TC Learns to Sew
27Hey all, based on the response to this thread, it looks like you all want to play along while I learn to sew. I’ll post each new project with a pic or 3 and talk about the pattern/no pattern, issues, lessons learned, trips to the ER, crying, etc.
I’m currently using my sister’s machine - a Brother (insert model # I should know here.) It’s got a few dozen stitch options, so it’s a decent intermediate machine - but a touchy one. Doesn’t like more than 3 layers of fabric at a time and has a picky bobbin pickup.
I’ll start off with the projects I’ve already finished and some info about what’s on deck, so you can see where we’re starting from.
- 35 comments, 155 replies
- Comment
Will we get to hear how much fun @Humper has been having watching the attempts?
@PlacidPenguin he is usually baby wrangling while I do this.
Project #1 - Sleep Sacks
These sleep sacks are made out of fleece, I didn’t do anything fancy on them - just a standard stitch, I adjusted a basic pattern to fit the size I needed. The zipper was a bit of a bitch, though.
Things I learned:
It was a good place to start, since I had to change the feet out (zipper foot vs. standard foot) and play with different stitches for the zipper vs. the rest.
My kid still sleeps in one of these every night, as she has since Thanksgiving. They’ve held up really well.
@Thumperchick Excellent work!!!
The sign of a good “sewer” is being happy about pattern placement.
Zippers get easier but can still be a bitch on occasion.
Curves are easy: the key is to snip, snip, snip the seam allowance after sewing. (Fleece might be stretchy enough not to need it)
Seam rippers are your best friends, have more than one, they break.
Fleece is forgiving but not the easiest to work on because it’s stretchy. My first project from a pattern was a sweat suit. The jacket zipper was a nightmare.
Pins are also your friends. Pin across where you’ll be sewing, not parallel. The pins are to keep the layers from shifting, if you get to a pin and it’s not flat, stop and do the section over. If you continue it will shift more each pinned section. Don’t sew over pins.
My plan is to start sewing bags and maybe clothes at home from patterns at home, I’ve been making custom window treatments for more than 25 years professionally and love my job.
Will catch up on the rest of this thread later, time to make the curtains!
/giphy time to make the donuts
Project #2 Stockings - (this one will get lengthy)
I got stuck on this idea of customizing stockings for the family. My original plan was to embroider a storebought stocking, but embroidery is killer on my hands, so I started leaning towards making the whole stocking.
Then I discovered spoonflower and fell in love with a print for each person that perfectly suited their personality and tastes.
I drafted the pattern for these, they are fully lined, and I love them.
For this project, I learned that:
-When sewing a loop into a stocking, check 4x that it’s on the right side, or your daughter’s stocking will forever have a little nub where you had to cut her loop out and attach it again after you finished the stocking…
I loved making these. I am planning on making some for the rest of my family, one household at a time for the next several Christmases. This project was a good test for my understanding of how this whole sewing thing works and showed me that it’s really not super hard to make something that looks okay and does what it’s supposed to do.
(Pics of individual stockings in the replies.)
I kind of freestyled my pattern here. I originally made the white minky topper too short and had to cut new ones.
This one was mine.
Here are @Humper & my sister’s:
The pattern placement on this one worked out exactly as I had hoped.
@Thumperchick That unicorn print is great! And purple, to boot!
Here is my niece’s:
It looks distorted because it was stuffed with goodies (some of them from Scribe!)
Here’s @PuppyCat’s:
@Thumperchick
Our stockings were handmade out of felt. I think they sold customizable patterns. Lots of cutouts and sequins and appliqués and a scripted name.
They were quite pretty. No idea what happened to them. Haven’t laid eyes in them in 30 years.
Did you work from a pattern? Or make your own pattern?
@f00l I updated my post for these with some more info. I drafted my own pattern for these.
@Thumperchick Love, love, love your work, ideas and fabric choices! Most tabs like those are top stitched (cut 2" wide, fold outer edges to center, fold in half, sew on edge for 1/2" wide tab) The pull string works great too.
Project #3 - Baby Deterrent for the Bookshelves.
(I need to get this thing finished and up and take a pic. Will get that done tomorrow.)
Needed something to keep the kid out of the reachable bookshelves while we attempt to teach her to not murder herself with mundane objects. These were the answer. Just simple squares, made from quilting fabric, with a fun print.
Things I Learned:
After I bought the fabric and had it pinned, but before I sewed it; we decided to put our huge, heavy, ottoman coffee table in front of these bookshelves. It’s a perfect deterrent and we needed the room. So this project is getting finished out of sheer stubborn and not need.
