How To Use A Sewing Machine

The purpose of this video is to have 1 comprehensive video to show you how to use a sewing machine. I'm showing you on a Janome 11706 Hello Kitty sewing machine because it is the most basic/simplest modern machine I own.
The data here should get you to where you can apply it to other machines. Vintage machines and fancy modern machines will be different, different layouts, options, features, etc...but the basic concepts shown here should help get you through.
Apologies for my coughing, I'm have a cold and am trying to recover.
Apologies for mistakes in words I use - I tried to correct them by adding subtitles, but I may have missed some.

[@tammymomofcats]

Thank you !!!! I actually paid for a class and still didn't have any idea how to use it... And thanks to you in half an hour I'm practicing and actually sewing!!!

[@DawnSChampion]

So happy to help!! ❤️

[@WhippleFamilyVideos]

A friend gave this machine to my daughter nearly 8 months ago, and I've been putting off learning how to use it. (I hadn't used a sewing machine in at least 20 years, so it was a little intimidating.) With this pandemic situation, we want to make masks. Your tutorial was perfect! Thank you so much!

[@DawnSChampion]

Dena Whipple - you're welcome!!

[@cathym3708]

Thank you!!! I bought this machine about 6 years ago, but hadn’t used it since then. This was a GREAT refresher. 😊

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@leowimberly9712]

Got this model as my first sewing machine and had no idea where to start last night. Today, I’m already making things!! Thank you so so much💕

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@galacticjester6668]

I was in a sewing class for two years in elementary school, I'm graduated now, and I haven't really had any opportunity to sew on a working machine since then and have only been doing small hand sewing projects for the past few years, but I'm looking into buying a machine and get back into sewing bigger stuff again. And this was a good refresher thank you

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@liabediako3513]

I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this video. I used this to get started sewing and started having issues with the thread gathering at the bottom. I went back to the basics step bu step and it is fixed. Back to making mask and cute little housewares

[@DawnSChampion]

So glad it helped you!!

[@kerstietaylor6405]

Thank you a million!! You were the 6th video I happened to watch and you explained EVERYTHING!!!!

[@DawnSChampion]

Kerstie Taylor - you're welcome!! Glad it helped!!

[@moniquestaples1758]

Just bought this machine from a seller on Facebook Marketplace! Glad for you sista!👍🏾💯

[@cu6214]

You are extremely detailed with great explanations. This beginner has watched several videos but yours is the very best. A lot of the others talked too quickly, didn’t cover a lot of small details that I was completely lost and frustrated, and/or they were explaining to those a lot more experienced although their post says sewing for beginners or similar to this title. You must be a teacher or should be a teacher as you not only verbally explained it well but gave great visual instructions too. Thank you so much for actually giving a tutorial for beginners. Because of you, I was able to complete my first project (face mask due to Coronavirus). I’m about to work on making some more masks for my family. I have subscribed to your channel and saved this post. Thank you very much!!

[@DawnSChampion]

C U - you're very welcome!! I'm so glad it has helped you! I'm not a teacher...I just have a strange brain that breaks things down to basics. Lol. I've been making face masks as well. Good for you! Protecting your family with your new skills!! Priceless!

[@myakylene7459]

Got this machine in Elementary for Christmas from my parents and never opened it! It’s been in the garage and I’ve been interested in sewing for awhile now but too scared... this video gave me some confidence! Gonna go grab it right now and open it up and begin my journey! Thank you so so much!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome! Happy Sewing!

[@Megg23456]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for this tutorial. I bought this sewing machine for my oldest daughter (now 18) when she was 11. I just pulled it out from the playroom closet to try and teach myself how to make some masks for this scary/strange/dangerous COVID-19 pandemic we’re all facing. I wish you and your loved ones safety and health! Thank you for this thorough tutorial. ❤️

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@MortusSweet]

I just bought this for $55 on Craigslist new! I’m excited to learn how to use it and sew 🤣 thank god for this video!!

