Posts Tagged ‘sewing’
Basic and Simple Quilting Patterns
Many people around the world still have quilting as their favourite hobby.Quilting has many challenges that come with and of this is finding straightforward or undemanding patterns to work with.Are you looking for an easy pattern to work on and are tired of the same ole pattern? Below are a number of patterns that can be completed by beginners to quilting or seasoned quilters.One good thing about these patterns is that you can easily complete for example a babys blanket in less than 24 hours.
The first easy pattern here is the whole cloth quilts.This type of quilt is considered by some people as a fake type but it is actually real.It also has a top with batting as well as backing.The major thing is that it has a patter stitched into it.The Whole cloth quilt is very good for beginners and make for a fast project.
Denim rag quilts.These are very strong and very comfortable patterns that could easily be found all over the internet. Recycle jeans that are lying around the house are very common and easy to get and could be used in this case.Quilters that do not like to deal with binding can easily adapt to this pattern.Moreover,this kind of quilt can be used outdoors.
Log Cabin quilt is another pattern in quilting and it is regarded as one of the most fashionable since it is exceptionally quick to do.One fascinating thing about this pattern is that it is one of the most colourful projects you can have and it has a total of 13 types of fabrics in one block.For those who are just beginning, it is said that the quilt can top can be completed in less than a day since it is just a straight line that needs to be done.
Quilting is not only a talent but also a gift that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and in every situation.In case you may have an upcoming event,dont hesitate taking one of the above patterns along.It wont waste your time.All it take for a quilting beginner to complete a quilt in time is to carefully chose a good fabric and also go along with a pattern that will go along with their fabric to make it a complete success.So it doesnt matter if you are going for a bridal shower,a baby shower or to watch some firework just make a quilt your way to go.
Tags: Clothing, crafts stuff, f, Fabrics, Fashion, free quilting patterns, hand quilting patterns, home improvements, home;improvement, machine quilting patterns, outdoors, quilting, quilting books, quilting for beginners, quilting steps, quiting guide, sewing
Sewing And Rotary Cutting
The rotary cutter is a fabulous invention. It makes cutting fabrics quick and easy. The rotary cutter saves wear and tear on your hand and wrist. Many sewing enthusiasts have discovered the ease and efficiency of using a rotary cutter, rotary cutting mat, and ruler. It might even replace some of those old scissors.
This device is simple but ingenious. It consists of a circular blade connected to a handle and protected by a sliding shield. You hold the handle in your hand, and press down while rolling the cutter. It is so quick and easy. It is also safe when some basic precautions are taken.
Always respect the razor sharp blade and avoid cutting fingers. Think safety first. Take special precautions whenever using or storing the rotary cutter around children. Just as with scissors, do not run with a rotary cutter in your hand. Safety first.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to change blades that are dull or nicked. Avoid pins, staples, paperclips, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other obstructions. Keep the shield over the blade at all times when the tool is not in use.
Maintain the rotary cutter in peak conditions at all times. Keep it clean. Avoid oils, lint, debris, and pins.
Hold the rotary cutter firmly in your hand with your index finger aligned with the blade as a guide so you have full control. Avoid tensing your wrist.
Use the rotary cutter exclusively on a fully supported cutting surface. Never use a rotary cutter without its rotary cutting mat. Use the cutting mat on a stable cutting table capable of supporting the cutting process.
Layout your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
Plastic rulers sometimes tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful. You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.
Position the edge of the ruler exactly where you want to cut. Line up the cutter with the edge. Slide the guard back. Slide the blade forward firmly along the side of the ruler. Raise the handle during the cut just slightly about 45 degrees to get good pressure down while rolling forward.
While you are cutting, maintain control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
Again, never reach in an careless manner. Using a non slip ruler makes it easy to walk your support hand along the ruler while you cut. The procedure is easy to do. When you feel uncomfortable with your reach, stop the cut. Do not move the ruler or the cutter. Move your support hand forward to a comfortable support position and start cutting again. Keep steady pressure on the cutter to the end of the cut.