@Thumperchick
For Carpentry, hamdymen, and sewing:
Measure twice, cut once.
@f00l This perfectly encapsulates my relationship with measuring and cutting.
Project #4 - Kitchen Door Valance
The story here is fun. My sister dropped a full cup of coffee that just, exploded all over the kitchen. Everywhere - including the ceiling, walls, doors, etc. had coffee on it. The wall just soaked it up. So we needed to paint at least one wall. I picked a very bright color that needed an equally bright fabric.
Things I Learned:
RTFM - Really. I had to reference it a few times for cleaning/changing feet for previous projects, but I needed it to troubleshoot for this one.
Don’t lose your freaking manual, it’s gold. Really. If you have your manual, keep that thing with your sewing notions.
If you’ve rethreaded your machine, cleaned it out, triple checked that your bobbin is facing the right way and you still have the bottom thread breaking through to the top - change your thread.
Pick the right thread and needle for your fabric. Otherwise you’re just making a nice perforated line in your fabric.
-I can sew the shit out of rectangles.
On deck: Clothes! I hope. Details in replies.
Other fabric on deck:
I have the same print on the way in light blue.
Loving this!
@f00l I love that you love the post place holders as well.
@RiotDemon
I’m easy.
@f00l Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling… wait, that was shirtless Keith Carradine… scrolling up, scrolling up, scrolling up…
Such a powerful scene. The three women who think the song is for them vs. the one who knows it is. Lily Tomlin is amazing. I mean, everyone in the movie is, with the possible exception of Jeff Goldblum, who doesn’t have much to do.
PS You are now my favorite person because most people post The Commodores as their I’m Easy reference and I always think it’s like he DIDN’T EVEN WIN AN OSCAR FOR THE SONG.
@mossygreen
I loved that damned film and I thought “I’m Easy” was easily the best song in the film. And Tomlin is astonishing throughout the entire movie. One the best American films ever.
Nashville
Dir by Robert Altman.
Here’s the opening scene:
Here is Keith Carradine on the song and on his role:
TC you ought to go thrift shopping lots of older machines there. If you avoid singer white and brother machines made after 1970 they usually work well. The ugly colored Japanese machines from the 60’s that look sort of like a toyota gone wrong usually are all metal and after you clean and oil them sew well. and usually go for about $20 bucks. If luck out you may come across an old Viking for around $75. In any event keep an open mind.
@cranky1950 I’ve been keeping an eye out, but our local thrift stores are terrible. Local garage sale groups and CL haven’t turned up anything yet either. I am going to keep hunting, though!
At some point, I am going to want a coverstitch or serger, so I’m on the lookout for that as well.
@cranky1950 Has it really been 40 years since Singer made a decent machine?
@Thumperchick My MIL believes this might be something to consider
@compunaut My mom thought her early 1960’s/late 1950’s Singer machine was far better than the fancier one she bought in around 2000.
@compunaut that machine looks like a beast!
@compunaut
@Thumperchick
That is my Mom’s machine! The kind I learned to sew on. The only type of machine I ever used during the time I actually knew how to sew!
It’s indestructible.
@f00l Does your mom live in Mansfield?
Another option is to find a silent auction house. My SO trolls them for video games/systems, and has seen many old sewing machines. They usually sell for $40-75.
If you want a good deal on a good machine, contact the sewing machine repair shops in town. They have used ones, trade-ins, estate sale machines, and last year’s models. Go to quilt shows, which bring vendors like you wouldn’t believe. They sell all kinds of machines, not just for quilting.
Project #5: Fandom Onesies (In Progress Now.)
These are cut and sew onesies on organic cotton knit, from an artist on spoonflower. Pretty straightforward instructions and clear cut lines to follow.
Design/Pattern takes up a full yard.
I’ve got all of the pieces roughly cut out, working on trimming up the remainder. Here’s the one I’ve got ready to put together:
(The yellow you see is pollen that fell from some cut lilies my other half gave me.)
Got the other two parts of this project cut out.
@Thumperchick
I approve of the theme.
You gotta lotta dreams here. I think you’re gonna have fun.
@f00l It will either be very rewarding, or a hot mess of knit failure and tears. I’m not sure which, but I’m going to aim for the former.
@f00l Thanks for being so excited with me. It’s catchy!
Other than adding more pics, we’re all updated. I’m not sure what you all want to see here, so feel free to let me know and ask questions!
Thanks for being interested in my hobby of spending more money on fabric that it would cost to just buy the thing in the first place.
@Thumperchick Kind of interested in how you make patterns.
@Thumperchick But hand made by PC’s Mom! I love seeing creative people’s stuff. I do not have talents in that direction.
