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SewMoreForU

All About Sewing Machines For You

Sew More For U has collected a variety of sewing machines, dress forms and sewing feet to bring you a guide to choosing your sewing needs. We will continue to find more for you and hope these will help with your sewing.

Choosing the right sewing machine for your needs is very important and we have outlined what you need to look for and how to go about finding the right sewing machine for you..

We also have help for you to choose an embroidery sewing machine and also some pointers for you if you are thinking about buying a serger.

Our article on sewing feet is very helpful too. There are so many sewing feet on the market and they all have a great purpose, we have outlined many of them for you and we hope this will help you decide if your sewing would benefit form them.

And lastly, dress forms, once you use a dress form, it is hard to sew without one. Fitting someone else is no problem but fitting ourselves is hard, so a dress form could be a great investment towards your wardrobe.

We hope you enjoy our site and come back often as we are always finding new way to help with your sewing.

Carmel and the Crew from Sew More For U

How many feet do you have? Or I should say, how many feet does your sewing machine have?

Once upon a time there was a sewing machine with one foot, one foot for sewing a straight stitch.

Now there are sewing machines with many feet and they all do a different job for you. They certainly make life at the sewing machine more enjoyable and easier. Some of these feet come with your machine and your manual will have the information for you on what application they are used for.

By taking the time to try these attachments for your sewing machine, you will find a whole new creative side to yourself, and you thought your machine was for sewing.

I'd like to take you through some of these sewing feet and what they can do. Your machine comes with the straight stitch foot and a zig-zag foot, these tow are normally standard. Some machines come with other feet as standard to that make or model and then there are the extra feet you can purchase to do those wonderful sewing jobs for you. I'd like to take you through these feet. These are the names as I know them, some of these may have different names with different manufacturers but the stitches they will be the same.

Braid Foot The narrow and wide braid feet both have a hook on the front of the foot slip and a narrow tunneled groove underneath. It is used when you want to add cording or braid. The cord is laced through the hook and under the foot slip into the tunneled groove. There is a braid-guide attachment you can attach near the presser foot shank to keep the braid or cord taut while stitching, no tangles.

Buttonhole Foot The buttonhole foot can be recognized by it's rectangle shaped foot with thin extensions at either end, a raised square on top of the foot and small grooves on the bottom of the foot. It is similar to some embroidery feet. It makes sewing buttonholes very easy.

Eyelet Foot I don't know how many of you would want to be sewing eyelets but if that is what you want to do then this is the foot for you. It is a very specialized foot. It is a H-shaped flat foot, has a small cylinder shape attachment to the top surface.

Gathering Foot This one is very handy. It is a small L-shaped foot with a slot on the bottom side. The bottom of the foot is higher at the front than the back. This causes the foot to rock when attached to the machine. This rocking creates the gathers. You set the stitch length at a higher setting to get more gathers and a normal setting to get less gathers. If you are gathering a single piece of fabric, feed the fabric under the foot or use the side slot to stitch one piece of fabric to another.

Narrow Bias Binder Foot This foot has a coned shaped, slotted cylinder on the topside of the foot. It folds and applies the bias binding in one step.

Open-Toe Embroidery Foot This foot will give you a view of your work so you can see the satin or decorative stitches between the widely spaced toes. There are grooves underneath to allow room for the stitches.

Pintuck Foot This is a flat foot with grooves cut in underneath. This foot, used with a double needle will pinch and stitch lines of straight stitching in narrow raised patterns. The number of grooves will determine the spacing between the lines and the number of pattern lines. The three groove pintuck foot is used on heavier fabric or for wider designs and the for and five groove pintuck foot will be better on lightweight fabric or for narrower patterns.

Rolled Hemming Foot If you want small double folded hems then this is the foot for you. Use it for medium to lightweight fabric. The groove on the bottom of the foot is the width of the finished hem. You will be able to sew hems with a straight stitch, zig-zag or decorative stitch. This has so many uses, think of lingerie, ruffles, curtains, scarves, table linen, wonderful.

