Sewing Machine 101

Join Jamie Johnson as she shares 20 years of sewing experience to ease fears and build confidence using a sewing machine, while completing a versatile bag project.

Discover the sewing machine's core features, from top controls (spool pin, thread guides, tension, stitch width) to the free arm, bobbin, feed dogs, and needle threader.

Explore essential sewing machine accessories, from dust covers and spool pins to darning plates, needle types, feet for buttons and zippers, and the basics of threading and maintenance.

Wind the bobbin using dotted guides and the tension disk at a slow to medium speed. Insert the wound bobbin into the housing and thread through the guides.

Thread the needle by following the back guides, using the needle threader or manual method, then pull up the bobbin thread for smooth stitching.

Test straight and zigzag stitches on scrap fabric, adjusting stitch length from 2.5 to 4 and width from 0 to wider settings, keeping a half-inch seam allowance and trimming threads.

Discover sewing a tote bag by making a pattern, cutting main and lining fabric, joining with a half-inch seam, attaching straps, turning, and topstitching.

Unplug and disassemble, remove bobbin, foot, needle, and stitch plate, brush away fuzz and check burrs, then oil as directed to keep your sewing machine running smoothly.

Explore sewing needles, including Schmetz needles with a flat back and rounded front, universal and specialty types for denim, leather, quilting, and topstitching, and how size fits fabric.

Choose high quality thread to reduce fuzz and machine buildup. Trial brands like Gutermann and Butterman, and use 80–100 weight polyester for general sewing, 50 weight cotton for quilting.