You are signing and dating all your pieces, right? Design your own tag to put on your creations. I can see it now…“I own a TC original from 2017!”
Seconding the PC modeling session.
@dashcloud the patterns I made were pretty simple.
For the stocking, I traced out one we had, then changed it a little. I did this on cheap posterboard, which is more durable than paper, but you can’t really pin it to the fabric.
When I adjusted the sleep sack pattern, i really just added a few inches of length.
@speediedelivery I guess I could sign/date stuff. If I get good/prolific at this, I’ll get tags. For now though, I think my shoddy craftsmanship and interesting fabric choices mark them as mine.
@Thumperchick I want to see your mistakes
Pix of PuppyCat The SuperModel would be cool.
@f00l Weirdly, I can’t find a pic of her in a sleep sack. Maybe because at bedtime we’re just focused on getting her to mellow out.
@Thumperchick There are two of you and only one of her. How hard can it be? (I can say these things b/c I’m a grandmother, and payback is a bitch.)
@OldCatLady There are actually 4 adults in our house. She runs every last one of us ragged.
@Thumperchick
She knows who’s boss.
@Thumperchick
Here’s the world’s
/giphy smallest violin
and it’s playing just for y’all
Project #6: Mommy & Me Matching Raglans for the bestie and her minion.
(In Progress)
I’m working on the smaller one first - that way if I bomb, I waste less fabric. Here’s the general layout:
I was so proud of myself. I got it all cut out, pieced together, read the instructions, pinned the first step, and successfully sewed the sleeves to the front panel of the shirt.
I used a straight stitch for the seam and a zigzag stitch for the finish. (I don’t own a serger, coverstich, or overlocker. I’m still not sure what the difference between those 3 machines is…)
(I should have taken a picture here, but I got excited and moved on to the next step.)
This step is where things went awry. I pinned, sewed, checked it and it looked just a hair… off? Like the stitches were too tight. So I gave a light tug on each end of the new seam and my freaking stitched popped. Like tiny little traitorous deserters, my stitches abandoned their posts and the ranks fell. I double checked the first step stitching and that popped, too.
Also at this moment, a freaking spider decided to spiderbro above my head.
The seam ripper and I are old frenemies at this point and handled the court marshal of the deserters. I was not happy.
TBC with troubleshooting in replies.
@Thumperchick something is wrong with your bobbin thread. In order for all of the threads to loosen, it has to be bobbin – is it wound correctly? Did you change the tension? Can’t tell if it is stretchy fabric or not?? That may need adjusting in the stitch length…
quick google of stretchy fabric stitch length …
http://subtle-tee.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-sew-with-knits-or-stretchy.html
P.S. don’t get discouraged, you are not tackling easy tasks first!!!
@Thumperchick As @mikibell says, it’s your bobbin. My guess would be that you didn’t pull it up when you started. They’re sneaky that way. Also, you need more thread. Try this:
and this:
@Thumperchick I took sewing back in middle school and make the occasional thing that looks like crap. You’re doing good if you have ripped out only one seam. I use my seam ripper almost as much as my sewing machine.
/giphy seam ripper
@sammydog01 I don’t see the relevance but I love that show!
@mikibell it actually wasn’t the bobbin thread at that point! It was definitely the stitch and stitch width. I was listening to the book, instead of going with what works for the fabric.
The bobbin came up later, though. It was was threaded properly, but had fuzzies in the case, so I cleaned it out.
Update on troubleshooting will follow after babynaps.
Troubleshooting
I’ll start with the stitch issue I mentioned above.
That mess is a direct result of trying to use a simple straight stitch as the seam, with a zigzag finish - without changing a single setting. I didn’t work out well. (I had to rip the seams off both sleeves where they meet the body piece, but luckily hadn’t made it further than that.)
Using a straight stitch on a knit can be tricky. You can figure out your balance between stitch length/width and tension, then deal with slightly stretching your fabric while sewing, so your stitches keep some bounce to them…
Or you can skip all that and dial in your stretch stitch (aka: zigzag stitch) and make life easy.
Guess which way I went?
It did take me a while to play with my settings to get it right - stable, lies flat, can be tugged on a bit and won’t pop.
Next up - Bobbins are Bitches
Went through the basics - re-threaded the machine, re-threaded the bobbin, checked settings - no dice. So I cleaned out the area around the bobbin - which means I blew on it really hard to get the fuzzies out. That solved it.
Sewing While Impaired
Well, I got distracted trying to keep the fabric from rolling and started drifting out of my lane. I corrected, went back later and fixed it.
Lesson: Do not get distracted by SQUIRREL!
