An Introduction to Sewing Machines For Beginners

This video is a full guide on everything you need to know about sewing machines. I start with the very basics of what machine to buy and how to thread it, to the slightly more complex challenges of fixing a sewing machine when it's skipping stitches. The chapters below describe the full list of topics covered.
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00:00 - Intro
00:27 - What Machine to Buy?
01:55 - Threading the Machine
04:48 - Knobs & Dials
05:56 - Needles
08:55 - Presser Feet
12:40 - Thread Tension
14:04 -Pressure Regulator
15:23 - Stitch Skipping
18:48 - Maintenance
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#sewingmachine
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[@Makatea]

Concerning the tension: The upper tension has to be judged with the presser foot down, the tension-discs get released when the lever is up to make pulling the work out easy. The upper tension (foot down) needs to be a lot stiffer than the lower one. To check it while the needle is threaded, pull the thread away from you, otherwise you could bend the needle.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I did not know this, so thank you for sharing this information and adding your knowledge.

[@paididoy]

I'm s Tailor from the Philippines and I agree with all you said about the tension adjustment.

[@debSilbert]

And, conversely, threading the machine must always be done with the presser foot up so the thread slides between the tension discs, which squish together when the foot is down.

[@Doctor_Al]

That is about the best rookie level sewing machine intro I've seen. Very nice work.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful, I'm glad you appreciate my content. Thank you for watching.

[@dianneunderwood8456]

This saying was learned from a sewing teacher to help us remember about stitch length, thread tension and presser foot tension. The lighter the fabric - shorten stitch length, less thread tension and more presser foot tension. The heavier the fabric - longer stitch length, more thread tension, less presser foot tension. It is a helpful guide to this day even tho it's over 50 years since it was taught. I also try to remember to leave my machine with the presser foot down when I change the presser foot tension and ensure the presser foot is raised to change the upper thread tension. Thanks for a great video - I really enjoyed your view of how to choose a machine as we often get caught up thinking new is always better. An older machine that has been well cared for can be as good or better as many newer ones. ( Still using my Singer that was a gift to me in 1981!) Thank you for well presented video.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with myself and others in the comments here. That is a good way to remember it indeed. 🙏🏻 I appreciate you watching my videos.

[@Sandrab769]

Wow! I took a screenshot of your comment. Thank you! I started sewing in the late 70's when I was working at a garment factory. I quit when I went to college when I was 28 years old. I worked as a public aid caseworker for 20+ years and retired June 2023 and bought a Husqvarna Opal 650. O my, the learning curve. Lol

[@shoog29]

Currently restoring a 1926 Singer 66k treadle machine to function. It was used regularly up until about 10 years ago (when the previous user sadly passed away) then left in a garage where moisture and dust got to it. I've cleaned it up, checked as much as I could, and oiled and checked as much as I can. First test stitch has gone well, so hopefully I can start sewing soon. Thanks for your content, direct and easy to understand instruction and information. Makes the whole thing very approachable.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wicked, good on you for doing the full restoration! May it gain a whole new life in your hands.

[@TaDarling1]

Another great video. When I first learned to sew decades ago, I had a very sturdy Singer machine that I made the mistake of replacing with a newer Brother model because I was swayed by all the fancy lights, bells, and whistles. That newer machine lasted only a couple of years because it wasn't sturdy enough to accommodate really heavy fabrics. Really appreciate how your videos always make it clear that you can get the most out of sewing without having to spend a lot of money.

[@krabatour]

"Really heavy fabrics" with home machine? How heavy? Which thickness of needle and thread? Few problems always occures in this case: feeding of fabric, possibility of using thick enough thread and long enough stitches, reaching propper tension of thread (in heavy and thick materials you must balance their bigger friction), insufficient power of machine not alowing to penetrate layers of fabric smoothly. Result is low durability of machine, sewing skills are limited. Try to find a piece of inspiration in an industrial sewing, for heavy fabrics they use either "MH" or "H" specification of common lockstitch types (sometime marked "B" instead of "A"), it contains different hook assembly, needle plate with bigger hole allowing to use stronger needle, stronger thread tensioner... this set is possible to buy separately and upgrade L/ML machine in minutes... or some kind of upholstery machine (again MH or H) with top feed or triple feed. Also power of engine is always bigger - 350 to 750W compare to

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Those little bells and whistles can be a real distraction! It's a shame that your newer machine didn't last that long. A tough lesson to learn. Hopefully, you were able to get yourself another sturdy machine that is holding up to heavier use. Thanks for watching and commenting as always.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

@@krabatour Thank you again for sharing your in-depth knowledge.