As soon as you finish the cut, slide the safety guard over the blade. Keep it covered whenever it is not in use. Store rotary cutters away from children.
Rotary cutters are fabulous. They make sewing and quilting so much faster. Cutting is much smoother and accurate. The more you discover about sewing tools, the more accomplished you will become.
Tags: crafts, Hobbies, Home, leisure arts, rotary cutter, rotary cutter mat, sewing, sewing instructions
Solutions For Sewing Machine Bobbin Tensions
Tensions are a common source of problems in sewing. Understanding how tensions work is essential for every sewing machine user. It is not as complicated as some believe, and not as simple as some might think.
Tension is the amount of drag or resistance on the thread as it moves through the sewing machine. When the tension on top and on bottom are balanced properly, the threads will join in the middle of the fabric with no excess thread on top or the bottom of the fabric.
Thread from the spool on top of the machine is threaded through some guides, the tension discs, the take up lever, and needle. To increase the tension, just turn the tension knob to the right. To loosen, turn left.
The bobbin tension is not quite as obvious. In fact, you may not even be fully aware of it. In the early days of the sewing machine, it used what was called a shuttle. It was a long case with a pointed end and and open end to slid the bobbin into. Modern sewing machine use bobbins and bobbin carriers that are generally more rounded. You machine may have a top loading, front loading, or a side loading bobbin.
On your sewing machine, you have a bobbin on which you wind your bobbin thread. Then you insert your bobbin into its carrier which holds the bobbin. The thread goes under a tension spring, and up through the needle plate hole.
It is important to take special care when threading and inserting your bobbin. Since, there are some many different sewing machine models, first use the right bobbin. It is amazing how many times, the sewing machine messes up just because it has the wrong bobbin in it.
Second, be sure the bobbin thread is properly wound with no loops or loose threads and not too tight either. The thread should be smoothly wound around the bobbin.
Third, be sure to place the bobbin in the bobbin carrier exactly the way your sewing machine manual says. The bobbin thread usually moves from left to right or clockwise around the bobbin as it turns. However, there are models that are exactly the reverse. The key is to observe how the thread enters the bobbin carrier tension assembly. The thread should trail back under the tension so that it does not slip out during use.
Fourth, put the thread through the lower tension. Usually, this means the bobbin thread will peal back through the bobbin tension rather than follow along or just flop in the wind. Notice the piece of metal on top right of the carrier. A small metal spring usually built into the bobbin carrier applies pressure or resistance to the bobbin thread. This is the bobbin tension spring.
You can adjust the amount of pressure applied to the thread by turning the small screw located on the tension spring. To tighten turn it clockwise. To loosen turn it counterclockwise.
Of course, there are many kinds of bobbin carriers too. Top loading machines usually have carriers installed under the needle plate, and all you do is insert your bobbin in it. Front loading machines, usually have carriers that come out. You insert your bobbin, and put the carrier back.
Test the tension on removable carriers. Insert the bobbin, and train the thread back under the tension spring. Draw the thread through the carrier and make sure it flows smoothly with a gentle pull. Hold the thread and let the carrier and bobbin drop. If it falls quickly, tighten the tension screw. If it dangles, give it a little bounce. It should drop an inch or so. If it does not, loosen the tension screw.
Test drop in bobbins by using the draw test. Pull the thread through the bobbin tension until it flows freely with a gently tug. Adjust the spring as needed.
Double check to identify any worn parts that might snag the thread. If you find a rough spot, burr, or other such spot; correct the problem before bringing the thread up through the needle plate hole and preparing to sew. Generally, once the bobbin tension is set, it should only need to be adjusted if you change the size of thread you use.
Tags: adjust tensions, bobbin tensions, crafts, family, Hobbies, sewing, sewing machine
Discover The World Of Sewing
Sewing opens a fabulous new world of color, texture, and creativity. This is a hobby you can enjoy for a lifetime with a constant flow of new possibilities.