Pin, Double Check, Unpin, Re-Pin, Check Again
Had to seam rip and do over. Wasn’t terrible.
I pinned the collar onto the neck hole upside-down.
Throughout this, I spent a lot of time looking up stitch settings, testing the machine, then learning how to use a double needle to mimic a cover stitch. This was a great beginner project, because to do it at all well required me to learn more about my machine.
I still have to add the applique, but I’m going to wait on that until I have the matching mommy-raglan done.
More finished-ish pics in next reply.
(I did go back over the collar with the faux coverstitch.)
So, I made a thing! It’s shaped like a shirt, that will probably fit on someone’s torso. I’m pretty stoked about that.
@Thumperchick I realize that I never posted the finished project for this!
The applique process was really simple and straightforward. I’m awful at collars, so until I’m better at them, I grabbed some ribbed knit for collars and cuffs for the next few shirts.
This is a coverstitch:
these are simple overlock/serged stitches:
you can get machines that do all or some of these. I have two sergers, neither do a coverstitch. Both do a three or four overlock/serged stitch. The coverstitch needs more mechanics, so the more expensive sergers will have a coverstitch. Or you can buy a unitasker that does just coverstitches
If I need a coverstitch, I serge the edges, and then use a double needle in my sewing machine. I have only done this twice for a friend who needed t-shirts shortened.
There are LOTS more fun serger stitches, but a serger is another animal from a sewing machine!! Time saving, if you use it right.
P.S. you can tell me to go away… this is a subject I can talk on a LOT!!!
@mikibell
You know way more than I ever knew. I think you knew way more than Mom ever knew.
@f00l nahhh, I only know a thimble full of stuff… I just like to talk about it
I only started this addiction about 13 years ago, when I had my first and wanted to make her a Halloween costume. Since then, I have learned lots of techniques of sewing, but don’t have the time to enjoy it yet. I realllly enjoy the heritage sewing, but it is expensive!!!
I have made similar things to this bonnet, which looks so hard and is so easy and beautiful:
or like this handkerchief:
None of these are my photos, I tend to give the items away when I am done
@mikibell please do not go away. You are a wealth of knowledge I fully intend to exploit!
@f00l fyi…you are a bad influence… you reminded me I had one of these things on hold:
and a $10 off coupon!! Shame on you… so I went and bought that and one of these at lunchtime:
not sure what the second one does yet, but I remember it can replace my embroidery foot in a pinch…
@mikibell
I’m evil that way.
But it’s @Thumperchick’s thread (ha ha “thread”) and you’re Goat so don’t blame me!
I don’t know how to put a spool of thread on my sewing machine. It hurts my brain.
@marcee helps if you use your hand to do it, not your head
@marcee It’s the stupid bobbin I have trouble with.
@sammydog01 do you have the metal bobbin in that metal case with like a finger hanging off of it??
like this??
they drove me nuts!
The two machines I use most often have top loading/drop in bobbins, which are much less frustrating imho…
@mikibell Nope, toploading like the photo. I took the machine in soon after I bought it and they told me it was my fault. Sometimes it works fine and sometimes it jams up repeatedly. I think it senses fear.
@sammydog01 I don’t know anything about bobbins. But I do know this: link to video
@marcee so close… maybe @thumperchick can fix your link!!!
@mikibell Dammit! try this?
@marcee
@marcee what kind of machine do you have?
I always wanted to learn to sew so I could own something called “notions”.
/giphy sewing notions
@ruouttaurmind you probably use grommets in your car building – you own notions!!!
@mikibell So all my little bits and bolts and screws and nuts are notions?
Thank goodness! The idea of learning to tame that jiddering needle was frightening! Now I have notions without all the danger!
@ruouttaurmind Do you own a zipper? It counts.
@sammydog01 Only those already installed and functioning in my britches and jackets!
@ruouttaurmind yes, they are notions! Bet you have a tape measure too…all perspective, my friend…
I feel like my adventures are not traumatic enough to keep this thread interesting. I did accidentally put a pin most of the way through my palm earlier, but there wasn’t any blood or gore to share with you all.
@Thumperchick I find it interesting. There’s enough trauma out there already; I’d much rather see you progress on the path to professional seamstress.
@Thumperchick Please keep this thread going. I can’t sew a stitch, but reading about your attempts, makes me feel better about my incompetency.
Who knows, maybe I’ll clean off the inch of dust buildup on my sewing machine and see what I can (can’t) do.
@Thumperchick I’m enthralled and had no idea this thread had been updated from your first entries. I’m a dope like that.