[@roscoe854]

Dawn, you are a life saver, thank you for putting in the effort to make this video!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@st4rgirlx_]

i’ve had this machine for almost 5 years now and have never used it! i finally wanted to get into sewing and searched for a video of my exact machine. i’m so glad i found it!!

[@nataliehernandez8768]

This was extremely helpful!! Thank you so much! I never had anyone teach me this skill so thankful for this video

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome! So happy to be able to help!

[@oceanstone8210]

I just bought this for $20. Looks brand new. There were no instructions 😢. Thanks so much

[@DawnSChampion]

What a deal! You're welcome!!

[@thaolai1357]

Thank you so much for your very detailed instructions. I can actually sew now with this machine after so many years.

[@abbywatson9249]

This video is so helpful, thank you! I’ve had this sewing machine since I was little but I never really sat down to learn how to use it properly but now I can!

[@miri8139]

I just bought this machine thrifting and I really wanted to learn to sew. This is so detailed and well explained! I appreciate it so much!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome, and congratulations!!

[@captivebygones2778]

I have an almost identical machine but it’s not Hello Kitty. Looks like a regular machine. I bought it second hand, no instructions. I’ve never been able to thread it correctly. I didn’t know about the tiny guide right before you thread the needle. Thank you for making this video!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@AnnLeiSoCal]

Your instructions are so much better than the manual booklet that comes with this machine. Thank you!!

[@olive9035]

Thank you so much, I just got a sewing machine as a beginner and this tutorial has been the best one so far!! I love how in depth you went and detailed yet simple your explanations were, it was what I needed :))

[@DawnSChampion]

You're very welcome!

[@RamonaQ]

Thank you so much for this. I've had this machine for 10+ years, don't sew much, and EVERY time I go to sew, I can't remember how to/have trouble loading it. This time, it was the bobbin stuff. You saved me. haha

[@charlotterxx]

This tutorial is simply awesome! Your instructions are extremely detailed and I love how you repeat things and zoom in each frame for us to get a closer look. I haven’t sewn over ten years and have forgotten everything but this cute little machine I got plus your video really has given me hope to the endless possibilities now. Thank you!

[@DawnSChampion]

You’re very welcome!! Happy sewing!!

[@hellokittyfairy2223]

This was an amazing video! I recently found this sewing machine at a yard sale and they gave it to me for free. I have no experience in sewing and had no clue how to use it. Thanks to this video I was able set up my machine and tailor my own jeans! Thank you so much ❤️

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@alameshabledsoe5763]

Thanks you sooooo much! My grandma upgraded her sewing machine and gave me her old one. I hadn’t sewn since a little girl and needed help with getting started. You were so detailed, organized, patient and informative. I really appreciate this video God bless!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome! Thank you!

[@lindygirl13]

I was gifted this machine a few days ago and I'm a beginner at sewing. Thank you for the helpful video. I read the manual online before watching and you answered my questions. Overall, this was a great tutorial!

[@Zeal808]

Thank you so much!! ❤️‍🔥 I’ve never sewn before, just got this machine used

[@joannaandradi5168]

Thank you so much, you described how to use sewing machine awesomely.❤

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@hipretty]

I got this machine for Christmas (no instruction booklet) a few years ago and have been intimidated to even attempt to use it. Thank you so much for this it was so helpful. I will probably watch it all over again just to remember everything! ☺️🙏🌺💗

[@DawnSChampion]

hipretty - you're welcome!!

[@sunshinegibson8176]

I know you put this up years back, but I just got the Same one you have. I watched about 6 videos before I found yours. And I finally got it to work thank you so much. ☺️ think I'm going to love it . bets doing everything by hand. thanks again.

[@DawnSChampion]

You’re so welcome!!

[@margaritapritula8498]

thank you so much! it was very easy to listen and to follow along. also good job on showing exactly where, what, & how to use it. first time sewing anything and I'm so excited to get started! 😁

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome! Glad to be of help!

[@emmaraby_i]

Thank you so much, i was trying to understand how my grandmother’s sewing machine works, and your tutorial really helped!!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You are so welcome!

