Help with sewing machine
 

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.

Did it come with a manual? If not, you can get a downloadable one free from this link. Once you type in the model number, choose the 2nd option for the free download. You can also purchase a printed one for $15 if you'd rather have that than the pdf version.

http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals

Certainly the dealer will give you lessons. That's part of your purchase price. Take advantage of that.

I did get my manual. My husband bought it from Walmart.com I am just learning and he didn't want to spend a lot of money on it. He said if I really like to quilt then I could get a better sewing machine. I read the manual all day and still did not understand how to do it.

Look for plus and minus signs and a symbol which looks like a stitch. Not sure of the machine picture of the front would help.
Well I just did a google search . There are some YouTube reviews and manual help. Have a look they may help you.there are 2 models both are getting good reviews.

Just looked at a pic of your machine - is this the display? [ATTACH=CONFIG]431920[/ATTACH]

After looking at the display shown - it shows the stitch width with a arrow to the left and the stitch length with an arrow up and down. So the stitch width is probably the left/right arrow buttons on the right below the display and the stitch length are the up down buttons on the right below the display. BUT I am just guessing here.

When it comes to manuals, I like to have a printed version near my machine. it all depends on how close your machine is to your computer.

If your husband bought it from WalMart, then I would take it back. If it's a new machine, it should come with a manual. Personally speaking I would get a refund and go to a dealer, I also wouldn't buy a Singer model later than the 60's. If you buy from a dealer, you'll get lessons for your machine and a lot of time you'll be able to get a higher end machine that was traded in.

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!!

If you learned how to operate a computer, you can learn how to operate your computerized sewing machine. Involve your husband if possible with the learning process. Start at the beginning of the manual with the threading and bobbin winding and then proceed with straight stitching until you are comfortable. Then start playing with the various stitch patterns. Won't be long before you will be sewing with confidence. You can do it girl :thumbup: