let's get you started
“A good use for me is to let me go away with my sewing machine and come back with some really new stuff.”
– Betsey Johnson
your practical 3 step guide to getting sewing
Getting started with sewing can be daunting for a number of reasons. These range from the time it takes, to the capital outlay. Our advice is to be practical and to consider your decisions, to make sure your investment meets as many of your requirements as possible. There are always trade offs, but make sure you are trading off with more rather than less facts, to make the best choice.
Follow our practical guide below, to make sure you are asking the right questions when you get started with sewing.
1. reasons to sew
The best starting point, when considering your equipment is to begin with the question: what is the reason you want to sew?
We have identified three main categories for this, namely, as a lifestyle, as a hobby or as a means of earning an income. This forms the basis of what you will need from your sewing machine and equipment, in order to achieve your sewing goals.
hobby
Sewing is a relaxing and creative way to spend your time. A combination of creativity, structured processes and you can create a masterpiece to boot.
Relax and destress at the end of a busy day. Feel the pleasure of achievement as your ideas take shape and the WOW when you finish a project……
Your sewing equipment needs to be easy to use, offer you a good range of stitches and must be reliable.
lifestyle
As a lifestyle you can spend your time creating material works of art, while sharing your passion with like minded people. Best of all you get to show off your gems when you finish making them.
A bonus is you don’t have to deal with the frustration of getting someone to produce your masterpiece.
Your equipment must give you absolute control and be hassle free. You would most likely want a larger bobbin so you can sew for longer uninterrupted periods. Reliability and precision are your keys to sewing satisfaction
make some money
The saying goes “Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will fish and drink every weekend with his mates” – unknown
Seriously though sewing gives you an earning potential from doing small mending jobs for friends and family right up to setting up a mass producing factory. The vision and drive is yours.
Your sewing tools must give precision. speed and reliability. Because time is money you do not want to spend your time trying to sort out tensions and other finicky things, you want your machine to work when it needs to work.
2. sewing styles
There’s no need to decide to follow only one skill set, however hand in hand with your reason for sewing is the style of sewing you want to follow. There are essentially five styles of sewing, each one creates unique demands on your equipment and will help you determine what you will need to complete your tasks.
Your specific use/s will also determine what accessories you may benefit from, as accessories also extend and simplify the functionality of your machine which enhances your sewing time.
dressmaking
Accuracy of stitches and control of the needle are your priority. Your creations and all the stitchwork will be on display.
quilting
Accuracy of stitches and control of the needle are your priority. An array of feet for specific tasks is also a priority.
embroidery
Put your own stamp on any project. Personalised and fun. Unique projects as a means to express yourself.
decor
When you have a vision of what you want, you can achieve it with your BERNINA or bernette machine.
A bonus is you don’t have to deal with the frustration of trying to get someone to produce your masterpiece.
craft sewing
Pushing the boundaries and trying new techniques is your deal.
Invest in a machine that allows you the freedom to experiment.
3. invest wisely
Once you have defined what type of sewing machine (or machines) you need, you should consider the following factors, to make sure you make the best investment available to you. These cornerstones will help you choose wisely, to help ensure you get the most bang for your buck, in the long run.
Some of the points below could help you make the best choice for your needs.
sewing machines
A good machine is a balance of what it offers you and the price. We cannot offer advice on your budget, however the following points should be covered with your sales person
Needle control – can it be positioned wherever you want it on the machine.
Hook System – how reliable has it been proven
Style of lights – are they LED to prevent eyestrain
Speed control – other than the foot control, is there a speed limiter on the machine, which you can set, to ensure that you keep control while working on your precious projects
What are the warranty/ guarantee terms – Who supports the warranty and how long is it in place for.
Easy to use reverse function
What accessory range is made specific for the machine.
A helpful feature especially for quilting and “freehand” embroidering is to be able to drop the feed dog (material feeding mechanism)
Check that the stitches and other features do what you want and need them to do
technical back up
With all the memories you make while creating your projects, it’s no wonder your sewing kit becomes more than just tools. Check up on who will keep your sewing baby in optimal condition.
Some considerations are:
Are the technicians trained and by whom?
How accessible are they to you? – It doesn’t help having backup if you can’t get your machine to them.
Who supports them and do they have easy access to spares?
advice
Ask your salesperson for advice on all aspects of your sewing. The more professional they are, the more they will be able to assist you. This level of care is a key indicator of how you will be treated once you have made your purchase.
Nice to haves are advice on other areas of your sewing such as techniques to use and what projects can be done.
training
It’s pointless purchasing a machine that you cannot use. Make sure that you will be given good foundational training with the purchase of your machine.
No matter your skill level, knowing where specific functions are located / activated on your machine can and will save you hours of frustration.
Are there any training tutorials availabe outside of the shop environment which could help you in using your product. In case you have a question outside of shop hours.
activities
Consider how active your manufacturer wants you to be. This shows in outside activities that they offer or are involved in.
Will they help you keep the creative juices flowing?
How involved and giving are they in the community?
How freely availabe is their “free” knowledge?
Demystifying the art of sewing makes it more fun for you.
Do they offer clubs where you can get together with other sewists?
“My therapist advised I limit my fabric stash to one room. I now have a new therapist.”
– Unknown