[@stellaryan9304]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@vanessabernardo9741]

You have no idea how much you helped me! I bought a used one to learn how to sew and this is the best directions ever!💖

[@DawnSChampion]

Glad to help!

[@tanicabetancourt7830]

Thank you! My daughter and I have never attempted to sew and this was SUPER helpful!

[@DawnSChampion]

Tanica Betancourt - you're welcome!!

[@99briscod]

Thanks for the video. Easy to follow and great instructional video!

[@DawnSChampion]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@mz.reddlyfe6998]

Thank you so much for your instruction!! You explained everything perfectly!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!! Thank you!

[@menchiedumanon5257]

Thank you somuch I follow you while watching your video..❤️❤️❤️then i starting sewing now😊😊

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!! Thank you!!

[@alexmuhdudes4134]

Thank youuu !!! I tried watching so many videos but they didn’t explain clearly . You helped me so much thank you !!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're very welcome!!

[@ingridlorenabetancourtirau2273]

Muchísimas gracias por tu video! Explicaste muy bien todo. Seguí todas tus indicaciones y por fin puedo coser en mi máquina. Mil gracias desde Venezuela 🇻🇪

[@aileenstuartmardahl7742]

Thank you for this well-made instructional video. I have this machine and only use it about every 2 years so I have to re-learn how to use it each time. This was so helpful! We made 3 face masks with the help of this video.

[@DawnSChampion]

Aileen StuartMardahl - you're welcome!! So glad it was helpful!!

[@zachmbanks]

Thank You! This is a great beginner video. Great job 👍

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@baabybee1]

I love you for this level of detail in your explanation !

[@user-yc3ff8sn8f]

thank you so much! great video easy to follow I can use my machine now!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@kathawk14]

Super great instructions!!

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@tolubankole2247]

This was awesome thanks for sharing, as a guy its not easy to get the hang of this craft but you explained it so well!! Im grateful i found your video. Thank once again

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@angelicac.3023]

I never could use it before but just now with your excellent training, thank you so much!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're very welcome!!

[@angelicac.3023]

💯❤️

[@aliahkellier710]

Excellent, detailed video. Full of Information. Thank you for the refresher.😊

[@aracelipena6537]

Thank you!! Very helpful!

[@LittleOrangeCows]

Thank you for this! Just got a sewing machine and can’t wait to start learning to make things

[@DawnSChampion]

LittleOrangeCows - you're welcome!

[@hazeldawn9744]

Very helpful thank you!

[@jaydizzle4484]

Super helpful, thank you so much!!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@farhanarizwan5305]

Ur amazing thanks for sharing this video

[@kwest1401]

Thank you for this!

[@DawnSChampion]

@@kwest1401 you're welcome!

[@evex7616]

This was so helpful! I have the same machine and I haven’t sewn before this was really helpful in setting it up and I’m glad you’ve done a vid for this machine specifically thank you so much looking forward to trying it 😊

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@TorivioLeon]

You are a fantastic instructor. Fabulous! Thank you!!! 🤍

[@mawianaomidr.9381]

Very helpful

[@mja2855]

Thank you for an excellent video - it helped so much. My machine is up and running!

[@DawnSChampion]

M JA - you're welcome!

[@yanone9942]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You were so thorough but not in a non-essential kind of way. Every tidbit of information you gave held value. I know the are minimum about sewing but have no idea what I'm doing. You explained everything in a manner that I could actually grasp. I don't think I would have been able to wrap my head around the stitching if you hadn't had shown them on your sample piece. Do you think you could do a video on how to use a button hole foot? And how to use it. 😅 Thank you again.

[@soap2629]

thank you for this!! such a life saver❤️

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@anajudithrivas5364]

You are the best I love you explanation they help me a lot

[@Tracyfromelsewhere]

You do such a nice job explaining everything! Thank you so much!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@marisarosales8049]

I love this video! so much good information! thank you .

[@thistlefooderie]

Very helpful!

