How to learn to sew on a machine?

The basis of sewing is the sewing machine. It is not really the dressmaker who sews, it is the one who guides the sewing machine, which becomes the extension of the dressmaker’s hands.

The basic functions

When we start out, choosing the sewing machine can be difficult. It is important to buy a machine that stands the test of time. You have to pay attention to two points: the weight and the price . To help you, these are the essential functions that the machine has to do:

• The straight point : used in 90% of cases,
• The zigzag stitch : widely used also to prevent a fabric from fraying, for example,
• The tension adjustment : it must be possible to adjust the thread tension manually (and automatically in certain cases),
• The free arm : to be able to sew the legs to a pants or the arms of a jacket,
• Overcast : perform this task,
• The elastic point : to join elastic fabrics such as strectch or knitted fabric.

You have around € 200 for a good sewing machine that will stand the test of time (the price of the most basic machines from brands like Janome).

The essential accessories

If you buy a second-hand sewing machine and it is missing some accessories, don’t worry, they can be bought easily and they are not expensive:

• Quills,
• Bobbins,
• Zipper presser foot,
• Roller presser foot,
• Thread holder,
• Classic replacement needles and knitting and stretch needles.