Sewing pattern: Patchwork tote bag

So you got a new sewing machine for Christmas this year?  Great!  This is the beginning of an exciting new hobby.  It won’t be long before you’re sewing all the things!  But first things first, you’ve got to take that new machine out of the box and learn how to use it.  I’ve rounded up some tutorials that will get you started.  Start with learning the basic parts of the machine and how they work together, then learn the supplies you’ll need to have on hand, then finally learn how to thread the machine and make it sew.

Parts of a Sewing Machine

A Guide to All the Parts of a Sewing Machine and Their Uses by Martha Stewart

There are a lot of parts and pieces on a sewing machine.  Knowing what all these parts are and, more importantly, what they’re used for will help you learn how to use your machine.

[photo credit: Martha Stewart]

How Sewing Machines Work

Sewing Machines by Explain That Stuff

This is a great article that explains how all those parts and pieces work together to create a stitch.  It’s easy to read and will give you a good working knowledge of how your machine works. 

[photo credit: Explain That Stuff]

Sewing Machine Anatomy: How a Stitch is Made by Threads Magazine

A sewing machine stitch is different from a hand stitch.  A hand stitch uses one thread to make a stitch, but a sewing machine uses two – a top thread and a bobbin thread.  This is my favorite video to show people how a machine stitch is actually made. 

[photo credit: Threads Magazine]

Basic Sewing Supplies

The Best Sewing Supplies for Beginners by The Seasoned Homemaker

There are a LOT of sewing supplies out there!  Just take a walk down the notions and supplies aisles at the craft and fabric stores and you’ll know what I mean.  And while there are some basic supplies you’ll need to have on hand when you start sewing, most of those fancy supplies can wait.   This is a great list of the basic supplies you’ll need to get started.

[photo credit: The Seasoned Homemaker]

Thread Your Machine

How to Thread a Sewing Machine Step by Step by Treasurie

Most sewing machines use the same basic threading path.  What that path looks like will vary from sewing machine to sewing machine, but the path and the parts are mostly the same.  This tutorial from Treasurie includes an easy-to-read diagram that shows the basic path and order for threading your machine.

[photo credit: Treasurie]

Sew a Basic Seam

How to Sew a Basic Seam by Seamwork

So you’ve got the machine out of the box, threaded, and you’ve got some basic supplies.  Now it’s time to make it sew!  This post tells how you to sew a basic seam, from layering and pinning your fabrics, to how to put it under the needle and how to keep the line nice and straight.

[photo credit: Seamwork]