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you!

[@apinckney86]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much. How do you use the button options

[@sss8632]

THANK YOU SO MUCH this helped me learn how to sew!!!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!! Glad it helped!!

[@lalli4u]

Thanks for a detailed explanation 😊

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@marcusralston3704]

Fantastic tutorial! Just the right level of detail for beginners. Was a great visual as I taught my daughter to sew for the first time. It’s been a couple decades since I used a machine myself. Made the process fairly painless. Thank you.

[@DawnSChampion]

So glad to hear it was helpful!! You're welcome!

[@marcusralston3704]

Vyshtia definitely. We looked at a number of other videos. But they all seemed to gloss over the finer details. That may have seemed elementary to most. But made the difference in performing a proper set up. Your closeups and attention to detail made all the difference. Didn’t take away from the pace and flow of the video at all. Thanks again.

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@tejarospirit5980]

Thank you. I bought this at goodwill. It didn't have instructions

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@MiniMe1316]

Hi there! I've had this exact machine for years now but I am just getting back into sewing and really needed this refresher, so thank you. I'm wondering what type of bobbin fits into this machine as I don't seem to have any laying around.

[@DawnSChampion]

It should use a Class 15 bobbin, which is very easily purchased. Just do a search for Janome Hello Kitty 11706 Bobbins.

[@cjdj401]

I have excatly the same machine that was a birthday gift a few years ago,but it had no manual with it,I've followed you instructions excatly yet for some reason mine won't stitch,its like the two threads aren't connecting to each other ,i tried everything else from changing bobbin types, threads,needles,tensions everything,and when it dose sew it will only be a couple of stiches before they drop again completely.any ideas where im going wrong??

[@sofiapasa9440]

I love you.

[@yadiragarcia4932]

Was wondering what brand is that thread stand you are using?? Thank you!! This was perfect. Just got the same exact machine and I am a total beginner. I was able to figure out my machine and follow you perfectly

[@DawnSChampion]

Yadira Garcia - Superior Threads. Glad this helps!

[@ronniecruz2305]

How to fix reverse not working

[@katiegarcia993]

ANy chance you know how to put the feed dogs down on this specific machine?

[@mcarden86]

Something is up with my bobbing casing. I’m not sure what’s happened, but suddenly the bottom of my work is full of mess, and I keep getting jams around the hook. Any idea?

[@DawnSChampion]

Sorry, there are a bunch of possibilities. Take out the bobbin case and clean out that whole area in there. Look for any threads caught inside. Rethread the whole thing, making sure that you are routing the thread the correct way and the bobbin is inserted correctly. Use a new needle. That would be the first step.

[@AJacque9]

Thank you for this video. I feel like I followed all the steps BUT I’m missing the feet for the machine. Bah I just realized. Do you need the feet to successfully sew? Thank you

[@DawnSChampion]

Yes, the feet push down on the fabric as the needle/thread pulls up out of it.

[@ellaverity8567]

thx

[@k.g1686]

Do you have a video about making a button hole with this machine

[@DawnSChampion]

no, I don't, sorry

[@judithtorres3930]

Thank you!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@nicoschwartz9145]

Is there any way to change the stitch length on this machine.? I see on mine that there's for the tension but no stitch length options

[@syoungb]

Do I need to oil the Hello Kitty Janome 11706 machine?

[@DawnSChampion]

Yes. Moving parts should be oiled every six months to annually, depending on usage

[@saveriarossi1217]

I been using this machine since 2 day to make masks,but today I have 2 issues my needle brook and changed ,now i have a issue that I get a lot of tangle thread stuck that i cant pull out the material a rel mess ,what I'm doing wrong?I need help.

[@MortusSweet]

Hi! Okay 5 minutes in and I already have a question: so you need thread on the bobbin AND from a spool of thread?

[@DawnSChampion]

Yes. Top and bottom threads.

[@MortusSweet]

@@DawnSChampion ah sorry I got farther in the video and it explained it. Thank you!