Roller Foot This is a very handy foot, the metal roller feeds the fabric and keeps it from stretching and bunching, great for thick, heavier fabric and fabric with a nap. Often called an even feed foot.

Ruffler Foot This is a large foot with many components and you use it to evenly space ruffles and pleats. If you want to ruffle bigger jobs like curtains, skirts, home decor items then this foot will help enormously.

Teflon Foot This foot is coated in teflon and we all know teflon is non-stick so this foot will stop those difficult fabrics like leather, suede or textured fabric. It allows the fabric to glide under rather than being fed. You can get it as a zig-zg or a straight stitch foot.

Walking Foot This foot has teeth rather than a roller to feed the fabric evenly.

Welding Foot This has two narrow claw like prongs instead of a small hole in the middle and is used for straight stitching close to the edge of a hem or seam

Zipper Foot This is one of the best feet ever made for sewing machines, it looks like a straight stitch foot cut in half and then the outside edges joined in the center.

Well, that is the more common types of the sewing machine feet available.

Most of these would be available for most machines on the market today. If you intend to do special sewing jobs then investing in the foot for that particular job could save you so much time.

© CTBaird 2006 SewMoreFor

Here are some of those Special Feet to help with those special sewing techniques and will make your sewing more professional and much easier for you.

Ruffler Foot - For XL 150 & XL1000 Machines

The ruffler quickly and easily produces professional looking ruffles or pleats. Compatible with Singer Models: XL-150 XL-1000

Darning & Embroidery Foot- Singer XL Machines

Darning & Emb Foot--This special foot may be used to create free hand embroidery and quilting (stippling) as well as monograms. Comptible with Singer models: XL-150 XL-1000 XL-5000 XL-6000

Even Feed/Walking Foot - For Singer XL Machines

Even Feed/Walking Foot--This foot is used to sew plaids velours velvets ultra suede and other napped fabrics. Compatible with Singer Models: XL-150 XL-1000 XL-5000 XL-6000

Elastic Foot - For 14SH654 Machine
Elastic Foot--This special foot is used for inserting elastic into a seam. Use for swimwear and lingerie. Compatible with Singer Models: 14SH654

Cording Foot - For Singer 14SH654 Machine

Cording Foot--This foot is used for sewing piping (cording) between two layers of fabric in one easy operation. Compatible with Singer Models: 14SH654

1/4'' Foot

1/4 inch foot--This foot is very popular with quilters and is used for piecing quilt blocks
sewing narrow 1/4 inch seams and topstitching. Compatible with Singer Models: 2517 2950 3270 3343 4830 50005400 5700 5800 57000

Open Toe Foot

Open Toe Foot--This special foot makes your work area more visible. Used for satin and other
decorative stitches. Compatible with Singer Models: XL-150 XL-1000 XL-5000 XL-6000
Buttonhole Foot--This transparent foot is used for executing 4-step or manual buttonholes. Its includes markings that help position the needle. Compatible with Singer Models: 2517 2950 3270 3343 4830 5000 5400 5700 5800 57000

Button Sewing Foot

Button Sewing Foot--This special foot holds the button firmly in place when attaching it to a garment. Compatible with Singer Models: 6500 2623 7300 3800 6038 1100 2638 Scholastic

Pin Tuck Foot

Compatible with Singer Models: XL-150 XL-1000 XL-5000 XL-6000 3400 8090 CE-100 CE-200 9900 Futura Quantum Futura

Gathering Foot

Gathering Foot--This foot quickly and expertly form single rows of gathering or shirring. Use this foot for smocking. Compatible with Singer Models: 6500 2623 7300 3800 6038 1100 2638 Scholastic

Rolled Hem Foot

Rolled Hem Foot--Use this foot for fine rolled edges on scarfs handkerchiefs and linens made from delicate fabrics. Compatible with Singer models: 6500 2623 7300 3800 6038 1100 2638 Scholastic

Buttonhole Foot

Buttonhole Foot--This transparent foot is used for executing 4-step or manual buttonholes. Its includes markings that help position the needle. Compatible with Singer Models: 2517 2950 3270 3343 4830 5000 5400 5700 5800 57000

Buying a Sewing Machine

Gone are the days of the “sewing machine’ – bought to sew straight rows of stitching, taking much less time than doing the job by hand.

