Sewing 101

The DIY Revolution is here! Everyone wants to "do it yourself" and sewing is one of the most popular skills people are turning to for creative gratification, whether you are interested in home decoration projects, creating personal gifts for friends, or making yourself unique garments! But the novice sewer is usually intimidated about where to begin.

Sewing Basics

• Threading the Machine: Follow the manual instructions and put painters tape on areas to label them and number them.
• Tension determines how much pressure is put on the thread before it enters the needle. Unless you are changing the thickness in the thread, leave the tension alone!
• Don't choose a pattern that has a lot of detail, like set in sleeves, lots of pockets and darts.
• Choose a fabric that drapes! Follow the pattern's suggested fabrics. Use fabrics that are easy to handle, no slippery fabrics or velvet, fabrics with a nap. Choose a pattern without too many pattern pieces.

What you should know when you are buying a new machine:

• Go to a reputable store
• Ask if they teach you to use the machine or do they have classes you can attend?
• Getting a machine that fits your needs (do you want to grow into it? Or simply begin to see if you like sewing)
• Borrow a machine from a friend for a week and create a simple pattern. Do you like the experience?

The machines Sandra recommends for beginners are:

• Janome $650.00 DC4030 & Bernina Model 165 approx $500.00
• Machines vary widely in cost. New sewing machines run the full range from as low as $50.00 to as much as over $2,000. It all depends on what features you want on your machine. It is possible to find refurbished sewing machines for a under $100. at repair shops. These machines have usually been traded in by sewers who want to trade up.

What you should know when you are buying a used machine:

• Does it work? Have all its parts? Try it!
• Does it have all its manuals
• Look at the machine's over all condition. Take a look at the mechanics on the underside. Is it clean and oiled? Does it run smoothly?
• You can find refurbished machines in the better makes there as well, for much lower price than new. Sewing machines can also be purchased from charity thrift stores, but you may find that they don't work properly, so buyer beware. Try it out.take it on a test drive!

For more information about Sandra Betzina visit http://www.powersewing.com.

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