@Thumperchick Please keep posting. It’s sort of like drone.horse, only it produces things. Lessons to be learned, new toys to buy, lofty goals, inspiring others. Occasional pix pf PC. Horrible experiences are always a delight, but then I love OhShit reports.
@LaVikinga I voted for your comment that you are a dope.
@Barney Aw, thanks! That gives me a purpley all-over kind of glow.
@LaVikinga
@thumperchick
I finally found the photo of my second halloween costume for the kid… I remember swearing over the darn ruffle on her hat – now it really is “old hat”
If you notice, I stuck to cottons here too.
@mikibell
That outfit is awesome and that kid is awesomer.
@f00l thank you… she makes me grin… that evil little smile of hers…
You are inspiring me to get out my sewing machine also. When I was in high school and college I used to sew all my clothes. Ready made was just too expensive! Then I started working, made more money and the sewing fell by the wayside. Now I have a lot of fabric stored away that I never did anything with. Thanks for the inspiration to dust off the machine and start sewing again.
@mehnyblooms You need all new thread. Try this
@mehnyblooms Will you please post what you make? I’d love for this to turn into a sewing share!
@OldCatLady You’re probably right. Thanks for the suggestion.
@Thumperchick Great idea. I’ll do my best.
@mehnyblooms use coupons on that sucker, it is expensive – worth it, but expensive!
@mikibell And new scissors. And rotary cutters. And mats. The difference they make is incredible. Sales and coupons bring them down to sane levels.
@OldCatLady I love my ginghers…my sil and husband bought me an embroidery set of scissors, in a nice box and everything – best set of tools I own… makes life sooooo much easier…
Rotary cutters too… those are a godsend
@mikibell JoAnn’s had all rotary cutters and self healing mats on sale half off this week. I may have bought 2 sets of cutter/matt/clear ruler. They are awesome. Like, huge game changer.
@Thumperchick And what else did you pick up while there? The clearance sections always get me. And the remnant bins. And the remnant bolts. Good quilting cottons make excellent clothing, BTW. Lotta Jansdotter fabric, any color, any pattern is hard for me to resist.
@Thumperchick next time you see 60% of coupon, good thing to stock up on is the 5 pack of rotary blades. You are so right, they are game changers!!
@OldCatLady it is truly an addiction!
@OldCatLady I didn’t buy any fabric! I’ve been way too into the custom fabric groups on fb a spent that budget long ago. I did grab some DIY custom knobs and other small craftyisms, though.
@Thumperchick have you seen these? Wish I had known about them when my baby was little!
http://so-sew-easy.com/pillowcase-dresses-free-patterns-roundup/?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Bell+Sleeve+Top+Tutorial%2C+Instagram+Invitation%2C+Pillowcase+Dresses+Galore+and+much%2C+much+more&utm_campaign=20170326_m138322763_Bell+Sleeve+Top+Tutorial%2C+Instagram+Invitation%2C+Pillowcase+Dresses+Galore+and+much%2C+much+more&utm_term=Read+More
@mikibell my sister made this one:
@Thumperchick soooooo adorable!!! Is that hulk fabric??
@mikibell It’s Avengers Comic book covers! With pink and cream color lace trim. There are even pockets - she got them to line up so well that you can’t see them unless you notice the seam line.
@Thumperchick awesome… and the cool thing about it is she can grow with it… leggings for when it is not quiiiiiteee long enough to be a dress
@Thumperchick That is really amazing. Especially the lace.
And here’s what you make next. You need to do this, at least from some of the things you have pictures of her wearing. My mom pieced a quilt featuring many of the dresses I wore. This is more practical. https://www.simplemost.com/turn-baby-clothes-into-memory-bears/?utm_content=inf_10_3489_2&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=wildhair&tse_id=INF_2195aa601a7211e7a54ec308f37c7cce
@OldCatLady
I like those. I also really like the quilt idea.
@OldCatLady toooo cute…here is a tutorial…
http://pacountrycrafts.com/baby-clothes-memory-bear-pattern-and-tutorial/
Sorry it’s been a while, I’ve been preoccupied. I also jumped right past most of those projects in the line and had to tackle something new - mostly because it was so different from all of the others.
The reversible sequin pillow with fauxpaca back.
(Aka: mermaid scales and fluffy tails!)
This project has shown me that I don’t know how to make sewing posts all that intriguing if nothing goes terribly wrong. Also, hidden zippers!
Here’s the finished product:
(1) 14"x22" pillow and (2) 18"x18" pillows
each with invisible zipper and like, a little bit of real human tears!
Sewing through sequins is much easier than I expected. They didn’t make my ‘cries over 4 layers’ machine whine at all! Just punched right through them and held steady!
