Originally Posted by
Scuddles
My husband bought me a Singer Fashion Mate 70 stitch sewing machine. Model # is 7256. It is digital, and I don't know how to use it with the length and width of stitches. I was wondering if anybody could help me out. I have never made a quilt and I really want to try it. Any advise would be deeply appreciated.
After re-reading your top post - I am not sure that my first response was what you were asking. Were you looking for how to change the length and width or recommendations on stitch length and width in general?
Hope you enjoy your new machine. It looks like a great little machine to start off with. Although I have a Pfaff for sewing at home, I have a small inexpensive machine similar to this for classes and retreats. For general piecing on either machine I use a straight stitch (looks like number 00 on your machine) with a stitch width of Zero and a stitch length of around 2.5. If I am "paper piecing" I bump the stitch length down to 2.0. The ad that I read said it had "automatic" stitch length and width but I would guess that you can change that manually if need be.
My recommendation for all new sewers is to play with your machine. Purchase some inexpensive light fabric. Load up the machine with dark thread. Have a pen handy. On a folded piece of fabric, try stitch 00 for about 6 inches and write 00 next to it. Next try stitch 01 (just below stitch 00) and write 01 next to it. Try each stitch out and when you are done you will have a sample piece of all your stitches. You can also take a wide stitch (lets say #44) and do the same exercise with changing the stitch length in small increments to see what happens and then try the stitch width. Take time to learn what the controls do and how the settings affect the look of your stitches.
Remember,
Scuddles, have fun!!