The range of sewing machines available is huge and it can be incredibly confusing trying to choose one, whether for yourself or someone else.
If you’ve not yet done any sewing, then you’ll probably not know anything about machines. You’ll likely choose the most basic ‘starter’ machine in the shop because you’re ‘just a beginner’. And after all, they all do the same thing. Right?
You’ve probably not heard of Alfa sewing machines. But you will have heard of Smith & Wesson revolvers. That’s what the Alfa Hogar company used to make before they turned their hand to more peaceful and creative tools – thankfully.
I’m asked lots of questions during every teaching session in the studio, and most of them start ‘this may be a stupid question but….’. Well do you know? I’ve never heard a stupid question yet! They have all been excellent questions, and I’m always happy to answer them. Chances are the person asking isn’t the only one who doesn’t know the answer. So if you don’t know, then please ask. Because the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.
A question I’m asked frequently is what is the best way of marking fabric for dressmaking? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that as there is a variety of fabric-marking tools available, and each has their pro’s and cons. My advice is to have a selection of fabric marking tools available to cope with every situation. Here’s a list of the most common:
Probably the most common sewing problem is getting correct sewing machine tension. By thread tension, we mean the amount of thread that can pass through the machine to create the stitch. The more thread in the stitch, then the looser the stitch. The less thread, then the tighter the stitch.
I set up my teaching studio in January 2015 so I had to find the best sewing machine. I needed something that was easy-to-use, versatile, robust, and great value. My local specialist dealer Andrew Pemberton recommended the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118. Prior to that, I was aware of Husqvarna as a high-quality brand but I hadn’t used them since my school days. So I was happy to go along to test it against some of its closest rivals in the same price bracket.
Beginners sewing patterns may not be the most glamorous or fashion-forward designs. But when you’re just starting out on your sewing journey, it’s easy to get carried away with your ambitions and take on too much. Perhaps you aspire to design Oscar-red-carpet worthy frocks for A-list celebs. Just take a look at the gorgeous outfits worn by Emma Stone on the Golden Globes La-La-Land tour. But Prada and Gucci gowns such as these are highly-technical feats of textile engineering requiring the very best of precision cutting and sewing techniques. My advice is to take a Beginners Sewing Course to learn the correct techniques. Concentrate on learning foundation sewing techniques and doing them well. Then building up your skills by making simple shaped garments in easy-to-handle fabrics. Gradually, you’ll increase your repertoire until you can take on the more advanced projects.
