The Sewing Machine Course Video 1 - The Sewing Machine Overview Part 1 - The right machine for you. Choosing a machine is a very important part in the hobby of sewing as this is the main piece of equipment that you will use. The sewing machine is the central point to creating all your sewing projects so it needs to feel right for you. There are a lot of different models out there to choose from and can be a little daunting on choosing the correct sewing machine. Essentially all sewing machines work in the same way, that is that they have a needle which is situated above the feed dogs, a bobbin and the controls for the functions are situated at the front, The difference is that some are more advanced than others in terms of functionality. Colour touch screens are becoming the norm for the top of the range sewing machine while the mechanical machine is still a popular choice for ease of use. The conclusion is that they still perform in the same manner, to create a stitch. If you already have a sewing machine, then fantastic and you will know the process of choosing one and ultimately purchasing it. If you do not have a machine and are in the process of looking for the correct machine for you, then my advice would be, go to a sewing machine dealer, have a look at the machines on display and ask to have a go with one. Sewing machine shops always have demo models on show for this exact purpose and the assistant will be obliged to let you have a go. Remember do not rush into any rash decisions and not to be fooled by sales talk, purchase the machine that you like the look of and most importantly the feel, as the machine that you purchase will be the machine that you will use for years to come. Sewing is a fun thing to do and can be dampened if you are using the wrong sewing machine that does not feel right, this could possibly ruin any future inspiration for the sewing projects that you are likely to produce.
Part 2 - Lets look at the machine. As a rule, generally the functions and all of the buttons are displayed at the front of the machine, this is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but its that way for ease of use. When we sew, the front of the machine is always in view so the most important buttons need to be situated at the front. The main buttons are stitch length and width, a reverse function for sewing backwards, needle up or down and needle position. Other machines may have a button hole programme and decorative stitches. Generally the buttons and stitch functions are situated at the front of the machine as a control panel. Other functions are dotted around the sides and the back, here we can see the fly wheel for manually move the needle up and down and other functions including the on, off switch, a button to release the feed-dogs and attachments for the foot control, computer link up and an embroidery module.
All sewing machines come with its own accessories box which stores all of the machines unique tools. The accessories always include everything that you will need that relates to the sewing machine. The accessories box usually sits snugly fitting around the free arm which is revealed when the box is taken away. The main accessories that come with the sewing machine will be a selection of sewing feet, spare bobbins, a box of needles, a small screw driver, thread guides and machine oil. The accessories box can be removed by sliding it out of the way, this will reveal the free arm. The free arm is used for sliding tubular items onto the machine that need to be sewn such as sleeves and trouser hems.
Located on the side of the free arm, just under the mechanism of the needle and the foot is the small door for the bobbin and the bobbin case, which can be easily removed via a small latch lever on the bobbin case. Some sewing machine models have a drop in bobbin that is situated in the same place. Situated on the top of the sewing machine is the bobbin winder and various tension discs for threading. Simply place the bobbin on the bobbin winder to fill the bobbin with thread, All sewing machines will have a bobbin winder but the location can differ from model to model. Some will have the bobbin winder situated at the front or the side of the machine, all winders have a small lever that sits against the bobbin as it is filling up, when the bobbin is full the lever will automatically shut off and so stops filling the bobbin.
Situated at the back of the sewing machine is the lever to lift the foot up. While you are sewing the need for this is essential as the fabric needs to be released after sewing a certain part of the cloth. In the industry, industrial sewing machines are attached with a knee lift which acts in exactly the same way as the lever but without the need of your hands, a kind of hands free presser footer lift so to speak. This has been implemented through to some domestic sewing machines which I think is a real god send and can save time when you are sewing. Essentially the knee lift is a time saving system on the sewing machine which lifts up the presser foot. When the sewing machine is switched on the light will be activated simultaneously for ease of use. All sewing machines come a with a built in sewing light which can be switched off when ever it is not needed. In this e-book the sewing machine featured is the Bernina Artista 180 and will be covered throughout the entire course.