[@TaDarling1]

@@krabatour The machine was a brother SE-325 and I had major problems making garments like coats or jackets made of layers of fleece or wool. The machine's buttonholer also would malfunction when attempting to do buttonholes in those fabrics and would simply sew a mass of jumbled stitches in the same spot without moving forward. I should have considered an industrial machine but just didn't know enough about them to realize they can be purchased for home sewing.

[@TaDarling1]

@@CorneliusQuiring Well...let's just say I opted for an even more expensive machine (Husqvarna Epic 95q) to the tune of around $8,000 which so far has been accommodating these heavier fabrics with ease.

[@peakmati]

I can't thank you enough for all these great tips and little tricks about sewing machines. Presented in a simple and enjoyable way. They have been enormously useful to me and we can learn in half an hour what surely takes years to learn. Amazing class.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching happy sewing.

[@janfranklin2114]

I’m a big fan of a sturdy basic machine especially for someone who is not quite sure if sewing is going to be something they will enjoy. If the machine did not come with the original owners manual, they can be sourced in pdf form online for free. Remember to consider incorporating the price of a tuneup when buying a used machine. All sewing machine mechanics are not created equal. Your local quilting guild can probably steer you to a good one. Learning how to do basic macitence is essential. Nice to see you putting some content out again.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

These are some great additional tips. Indeed a proper tune-up is definitely a good idea when picking up a new machine. Especially if someone is newer to the craft and you're not quite sure. A quilting guild you say though?! I need to see if there are any around me :) Thanks for sharing that with the audience and thank you for watching.

[@1N2345]

Great video! Thank you so much for showing the inner workings

[@CorneliusQuiring]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@Sandrab769]

I love your tutorials. You are an amazing sewist. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@elmartos]

Thanks! I’d love if you made a video in alternatives for serging

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a good idea. I will certainly consider it.

[@helenetremblay807]

Dear Cornelius, you are an angle in my life right now. so for that I am sending you a big KISS fron afore. Thank you so so much ❤❤❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well thank you and thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@user-ds9tt3tg6l]

Best video for beginners I’ve seen

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am happy to hear it. Thanks for watching.

[@nafeesshah1939]

Thank you very much Sir your's vedios is very interesting, information and easy. You are very good Professor. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my videos are of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@GlendaNorris-qx3in]

Thank you. AWSOME TUTORIAL,

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you.

[@sigridpriebe5734]

Vielen Dank und liebe Grüße aus Deutschland! Meine alte Maschine läuft wieder seit ich das Video gesehen habe und hat mir inzwischen gute Dienste geleistet 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful. I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching and happy sewing.

[@janisbrunst4226]

You are also good at teaching it seems.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear you think so!

[@ceegee1070]

I'm loving your chanel and your honesty, telent, hummor, disapline and skill. How did you learn to sew?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I whole hodge podge of KZbin tutorials and even more mistakes along the way :)

[@Jenny-hc1ex]

❤großartig- da muss ich eine englisches Video gucken um endlich die Basics zu verstehen- tausend Dank

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ich freue mich zu hören, dass Sie etwas aus meinem Video lernen konnten. Vielen Dank fürs Zuschauen.

[@eridanuskelpi3908]

While Amazon is convenient, I want to point something out. Buying at your local shop helps them stay in business and shows, that their customers have an interest in sewing supplies. Especially in these hard times, if you somehow can afford to buy locally, do so. There's a bigger and bigger possibility, that the wares will not be restocked as quickly or not offered at all anymore when the demand shrinks. I have worked in a small craft supply shop in Germany and the smaller the shop, the more important the influence of demand on the offered products is. Just sth to keep in mind :)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You bring up a great point and watching it back, I realize I didn't communicate my point effectively. I imagine going into a local shop and speaking with the folks there, they would also be able to provide bulk supplies of needles. I appreciate you sharing a bit about your experience and providing insight into operating a small business. Thanks again for chiming in.

[@Sandrab769]

Amazon also sells third party items that are often knockoffs. For example, my local shop owner told me that Husqvarna doesn’t let “just anyone” sell their products and the ones sold by Amazon are not true Husqvarna products. I learned this the hard way. The “Husqvarna” bobbins on Amazon have little burst on the outside. I thought I did something to my machine.

[@DollyDihangwane]

Thanks a lot for the wonderful information❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@Mote.]

Good video. Well spoken.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad you think so. Thank you.