Tip One. Visualize your sewing potential. Picture your own creative possibilities. The things you can imagine, you can create.
The potential is limitless. Soon you will be creating your own wonders. You may turn ordinary pants, jackets, or shirts into amazing wearable art. You may dream up fabulous projects to embellish your home. Your projects might include anything from lamp shades, to pillows, to wall hangings, to comforters, to table runners and placemats, to window treatments. Dream about your possibilities. Energize your passion.
Tip Two. Learn everything you can. Learn from sewing teachers, sewing courses, and sewing books. The internet offers many resources, and your local yellow pages may reveal local workshops, classes, and sewing machine stores.
Tip Three. Go for quality. Sewing requires certain equipment, tools, and materials. You can get cheap junk versions, good quality items, or high class luxury items. It may seem foolish to buy good stuff when you are just starting out, but it will pay high dividend. If you truly dream of sewing, do not settle for junk ever. Always buy quality.
As a beginner, what do you really need? At a minimum, you will need a good, dependable, sewing machine . Do no settle for a cheap piece of junk. If you see yourself sewing, see yourself enjoying every sewing experience. Avoid cheap sewing equipment that is poorly made, not locally supported (Classes, Repairs, Tech Support), or is difficult to use. Junk frustrates every time you use it.
Choosing the right tools and materials is a big deal. While quality tools will make every job easier; junk tools will cause endless frustration.
Always buy value. Always buy quality. Avoid frustrations, maximize your time, and end up with a beautiful and durable result.
Tip Four. Start sewing with simple easy projects. Understand that success leads to more success. Move from basic sewing instructions to more complex projects. Take your time to master the basic sewing skills you want.
Enjoy your projects. Have fun, while you experience sewing success. When you complete a project, make it a party. The joy of victory produces even more success.
Share Your Successes. The social element of sewing is unmistakable. Sewing show and tells, quilting bees, and shared sewing experiences help sewers encourage each other, inspire one another, and expand their horizons together. Others do not even have to sew or know anything about sewing. Hearing words like, Wow, thats great or I love it can transform your confidence. Be sure to seek comments only from people who appreciate you.
Tip five. Become all you can become. Stretch yourself. Grow your skills. Learn more and more. Complete simple basic projects and move on to more exciting challenges. You have no limits. Go for it.
Tags: basic sewing instructions, crafts, family, Hobbies, Home, sewing, sewing instruction, sewing instructions
Understanding Sewing Terms
Have you ever heard of someone with a 1/4 foot? How about somebody in the ditch? Or something called a Clapper?
Recently a woman came into my store, and overheard some people in the classroom. She got this puzzled look on her face. Finally, she asked, What language are they talking? It kind of sounds like English, but strange?
Maybe you can relate to the unusual or special words that some people use so freely. Maybe you feel uneasy. Maybe you even feel a little intimidated.
Many hobbies, fields of endeavor, and professions use their own set of special words to communicate within their group. These words are unique to that group of people.
I have been sewing since I was nine years old, so you would think that I would have learned the language of sewing by now. Yet, once in a while, I too get stumped. You may be new to sewing or quilting; or you may have been around for a while. I suspect you understand the challenge of keeping up with all those sewing terms.
The language of sewing overflows with interesting terms that those who sew and quilt use all the time without thinking. Yet, it can be frustrating if you do not know what others are saying.
The sewing word Clapper has nothing to do with applause or cheering at a football game. It is a special tool usually made of wood and used to press a crease. The tool flattens the crease area while drawing the heat of the iron out of the fabric leaving the crease set.
When you hear the word Yoke, you might think the person said joke. But it is no joking matter. To a seamstress the word yoke means the part of a garment running horizontally across it. It includes panels such as garment pieces covering shoulder, waist, midriff, or back.
