Sewing Machines: Tips, Tricks, Quirks

Dear community,

How are things going with your sewing machines? 

Right now, I’m not really feeling like using my sewing machine, even though I have two gorgeous pieces of fabric right next to me for pants and a shirt. I’m currently knitting, but I’ll have to take a break because my arthritis is acting up again. We’ll see—maybe I’ll get around to it after all and do some sewing this week :-)

When sewing, always make sure the machine is clean—that extends its lifespan. Also, make sure you’re using the right needle for the fabric; the wrong needles can damage the fabric or cause poor stitching, like loops, etc.

Best, Inge

My sewing machine is still in its original box, tucked away in a closet in the storage room. I only sew when I absolutely have to, or when I really need something or have to make something. Since I unfortunately don’t have space to keep it out and ready to use all the time, I have to pack it up and put it away again and again—😖 grrr. So it really takes a long time before I actually take it out. 😇🤭

It’s sitting covered up in the corner.

A few weeks ago—at the request of one lady—I sewed a curtain out of fabric swatches.
It replaces a cabinet door that could no longer be reattached.

Big sewing projects like this are a total exception for me—I try to avoid them whenever possible.

After I thoroughly cleaned my overlock machine, it works perfectly again. I described the issue in detail in this post. Anyone interested is welcome to read more there.

My sewing machine, which I use just as often as the overlock, is still waiting to be cleaned. It’s not that easy to open. Everything is enclosed all around. With the overlock, I could open everything up and expose it for cleaning and oiling. But the sewing machine is like an oyster. I still need to look into that. But it definitely needs it! It’s already making slight squeaking noises when I sew. So cleaning and oiling the sewing machine is right at the top of my to-do list.

Unlike the two posters before me, I can no longer imagine life without sewing :-)

Best regards, Ina

Here’s another tip from me: if the fabric gets pulled into the needle plate when sewing delicate fabrics, you can prevent this by slipping a piece of paper underneath before you start sewing. Afterward, you can easily peel off the small piece that got “sewn on,” and your sewing machine will have learned not to pull the fabric in.

Best regards, Inge