[@aircates]

Excellent channel. As a fellow southpaw, I agree with your assessment of second hand machines. I have a Singer 401a that is an excellent machine. I bought it at an estate sale for 75 bucks. I prefer them due to the rugged construction and the ability to power through thicker materials. Keep up the excellent work!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I'm glad to hear we have a shared perspective. Thanks for watching and happy sewing.

[@vjunaperoh]

Thank You! 💙

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for watching.

[@Dani-2513]

thank you for this video

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for watching!

[@mytube001]

Great stuff! Only thing I missed was a bit about cleaning, particularly lint and dust. Could have gone in the maintenance section. :)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Funny that you mention this. After I upload it, I thought about this very thing. Thank you for bringing this up. So folks, let's listen to our friend here and also dust the lint, threads and residue from sewing in our machines!

[@Mote.]

I like your style

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You are too kind. :)

[@forslidcoab1769]

I love uou already!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm blushing :)

[@rndea100]

nice channel keep it up

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you!

[@uzodimmamaryjane495]

Thank you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for watching.

[@uzodimmamaryjane495]

@@CorneliusQuiring you are welcome ☺

[@the_irav]

Don'r forget to release your ..¿needle carriage? when you're winding bobbins. Makes it faster and safer ;) (Some machines is a button or latch lever, others you release the drive wheel by counter-rotating it)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh snap, I wasn't aware of those additional methods of releasing. Thank you for sharing and hopefully, folks come down to the comments to learn even more.

[@Beanso]

Hey Corn. Can we get a hoodie tutorial? It’s the season. Btw I found a second hand serger by Singer for $40.00 now hunting for a sewing machine. 🎉

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I was just talking about making an elegant hoodie today! I will consider the idea. Also, that is a great price! Good luck on the sewing machine.

[@Beanso]

@@CorneliusQuiring thanks brother

[@tashveerramrathan3513]

Hey Cornelius. Please can you make a video drafting a basic t shirt pattern and sewing step by step. I would really appreciate it. 🌸🌸🌸

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for the suggestion. Consider it on the list of videos to come up at some point. I appreciate your interest in what I do.

[@tashveerramrathan3513]

@@CorneliusQuiring what you do is extremely helpful to me, as your explanation of how things are done, is quiet understanding.

[@tashveerramrathan3513]

@@CorneliusQuiring I’ll be on the lookout for the tutorials.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am happy to hear that you are getting value form what I'm putting out there. It's always good to hear if it's landing. Thank you.

[@julioaparicio74]

Gracias

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for watching.

[@julioaparicio74]

@@CorneliusQuiring Hi, thanks for your videos, I'm an amateur sewer... I've been sewing for a while and I'm passionate about shirts... greetings from Barcelona

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, well I hope you keep sewing and are able to make what you desire.

[@julioaparicio74]

@@CorneliusQuiring Yes,thanks for u videos , thanks to u other people who post videos , i have been able to learn…🤓

[@Raviindian20]

Very very nice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🇮🇳👍👍👌👌✂️🙋🙋🙋

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🐓🙏🏻

[@momoherre2674]

Just my type of comedy 🤌

[@momoherre2674]

You know?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I'm happy to hear I entertained as well in this video :)

[@sharonmiller8104]

Hi, what type of Singer do you have?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

3201

[@lilli9822]

Great video. I am a beginner and I am going to buy a vintage sewing machine Necchi mira. Do you think is good?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It all depends on the machine itself.

[@ksolar1062]

pls how do i get something like this. A machine that will be good for the sowing of t shirts

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You can pick up a used machine from used markets, thrift stores or online. Happy sewing.

[@imbreakingdown2683]

What brand and model is the red one?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It's an Omega (something). I couldn't find anything about it online. However, it appears to be a rebranded Neechi 535.

[@guapshonen]

so so helpful, thank you for this as I am looking to get a machine and torn between sth like this and a heavy duty. Please what are the names of your machines and what do you use the second one for? Thanks again

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Both of these machines are regular sewing machines used for the everyday sewing of clothes. They both do the same kind of thing. One's a singer and the other an Omega.