Today, as with most things, we have so much choice and our sewing needs have not been neglected in the choice department.

A word of advice, don’t take your husband, spouse or male partner with you or worse still, don’t send him to do your buying.

Admittedly you will get one beautiful sewing machine with everything that opens and shuts, will probably be the top of the range because the “mechanical” side of it will be what he takes into account, not your sewing needs.

You may only want a machine for mending and maybe the odd outfit or costume for a school play. You will find yourself with every sewing option anyone could ever need or want.

Buying a sewing machine is all about your sewing needs. For basic sewing needs and this covers your complete wardrobe too, what you will require is:-

Straight stitching
Stretch stitching
Zigzag stitching
Buttonhole stitching.

If you plan on doing lots of buttonholes, then look for an automatic buttonhole feature. The basic buttonhole feature on most machines will suffice if you are only doing a few here and there.

There is another feature I would be looking for and that is, how does the machine go with the thickness of fabric, hemming jeans, sewing thick woolen fabrics, round the corners on pockets etc. And…. The reverse, how does it sew on the fine fabrics, silks, sheers etc. That type of thing because these are the fabrics you will be using, maybe not every time you sew, but enough to want to do it with ease.

Firstly, work out your needs, keep your options open, you may feel you only need a new sewing machine for mending but when you get it and have a few lessons, you may decide you will do a bit more and before you know it, you are making all your own clothes.

There is nothing like learning to do things the right way. Most dealers offer free sewing lessons when you purchase a new machine. This is a great idea and lets you get to know and understand your machine. Shop around for the best deal on this too.

There is a disadvantage to buying online, as the sewing lessons may not be available unless there is a dealer in your area who handles the sale.

So if you are going after the best deal and it is online, then be aware of this. You may live in a remote area and no close dealers, so ask if there is anything available you may be able to take advantage of in your closest bigger town.

There also could be phone support or online support, not everyone is living in the big cities. Sewing people are friendly folk and enjoy helping each other.

There are also forums you can join where there is a good community to help members.

Now that pretty well covers you getting to know your new machine and there is nothing like practice to get to know it better.

A sewing machine with the basics like straight, stretch, zigzag, buttonhole stitches, will sew over thick and fine fabrics will serve you well to make your own outfits.

Visit the dealers in your local area, check out the warrantee, the after sales service and if there are any free sewing lessons.

Test-drive a few different brands.

When you do decide on a sewing machine, make sure you are shown how to look after it.

When to oil
How to oil
Where to oil
How much oil,
How to clean
Where to clean
How to change the light bulb
How to change the belt
When to do all of the above

If you learn all this and maintain your machine, you should have years of trouble free sewing.

I am not recommending any make of sewing machine but would just like to tell you that I have had my machine for over 30 years. I always oil it (only special sewing machine oil, this is most important) and clean it, keep the dogfeed free of lint etc. every time I use it. I have only had the foot control to the service center once, the slow speed needed adjusting. Of course, I have had a couple of new belts and light bulbs.

It was at the time it was purchased, the top of the range Elna (my husband bought it for me, that’s how I know about the “man” thing and sewing machines, I wanted a basic sewing machine).

The majority of the features I have only used a few times, some just to see what they could do, and it took me some time to “become friends” with my Ellie, but once I had a few lessons, got to know it better, we have been the “best of friend” for all those years.

I just love my sewing machine. I know there are bigger and better but for my needs, Ellie is just great.