Sewing a straight line through the right side of 3" plush faux fur is laughably impossible. Upside - no one can tell if it’s straight or not!
Hidden zippers are really forgiving. Especially if you get the line closest to the inside (where the zipper meets) pretty straight, it’ll look great.
1 lesson for sure learned - don’t sew tired. You will let your fingers wander too close to the needle. I almost gave myself a terrible piercing.
@tHumperchick I see terrible piercings every day. And this is the Midwest.
/giphy SMH
@Thumperchick
/giphy "terrible piercing"
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
@Thumperchick Great job! They’re adorable. If you ignore your worst critic, they’re perfect.
I’m going to throw this damned machine through a window.
This afternoon, I kept seeing missed stitches on the right side of the double needle. I re-threaded, I checked that booth spools were facing the right way. I re-threaded. I adjusted my tension. I checked the bobbin. Everything works on scrap test. I put real project through - skipped stitches.
I re-threaded. I took the whole machine apart and found all of the hidden fuzzy monsters wreaking havoc in my bobbin case. I re-threaded. I put the scrap test through, looks good. Put real project through - skipped stitches.
Repeat all afternoon.
I finally got my scrap test perfect several times in a row. No popped stitches. No tunneling. No missed stitches. No bundles of bullshit thread-nests on the bottom. Everything looks gorgeous. Consistently perfect.
Put my real project through… I give up.
(Scrap fabric is from the “real” project. Same fabric. Same method for making binding. Same stretch direction. Same layers. Same everything.)
Spending 5 hours trying to get my machine to just do the damned thing is making me feel super defeated.
TC learns to not sew is today’s theme.
@Thumperchick I have that problem except instead of missed stitches it gets all jammed up in the bobbin. Then I quit for a year or two and it temporarily gets better.
@Thumperchick did you make sure your needle was facing the right direction? Please don’t guess at how I know to ask this…
@mikibell I did! I’m telling you, I took the whole thing apart, cleaned it, and put it back together. Twice.
@Thumperchick
I was never much of a sewing person, even when young. But I didn’t have this problem, and neither did Mom, that she ever mentioned.
So sorry.
Or
Sew sorry
(now throw something at me.)
I am really sorry you are suffering thru this insane and unexplained weirdness.
@Thumperchick I have looked on the older thread, and on this one, and cannot find what your sewing machine actually is. Can you please say the maker, and the model?
If you’ve already said it somewhere, I apologize, but I looked for it, I swear.
@Thumperchick Work on a different project, even something simple like a bag for bags or a swiffer cover, then come back to it. This makes the frustration go away so the problem isn’t so huge.
Are you using the same type of thread for top and bottom? Is the thread the problem? Is there a burr on a needle or the underside of the needle plate?
@callow ahh I meant to ask about the burr… top or edge of the needle hole (for lack of a better term) will also make skipping happen …
@thumperchick – you have exhausted my knowledge of twin needs – I only use them for pintucks. Let us know if you figure it out.
Oh and what fabric?
@Thumperchick One more thing- pull off a yard or so of thread from each spool. It’s possible one of them has irregularities which are hard to see. Then change both needles, just for fun. Then swap out the bobbin for a new one.
@Shrdlu @callow @mikibell @OldCatLady
I figured it out! I’m working on the post for that, but it was absolutely user error.
@mikibell Needle hole=eye, right?
@OldCatLady no… the thing in the plate… where it goes down to capture the bobbin thread???
@mikibell Oh! The hole in the needle plate. Of course. http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/needle-plate-elna-janome-kenmore-necchi-756604107.aspx
@OldCatLady yes… I hit the very edge of the hole and caused a sharp edge…it had to be sanded down because it kept catching the edge…
@Shrdlu The initial post says Brother, but no model #.
Every-time I’m stoned and I see this thread title (now . . . and occasionally . . often), I read it in my head as:
“@tHumperChick learns to screw” ( ! )
and then I’m always like (in my head) . . .
“Well, I bet @humper is as happy as a six dicked rooster in a hen house” . . .
But then I always eventually read it correctly as “sew” and wonder why in the fuck she wanted to do that, and screwing would be better.
Which I am sure no instruction is needed.
Sorry for my dirty mind.
@Pavlov One takes a lifetime of practice to do properly.
I’d say more, but I’m pretty sure that fancy new flask means I have to be somewhat appropriate, sometimes.
There is a great rule of thumb in sewing. If the problem shows up on top - it’s coming from below.
What it means is, if you see issues with missed stitches, loose thread, etc., then something is wrong with your bobbin.
