Sewing Machine Tips for Beginners | My Sewing Equipment and Advice for New Sewists

[@suz567]

My sewing table sports a vintage Bernina 930 Record that I bought for $200 in 2001 and a Juki 654DE serger. I downloaded a service manual and watched KZbin videos to learn to take my Bernina apart to do basic maintenance. Now I do mostly alterations for charity.

[@johannechampagne7332]

I sewed for literally years including sewing for decorators for money and would often have issues with thread nests etc until I finally learned that the presser foot needs to be UP when you’re threading the machine or the tension rods are closed and the thread is not engaged in them, leading to the aforementioned mess. Since I learned that, zero problems. Thinking about a serger now.

[@user-ly2lp2bc7e]

I have Janome sewing machine for 20 years. It is so heavy. It has so many stitching that I don’t use. I alway have lots problems with stitching tension. Every time I take it in to tuneup, it’s over a hundred dollars. The last time I take it in, the sales person was recommended me to get the tuneup instead of buy a new one since it was a nice machine. To replace it, it would be over a $1000. I asked for a few basic thread setting with automatic thread adjustments, the show me $700s machine. I decided to get it tuneup again. When I walked out, I saw the cheaper machine for $350 that is on sell for $250. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I know what you mean, the sell person will try to sell you the more expensive one. I bought the $250 one and gave my old machine to a friend who made more expensive and patience with sewing. I love my cheap new one. I set the stitching they, it automatically set the default thread tension.

[@sherrybonner5058]

I have been sewing on an Elna Graffiti for the past 35 years and it's worked great. I've sewn garments, home decor, a patchwork quilt top and doll clothes. So yes you can do a lot with a basic machine! I'm finally ready to upgrade and appreciate this video so much! It is overwhelming all the choices out there and this really helps me narrow things down.

[@katmccrystal]

I just found your channel. I am going through the videos chronologically and loving every minute! I have sewn on and off over the years -- I bought my first Singer machine to make my son's first Halloween costume 26 years ago. I still have it. My mother bought me a Project Runway edition Brother machine a few years ago when I decided to start sewing again. I needed a dress for a job interview and decided to make it myself. It was very stressful, but even though it was a very simple sheath dress, I was very proud of it. :) Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos! Thanks, Casey.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much for watching, Kat! Glad you found my channel! :)

[@kellylamoureux8285]

Just wanted to add that to learn it all yourself can be daunting. Thank you for all lessons.

[@annamaxflair]

the 1st machine i bought decades ago (still works), cost me $300, semi industrial. The price was reduced down to the $300 because it was an end of run machine. The serger i have cost $500 tx included , same deal, it was an end of run machine. With Singer , they will let you know if you ask where the particular machine you like is in the production run. Best way to invest in good new machines for yourself at best possible price.

[@user-ly2lp2bc7e]

My new machine is Elnita EC30. Love it.

[@consolw]

Just thought I’d say that your advice regarding machines is good. I have been sewing for decades, everything from bridal wear to underwear and I started out with an older model which was all I could afford at the time. As my experience increased I moved on to better machines, had a few Janomes and now that I’m retired I have a Pfaff which I absolutely love. I still have my old Janome, she is my workhorse and an old Bernette serger. I agree that you need to think about what sort of sewing you plan to do and how much. Love your channel!

[@PatternScout]

So true! I feel like it's hard to know for sure which machine to buy until you have a little experience sewing and learn what you enjoy making most. So just getting started with something basic works well until you want to upgrade. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience and machines!

[@feorr1]

Well i am also starting on a brother machine it is a CS 6000i, I just got it but it was brand new in the box. I found it when we went to cleaning out a family members storage i have had a couple different machines it the past that were hand me downs. And my grandma also taught me.

[@cathleenvance4441]

I just want to say that I love your channel I have no idea why I just found you on you tube but I am so glad I did...I have already learned how to sew your button down collar shirt and oh my God, it looks so good. I use a Janome machine right now but I started out with my grandmother's treadle machine...lol, yea, it's all I had before I got my brother machine. My mother had a Pfaff and I wish I had it. It was a vintage Pfaff and it was a work horse. She could do embroidery on it and I almost cried when she told me she gave it to her neighbor... Anyway, I do look forward to more of your videos. Thank you so much.

[@PatternScout]

oh my gosh, thank you! This made my day, I'm glad you found me too! Definitely more videos to come in the near future! :)

[@brendashenda4249]

Could you do a video about thread choice, needle choices and tensions? Thanks!

[@donitatoavs]

What a great, informative video! You ask if I have a machine I love. Oh yeah! My Bernina Artista 180 Is 23 years old and just a joy to use!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your machine! That is awesome that it's still going strong 23 years later! A true testament to its quality.

[@donitatoavs]

@@PatternScout Full disclosure: I took more than a decade off from sewing. But it is a joy to come back and use such a great machine.

[@gagardenscapes]

Your channel has been so inspiring, and I’ve learned a ton. Along the lines of equipment, I would be interested in knowing more about your iron and any other helpful tools that you use in the sewing room. Thanks for making good videos with helpful instruction!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! I should do a video on that! I definitely have a few fave tools. My iron isn't that great haha...it spits water so I only use it dry which works mostly ok. It's a Shark "Professional". Eventually I'd like to get a new one!

[@shomaberamji1]

Love your video's..can you make a vlog telling us how to take proper measurements and how much extra to keep while stitching..that will be very helpful for lot of us ..who are struggling to get a fitting yet comfortable dress done..thanks

[@PatternScout]

Thank you, that is a great suggestion! I'll add it to my todo list and hope to get to it!

[@traceymurphy4804]

Would you recommend an industrial machine? I know it really limits the stitches, but would be the clydesdale of work horses

[@DiaYouKnowWho]

just discovered your channel, really great content and nicely explained! Please keep going, super helpful.

[@PatternScout]

Ah I'm so glad! Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@kellylamoureux8285]

Love your videos, it makes sewing look so easy. I made some clothes when I was younger and basically self taught.

[@kellylamoureux8285]

It was daunting to learn it all on your own

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you are enjoying them!

[@classycaffeinated4846]

I was gifted a brother sewing machine so just trying to learn

[@Escape10mom]

Great video!! I started out with a $200 machine, then worked my way up. Didn't have a serger until 2005. I have 2 Baby Lock sergers, both cover stitch combo machines. I have a little Brother Project Runway limited edition in pink. That is my work horse. I also have a Brother Quattro ll embroidery machine which I love. It can sew sideways which I've used!! Also an older Baby Lock embroidery machine that was my Aunt's. I also have a Singer Rocketeer that I'm going to use for bag making.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks!! I eventually would like to get a coverstitch machine to add to my collection, that's on my wishlist. And sewing sideways! Haha I feel like that is next level! Thanks for sharing you machines :)

[@Escape10mom]

@@PatternScout I had embroidered a pair of jeans and didn't want to take out another seam, so I used that feature. Only time I've done that. But this Brother Quattro will sew sideways and diagonally as well!

[@PatternScout]

That is awesome!

[@mc4803]

Hi! I use a vacuum for cleaning my machine…

[@PatternScout]

Smart!

[@lorrainebressette2859]

Me too, and pipe cleaners.

[@seamsuneven7824]

You haven't uploaded in awhile, hope all is well!

[@PatternScout]

Yes, still here and planning to upload this weekend 🤞🤞 still trying to find my KZbin flow 😂 thanks for checking on me! 🥰