How to use a sewing machine

dairine

My 11 year old had just bought a sewing machine in Lidil and I do not know how to set up or use. Any suggestions as to to where I could get some basic lessons for her? We live in Dublin - Northside.:)

wmpdd3

Youtube is well worth a look, even just for the basics. But be careful as damage can be done from inserting the needle the wrong way.

dairine

Thanks and will try that.

Das Kitty

There are often evening and weekend courses starting in September. They're more aimed at adults though. You could ring and ask if there is anything suitable coming up. They're usually advertised in the paper leading up to the starting date.

ElkayIR

Hi Dairine,
I was searching for somewhere to repair my machine and came across an ad for a place in Dublin doing sewing lessons for kids. Bit pricey and don't know anything about them, but just in case it's any use.....
http://www.whenpoppymetdaisy.com/index.html

PhoenixParker

Youtube has great videos on things like sewing machines, and there are hundreds of free starter patterns on line. Also, probably too expensive to buy, but get your hands on a junior cert home ec book and there are probably instructions in that.

If she really wants lessons on how to work a sewing machine, try asking in Hickeys (Henry St), Murphy Sheehy (Beside the Georges Arcade) or the Woolen mills (Halpenny Bridge) in town. I'm sure they'll answer their phones if your ring. I've seen ads up in all three for sewing machine instructions.

The instruction booklet with the sewing machine does cover it, but it's all double dutch if you've never sewed before. This is the step that scuppers most people:
winding and inserting the bobbin, this is the most similar I can find to the Lidl one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_gQABvM4hU

For basic patterns to start with, try the burda site. I also love this handbag:
http://www.pages01.net/fabriccom/NomadHoboBag/?cm_re=SL1-_-crhdqtr-_-Nomad%20Bag

Jellybaby1

This is also one of my problems. I was never taught how to use my machine and I have it years and years. I recently had it serviced by Bill O'Reilly in Sandyford. If you open up the golden pages website and search for sewing machines in Dublin you will find him, also the Singer centre in Talbot street. Give him a ring or Singers or any of the other repairers. I did do an evening sewing class in a community college but they assumed I already knew how to use the machine, and as it was a 'sewing' course, they wouldn't give any time to teaching how to use the machine - felt like a fool, I did! I wish they would wise up! The more people who learn how to use the machine, the more people will want to learn how to sew - common sense!

Sorry went off the subject there! Dairine, I'd suggest you learn yourself if you can't get someone to teach your 11 yr old, and then you can pass the skills on to her. Lovely mum/daughter or dad/daughter pastime!

measurement

There are sometimes sewing classes in Ballymun - I think in a school or community centre as far as I remember. Since you are a Northsider, it might be worth considering keeping an eye out, or even dropping by to enquire.

Sapsorrow

I know it sounds really obvious but use the manual you got with it! I don't know how similar the one that comes with yours is but the one I got with my Singer has loads of great info from the basics of using and setting up the machine to info on fabrics, needles, types of stitches to use etc.. I also saw a book in Waterstones recently just on using a sewing machine for beginners, can't remember the name but it['s probably in most outlets.

willow tree

hiya,
i wish i started at 11, good for her.. i'm just starting out and going to start lessons with murphy sheehy (i havent started with them so i cant say but from talking to them they seem to know their stuff). also they have classes for teens which may suit her if they were young teens?
http://murphysheehy.com/?page_id=942