I’m trying to learn how to sew

Are you learning machine sewing or hand stitching? Good luck. I can sew a button on a shirt but that's it.

I got a machine. Just threading the fucking thing takes like 97 steps. And I can't remember the names of all the parts.

what are you having a problem with?

I teach machine sewing to 7th graders. It isn't rocket science.

Unless you bought a machine that is far to complicated for a beginner, threading the machine should not be difficult. Just follow the diagram.

That said, if you want to sew, you need to learn how to hand stitch before you can move on to a machine.

If you have specific questions, I can try to answer them.

in time you'll remember the names of the parts. It just takes a while like anything else. Once you thread the machine about 10 times you will just do it automatically. The key is not to give up. I started sewing when I was 5. I owned a drapery business and made all the drapes. I used to make clothing. Now I'm 70 and I still love sewing as much as I did when I first started. Keep at it. It gives a great sense of accomplishment when you make something.

OP, are you the DLer who was asked to leave the fancy Joann Fabrics?

I tried to sew a button on the other night. I couldnt even thread the fucking needle and just gave up trying after 20 minutes.

r7 that is probably because the thread was too thick for the eye of the needle. Try cutting the end of the thread on an angle, wet it and then try putting it thru the eye

R7 assuming that your eyesight is good, try the following:

Thread the cut end of the thread before you cut it off the spool. For some reason, the direction of the twist matters.

Cut the thread on the diagonal. You may not be able to see the difference, bit the needle eye can.

Don't thread the needle; needle the thread. It is often easier to put the needle on the thread than to try to put the thread through the needle.

When all else fails wrap the thread over the needle to make a small loop and then thread the loop through the needle.

There are YouTube videos to help you thread the machine etc. Google video your machine name and model. Helps me.

Time to get yourself one of these, R7.

I keep forgetting to put what I think is called ‘the foot’ down. There’s just so many steps.

I can do very basic hand sewing. I went to a community center after school during grade school that taught us things like that. I can’t like well I mean I’ve never tried to do more than hem pants, patch pants, reattach a button, that sort of shit.

Is there a way to patch pants with the machine? Or would I need to buy a different one with an ‘arm’? I can’t fucking figure out how I would patch without both sides of the leg sticking together.

I got the machine because my cat ripped up a really nice fitted sheet and I have these huge oversized pillows that I’ve never found anything to fit over and I thought maybe I could repurpose the sheet to make some kind of makeshift cases for them.

Haven’t gotten to that yet. Just been trying to get the muscle memory of all the steps down right first.

Good for you, what machine are you using? Computerized, or strictly mechanical? You tube will be your friend for tutorials.

I got a very butch hot pink children’s machine, lol, because it has a finger guard and I’m really accident-prone and was paranoid about impaling a finger and having no choice but to go to the ER during a highly contagious pandemic. The included instructions leave a bit to be desired, but at least they’re in English.

I do a lot of home repair type stuff and a bit of carpentry, all ill-advised due to my tendency to injure myself, and none of it is really as complicated and fiddly as the set up to this and I imagine most sewing machines. I’m used to just applying more muscle, if there’s a problem, instead of having to be more gentle and precise.

then that's a good choice I guess! I hope it has enough power for your projects. The path to finesse is strewn with roses -- j/k ---- and seam rippers: not kidding.

R4 sounds like a typical nurturing middle school teacher. Ha.

Purchase an inexpensive machine, like one of those basic models that sell for $100 or so, with no fancy extras and nothing digital. Play around, learn with it until you believe you're ready to start on more advanced projects. Don't attempt difficult projects without learning very basic skills. Buy some sewing books. Singer puts out a decent basic manual. If you still enjoy sewing and want to learn more, that's when you buy a good machine with all the extras. I began sewing at around 7. I learned by watching my grandmother. I haven't done much in the past decade but I did enjoy it when I was designing women's clothing as a living. If you do not know how to hand sew, learn, and perfect your hand work before tackling advanced garments. If you learn all of the hand stitches and know when and why to use them you'll be happy you did. Good luck.

when i was a poor young bachelor, my mother taught me to sew to economize, doing my own alterations and making curtains, slipcovers etc. she then gave me her c. 1960 Singer Slant-o-Matic, a marvel of mid-century engineering and manufacturing. 50 years later it's still humming along. i used it last week to make masks.

it's all metal, nothing plastic or digital to crap out. just a few drops of oil every few years and replacing the rubber drive belt every other decade. the damn thing even sews on buttons.

these are still being offered for sale online and are great machines.

[quote] When all else fails wrap the thread over the needle to make a small loop and then thread the loop through the needle.

Could you explain that more. Thanks.

R19, see below. Play to the end. She has some great things to say about needles.

See by hand it's more classy