I have sewn since I was very young but after starting to sew with my new “best friend”, I took myself off to a pattern drafting and sewing course and this really made an impact on my and my daughter’s wardrobes.

So when you are looking for your sewing machine, keep in mind your current needs and also what you may want to do in the future.

You may decide to start up your own business, maybe not sewing clothes, maybe sewing for the home, put out a line of table linen, wonderful cushions. Maybe you like doing alterations and are good at it, people are always looking for someone to alter their clothes.

If you are thinking of starting your own business, don’t get talked into buying an industrial sewing machine first up, you may find you don’t need one, a domestic sewing machine may do all you need.

From the Sew More For U eGuide more than just a sewing book

© CTBaird 2006 SewMoreForU

hereSinger® 118 Featherweight II Sewing Machine

"Free Shipping on this item! (use promotion code APRFSA625) Singer 118 Featherweight II Sewing Machine: *Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery*The Singer 118 Featherweight II is compact, light and portable weighing only 11.5 lbs! Packed with all of the important features needed to cope with today's vast variety of materials and sewing techniques. It has handy utility stitches, elastic overlock programs, plus and easy-to-sew buttonhole. 14 Stitch patterns (utility and stretch stitches). Top drop in bobbin for fast changing & Free Arm for hard to reach areas! Its easy operation guarantees fast and professional results! So versatile this machine can also be used for your quilting projects!Measures: 15.5''L x 8.75''W x 13''HWeighs: 11.5 lbs.*Special Handling applies for shipments to Alaska & Hawaii. Please call to place order at 1-800-525-4951 (M-F 9-6pm E.S.T)* * Purchase this machine and receive the Quilters Presser Feet pack and Easy Quilting Video FREE! * Quilters Presser Feet Pack includes: 1/4'' , Darning & Embroidery & Blind Applique Feet * Features include: Automatic needle threader, snap on presser feet, easy-to-sew buttonholer * Machine has built-in compartment for accessories: needles, bobbins, feet, dust cover, plate cover * 25 year manufacturer limited warranty. Machine uses Class 15 Bobbins"

Choosing An Embroidery Machine

Isn’t modern technology wonderful?

Look what it has brought us----Embroidery---- scanning, programming, creativity. Designs, all in the form of a machine.

Many, many years ago, some talented Irish nuns, taught me to embroider. All those neat hand stitches, as neat on the back as on the front. Today there are many who still love to embroider, it is a wonderful pastime.<title>All About Sewing Machines </title>
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I still have several pieces of embroidery my mother did when she was young, before she was married. One piece in particular is a beautiful linen lingerie bag, embroidered and with the most beautiful crocheted lace edging about 3 inches (7.5cm) wide all done by my Mum, the whole piece white, very classic and exquisite. The inside is of the embroidery is as neat as the outside.

The hours that went into these pieces were many. Today, with the new embroidery machines, they could all be done in no time.

Now all that aside, you have decided you want/need and embroidery machine. But, which one?

There are some amazing machines on the market, all computerized, but you don’t have to be a computer whiz to operate them.

What you do need to do is to research the various machines, check out the available models on the Internet before heading off to the dealers. Fore armed, so to speak.

Decide how much embroidery you feel you will be doing, and then expand on that because I’m sure once you start using these wonderful embroidery machines, then you will find more and more projects you can use it for.

If you’re not into computers, don’t be put off, embroidery machines are user friendly and your dealers will show you the ins and outs of them.

For your research here are a few sites you can check out:-

All Brands    http://www.allbrands.com
Bernina    http://www.bernina.com
Brother    http://www.brother.com
Elna    http://www.babylock.com
Husqvarna/Viking    http://www.husqvarnaviking.com
Janome    http://www.janome.com
Pfaff    http://www.pfaff.com
Singer    http://www.singerco.com/products/

You can get lots of information from these sites, some of them have FAQ sections, so that is a good place to look while doing your research. Also, there are forums too http://embroideryforums.com/ these can be a wealth of information for you.

Now you have done all your research, have an excellent idea of what you want, so go check out your local dealers.
A good dealer should be quite happy for you to try the different machines, look for:-

·    You are comfortable with the controls
·    Ease of doing what you want
·    It all makes sense to you
·    Will connect to your computer (for downloading designs)
·    Can you download designs from the Internet?
·    How much do the extra designs cost?
·    Warranty, electronics and mechanics
·    Lessons and courses free or how much
·    Any “how to use” videos
·    Can you try with your own fabric and threads

Don’t let a dealer pressurize you. These embroidery machines are a little different to the normal sewing machine, more than sewing a straight stitch.

Make sure you find out from the dealer the care and maintenance of your new embroidery machine.

·    How, when and where to oil
·    What is the correct oil to use?
·    How to remove lint and fluff
·    Where lint and fluff will build up
·    General cleaning of the machine

Do you know what you are going to do once you have your embroidery machine at home and have started to use it?

Every time you go out you will notice embroidery, on articles you have never noticed before.

Your creativity will take off so……go have fun!!!

From the Sew More For U eGuide more than just a sewing book

© CTBaird 2006 SewMoreFor

Singer® Futura Sewing/Embroidery Machine

"Singer Futura Embroidery Machine: **Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery**Here is one of the first sewing/embroidery machines that use a personal computer to power the embroidery features. Download stitched designs from other CD or floppy disk and embroider! The Futura also has 22 built-in stitches and 80 stitch functions that give you a wide variety of clothing construction, heirloom and quilting stitches for all your sewing needs. Built in needle threader makes that mundane task enjoyable! Drop feed control for free motion embroidery, monogramming and quilting (stippling). Includes large (4 1/2"" x 6 3/4"") and small (3 1/8"" x 4 3/4"") hoops for different size embroidery designs. Step by step tutorial will help you get started in minutes, as well as Singer's 25 year warranty. This machine does not have ""auto digitizing capability"" View the Quantum Futura for this function.Machine measures: 22.5""L x 22""W x 17""HWeight: 39.25*Special Handling applies for shipments to Alaska & Hawaii. Please call to place order at 1-800-525-4951 (M-F 9-6pm E.S.T)* * Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Orders must be placed by 12/14/04 for Christmas delivery * Includes software that reads most embroidery formats. Allowing you to download designs from internet * Bonus embroidery package included. Includes 60 built in designs plus 60 bonus designs * Windows 98 and up compatible. Compatible with most popular operating system available * Futura includes: hoops, darning & embroidery foot, 3 bobbins, spool covers and trimming scissors *FREE SHIPPING on this item! (use promotion code APRFSA625)"

Sergers, Overlocks and more all at AllBrands.com

Do You Need A Serger?

Sergers or Overlockers can be a wonderful addition to your sewing room, but only if you have the need for one.

A serger can: - sew a seam, trim and finish off the seam edges and all in so little time.    A serger can stitch up to 1700 stitches per minute while a sewing machine will do only 700 to 1100 stitches per minute.

Before you take yourself off to the serger dealers, take stock of your sewing needs. While I know if you do buy one, you will wonder how you have sewn all these years without one. But…. that is beside the point. Ask yourself, how often would you use a serger? Would your sewing machine be able to handle what you want a serger for?

Do you use a lot of knit fabrics?
Sew for children, particularly, tracksuits, play clothes and PJs?
Thinking of starting a business with your hobby?
Want a more professional finish to your garments?

Armed with your needs, visit the serger dealers in your local area. It is always best, if possible to find a dealer in your area for the after sales service and the convenience of having help close by.

Before you do the rounds of the dealers, it is a good idea to have some knowledge of the features. You can do this by getting on the Internet, there is some helpful information, enough to let you know how knowledgeable the dealer is too. There are some links for you at the end of this chapter.

