If you want to take up sewing, or are just a beginner, you may be getting lost in all the tools of the trade. Let's discuss the basics to get your journey into the world of sewing started.
First, designate an area for sewing, Whether it's a corner of a room or an entire room, having your "sewing center" set up and ready to go will save you lots of time.
The space needs to be big enough to at least accommodate a sewing machine, table, and ideally an ironing board. Whatever area you choose, be sure it has good lighting.
Next, you'll need to purchase a sewing machine. Before rushing out to the store, ask yourself what you think you will be sewing the most, clothes, window dressings, dolls, quilts, or fancy embroidered accessories? Knowing this information up front will help you decide what, if any, of the extra attachments or features you'll really use.
Once you have a good idea of what you want to do with the sewing machine, head out to the stores and shop around to see what's available that best fits your needs. Test drive the machines to see how they are threaded, how they work, and even how loud they operate. Don't buy extras you won't use. If you just want a basic machine to learn on and money is an issue then as long as you have a straight stitch, zig-zag, and a built-it buttonhole maker (highly recommended especially for sewing clothes), that should be enough to sew up most any general project.
Some common sewing machine brands include:
Singer http://www.singersew.com Husqvarna http://www.husqvarnaviking.com Kenmore (at Sears) http://www.sears.com Brother http://www.brother.com/us-hsm/prodinfo-u...
What about a serger? A serger is a great tool for finishing seams to prevent fraying but if you just spent your money on a sewing machine, wait a while and practice sewing before looking at sergers. A cheaper solution is to buy a pair of pinking shears to trim the seams with a zig-zag cut.
Other basic tools to put on your shopping list include:
1. Sharp scissors (I recommend Fiskars) http://www.fiskars.com/crafts/scissors.h...
2. Pins, pin cushion, magnetic pin holder
3. Seam ripper
4. Measuring tape
5. Chalk or dressmaking pencil
6. Sewing needles, both for your machine and hand sewing
7. White thread
Before starting a project, get comfortable with your sewing machine and its features. Use some fabric scraps and the white thread to practice sewing straight lines and curves. Try the different types of stitches, read what they are for in the machine's manual, and try making a buttonhole. For your first sewing project keep it simple and try a pre-packaged kit or a pre-printed fabric panel project. Sew for it!
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