mostly user errors and figuring out what to do.

    Reply
  13. Barbi Johnson says

    September 14, 2015 at 11:41 am

    I have an awful time in getting my tension set on my sewing machine. It is really frustrating when working on a project.

    Reply
  14. Cathleen says

    September 14, 2015 at 11:52 am

    I still struggle with tension. And I struggle to thread the needle! Old machine…

    Reply
  15. Sarah J. says

    September 14, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Ii find the tension setting to be rather mysterious. Probably a bit of research would help, but ever since the man who sold me my machine told me “never touch it” I’m nervous!

    Reply
  16. Tami Jirousek says

    September 14, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    I really struggle with my 1/4 in seam. I used a machine for 40 years that was center needle, my new machine is a left needle. I have tried new feet, tape, lines down the fabric, everything! Nothing seems to come consistently. Maybe in 35/40 more tears I get the hang of it! Ha!!

    Reply
    • nancy nolan says

      September 14, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      there should be a button or something where you can change your needle position–I have three different settings on mine

      Reply
  17. Deby at So Sew Easy says

    September 14, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    I find the tension is the most difficult thing to master. Why does it seem to be fine one day and then loopy the next when nothing has changed! And as for sewing with elastic thread and shirring – forget it! Doesn’t work for me.

    Reply
  18. Patricia A Leonard says

    September 14, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    The bobbin

    Reply
  19. Donna Lee says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    The tension is often a puzzle to me. I tend to just fiddle with it rather than understanding just why it’s acting up!

    Reply
  20. Robin says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    I struggle a lot with thread breakage, so I guess I would have to say tension.

    Reply
  21. Natalie says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Hmm… I think I have the most trouble with remembering to keep up with maintenance – changing the needle and dusting the inside 🙂

    Reply
  22. Daniel says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Remembering to check my needle alignment when changing feet. In getting much better about it… Breaking a needle is a good lesson.

    Reply
  23. Cheryl K says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    I’ve had no problems with my current machine, but with my previous machines, adjusting the tension gave me fits.

    Reply
  24. Cheryl Grom says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I have a new machine so am just getting used to it. So far the most trouble I have is figuring out which foot to use with which stitch.

    Reply
  25. Wanda W says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I struggle with the throat of my machine. There’s just never enough room for Quilting and I it’s frustrating…. Ugh. :-\

    Reply
  26. Bonnie Wells says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    I have to agree with Daniel, its the needle that messes with me. When I turn it on the needle is on the far left, and the foot in it needs the needle in the center. Lots of broken needles.

    Reply
  27. SONJA HANSEN says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    Now that my eyes are getting older I am struggling with threading the needle.

    Reply
  28. Elizabeth T says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    I have been sewing off and on for over 50 years and have times that I love sewing and times that I really don’t. I have two every day machines one threaded with white thread and the other threaded with black. The Serger is always threaded with white thread unless I’m doing a special project. I agree with Mom C that threading the looper threads on the Serger are the most difficult.

    Reply
  29. Sarah says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:55 pm

    My sewing machine is an old metal one that does straight stitch and zigzag. I can’t think of anything to struggle with!

    Reply
  30. Rebecca H says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I hate all button attachments on any machine I’ve ever owned. I’ve been sewing for many years but never look forward to making those darn button holes!

    Reply
  31. Caren D. says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I am a real newbie to sewing! I just started this month!! I had a great one-on-one lesson where I was taught everything about my machine. The only thing I can say that I am struggling with is remembering everything!! Lol I know I’ll get. Practice, practice, practice! I have to say that threading the needle is a bit tricky for me right now 😉 😉
    Thank you for the chance to win!

    Reply
  32. carol dommer says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    I have no problems with my machine Basically my brother is a great machine. I have wore my machine out so I would love to have a new one. I currently have a serger and embroidery and a regular machine. I sew all the time.

    Reply
  33. Carmen says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I find the button hole function and foot really difacult to use so I don’t even try to do it with a machine.I do it by hand and this takes forever.

    Reply
  34. Pam says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    I struggle most with threading my machine and the throat size. The throat is never big enough for quilting and my arthritic hands can’t seem to thread the machine anymore. Wish to be young again. HA! HA!

    Reply
  35. Diane says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    The throat plate. I was having a problem with my material getting caught down in there, until someone showed me that using a piece of tissue paper under my flimsy material would help with the problem and it tears away easily.

