https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:06:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1895590 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 15:02:02 +0000 mrs. tictactoe 1895590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got a sewing machine for Christmas a few years ago and I took it to Joanns for a class. I just took one class and I feel like that really helped me to know my machine and the basics. I can't do much, but it has been helpful for making halloween costumes or pillow covers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1895581 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:58:51 +0000 Vegmama 1895581@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Both of those are AWESOME!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892995 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:58:13 +0000 avivoca 1892995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a sewing machine! I taught myself how to sew with help from my husband (he took fashion in high school) and have made several quilts, skirts, curtains, pillow covers, and decorative items. I'm trying to branch out into more apparel for myself.</p> <p>If you can, take a class at a local fabric shop. The internet is a treasure trove for ideas and help, and your manual will be a great reference to learning how to use your machine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892990 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:55:41 +0000 sunny 1892990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can sew in straight lines. That is about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892919 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:30:32 +0000 Boogs 1892919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm hoping to get a sewing machine for Christms so I can learn. My MIL is an arsenal of knowledge so hoping she can at least teach me basics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892910 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:27:25 +0000 mediagirl 1892910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: that's a great site. It's where I found the, very simple, pattern for my daughter's halloween costume last year!</p> <p>I am a beginner, beginner. I have taught myself everything I know and it's not much. I can do a simple stitch and that's it. It's enough to do what I need, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892844 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 07:57:31 +0000 JerricaBenton 1892844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup. My mom taught me the basics when I was a kid and I took a class when I got back into it as an adult. I've made pajamas, curtains, decorations, dog clothes, dresses for LO...I recommend looking for a hands on class where you bring your machine. Having an instructor right there to help and give her tips was invaluable to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892842 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 07:56:31 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 1892842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can only just barely use it :)</p> <p>I've made nursing pads, modified D's backpack, and simple curtains. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892837 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 07:50:56 +0000 loveisstrange 1892837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! My grandma was a seamstress and my mom has sewed all my life. They taught me young. I agree with YouTube being a great resource! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892058 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:37:14 +0000 MaryM 1892058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree @looch: That's really the only issue I've ever had. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1892057 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:36:06 +0000 looch 1892057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the most challenging thing about using a sewing machine is understanding tension. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891951 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:38:21 +0000 Bao 1891951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Raindrop: Yes I have the manual!</p> <p>@MaryM: It is older but she just had it serviced not long ago. I'm just intimidated because it has tons of buttons and codes, but I'm sure it's not any scarier than a computer ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891943 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:35:08 +0000 MaryM 1891943@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it's older or hasn't been used for a while, you might want to get it serviced before trying to use it. </p> <p>I also started with simple square things and straight lines. I've gotten prepacked quilt kits for baby quilts at ACMore and Michaels. Or, JoAnn's also has some simple patterns (but be careful, their fabric can get a little pricy!). The first kit I did took me 7 or 8 hours, but now I can whip one up much quicker. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891931 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:28:04 +0000 MediaNaranja 1891931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's really easy to learn! I thought YouTube and online tutorials were great, but what actually helped the most was taking an in-person class! If there is a quilting or fabric shop near you they might have one. I went to an apron-making class at a local quilt shop and it was like $20 + cost of materials (1yd or fabric) and lasted ~2 hours. I also took a community ed class, which was longer--maybe one 2-hour class/week for 6 weeks? It was great--taught at the local middle school by the home-ec teacher! I believe materials for our first project were provided, and after that we were on our own. It was good because we got to go a little deeper into things, like choosing the right fabric for the project, or how to sew a zipper or buttonhole, how to read and adjust pattens, etc. If you have the time I would suggest a class like that! Again, it was relatively inexpensive (I think maybe $75 for the six-week session). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891930 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:27:35 +0000 Kiwibee 1891930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes. I took a sewing class a few years back and learnt the basics. Wasn't too hard. I second the YouTube tutorials. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891922 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:24:37 +0000 Raindrop 1891922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a quilter so I mostly do just straight lines. :) It's fairly simple though. It took me about a day to get it started and running. Just knowing how to set up the thread I think is probably the hardest part. </p> <p>Did it come with a manual? I bet you can find a tutorial online if it didn't come with one. :)</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891919 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:21:50 +0000 yin 1891919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish I knew how to use my sewing machine. It's collecting dust in the attic. I attempted so many times by reading the manual and watching YouTube videos. No luck for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891905 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:17:11 +0000 babynumber1 1891905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is super timely. I decided this week to teach myself to sew. I have had a sewing machine for a few years and never took it out to learn how to use it. TBH, its not going really well. I called my grandmother to come over and trouble shoot for me this afternoon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891901 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:15:11 +0000 LuLu Mom 1891901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Youtube for sure! Man I want a sewing machine so bad! I want to make burp cloths, curtains, ect. for the new LO! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891839 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:51:20 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1891839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I taught myself how to quilt on my sewing machine last year and I'm totally addicted now. Not unreasonable to teach yourself at all because I did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891825 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:46:15 +0000 blackbird 1891825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I make all kinds of stuff! Quilts, clothes, etc. I showed my SIL how to sew in an afternoon last year and she's managed just fine since! Lots of tutorials online </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891811 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:40:07 +0000 redeyedtreefr0g 1891811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Basic straight line is all you need to know how to do at first. Well, that and how to thread the machine!<br /> There are tons of how-tos and tutorials online, and you can learn a ton in a very short time.</p> <p>Some very basics I think would be:</p> <p>Stitching needs to be reinforced, which usually involves stitching backwards an inch or so after you finish your seam. This way, your stitches won't just simply unravel when you trim the threads. You can also leave tails and tie knots, which can be helpful for certain situations, such as at the point of a dart to avoid bulk.</p> <p>A lot of fabric tends to fray or unravel, so raw edges need to be finished to keep that from happening. Serger machines do that, or you can use a special stitch and foot if it is available on your machine. If not, a zigzag is perfectly fine.</p> <p>If you know the stuff above, I think you can make anything.</p> <p>I'm mostly self-taught after I was shown how to push the pedal and make the machine "go".</p> <p>I started with hand-stiching I nightgown for my doll, and after that made her clothes like a fur jacket (left over from making a wolf hand puppet for school).<br /> I made elf shoes for a holiday. Wish I still had those.<br /> I've made an adorable halter top converted from a pair of white jeans I turned upside down.<br /> I've drafted and made overalls to protect a Jack Russell terrier from his own urge to chew due to incurable allergies. He was freaking adorable.<br /> I took a stupid t-shirt sheet and turned it into a super-comfy king comforter by stitching old t-shirts onto it. It was heavy and so soft, I loved it.<br /> I've drafted and made a FANTASTIC plaid couch cover- all the stripes matched, whoop whoop! (First time I sewed through my finger, I punched right through a thumbnail. Hurt way less than expected.)<br /> Countless curtains got made from sheets or hemmed.<br /> I made my favorite skirt from corduroy scraps (leftover from game shop curtains) which I still count as my favorite clothing item ever.<br /> AND, I made the best winter coat ever- my green cloak.<br /> OH! And I hated the baby blue of my bike helmet, so I picked out a fun fabric to cover it with, and made a matching bicycle saddlebag/pannier.<br /> I've visually mapped out a ScottEVest owned by a friend and made my husband (the JamieJacket!) using 3 of his late uncle's heavyweight Cabela shirts. 22 pockets!<br /> I made a beanbag.</p> <p>You can see pictures here:<br /> <a href="http://s303.photobucket.com/user/redeyedtreefr0g/library/Crafts?sort=3&#038;page=1" rel="nofollow">http://s303.photobucket.com/user/redeyedtreefr0g/library/Crafts?sort=3&#038;page=1</a><br /> I'm not sure what state the bucket is in, with our current internet I'm supposed to avoid photos, so. Feel free to poke around.</p> <p>I have trouble with patterns because I like things to fit, but am petite. My shoulders have something funky going on there that I need to figure out. It's why most everything I've done involves making my own pattern and just winging it.<br /> I have a stash of lovely patterns to try eventually though, but fabric is not something I ever get to splurge on, really. I've done most things using materials available, or with gifted gift cards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891806 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:38:36 +0000 JMOM 1891806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a sewing machine and I like to sew but haven't done it in awhile. I took Home Ec in school and then I took a refresher course through the evening classes at the local high school. Does your local school system have evening classes?<br /> There are tons of awesome blogs with easy sewing projects. I love Dana Made it. <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.danamadeit.com/</a>. She has some patterns you can buy, which are very thorough, and tons of free tutorials. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891772 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:26:10 +0000 Mamaof2 1891772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I liked this series - I don't do fancy stuff but have made skirts for DD, curtains, and bean bags</p> <p><a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/11/learn-to-sew-with-crazy-little-projects.html" rel="nofollow">http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/11/learn-to-sew-with-crazy-little-projects.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891770 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:24:41 +0000 KT326 1891770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: The hardest part for me was learning how to thread the machine. After that just start with simple straight lines. I still don't do anything fancy with mine, I've just made baby quilts and always use straight lines to quilt them. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891766 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:23:07 +0000 Bao 1891766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KT326: I'll have to do that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891763 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:22:00 +0000 KT326 1891763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Check out youtube! Whenever I can't remember how to do something on my machine I search for it on youtube and I can usually find a video tutorial. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891752 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:16:45 +0000 Bao 1891752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: oh my gosh, so jealous! That looks SO hard to me, you did a great job! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891750 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:15:35 +0000 Bao 1891750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Leialou: she says she really only knows basic things, and that her hands don't work right to use it, and gave me the manual lol....I think she's just not up to it. I think my MIL knows how to do basics too so maybe I could ask her for some help. </p> <p>@BrandNewMom: Wow, I hope I can get to the point where I can make stuff like that some day! I'm intimidated just looking at the darn thing ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-know-how-to-use-a-sewing-machine-1#post-1891742 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:14:24 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1891742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! I think my mom taught me the basics when i was young. I cant use any of the various features but i can sew a straight line! Ive made a blanket and quilt for lo, and lots of curtains. I recently made lo an apron. There are lots of tutorials online! </p>