how to ACTUALLY start sewing in 2022 | Seams Too True EP 9

Summary

This video serves as an introductory guide for absolute sewing beginners, focusing on fundamental techniques often overlooked in tutorials. It covers machine setup, threading, tension and stitch length, and basic sewing concepts like right and wrong fabric sides, seam allowances, and backstitching. Aimed at first-time sewing machine users, the content provides practical tips for setting up and starting sewing projects, ensuring a strong foundation for any sewing journey.

Takeaways

• 🧵 Start with the basics: The video is aimed at beginners who have just bought a sewing machine and need to learn fundamental sewing techniques.
• 🎥 Tutorials have limits: Tutorials can only teach so much, and this video aims to cover the basics that are often skipped over in tutorials.
• 🧵 Threading the machine: The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to thread both the top and bottom thread, including loading the bobbin.
• 📏 Tension and stitch length: The importance of understanding sewing tension and stitch length is discussed, including how to adjust them for different fabrics.
• 📐 Testing settings: Before starting a project, it's recommended to cut a test piece and adjust the tension and stitch length until the stitches are balanced.
• 👗 Fabric orientation: The difference between the right and wrong sides of fabric is explained, emphasizing the importance of sewing with right sides facing each other.
• 🔒 Backstitching: The video teaches how to lock stitches at the beginning and end of sewing to prevent unraveling.
• 🤲 Holding the fabric: Tips on how to hold the fabric while sewing to maintain control and achieve straight lines are provided.
• 📏 Seam allowance: The concept of seam allowance is explained, detailing its purpose and the common measurements used.
• 📚 Further learning: The channel offers a playlist of sewing tutorials and projects for beginners to advanced sewers, with DIY kits available for purchase.
• 📝 Subscribe for updates: Encouragement to subscribe to the channel for the latest DIY kits, free sewing patterns, and sewing advice.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to provide basic sewing techniques and concepts for beginners who have just bought a sewing machine and are unsure where to start.

What is the difference between the video titled 'Five Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Sewing' and the current video?

The 'Five Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Sewing' video is more about considerations and insights for someone starting their sewing journey, whereas the current video focuses on the fundamental basics of sewing that should be applied during the sewing process itself.

What are the two main parts of the video?

The two main parts of the video are setting up the sewing machine and sewing technique etiquette, which covers the very basics of sewing.

How should the bobbin be loaded for the first time sewing?

The bobbin should be loaded by placing the spool of thread on the spool pin with a cap to hold it in place, threading the thread through the bobbin's hole, winding it manually a few times, and then loading it onto the machine.

What is the process of threading the machine for a Singer 4423 sewing machine?

The process involves counting and following the thread through the hoops and fixtures of the Singer 4423 sewing machine, ensuring the thread is properly threaded through the needle.

What is sewing tension and how does it affect the stitches?

Sewing tension is the amount of thread that passes through the machine to create each stitch. More thread results in looser stitches, while less thread makes for tighter stitches.

What is stitch length and how does it vary with different projects?

Stitch length is the distance between two consecutive punctures of a needle. It varies depending on the project; for example, a shorter stitch length is used for lightweight materials, while a longer stitch length is used for heavier materials like denim or canvas.

How should a beginner adjust the tension and stitch length on their sewing machine?

A beginner should start with a tension of 4 and a stitch length of 2.5, then adjust based on their intuition until the stitches come out even and balanced on both the top and bottom.

What is the significance of identifying the right and wrong side of the fabric when sewing?

Identifying the right and wrong side of the fabric is important because typically, right sides are facing each other when sewing panels together, which results in a more polished finish on the outside of the project.

What is a backstitch and why is it used at the beginning and end of sewing?

A backstitch is a technique used to lock in the stitches by sewing in reverse over the previously made stitches, reducing the chance of the project unraveling.

How should one hold the fabric while sewing to maintain control and avoid uneven stitches?

The fabric should be held taut enough to control the direction for straight lines or turns, but not so tight that it fights the feed dogs, which could lead to uneven stitches.

What is a seam allowance and why is it necessary when sewing?

A seam allowance is the area between the stitch and the raw edge of the fabric. It is necessary because sewing directly on the edge would leave the thread without anything to hold onto, so the seam allowance provides a margin within the fabric for the stitches to secure.