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Sewing Machines

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Worth it or not??

I posted the other day about embroidery; now I customise my own clothes I’m thinking about starting to make my own clothes.

Are sewing machines worth it? Are they hard to use? I remember my mother having constant battles with hers. Would it even be worth making my own clothes? So many questions

Any sewers out there who can give advice?

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By *annaBeStrongMan
over a year ago

wokingham

Check out Reddit

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By *ecadent_DevonMan
over a year ago

Okehampton

You can usually find a local sewing club, these are usually advertised in your local sewing shop, sometimes these shops run courses in quilting, sewing, knitting etc with the benefit that they generally understand how to use the piece of kit they have sold you.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"You can usually find a local sewing club, these are usually advertised in your local sewing shop, sometimes these shops run courses in quilting, sewing, knitting etc with the benefit that they generally understand how to use the piece of kit they have sold you. "

Thanks! I’m assuming hobbycraft could be classed as a sewing shop?

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By *ecadent_DevonMan
over a year ago

Okehampton


"You can usually find a local sewing club, these are usually advertised in your local sewing shop, sometimes these shops run courses in quilting, sewing, knitting etc with the benefit that they generally understand how to use the piece of kit they have sold you.

Thanks! I’m assuming hobbycraft could be classed as a sewing shop? "

Nah. Just kids behind the counter, too broad a range of hobbies , you will be lucky to find someone that knows how to help. Try your local haberdashery, there must be loads in Bournemouth

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By *ecadent_DevonMan
over a year ago

Okehampton

Haberdasherdo in southbourne grove advertises itself as LGBTQ+ friendly, which may be a bonus.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Fabric can be very expensive and patterns cost around £8 or more. It often costs way more to make a garment than to buy one and customise it. Having said that it's a great skill to have and you can often pick up a !machine second hand

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Check out fabric land in Bournemouth. I used to spend hours in there and their fabric is very reasonable

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford


"Are sewing machines worth it? Are they hard to use? I remember my mother having constant battles with hers. Would it even be worth making my own clothes? So many questions

Any sewers out there who can give advice? "

Sewing isnt hard its the setting them up right that is.

This would have been the battle your mother had with them.

Every material is different and sews differently.

If you dont get the top settings right and the under settings right the sewing machine is just useless and you have awful sewing.

The underneath bobbin and the taughtness when sewing is ackward to do.

picking the right machine for what your intended purpose is also important.

home (diy) vs industrial machine.

Now I will let some of the other ladies have ther say on ther machines.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Check out fabric land in Bournemouth. I used to spend hours in there and their fabric is very reasonable"

Didn’t even know that existed! I was looking at some fat quarters at hobbycraft and they seemed expensive for what they were

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You'll want a decent machine (read: not the cheap throwaway things) and you'll want someone to teach you how to use it. It takes skill and patience, and a decent wedge of money before you're producing anything you'd be happy with.

If that doesn't put you off, and you have the space to keep one set up for a week or two while you shred through material trying to follow your first pattern, crack on

Makerspaces are a good place to get to know what's going on in your area (though there might not be other people specifically into sewing, it's worth a try) - down where you are that'll be "Make Bournemouth", so pay them a visit.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You could pick up a cheap second hand one (or a mini one) and see if it’s worth the proper investment. I’ve a mini one for years and it’s been used loads to mend and alter the odd item. Like other said, it’s the set that’s the killer but once you get the hang of it you’ll fly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have a heavy duty singer sewing machine and I love it. I was taught to sew and dress make by my mother and grandmother. Yes, to make your own clothes can be more expensive than buying, but you can modify the patterns, your garment is going to be completely unique.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

Deffo worth it if u going to make your own clothes much stronger seams faster and the new ones are much better! Used to make all my own and older children's clothes back in the 70s and did a home job making dolls dresses for think it was the anabell doll then custom made skirts for a lady on the market to sell x

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"Check out fabric land in Bournemouth. I used to spend hours in there and their fabric is very reasonable

Didn’t even know that existed! I was looking at some fat quarters at hobbycraft and they seemed expensive for what they were "

Yeah that kind of stuff is expensive. Fabric land have remnants which are very handy for practicing and some of their basic cottons start at about £4:99 a metre.

If you decide to go ahead start with an easy basic shape garment and don't be tempted by stretch fabric

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By *acey_RedWoman
over a year ago

Liverpool

They're worth it if you get a decent one. I recommend brother or janome. A speed limiter can be helpful for beginners. I love mine. I've had it about 13 years and it's still going strong even after seeing me through a fashion degree.

My overlocker on the other hand can go to hell

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m an experienced costumer.

You make exactly what you want

I recommend Pfaff

Husqvarna are great

If you can afford it then also buy an over locker, but takes skill

Brother do a speed time machine

Patterns have full instructions

Lidl are currently selling good sewing books.

However, you will learn a lot on YouTube and…..practice.

If your not sure when making an outfit, make a toile, that is the same of which you want to make but in very cheap cotton. If it works then go ahead to make the proper one.

Take your time.

Most good sewing machines have an automatic threader now.

Good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Meant to say costumier

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