If you overheard older ladies talking about how important it is to use a scant quarter or 1/4 foot, you might imagine they were quite fugal, penny pinching, concerned about quarters, maybe even skinflints. Instead, they would be talking about using a special part of a sewing machine to insure exact quarter inch seam allowances.
In the ditch is a sewing term, that sounds like a description of the gulley beside a country road. It is not. This sewing term describes a technique for producing almost invisible seams. It involves sewing a seam in the well or crack formed when another seam has already been sewn from the opposite side.
Words have meaning only if you understand them. For example, a serged edge is an edge of the fabric that you have sewn over using an overcastting stitch to prevent fray. It may seem weird at first, but once you understand it becomes easy.
Without help sewing words like, All Purpose Feet, Anchors, Arm Girth, Atique Window, and Auto Punch; may have no meaning whatsoever. And that is just a few out of the as.
The world of sewing and quilting is fun and exciting. While there are thousands of special sewing terms, they can be easily mastered. There is help to learn all these terms closer than you think.
If you feel embarrassed about asking for help, relax. Most sewers, quilters, and sewing teachers are eager to share their knowledge. They really do want to help. There are many good sewing books too and some of these include limited glossaries. One of the best ways to learn the sewing language with all its sewing terms is with a good sewing dictionary.
My mother use to say, If you really want to know look it up in the dictionary. She was right. Looking up these unique sewing terms in a sewing dictionary really does work. Sometimes the generic dictionary fails to clearly define terms relative to sewing, but a sewing dictionary does the job.
Tags: crafts, family, Hobbies, Home, quilting, quilting terms, sewing, sewing definitions, sewing dictionary, sewing terms
Adjusting The Perfect Satin Stitch
Think of it, every stitch basically starts out as a straight stitch.
This stitch is called a straight stitch. It is made by wrapping an upper thread around a lower bobbin thread and tightening them to what is known as a locked stitch. This connection is made inside the fabric when everything is properly set.
For over a hundred years, home sewing machines were limited to sewing a series of these stitches in a straight line or one after the other. This line of stitch could be adjusted for length between stitches. This enabled the sewing machine to produce very fine stitches, medium length stitches, and longer stitches. The longest straight stitch is called a basting stitch.
When you add width to the straight stitch, you create the zig zag stitch. The sewing machine accomplishes this by moving the needle bar to the left to make a stitch, and then moving it to the right for another stitch. The back and forth stitching patterns is called the zig zag stitch.
The straight stitch was adjustable for its length, and the zig zag stitch continued that capacity. Since the zig zag stitch now had the added ability of width, the sewing machine made it possible to sew a range of zig zag widths: narrow, medium, wide. Today the zig zag potential of modern sewing machines ranges between 5mm and 9mm.
The side to side stitching creates some dynamic visual effects that inspired increased creativity. Generally, these stitches are called zig zag stitches regardless of width or length, however, very long stitches are also called zig zag basting stitches. We call very fine or short zig zag stitches satin stitches.
The satin stitch is a beautiful stitch formed when the threads of a zig zag stitch lie tightly side by side. It gives a rich raised appearance that is great for decorative sewing. To get the best satin stitch it is best to test the stitch on scrap first. You do not want the threads so tight that they begin overlapping each other. On the other hand, you do not want to see gaps between the threads. Adjust the length and width to achieve the most attractive satin stitch for your purposes.
The presser foot on your sewing machine makes a huge difference in your ability to sew a good looking satin stitch. The standard zig zag presser foot has basically flat bottom. When you sew a standard zig zag stitch, you have no problem. As soon as you start sewing a satin stitch, watch out. Due to the closeness of the stitches, they tend to get caught on the presser foot and bunch up. The solution is to use the specialty presser foot designed for satin stitching. This foot has a groove the entire length of the foot. It allows the satin stitch to flow underneath freely without problem.
