Sewing

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/58898407

I recently was given this Singer 401a and I just can't seem to get it to work. I know absolutely nothing about sewing machines but I'd like to start using it. I opened it up and nothing appears to be damaged. I oiled some of the gears that seemed like they needed it but I've had no luck. The big spindle on the right and the gears it connects to run just fine but nothing else moves at all. I've tried every switch and lever I could find but nothing seems to work.

I'm hoping there's something simple I'm missing simply because I don't know what I'm doing lol

If this is the wrong place for this kind of post please feel free to let me know i just thought I would ask here first before I resort to paying someone to look at it

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/38569122

Finally got around to fixing the sewing machine. But I needed something to test it on. I found a just-big-enough piece of linen to make a bandana.

To hit a price point most bandanas are ~22 inches. That's way too small for my head. Most are polyester. Which means they don't wick away moisture. You want a 27 inch cotton and those cost extra. Like twice as much.

But linen? That's premium. Those start at ~$15 and go up from there. More durable, less environmental impact, better at evaporating than cotton. A linen bandana easily pays for itself if you are the kind of person that needs a bandana.

Now that my machine is working I just need an iron and fabric to start making things happen. Time to go to a thrift store and start looking carefully at fabric that can be repurposed.

Just when I thought I couldn't love Bluey anymore I go to see if anyone has come up with a unicorse pattern and low-and-behold its the show itself.

Self-drafted pattern, grey minky with polyfill. I've been calling it the SHONK (shark chonk) lmao

I've had a sewing machine for literal decades but only ever made simple totes, maybe a few repairs. I never really learned or gathered the patience to use a pattern for a more complex project, and when I didn't know how to do something I'd give up.

My first garment was a clown costume last year for Halloween, followed by a beach cover up. Both were very low-stakes projects and forgiving as far as fit. They both helped me build up confidence to actually finally try making a "real" garment.

I love it so much! The spooky fabric looks great and is so comfy (rayon batiste). The print is low-key enough that I would definitely wear this to work, but when you look closer the eyes have creepy veins haha. The fit is perfect. (I added one inch to the length because I cannot with too short tees.) I don't have a serger so I did French seams. They were so much less intimidating than I thought, and the finish is divine–so much better for me sensory-wise.

@sewing #sewing

@OscarCunningham

Amusing sewing anecdote:
https://mathstodon.xyz/@OscarCunningham/115214380681174447

My own hand-drafted pattern from a V&A museum piece. Spiral steel , silk, and herringbone twill lining.

I got my sewing machine from a thrift store earlier this year, played with it a bit, but never put it to work.

Now I'm going backpacking with my nephew, he needs an underquilt for his hammock, and instead of buying one, I made a rough copy of mine.

It's a little shorter, and heavier, but it's probably a little warmer too 😬

I still have to put the shock cord on the ends, so I haven't tested if it will hold its shape properly, but I think it will.

I cut up an old throw blanket that was gifted to us years ago, we never use it, and it's not pretty, so... 🤷‍♂️ I was gonna cut the tassels off and sew all the edges, but I ran out of gumption. I still might, it would be a weight savings, but I doubt my cuts will be clean and straight, it'll probably look worse.

Edit:

So I tested it out. I was warm at 50 degrees with no breeze, but the temp went up to 55 and a steady breeze started blowing, I definitely felt... Cool, underneath me. So I think it could be decently warm, it just needs some wind breaker material added to it to stop the breeze from sucking away the heat.

Hiya, playing with a cheap mini sewing machine I was gifted. I haven't used a sewing machine since Home Ec 20 years ago.

First question is so basic that it isn't covered by any of the instructions I've read or watched. When I finish sewing a section, there are two threads hanging out of each end of the stitches. One is from my thread spool, the other from the bottom bobbin (according to my machine's instructions). If I pull the bottom thread, it just comes straight out. The top thread is at least looped around the bottom thread. Am I supposed to tie these together at each end every time? Is there some trick I'm missing?

Second question is maybe about my specific machine. The loops of top thread that go around the bottom thread are really loose. Any guess what I've done wrong to cause that?

Thanks in advance.

I'm looking for good quality video game, fantasy, and scifi themed fabrics. Found plenty listed on Etsy, but what could be some other webshops to check out or keep an eye on? Both generic themed and licenced official fabrics. Preferably tricot or cotton, and in EU if possible, but other options are welcome as well!

Made from bikejersey, cut is self designed, adapted from a pleated pants pattern I got from Etsy. Quite comfortable due to the super stretchy fabric. Let's see how it holds up on the trail 😎

Hey, I recently got a Bernina Overlock and am wondering if I can use feet designed for other machines with it. eg the feet for the gritzner, where sets of 5 pop up for 25 bucks whereas one foot from bernina comes at 35€...

Has anyone tried that before?

