My ~Not so~ secret sewing tip:
If you have ever used a sewing machine, I bet there’s a good chance it was once a very intimidating task. It can take many months of practice to fully feel comfortable with a sewing machine, so if you are just starting out – stick with it. I promise it’ll be worth it. If you’ve been sewing for years and are overwhelmed by the changes sewing machine companies are making, heres the perfect trick to getting over the nerves and becoming a master at your machine.
But first, a little backstory:
I received my first sewing machine for my 16th birthday. I was taking a high school sewing class at the time, and the machine I got was very similar to the models I was learning on at school.. I got very lucky! I learned on a Husqvarna Viking Emerald and it has been my right hand lady for the last 7 years, so when I started looking for newer machines, I gravitated to the newer, fancier, Viking machines. I’ve always loved the Viking products, and have found them very sturdy for the hours and hours of work I put them through.
A couple months ago I got a brand new upgraded machine – it’s a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 965Q – a total beast of a beauty. This machine, while similar to my first, has many extra features, including auto thread cutters and auto adjusting presser foot. While at first the automation was startling and overwhelming, it has now become a really handy tool!
If you’re new to sewing, or starting on a new machine, or even just daydreaming about a new machine – there’s one super special secret ingredient in the recipe for sewing success with your new baby.
…….drumroll, please ……
READ THE MANUAL. Seriously, read it! I’m not joking here.
There are so many very important lessons I have learned this past month with my new machine, and many of them could have been avoided if I would have been more thorough in my studies before diving in. Here are a few things reading the manual can help you with:
- Bobbin type – did you know that it really matters? Make sure you are using the right type of bobbins. My new machine has awesome green bobbins that came with it… SO why on earth did I try THREE times with old bobbins before realizing the issue? (hint: it is because I didn’t read the manual)
- Reading the manual helps you know how to adjust your stitches (style, length, width, etc…). Different types of fabric and projects call for different settings on the machine. You can learn by trial and error, or save yourself the headache and just read for a little bit. Your call, I guess.
- Get to know your feet! My machine came with a buuuunch of new feet, so it is about time I actually learn what each one is used for!! Do you have random feet sitting around that you have no idea what they are used for? Here’s a little push of encouragement to go figure it out!
- Troubleshooting issues. What do you do when you have loose stitches, tension problems, threads breaking, or needle breaks? Reading your manual helps you not only better understand your machine, but it also helps you solve many issues as they occur! Here’s a secret: re-threading & switching the needle fixes the problem most of the time.
Ok now it’s time for your homework – find your manual and learn something new! Comment below what you learn!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions about my SAPPHIRE 965Q or about new machines in general! I’d love to help! If you have the Sapphire 965Q, heres the manual: CLICK THIS LINK TO BECOME A MASTER.
Happy Sewing, pals!