Being the begintermediate sewist that I am, I thought I had this down pat. When I began having missed stitches, I cleaned the case (many fuzzies) and rethreaded my bobbin. Several times. To no avail. It wasn’t until the next day, after a run for supplies, that I saw my error.
I picked up new thread and a new stretch twin needle, just to be safe. Then, grabbed the book and went through to make sure I wasn’t doing something stupid.
I was doing something stupid. Something that happens so early on, that one wouldn’t really think to check it. When winding the bobbin thread, I missed a step in threading the machine - not something that would stop a bobbin from threading, though. So no way to notice, unless you almost throw your machine out the window.
The top photo is how I was threading the machine to wind the bobbin.
The bottom photo is how you’re supposed to thread the machine, so it keeps proper tension while threading the bobbin.
So simple. So ridiculously simple. Oh, BTW - there’s a freaking diagram for threading the bobbin - on the machine. I looked at it every time I rethreaded the machine. I just, missed that part for some reason.
Thanks for hanging in there through another sewing tale of me missing the obvious and reading the book. Here’s a bunny wearing the onesie I made:
Here’s my (almost) finished product:
It just needs snaps and I’m waiting until the last minute for that, in case I manage to get more done.
@Shrdlu - I’m using a Brother SQ9185
@Thumperchick Onesie is very precious. Put the snaps on, and be done with it, is what I say. Thanks also for specific machine type (now that you’ve solved your problem, until the next time)…
@Thumperchick we have all been there done that, in one way or fashion… so glad you figured it out… and omg, your daughter is going to be even more adorable in that!!!
hahhahaha I googled the model, because I also have a brother sewing machine… and here is the ironic statement:
Super Easy Bobbin Winding System
@mikibell this project isn’t for my kid. It’s for a fellow geeky friend who’s due this month!
There are 3 in this set, 10th Doctor, 11th Doctor, Hogwart’s 1st year robes.
(I meant to post this here and ended up necromancing a different thread by mistake… oops)
Today seems like a good day to revive this topic.
I’ve kept sewing over the past few years and have learned a lot. I’ve broken needles, become close friends with my seam ripper, bought a serger, and sewed some of my kid’s favorite clothes. I’ve made hoodies, pajamas, dresses, and one dramatic coat.
Here are 2 makes from this year:
(Yes, @puppycat has gotten ridiculously big! She starts kindergarten this fall.)
@Thumperchick minky lined coat say what?!?!
@sillyheathen it’s corduroy with minky lining. The kid picked out the purple all by herself.
@Thumperchick I dig her style!
@sillyheathen @Thumperchick love the pose. She’s clearly got “attitude” (the good kind)!
@Thumperchick those are beautiful, well done!!!
@Thumperchick Where has the time gone? Gorgeous, both Puppycat and her clothes
Hey all - I haven’t posted here in a while.
I’m still sewing! I love my serger, since I tend to work with knits more than woven, but it comes in handy finishing edges with woven as well.
I’m going to post some pics in the replies of the stuff I’ve worked on lately.
These are origami sleeves and this is my first time making them. I was pretty excited.
@Thumperchick That hoodie looks so difficult and turned out so great. I also can’t believe how big puppycat got.
@sammydog01 I know, right?!?! She’s 7 and 4’ 3". My mini-monster is growing up too fast.
Want some free fabric?
@werehatrack
This is very cool! You first posted this before I had any knowledge of Meh, so I had to read through this whole thread; it’s marvelous to see how you’ve basically taught yourself and gotten really good. Your daughter is a lucky girl.
That hoodie, and the dress with the origami sleeves - they look super complicated and turned out beautifully. Did you teach yourself to use the serger? I bought one several years ago on a whim but I’m scared of it.
@Kyeh I’m self taught for all of it. (Minus a few YouTube videos.)
The serger isn’t as scary as it seems. I do recommend grabbing a 1/4 yard of some cheap knit fabric to practice with, though.
@Kyeh I wanted to add a few things:
If I think of anything else, I’ll add it. But really - follow your manual and you should be fine.
@Kyeh @Thumperchick I absolutely
my serger!! I bought mine used and finally burnt it out during covid 
After making hundreds of costume parts for my kids’ school plays and such. FYI, make sure to oil the darn thing if it requires oil!!!
Each of my kids have taken to using my sewing machines/sergers/embroidery. The elder is slowly relocating to her friend’s home. She is under the mistaken belief she is taking the serger with her when she finally leaves.
As for not pulling the fabric, @Thumperchick, that is an awesome way to create ruffles on stretch knits! However, your statement is true if you don’t want ruffles
Those items you posted are amazing!
OWLS! TOWELS! JOWLS! AWESOME!