Second try after the first one had a failed media upload

Hi all! I'm getting decent at sewing and regularly wear clothes that I've sewn, but I still consider myself a novice when it comes to understanding fabrics. I'm primarily an online shopper which makes things a bit tough of course. I also like to steer toward natural fibers when possible.

Anyway, today my question has to do with drape. I really like wearing linen because of the breathability in summer, but it is not very drapey at all. Do you have any patterns or types of garments that you like to wear or sew that use fabric without a lot of drape?

If it matters (which, perhaps it doesn't -- this thread can be for all!), I'm a cis woman with a fairly classic style leaning feminine. I also have a short waist which is the bane of my existence, so I avoid anything that visually cuts me at the waist. I have even drafted the waist seam out of a dress pattern (it went great!).

Hi All!

I'm new to sewing, started about a month ago but have become hooked! A family member gave me their old Singer 4830c sewing machine, we took it to a shop and got it serviced for about $100 to make it work like new. It's been working great for the projects I've done so far. I've done pillow cases for our furniture, a welted box bench cushion for our kitchen, and am currently mid-project for a cat bed and dog bed for our critters. I seem to work more with a bit heavier fabric, like for the furniture, and would like to start getting into men's clothing as well.

Pics of the Kitchen Bench Cushion:

I was recently in a Joann store today here in the US and noticed that their new sewing machines are starting to get discounted as they liquidate. I saw some machines that were 40% off, and I suspect as the weeks go on they might get lower. I'm wondering if I'd get any benefit in looking at a newer machine or if the one I have currently will suit me fine?

Things I've noticed in watching Youtube videos of others that makes me wonder:

• Some users machines seem much faster than mine when doing straight stretches of sewing at a time
• Machines seem quieter than mine
• Newer features like automatic needle threading?
• I really like the plastic bobbin case cover that lets you see how much thread is left on the bobbin, as well as how some machines have actual measurements for seam allowance.

I've seen a lot of disdain for the newer Singer machines and don't really know much about other brands, so I'm hesitant in general. A lot of the things I've noted about newer machines don't really negate my current machine experience, they just seem like maybe nice-to-haves, so I'm not sure if the value would be there in getting a newer machine or not. I did already get a low shank presser foot adapter so I could use modern presser feet and have bought a few, as well as replaced the light bulb with an LED bulb and also got the LED strip that you can adhere to the machine for more lighting. I'm game for any other tips on renovating the old one just as much as suggestions about new one.

Reaching out in this community to see if anyone has thoughts on the newer machines and thinks I might appreciate the updates or if the old 4830c should last me a good long while?

Thanks!

125+ years of age, having travelled from Cleveland across the Atlantic at the end of the 1800s, and it still works (after some love)!

My nieces' birthday is coming up and I stumbled over this beautiful softshell with reflective print at a wandering market.

Lesson learned 1: children's cloths are so much smaller, making them is a lot faster.

Lesson learned 2: they are in fact so small that the arm holes don't fit around the sewing machine anymore and I had to finish the arms by hand

One jacket done, 2 more to go

Currently reorganizing the stash, as it recently grew out of the designated boxes. One thing I started is taking photos of every fabric laid out on the floor and tagging them with notes on the size and material, then put them in directories on the pc acc. To in which box they are. Has anyone found a smarter solution?

Hi. I am a beginning sewist. I’ve sewed a hand full of small objects. Now I’m sewing my second garment using a commercial pattern. The pattern is rated easy. I am slowly getting through it. But I wish the directions were clearer. Does anyone have recommendations for patterns that are clear and specific for a beginner? Thanks.

It's a 1989 Singer(?) Sonata Sew-Ease 6621.

I'm sure it's not the finest piece of machinery out there, but for $10 it came with a pedal, several bobbins, some thread, a few needles, and everything on it appears to be in working order.

After a video chat with my mom, I was able to run a test stitch:

I'm not sure if this is gonna take off as a hobby for me, but I'm gonna give it a go with what time I can spare! I even have a crappy projector I might try to use 😬

I got a cargo pole meant for construction business to mount my Beamer on for projecting on the table when sewing. It was a suggestion from user @abcdqfr on my post from a bit over a week ago with the MacGyver setup.

It works perfectly. It's stable, lights out the desk nearly to the edges, setting up takes no more than 5min including calibration and breaking it down again is done in less than a minute. It packs no larger than a broom handle and including the beamer clamp cost me just about 80€ (could have gotten it for a lot less, but I wanted a solution that will last and that really holds sturdy...)

More pictures in the comments

Recently moved to a new place and haven't found a good spot for a permanent setup yet.

Friends of mine recently started a family and on my question whether I can make anything for their little one they asked for a balloon wrapper. It takes up minimal space when stowed (aka w/o inflated balloon) and is nice and touchy once you put a lung full of air into it.

Best thing: it uses up all those scraps you still have lying around. In my case this was less than a quarter square meter of cloth in bits and tatters :)