Introduction to sewing

Makerverstedet

U1

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About us

• Voluntary student organisation
• Run Makerverkstedet i U1
• Arrange courses and events
• Our goal is to create a better student work environment and a better environment around the student workshops

Open 24/7

Staffed on weekdays from 12 - 18

Summary

• How does it work?
• Demonstration
• Try yourself!

- What do you want to make?�- How?�- Find what you need

- Get started

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Types

Overlock

Sewing Machine

Embroidery Machine

Sewing Machine Terms

Stitch length

Stitch width

Recommended�settings for the selected stitch type

Reverse

Bobbin winder stopper

Bobbin winder

Spool holder

Spool pin

Tension

Foot pressure

Face plate

Button hole lever

Thread cutter

Threader

Needle plate

Hook cover plate

Feed balance

Select stitch type

Drop feed lever

Off/On

Socket

Needle screw

Foot lever

Handwheel

Foot

How does it work?

- It is easier to operate the machine when you know how it works.

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- The upper thread, lower thread, and needle

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- In order to sew, the needle must bring the upper thread through the fabric, hit the hole perfectly, and bring up the lower thread

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- This is why it is important that the sewing machine is thread correctly, that the needle is straight, and that the bobbin is inserted correctly

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- Read the user manual to see how it is done

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How to thread the machine

• Threading the upper thread

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• Insert the bobbin correctly

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• How to get the lower thread up

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• How to wind the bobbin

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Use the bobbin correctly

Make sure you are using the right type

- Bobbins are brand-specific. We use Janome

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Insert it the right way

- It should look like a mirrored 9.�If you are unsure, look at the lid

Important!

How to not break a sewing machine?

Don’t pull the fabric, do not use force�- It ruins the engine and bends the needle

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Don’t sew too tough fabrics

- It ruins the engine and the needle

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Don’t sew over needle pins�- The needle will bend or break

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Don’t sew with bent or broken needle

- The needle will hit incorrectly and make holes

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Remember to put down the foot�- If you don’t, the machine will go “clack”

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Stop if the machine makes strange noises

- Strange noises tells you that something is wrong

Continuing can break the sewing machine

- Do not use noise cancelling headphones

How not to break the pedal

Don’t leave it on the table�- If it falls it will break

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Don’t bend the cable

- Coil it up loosely

Cutting the fabric

• Marking the cut
• Chalk, fabric pen – Washes away
• Pencil or pen – Less visible on dark fabrics

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• Making the cut
• Fabric scissors
• Do not use as regular scissors
• Fabric roller

Before sewing

• Pin the fabric in place
• DO NOT SEW OVER THE PINS!

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• Clip the fabric in place
• Fabric might slide

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• Ironing the fabric
• Helps keep the shape you want
• Neater, usually makes it easier to sew

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Selecting stitch type

• Two main basic types
• Straight stitch
• Neat
• Zig Zag stitch
• Can stretch

Treating raw edges

Prevents fraying

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• Double fold hem - Neat, slow

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• Bias tape - Also neat, might not match

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• Serger - Industrial and fast

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• Fabric glue / fray block - Quick, less stable

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