    Reply
  36. Janie says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    Biggest issue is the button hole.

    Reply
  37. Janice Kelly says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    Usually, the tension is the issue – Changing from one type of fabric to another!

    Reply
  38. Dawn Jones says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    I have an old New Home machine and sometimes the bobbin case doesn’t go back in correctly (or I don’t put it in correctly). Other than that I love my machine. Have a great day!

    Reply
  39. Carmen N says

    September 14, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    I seem to have the most issues with my bobbins – I just found one where the machine kept jamming and the bobbin thread was all jangled up.

    Reply
  40. knittingdancer says

    September 14, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    The thing I struggle with the most on my sewing machine is getting the tension set right.

    Reply
  41. Delaine says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    I don’t really struggle with a part of my sewing machine, but thread tension and stitch length are a source of stress with me. Thanks!

    Reply
  42. Linda Arner says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    I normally don’t have much problem with any of my machines but occasionally the tension gets ou of whack & can be frustrating to readjust.

    Reply
  43. Catherine Cozart says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    My first thought was I have stitches on my machine that I haven’t used because I have no idea what they are for and the owner’s manual isn’t much help. I’ve tried to use them on projects they seem to be for but I usually end up ripping them out and using tried and true stitches.

    Reply
  44. livivua says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    Sometimes threading the bobbin and keeping the machine threaded

    Reply
  45. Doris McCarty says

    September 14, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Not the machine ,we can along well. I struggle with zippers and buttonholes!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

    Reply
  46. Alexandria says

    September 14, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    Replacing the needle takes extra effort but I love my machine. Would like to win the threads and organizer. thanks and good luck to all.

    Reply
  47. Kathryn Williams says

    September 14, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    I agree with the lady who commented on the reverse lever ……would sure be nice to be able to have both hands on your project and not on the reverse button !

    Reply
  48. Barbara Bailey says

    September 14, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    The tension! Always! If my machine messes up it’s usually the tension. I usually persevere and win the day!

    Reply
  49. Nancy Hilderbrand says

    September 14, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    I have a problem changing needles because I have neropothy

    Reply
  50. emma says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    i struggle with the threat tension, no matter which number i chose for the tension, it is never right, the stitches show lose in the back. Also selecting the right thread and needle for the fabric. I always get skipped stitches or ugly stitching. ugh!

    Reply
  51. Margo says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    I struggle with tension as well when I am using special threads.

    Reply
  52. Shirley E. says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Tension-mine, not the machine’s. I agree that the reverse could be handier, but except for mending, I don’t use it much. Still love my 2nd-hand machine and would only trade it in if I could get one that does something this one won’t. When this machine was new to me, I was going to make a fancy dress for my little girl with all the special stitches and such. Well, she got the fancy dress alright. But when I looked at it, the stitching was almost all straight stitch and zigzag! The only embroidery was the lazy daisy row down the front-done by hand! Lovely thread would be great. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  53. Linda Webster says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I occasionally still struggle with tension but not as much as I used to.

    Reply
  54. Joan W says

    September 14, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    Sometimes I have issues getting the stitch width, length, and tension right when doing a decorative or satin stitch. I don’t like to spend a lot of time testing different settings – I just want to get on with my project so I can sometimes get frustrated when it doesn’t work right the first time. I have to say, the newer machines are so much easier to thread and adjust than the older ones I used to use.

    Reply
  55. Shawna says

    September 14, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    I have the most difficulty with bobbins. Somehow even with a drop in bobbin, I manage to drop it in wrong.

    Reply
  56. Judy Allen says

    September 14, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    I often struggle with getting the tension right. But most days, I have a good relationship with my machine.

    Reply
  57. Judy Merritt says

    September 14, 2015 at 11:22 pm

    I have sewn off and on through my years. My areas of problems are tension and bobbin. Mother has recently passed away (my instructor or teacher through the years) and she has several quilt tops that need to be finished. I would love to have a newer machine to use. I still have and use her old singer sewing machine. A new one would be nice and easier to use.

    Reply
  58. Patience Gray says

    September 14, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    The bobbin tension

    Reply
  59. Terri C says

    September 14, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    The tension when I’m FMQ. Sometimes it takes a while to get it set right.

    Reply
  60. Lori Morton says

    September 15, 2015 at 12:07 am

    Have issues with tension as well…and am just learning to FMQ….which takes getting used to & lots of Practicing! I have always had problem doing Buttonholes…whewie!

    Thanks for chance to win this great give-a-way too! 🙂

    Reply
  61. CHLOE COLLINS says

    September 15, 2015 at 12:16 am

    For me it would be the tension. I never seem to get it right on the first time.

    Reply
  62. Bev Loux says

    September 15, 2015 at 1:15 am

    Don’t struggle much with the machine but as I get older I am having more trouble threading the needle. Guess I need to put on the glasses

    Reply
  63. Donna Miller says

    September 15, 2015 at 1:55 am

    I have a hard time with keeping my seems at 1/4 inch! Yes I’m a quilter . I’ve tried many quarter inch foots and still can’t find one that does the job! I love sewing and have never tried a Bernina! Tension can be difficult to when stitching several seems together but just really try and deal with the problems!

    Reply
  64. Barbara Hamilton says

    September 15, 2015 at 1:56 am

    Getting the needle threaded to work even after a store visit with it..also have tension stress, looks great on top but when I can peek at the underside there are the loops and need to take out and resew……yes, would love to have that gift, have never won anything but always hoping!

    Reply
  65. Jeannette sroka says

    September 15, 2015 at 1:58 am

    I struggle with remembering to actually, physically remembering to change the stitch when I change the stitch…..

    Reply
  66. Terri A. Davis says

    September 15, 2015 at 2:05 am

    Hello.

    The part of the machine I struggle with the most is the automatic buttonhole stitch maker. I can start pretty good sewing down but sewing up the other side is where I have the problem.

    Thank you.

    Terrie A. Davis

    Reply
  67. Ruth Moore says

    September 15, 2015 at 2:54 am

    I have not conquered using the built in needle threader.

    Reply
  68. Pam says

    September 15, 2015 at 3:24 am

    I generally love my sewing machine, but when I struggle with anything, it’s usually the tension knob. Thanks for the great advice in this post!

    Reply
  69. Teresa U says

    September 15, 2015 at 3:26 am

    i struggle with picking a decorative stitch to use. I love them all.

    Reply
  70. Mimi says

    September 15, 2015 at 6:27 am

    The tension is my problem. I can be sewing along for hours, then suddenly the tension goes out of whack. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

    Reply
  71. stanleybeagle says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:20 am

    Agh! Tension when I FMQ!

    Reply
  72. Michele T says

    September 16, 2015 at 1:06 am

    I find that when I am beginning to stitch fabric together and it doesn’t move along like it should but the fabric gets gobbled up in the feed dog… Those are the moments that are most frustrating!!

    Reply
  73. Katrina Fox says

    February 17, 2016 at 5:40 am

    I hate trying to adjust the tension so its always right. I also have alot of trouble using the double needle.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Email Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube RSS

Subscribe to the Seams and Scissors Newsletter.

Full Pattern Tutorials

Upcycled Sweater Bag Tutorial

Felt Storage Cube Tutorial With a Free Template

Easy Felt Storage Cube Tutorial

Archives

More Recent Posts

Upcycled Sweatshirt to Classy Cardigan

A Guide to Using the Right Kind of Scissors for Your Sewing Project

The White On White Log Cabin Quilt Block

Fleece Bear Drawstring Bag

8 Favorite Scandinavian Quilt Patterns

See All Posts Here

Categories

Our Favorites

10 Sewing Projects to Pump You Up!

Winter Wreaths: 6 DIY Wreaths for the Holidays

Sewing

Upcycled Sweatshirt to Classy Cardigan

Quilting

The White On White Log Cabin Quilt Block

Tips

A Guide to Using the Right Kind of Scissors for Your Sewing Project

Baby Patterns

Nursery

Get the Look! DIY Baby Nursery

Free eBooks

How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt: New Free eBook!

Full Projects

Tutorial: How to Make a Handmade Fake Fur Pom Pom Keychain

Prime Publishing Craft Group
Copyright © 2021 · SeamsandScissors.com - A Prime Publishing LLC property. All rights reserved.

About Us Advertise Contact Us FAQs Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Subscribe Terms of Service Unsubscribe

Copyright © 2021 · Tidy Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in