From my readings on social media, I’ve learned that a number of us are acquiring sewing machines in December. People are excited about the opportunities and asking advice, talking about first projects and worrying about machine settings.
There is also a bit of worry about running your thumb under the needle (ouch!). Sorry to say that none of these books will protect you from what is a very rare accident, but the books in this article absolutely will give you more information than your manual provides. For those of us who adopt used machines, the manual will possibly be long-gone.
“You and Your Sewing Machine” is a straightforward, excellent introduction to general sewing machines. Basic maintenance includes good images and of surprisingly interesting parts — the lint buildup underneath a machine was, frankly, gross. Author Bernie Tobisch has 44 years as a sewing machine technician and has the dry humor I often encounter when talking to people in this trade. Matter-of-fact practicality about the mechanics of the machines balances wry appreciation of how common certain issues are: everyone faces tension issues at some point. Until resolved, they make me a bit crazy. Tobisch clearly demonstrates how to fix tension and why to not throw your machine out the window.
If you have not ever owned a machine, this book will help you get a good grounding in what is where and what it does. Melding step-by-step instructions with photos, “The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing” by Nancy Langdon, sponsored by Singer (yes, that Singer!) offers good sewing techniques for the beginner sewist. Check out the valuable “Machine Accessories for Special Tasks” photos on page 18-19 to help understand which foot does what. The majority of this book explains how to understand patterns, how to curve seams and how to fit, yet will help a new sewist better understand how you and the machine work together.
Steffani Lincecum teaches any sewist how to use presser feet in her book “Sewing Machine Magic.” I typically sew on vintage machines (yep, no manual and usually few feet included) and the wealth of opportunities makes me jealous. You will find each type of foot has examples of its work and images of the different shanks. A modern machine will have basic feet included and you should be able to buy some added-efficiency feet as well as those that improve accuracy and assist in your creativity. High end machines will come with more presser feet and often the seller will provide some lessons. Lincecum includes 10 easy projects that look quite elegant.
This is just an example of our books that will help you master your machine: you can find more books and eBooks here. Other offerings from our digital library include classes in Creative Bug and Universal Class.
Congratulations on your new machine! I hope you have many hours of creative experience.