To fine-tune the satin stitch, remember all stitches begin as straight stitches and vary by length. The width of the satin stitch is a secondary consideration. The key is to adjust stitch length just like you would for a straight stitch. You goal is a satiny layer of threads so close together they look as if they were a continuous ribbon of thread. If the length is adjusted too close, threads will pop out of line. An over-under mix match will occur. If the length is too wide, you will see gaps between threads.
Steering the fabric while sewing a satin stitch is very important. While generally, all sewing should use the same basic procedure, it is even more important for the satin stitch to produce the very best results. Begin by placing the edge of the fabric under the presser foot. Then set your right hand on the right edge of the fabric to guide the fabric as you sew. Position your right hand comfortably three to four inches in front of the needle and presser foot. Never reach under the arm of the sewing machine to pull the fabric through the machine. If the fabric is not moving there is a problem.
Place your smoothing hand (left hand) on the top of the fabric to the left and in front of the needle to keep the fabric lying flat and flowing smoothly. Allow the sewing machine to drive the fabric through the machine.
Your satin stitch is sensitive to quick sharp turns. You want to maintain a smooth stitch without caps or breaks. Therefore, take special care when sewing curves. Avoid abrupt turns. You may wan to alter stitch length or even stop and reset the stitch from time to time when making sharp turns. Try practicing until your feel confident, then enjoy using your satin stitch on all kinds of applique, decorative, and embellishing situations.
Tags: crafts, decorative sewing, family, Hobbies, how to sew a satin stitch, quilting, satin stitches, sewing
Sewing Machine Threading Techniques
Improper sewing machine threading is a frequent problem causing users to seek sewing machine repair.
If no thread there can be no sewing. Thread is vital. Thread is needed by the sewing machine to join fabrics. Two threads are used by most sewing machines.
One thread fills a bobbin and is placed under the arm of the sewing machine. One thread comes from above through the eye of the needle.
The mechanism moves the needle up and down through the needle plate and into the bobbin area. The upper thread is picked up by the sewing machine hook and pulled around the bobbin thread. As the needle pulls out and moves higher, it tightens the threads into a locked stitch in the middle of the fabric.
However, improper threading can leave a mess when you try to sew. Each make and model has it own special threading, and it must be followed precisely every time.
How do you thread a Singer 401a? Or a Brother 7000? Or a Bernina 830? What measures do you use to thread your sewing machine? Is the threading procedure the same for most sewing machine, or do you have to learn each machine by itself? Is there an easy way?
If you follow this procedure, you will achieve perfect threading almost every time. It is a quick and easy way to thread most machines.
First, thread the top thread. It comes on a spool (different sizes, but all essentially the same) with a hole down the center. Set the spool of thread over the spool pin located on top or back of the sewing machine. The pin may be mounted up and down or sideways. A spool cap is required on side ways mounted spool pins.
Look over the top of the sewing machine from right to left. Do you see a series of thread guides? Check these to make sure they are all smooth and free of surfaces that might snag thread. File or smooth as necessary. Pull the thread through each guide from right to left. Check the thread as it comes off the spool and through the guides to insure even smooth flow.
Spool pins are sometimes mounted on the back or behind the motor at the base of the machine. Some users employ a free standing accessory spool pin placed behind the machine. A thread net may be helpful with some threads. Make sure the thread flows freely.
Next, pull the thread through the tension assembly. Some tension assemblies are front mounted and quite obvious. Other machines have the tension mechanism enclosed under the cover. In either case, the mechanism uses two or more metal discs that press against the thread as it passes through them. This makes tension or resistance on the thread.
Here is a trouble spot. Threading the tension assembly can be tricky. The key is to seat the thread through tension discs. The thread may snag on rough spots, rust, or lint trapped inside the tension assembly. More often the thread will ride along the top of the tension discs and fail to be properly seated. In the first case, excessive tension will be created. In the second case, little or no tension will result. The thread must be properly seated to insure proper tension operations.
