Sewing maching tips
 

Im excited I just ordered the brother sq9050! Now to say I'm a beginner with sewing machines is an understatement. Just wondered if anyone has any tips for a beginner to sewing machines?

Hey congratulations! I have that same model! :) I am a bit addicted to machines, it's one of twenty... Eep! :) Hmmm, tips...always clean out the bobbin area for lint!! I remember giving away a sewing machine when I was young and very new to sewing because I thought it was broken. I was getting birds nests on the underside of my stitching...here it was just needing a cleaning!! That's probably the best beginner tip I can share...other than prepare to become obsessed!!!

Great machine! I agree with pumpkinpatchquilter, clean your bobbin area. Also have fun! :)

The tip about lint is #1. I think #2 is, if it sounds different as it sews there is almost certainly something that needs fixing. You may need to rethread or reseat the bobbin.
#3 is make sure the presser foot is up when you thread the needle.
Good luck with the new machine..

#4 , which to me needed to be #1, NEVER adjust tension with the presser foot in the raised position. It took me a long time with tension problems 'til my repairman and salesman saw what was happening to my tension. I had been sewing for many years before I found this out . Maybe all machines are not this way but my old New Home has been this way from day one.

Go to craftsy, they have lots of free classes sewing machine 911, sewing feet from A-Z, you tube is helpful as well. I also love taking classes

Also if using the 1/4 inch foot make sure to change to stitch number 1 not 0 or you will hit the presser foot. my dreamweaver stays in the middle so I always forget this when sewing on my sq-9050. The machine should come with an instructional video, if not there are a lot on the brother website that I just found the other day

All great tips.

I'd add:
- Know how, where, & when to oil your machine and what type of oil to use.

- When you take your class(es) on learning your machine take notes that you can understand. Sometimes the language in the instruction manual doesn't match how you think!

- Play around with the different stitches and feet.

- If you can replicate what you need to do several days after the first go around, then you probably know your machine and/or your notes.

Enjoy!

Make a very simple bag with draw string to put lead and foot in when going to class prevents you forgetting them if bag is attached to machine cove
Just relax have fun. Read the manual and practise etc. always have your manual with you it is so easy to forget a stage.
Cleaning is very important and check as to oiling your model .

All good tips, however did any one mention changing the needle after about 8 hrs of sewing.

Read your manual on your machine!

# 2 : a different sound could also mean your needle needs to be changed (my Brother machines start sounding noisy plucking sound when the needle is dull)

I've been sewing forever and didn't know this tip. Thanks!! :)

My Bernina is made of a 'self oiling metal'. I was told to never oil it because it could guck thing up. Check with your dealer and READ YOUR MANUAL to see whether you have this to deal with. I do put a drop of oil on the bobbin race and run the machine a bit with a scrap of quilt sandwich to absorb excess oil before I start sewing with good material.

Good luck with your new pet.

Well I have to say I have been sewing forever and did not know this either. After fighting with my tension yesterday I am now sitting here wondering if that was the problem I was having !! Thanks for the tip. See even us oldies can learn something ...

Set aside a little time each day and just play with your machine. If you are new to sewing, make a stitch book. Try out each stitch on different types of fabric and put in a note book. Take any and all free classes that come with your machine. Make notes in your note book. (This will be your Bible later on in life). Start out with small projects and sew with a friend who is knowledgeable about sewing. Have fun with your new machine. It will open a whole new wourld for you!

Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't think there is anything I can add.

That's my suggestion also! And keep a record of what setting you used to get the look you wanted, if possible keep the little scrap you practiced on and write the tension info right on the scrap.

Depending on how new you are:
1. Always let the machine feed the fabric, don't tug, pull or push. Your hands are the steering wheel, your foot is the gas, just like a car.
2. loops on the bottom are a top tension (too loose) problem. Counter intuitive, I know. It took me 25 years to not learn that. From 10 to 35 I hated sewing machines (and never sewed unless it was webbing for dog harnesses) and thought it was broken when that happened. My dad must have paid a fortune for "Service" on that machine in the beginning.

Tip #1 Use this BOARD, I have learned so much.

Best tip of all ? Read this board ! Is it great or what ?!?

I second the advise that England Alton gave you. It is so important to read that manual and keep the machine lint
free and clean. I believe that a good professional job done by a professional sewing machine repair person is important.
I used to make slipcovers and my machine got a work out. Have fun with it and soon you to will be enjoying sewing and
be happy with it.

Flo in NNY

This is a great thread, there is always something to learn.

Why does the presser foot have to be up when threading the needle? I usually put mine down out of the way.