I have been using the sewing machine every day for almost 12 years. I quilt, I embroider, I make small projects for home use and I have gained decent skills along the way. However, there is one thing that I have not yet mastered, which is dressmaking.
I have been wondering why I did think of this sooner. I mean I have a machine, I have loved ones whom I want to make some things practical for, I have a stock of fabrics, and I have a passion for sewing.
So I decided to dive into the world of dressmaking and it is truly a magical place. There is so much I have not yet known. The most important thing I found out that knowing how to sew does not mean you know how to make clothes.
The best thing is, I realize that as long as I use the right techniques, my best starter sewing machine can sew on almost anything.
When I learn to make a dress, I have tried a wide range of fabrics and I got stuck with some of them, usually the most beautiful ones, like silk for example.
I go online, I do research, and I finally conquer them. Here is what I learned:
Always Go Slowly
When you first got to know any fabric or even your sewing machine, it’s beneficial to take your time. Slowing down gives your muscles time to adjust to new skills.
Some fabrics don’t tolerate needle holes, which means you don’t get to sew wrong. A prime example is a leather. A hole made on leather will be there forever.
Others are so delicate that sewing at a high speed will risk tearing them apart or pushing them down the holes between the feed dogs.
Most modern sewing machines for newbies have speed control feature so all you have to do is to change the setting. In case you are on the lookout for one of them, this What Is A Good Sewing Machine For Beginners Buying Guide And Reviews is a good source of information
Change The Needle After Every Project
A dull needle may damage your fabrics or even put you at risk.
Experts recommend switching to a new needle after every 8 hours of continuous sewing. It sounds like a lot in the long run because you have to buy dozens of new needles but when you think about what a dull needle can do to your delicate fabrics, you will see this is a good investment.
Cut On Layer Of Fabric At A Time
For tick fabrics and slippery ones, piling up and cut is not advisable.
The fabrics can slide off course and if you don’t notice this, you may produce patterns with different shapes and sizes.
Always Test First
Testing your tension, needle, foot, and stitch size on a piece of scrap before you start sewing anything. You don’t want to ruin your beautiful projects for a few wrong stitches, do you?
By the way, recently I came across a really cool collection of best rated sewing machines for beginners that I wish I found when I struggled to find a suitable machine: https://plus.google.com/101111343928489638102/posts/EPnQ1mjhks5. You can find helpful information here. Check it out!
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