Avoid this problem by making sure the tension assembly is clean and free of debris, lint, rust, and rough spots. Then before threading the top of the machine, lift the presser foot. This will hold the tension disc apart. The thread should easily slide into position.
With the tension threaded, stability is insured by the tension take up spring. Failure to thread the tension spring will result in flopping thread and will mess up the tension.
Following the tension spring, the thread is threaded up and through the take up lever. Miss this lever and stitches mess up. Draw the thread through any final thread guides to the needle.
Now take hold of the thread with your left. Gently tug on thread to make sure the thread moves freely. Then drop the presser foot. Tug on the thread again. If you feel a significant amount of resistance, the top of the sewing machine is properly threaded. Thread the needle.
Finally, thread the bobbin. Check to make sure the bobbin is smoothly wound on the bobbin ” not too tight or too loose. Insert the filled bobbin into the bobbin carrier. Draw the bobbin thread through the bobbin tension.
Hold the thread behind the needle with your left hand. Turn the hand wheel forward with your right. Advance the needle all the way down and back up. Tug on the thread with your left hand to draw the bobbin thread through the needle plate.
Tags: crafts, family, Hobbies, Home, home improvement, sewing, sewing machine repair, thread, threading
Janome Sewing Machine Repair
Did you know that the New Home sewing machines were actually Janome machines sold in America? That is right. Today, the same company sells their sewing machines under the Janome brand.
Janome sewing machine repair training can be obtained through Janome America in New Jersey at their annual convention and through regional trainings for their authorized dealer network.
New Home Sewing Machine Repair is available at regional repair centers intended for mail in warranty service.
New Home Sewing Machine Repair is also available at the 500+ Janome independent sewing machine dealers found primarily in major cities.
Where can consumers find sewing machine repair parts? The easiest way to contact parts is to contact your local Janome dealer. If you are in a remote area, or are involved in the sewing machine repair business; you may contact Janome America directly.
Janome America is frequently open to new dealers and service centers. To acquire your own dealership, contact Janome America in New Jersey to talk with their district sales director.
You might consider learning how to do Janome sewing machine repair as a cost saving hobby or to open your own profitable business. You can discover sewing machine repair as it relates to Janome machines, by applying to become an authorized dealer and completing their training in New Jersey. By taking a sewing machine repair course, you can ldiscover without having to travel. A third, way you could explore Janome sewing machine repair is to work under a local sewing machine technician in their shop.
Exploring to repair New Home sewing machines offers huge opportunities. If you learn to repair New Home machines, you also learn Janome machines, and hundreds of generic machines. Since Janome made and continues to make more machines than any other manufacturer, knowledge of Janome sewing machines gives you a leg up on those who only know a lesser trade name .
New Home and Janome Sewing Machine Repair involves a wide range of machines. There are the low end sewing machines. There are mid-range sewing machines. And there are the high end computerized combo embroidery sewing machines. New Home Sewing Machine Repair involves servicing mechanical sewing machines. It also involves repairing computerized sewing machines. New Home Sewing Machine Repair involves repairing oscillating hook sewing machines. It also involves repairing rotary hook sewing machines. New Home Sewing Machine Repair is indeed broad scale sewing machine repair and service.
How many Janome sewing machines are there? Millions. They have made over fifty million and most of these are still being used in homes across the world. Can you imagine how big an opportunity sewing machine repair is when every one of those machines needs an annual sewing machine service?
You can do New Home Sewing Machine Repair for yourself. You can keep your New Home Sewing Machine working at peak performance year after year. Imagine how excited you will be to sew with confidence because you understand your sewing machine. Think of the thrills you will have doing New Home Sewing Machine Repair for your family, friends, and neighbors. You can even start your own business. You can do New Home Sewing Machine Repair for money. This is a huge market opportunity.
Tags: business opportunity, crafts, family, fix sewing machines, Hobbies, Home, Home Business, Janome sewing machines, sewing, sewing machine repair, work at home