Get the dealer to demonstrate the various models. Sergers come in 2,3,4, and 5 threads. The more threads the more options and the more expensive. Ask if you can try the various models to see how they sew.

Sergers won’t replace your regular sewing machine. While a serger will do such a lot of your sewing, including rolled hems, it won’t do facings, topstitching, zippers, buttonholes etc.

Shop for the:-
·    Best warranty
·    Free lessons
·    After sales service
·    Helpful staff
·    Knowledgeable staff

I’m sure you can think of more.

Here are some helpful links for you serger knowledge

Buying a Serger
http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/textiles/nf142.htm

Compare Sergers online
http://www.nextag.com/machine-serger-sewing/search-html

Serger questions and answers
http://www.sergerplace.com/SergerQuestionsAnswers.htm

From the Sew More For U eGuide more than just a sewing book

© CTBaird 2006 SewMoreFor

White® 1934D Superlock Serger

"White 1934D Superlock Serger: Joann.com is proud to introduce a new video of this serger! Click on orange ""Video Demo"" link above!Exactly what you've been asking for! This best-selling White(R) Superlock 1934D features 3 or 4 thread overlock, instant rolled edge, automatic tension release, adjustable stitch width/length, exclusive open wide threading, differential feed and much more! Comes with an instructional video and 4 accessory feet. **Item is shipped in original manufacturers packaging that could reveal package contents** *FREE SHIPPING on this item! (use promotion code APRFSA625)"

Dritz® My Double Dressform (Small #20100)

"Dritz® My Double Dressform (SMALL): Now you to can get the same results as a professional seamstress! This dressform from Prym-Dritz® is completely adjustable and made to withstand years of your measuring and sewing projects! Rich, plum color that looks great in your sewing room -- or as a valet in your bedroom! A perfect gift for the sewing enthusiast! * 10 rotating dials turn easily for accurate adjustments at the bust/chest, waist and hips * Dress form cover made of foam-backed nylon for easy pinning and marking.with hemming attachment * Sturdy tripod stand won't tip over and folds for compact storage. * Measurements: Bust: 33''-41'', Waist: 25''-33'', Hips: 36''-44'' * Neck: 13 1/2'' +,Back Waist Length: 15'' +/- *FREE SHIPPING on this item! (use promotion code APRFSA625)"

Dritz® My Double Dressform (FULL Figure #20300)

"Dritz My Double Dressform (FULL FIGURE): Now you to can get the same results as a professional seamstress! This dressform from Prym-Dritz® is completely adjustable and made to withstand years of your measuring and sewing projects! Rich, plum color that looks great in your sewing room -- or as a valet in your bedroom! A perfect gift for the sewing enthusiast! * 10 rotating dials turn easily for accurate adjustments at the bust/chest, waist and hips * Dress form cover made of foam-backed nylon for easy pinning and marking.with hemming attachment. * Sturdy tripod stand won't tip over and folds for compact storage * Measurements: Bust: 45''-53'', Waist: 38''-46'', Hips: 47''-55'', Back Waist Length: 16''-18'' *FREE SHIPPING on this item! (use promotion code APRFSA625)"

Dritz® My Double Dressform (Medium #20200)

"Free Shipping on this item! (use promotion code APRFSA625) Dritz My Double Dressform (MEDIUM): Now you to can get the same results as a professional seamstress! This dressform from Prym-Dritz® is completely adjustable and made to withstand years of your measuring and sewing projects! Rich, plum color that looks great in your sewing room -- or as a valet in your bedroom! A perfect gift for the sewing enthusiast! * 10 rotating dials turn easily for accurate adjustments at the bust/chest, waist and hips * Dressform cover made of foam-backed nylon for easy pinning and marking with hemming attachment * Sturdy tripod stand won't tip over and folds for compact storage. * Measurements: Bust: 39''-47'', Waist: 32''-39'', Hips: 41''-49'', * Neck: 14'' +, Back Waist Length: 16'' +/-"