Learning to Use a Sewing Machine

Read the instruction manual that came with your sewing machine when it was originally purchased. The manual will have diagrams showing you all of the sewing machine’s parts. It will also give you step by step instructions for basic actions such as threading the machine and winding the bobbin.

Read a book for beginning sewers. A good book for beginners will have a chapter explaining in simple terms how to use a basic sewing machine. It will also show you how to do things such as cut out a pattern and sew a seam.

Watch a video that demonstrates how to use a sewing machine. Such videos can be found online or borrowed from your local library (see Resources below).

Take a beginning sewing class at a fabric store. Most fabric stores offer instruction from time to time. Take your sewing machine to class with you and the teacher will help you learn how to use your specific sewing machine model to create a simple project (see Resources below).

Hire someone to give you private sewing lessons. You can find a sewing teacher by asking at a fabric store or looking on craigslist.com.

Learn from a friend or relative who sews. If you know someone who is handy with a sewing machine, this is the best way to learn. Get together for an evening of snacks and sewing, and they are right there to assist you when you have questions.