[@guapshonen]

@@CorneliusQuiring thanks. I mean the model. I am considering getting either one of them if you don't mind

[@CorneliusQuiring]

The singer is 3102. The other one is basically a Neechi 535 (but with a omega rebadge)

[@guapshonen]

Thank you for your time and kindness

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Thanks for the tips about timing, I'm guessing that's what's wrong with my 1960's Universal machine, was working fine then all of a sudden would miss at least 3/4 of the stitches, didn't matter what, even after I put the same thread and bobbin in it that it came to me with from the shop... and changing the needle didn't help at all, I tried all the needles I had. Any ideas what could be causing my 70's Kenmore to snap its thread any time I sew anything too thick? It somehow gets the bobin thread pulled back through the needle or something equally weird, ever since I had a needle snap a few projects ago I can't sew more than 4 layers (think, seam) and that's pushing it. I migh try loosening up the presser foot? Now I just have to figure out why the 1914 hand crank machine sometimes leaves a loop on the bobbin side, I thought at first it was irregularly wound bobbins because the thing's 110 years old and the bobbin winder's a bit slippy sometimes but even using my hands to keep the tension even it's not completely gone away. I'm guessing the Guterman cotton thread I'm using occasionally snags something, I've played with the shuttle (bobbin) tension as well as the top thread tension and it doesn't seem to make a difference whether it's running tight or loose, though I suppose I could try running it with one side too tight and the other too loose then swapping which is which to see if there's any change, might give me an idea where the problem is. Seems less of an issue with a smaller stitch size. The presser foot tension thing might be something I need to play with, sewing heavier stuff on the hand crank machine was puckering a bit. Life would be so much easier if I could just afford to take them all in to a professional :P But at least I've found manuals for every machine I own except the treadle machine (that's because the Minnesota A machines were made by at least three different manufacturers for Sears Roebuck).

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It's hard to say what's causing the issues with your machine without seeing it in person. I hope you're able to resolve the issues with your machine.

[@ericedwards904]

Hey Corn, you don't address it in the video, but why do you use two different sewing machines? What sewing functions do you use each of them for? Best, Eric

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a good question. They really do the same thing. There's slight variations but honestly, it's negligible. I have since got rid of one of them for this reason.

[@faridmostafaie9401]

It's pretty good and useful, but I have an industrial sewing machine, it's Jack and computerized, it's pretty good tbh

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yeah, this video is definitely geared towards the at-home machines, but lucky you! Sounds like you've got a great machine!

[@morebaloney1539]

Vintage machines are cool.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Sure are :)

[@BlueyMcPhluey]

So fascinating -- absolutely loved this video. Particularly getting into the nitty gritty of how the mechanism works and the different kinds of needles/feet. Just throwing it out there but I'd love a complete guide to making shirts like the one you did for pants (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGrPm3emoNB1btk). After years of watching I'm almost at a point where I'm ready to give it a shot, but it's a bit hard to navigate your shirts videos currently that each seem to only show some steps in the process

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ask and you shall receive! Haha. I have been planning to do such a video for a while now and am finally about to do it. They should be done in the coming months. Thank you a always for watching!

[@xdanmeyerx]

When maintaining your machine, if you have plastic rubbing on plastic, you may need to use grease for sewing machines instead of oil. Thanks Corn!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

This is a great point and one of the beautiful thing about these comments. Kind folks such as yourself contribute great additional knowledge. Folks, listen to Daniel.

[@nehalgohel842]

make and model number of the red machine?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It's a Neechi 535 but rebadged as an Omega.

[@plinkiplonk]

... can you show me the action of the ballpoint needle again, please? 😁

[@krabatour]

Action of the ballpoint is very simple. Threads of the fabric are pushed out of the needle trajectory instead of being penetrated through. So, mainly in some delicate fabrics, highly elastic fabrics and non-wowen fabrics, it prevents breaking of their threads and ripping the fabric from the point of stitching.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Haha. I should use KZbin's "clip" feature and make it a Short that's just on repeat :)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

@@krabatour Thank you for explaining it so well. This is good information.

[@plinkiplonk]

@@CorneliusQuiring 😉

[@janetmilan4698]

Look at you looking like Tesla in the thumbnail!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

A compliment of the highest order :)

[@pizzaratex4708]

I really like your videos, I am just confused how you got perfectly fine machines for 70can$.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It's from the thrift store and I had to wire on a new foot pedal :)

[@pizzaratex4708]

@@CorneliusQuiring Actually a good call! I was at the local sewing machine shop which I didn't think much of because I heard the guy is a jerk. He had several machines from the 70s for 50-80€ but feeling like seeing the holy grail I bought a Pfaff 260 automatic for 180€ and could not be happier. All medal, super powerful new engine and cleaned spotless inside and out plus a new footpedal. Unless disaster strikes I am not buying another one

[@debSilbert]

Go vintage. Solid metals. Sturdy. Will be around way after we’re gone.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

indeed!

[@chandrakantbadgoti]

Bodi mejarment batao

[@azulpermak2866]

greetings to your profession. please let me follow. please check the bonus 🙏

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Perhaps things have gotten a little lost in translation, because I'm not sure what you mean, but thank you for watching!