[@fondeegirl]

Can this machine do a stretch stitch? Thanks!

[@crystalbone9212]

Where do you buy this one?

[@MrDunk66]

Very nice tutorial. My kids have this machine.

[@DawnSChampion]

Dunk O - thank you!

[@kiwisweet5520]

my mom bought this machine for me on sale when i was super young and i just started to use it! this tutorial was extremely helpful because i’ve never used a machine before. do you know if it’s possible to change the stitch length? i’m trying to sew lace to elastic and haven’t been able to do it without it catching in the machine. if anyone knows please help!

[@DawnSChampion]

kiwisweet - your stitch selector is the length selector all in one

[@kiwisweet5520]

Vyshtia thank you so much i figured it out!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome! Happy sewing!

[@dianasaavedra6131]

Idioma en español

[@zusetcg4149]

Hello I got this machine a while back and your video was perfect for explaning but i think I am missing the feed dog do u have to use a presser or can you do it without it?

[@DawnSChampion]

Zuset CG - I'm sorry, I don't understand. The feed dogs are the metal grabby things under the needle that grabs and moves the fabric as you sew. The presser foot is the part that rests on top of the fabric that the needles passes through the middle opening of.

[@DawnSChampion]

Zuset CG - both are essential

[@zusetcg4149]

sorrt not the foor presser i meant the feed dog is it essential? if not can i buy any other one and place it on?

[@DawnSChampion]

Zuset CG - feed dogs are essential

[@Margaret10620]

Can it see a flower?

[@artcano5682]

Hi do you have a link for your thread stand?

[@DawnSChampion]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JN3ASU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@artcano5682]

@@DawnSChampion Thank you so much! My wife really loved your video because it was step by step. She already mended our son's fave pjs. BTW my wife & daughter love to horseback riding.

[@DawnSChampion]

@@artcano5682 - you're welcome! Glad to help!

[@ambervaughn4461]

How do you make it go backwards to make stitch not pull apart

[@DawnSChampion]

Amber Vaughn - Push down on that little square lever on top there.

[@maliyahleonna]

Ok I did everything in the video that you did but when I try to sew fabric the thread goes in and the needle take it right back out

[@DawnSChampion]

Check that your tension is not too tight

[@maliyahleonna]

How would I do that

[@maliyahleonna]

Change the setting by the thread design ?

[@Lovelysooull]

I've had this machine for a couple years given to me by Mom so I haven't used a sewing machine in about 10 years. I just tried to thread it and messed up the needle , I think it broke... Any advice on buying needles because I don't know if it needs a specific one? Sorry lol please help im beginner. edit: also I plan on getting denim needles as well as regular ones, do they have to be a specific size??

[@DawnSChampion]

I like SCHMETZ Universal (130/705 H) Size 80/12, for regular sewing. You can get different sizes for different kinds of sewing.

[@Lovelysooull]

Vyshtia thank you 🙏🏽

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@dianiszm]

I just got the new home , and I can not get it to sew, it’s brand new, I put the tread followed instructions but when I star the machine to star sewing nothing happens

[@DawnSChampion]

Diana Miranda - I would need more data than that to help you. You should be able to follow all these steps in the video.

[@dianiszm]

Vyshtia I will re watch it again, it’s my first time and I have found this so hard. Just to even set it up. I think it’s probably the way I have the bobbin . I will try again and re watch the video

[@DawnSChampion]

Diana Miranda - yes, it can be quite overwhelming at first. Just follow each step one by one. You may have to watch it several times. But once you get the hang of it, it will be easy.

[@maliyahleonna]

What if you don’t have a bobbin case ???

[@DawnSChampion]

You'll need to get one.

[@aliviacruz9538]

I know this video is old but my needle got stuck on something and won’t come back up! If you see this PLEASE HELP ME😭 (I want to try and make my first dress!)

[@DawnSChampion]

Try unscrewing the needle from the machine. Then cut the threads holding it down.

[@mariabeatrizgrimaldocuella3358]

Presión demaquina