@mikibell Thanks!
@mikibell @Thumperchick Thanks, I’m still scared of it, but more encouraged to at least try to thread it soon. I do fortunately have a whole bunch of old white teeshirts that were my late husband’s; I’d saved them for rags or tie-dye experiments, so they should be great for learning on!
When I do try it I plan to ask both of you for help; great to know that I can. There are places that offer sewing lessons but I haven’t seen serger lessons anywhere.
Maybe we also need to see more of your recent work, @mikibell?
@Kyeh @mikibell @Thumperchick
For threading the serger: NEVER look at the overall diagram, it’s intimidating. Just do one thread, one hole at a time.
Don’t practice with t-shirts, they are stretchy. Begin with a scrap of cotton fabric or something else that is stiffer. Most important word there is “begin”. Just grab a piece of fabric and start playing with it.
@callow @mikibell @Thumperchick
. Maybe this winter when the yard quits demanding that I work on it.
Thanks! I still haven’t tried it
I feel like I forgot to share my fails as well. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I handle it like a toddler at nap time.
I’ll post about my mishap with binding on a tiny onesie in a bit.
This project has 2 fails to go over.
Here’s how cute this whole thing could’ve been:
So the onesie landed in the scrap pile and I moved on to other, less maddening projects.
@Thumperchick That looks great! Unfortunate about the snaps though.
For binding use an edge guide foot like this one (for your machine type, of course). Wawak.com is great source of all things sewing with fast and cheap/free shipping.
@callow thanks for the tip!
I’ve tried a few new things, so you’re getting an update. It’s going to be long with a ton of pics.
(Pardon my thrashed living room, the kid is a tornado.)
Lettuce Hem (Spooky season dress)
– This is a wavy hem that you can do for knit fabric on a serger. It’s pretty easy to google your model and find a YouTube video or blog post with the right settings.
– The main trick to a lettuce hem is to stretch your fabric on both sides of the needle and keep a steady stretch tension. (It’s harder than it sounds.)
Duffle Bag
This was one of the more difficult things I’ve sewn up. It really stretched my skills and knowledge to get it done, but I’m pretty excited with how it came out.
– Zippers! This thing had 4 different zippers, each for a different type of pocket. My zipper foot got a work out.
– Ease -
In this case, the ease is lining up the sides with the main panels. I couldn’t quite get it, so I had to trim off some of the side panels. The final bag looks good enough that you can’t tell.
– Interior pocket on the lining of the bag - This involved blind stitching the zipper in place, then pulling the fabric through the zipper and topstitching. I had to watch a video 3 times before my brain would wrap around it.
Bonus! Purple Spooky Season Dress
– This one turned out to be a little too plain for @puppycat. She told me she would “try to get used to it.”
(I’m with her, it didn’t turn out as cute as I wanted it to, but the sleeve ties are great.)
If you made it this far, thanks!
@Thumperchick Love seeing the pictures of Puppycat and her wardrobe
Maybe add a flair to the purple one? Something like the top photo with the layers but show more of the purple and fans out when she spins. Or a wide lacy with a fun bow thing. I would say a cute sweater but you can’t cover those sleeves.
@Thumperchick I just opened a “back-in-stock” email from eQuilter and they have this purple fabric listed! Do you use them?
@Kyeh I picked it up at JoAnn fabric.
@Thumperchick
Oh! Hah, I bet you got a better price
My S.O. and I are trying to get enough of the crap around this place dealt with to make enough room for me to set up the cutting table, return the ancient light industrial Singer straight-stitch to service, and provide working room to tackle the multitude of “someday” projects that I still want to complete. It’s not like I lack for equipment, with two sergers, a Pfaff 1475, the aforementioned Singer, a treadle-powered early 1900’s Singer glove-maker’s machine with an incredibly small free arm, and my mother’s collection of smaller kit from her quilting hobby and before. (And one part of the divestiture project is paring down the fabric collection to winnow out the stuff that was acquired solely because it was cheap, and which clearly will never actually get used.)
@werehatrack that’s quite the collection!
We’re also in the process of clearing space in the living room for my newly acquired cutting table so I can set up my new-to-me UST projector. I’m so freaking excited.
@Thumperchick @werehatrack
What’s a UST projector? Does it project patterns?
@Kyeh @werehatrack yes. It projects patterns directly onto the fabric. So no more pdf print and tape. No more hunting through the big brand paper patterns, etc.
Ok, new favorite! I made a dragon plushie backpack.
(Not my pattern. I’m not that talented.)
First time making a plushie, so it was a fun experience.
@Thumperchick Vurra nize.
@Thumperchick Super cute!!!