Lesson 4 - Your Growth Plan for Mastering the Sewing Machine

In this session of our Free Sewing & Pattern Drafting Class, we focused on helping beginners understand how to operate a sewing machine with confidence. 

Whether you're completely new to sewing or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the basics— here's a step-by-step growth plan to help you become an expert in no time. 

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to sew neatly, follow seam allowances, and build a strong foundation for more advanced sewing techniques. 

Remember, consistent practice will determine how quickly you develop expertise, so don’t skip this part! Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Pedal Control for a manual machine: Learn how to pedal properly to keep a steady rhythm.

@ooti_kano_fashionschool Pedalling a manual sewing machine. When pedalling, you need to ensure, that the flywheel keeps moving towards you. We offer other Fashion Course, as a Fashion School. We have both beginners and advanced courses for fashion designers. Interested to know more? Send us a DM, or send a WhatsApp chat to 08127008525

For an electric machine: Master the appropriate pressure for the foot pedal. Although, with modern industrial machines, this is easier as most have speed regulators.

Step 2: Threading the Machine

Learn how to thread both the upper and lower parts of the sewing machine. Threading correctly is essential to avoid skipped stitches or thread jams.

Step 3: Straight-Line Sewing

@ooti_kano_fashionschool Watch this to sew a perfect straight line as a beginner.

Practice sewing straight lines by giving yourself a guide to follow. Learn to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of each line. This locks your stitch in place and ensures durability.

Step 4: Zigzag and Curvy Lines 

Once you’ve mastered straight lines, move on to zigzag and curved lines.  Again, give yourself a guide and keep practicing reverse stitching at the start and end.  

If you have been following on our ... How to use of the sewing machine then, don't skip this. In this tutorial, you are being shown how to sew zigzag lines, following markings, already done on the fabric... How is your sewing journey going this far? If you need guidance, you should join our physical classes

@ooti_kano_fashionschool

If you have been following on our ... How to use of the sewing machine then, don't skip this. In this tutorial, you are being shown how to sew curvy lines, following markings, already done on the fabric... How is your sewing journey going this far? If you need guidance, you should join our physical classes Registration is on for our Foundation class. Don't miss out on this

 

Step 5: Seam Allowances Using Needle Plate Markings

Learn to use the markings on the needle plate to sew with precise seam allowances.  

@ooti_kano_fashionschool Put enough allowance inside my clothes o. Have you heard the above statement before? What is implied is ... seam allowance. Before a fabric is cut, the seam allowance is decided on; this is the distance between the edge of the fabric and the seam. Following the seam allowance while sewing gives a better chance of having a finished garment that will be the wearer's measurements and also fit well (if other factors have been careful followed). It is therefore important that a beginner learn how to sew, following specific measurements (allowance ).

If your machine doesn’t have markings, you can improvise by marking the guide yourself. 

@ooti_kano_fashionschool You can improvise, creating guides on your sewing machine, to ease sewing consistently on your seam allowance. All you need are Maxing tape Ruler Pen. Watch this video, and follow the instructions. P.S. you will no longer need to paint your fabric with tailors chalk, in the name of marking the seam path. You are welcome

Bonus Tip for Smoother Results  

Apply light pressure with your fingers on the front and back of your fabric while sewing. This helps keep the fabric steady and produces smoother stitches.  

Check out this video, to understand what was explained.

If you follow these steps in these order, and practice regularly, you’ll find yourself progressing steadily.

And guess what? 

You’ll soon be able to sew with confidence! However, it does take hours of dedicated practice to consistently achieve beautiful results.

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Next Lesson: Understanding Pattern Drafting: The Recipe for Perfect Fit

Previous Lesson: Getting Started with the Sewing Machine