How hard is it to learn to use a sewing machine?
What you need, though, is to find someone to show you and work with you for a couple of hours on the machine, AND to present to you a handful of basic principles–HOW something works and why with fabrics and sewing. And this is going to sound wacky, I know, but your best bet with that is maybe a local costumer for a theatre–because such folks TEND to be less rigid about why people would want and need to sew. What I would recommend in your circumstance is to get a solid USED machine–something like a well-taken care of 1960’s or 70’s era BERNINA (Berninas are built like tanks–solid as rocks) that does straight AND zigzag stitching. That will cover all of the needs you’ve presented, and give you a MUCH better machine than any department store new one. Then ask around and find someone who’ll show you the basics of machine use and care–cleaning (Berninas are very simple to maintain), how to wind bobbins, thread the machine, back-tack, straight stitch, change the settings. (Berninas have
they often have classes that cover the basics and free projects (just like at the hardware outlets where you can learn how to lay tile etc.). And if you are thinking of buying a machine, you can get detailed demonstrations for free. It really is NOT that hard. Once you learn how to thread the machine and adjust the tension, all the rest of the work is about using patterns and following instructions. Button holes require a little practice on scrap material but each machine should come with instructions and any necessary attachments. Don’t be intimidated…if you can set up a tent, you can master a sewing machine. Despite rumors to the contrary, the machines are not trained to act up when men try to use them!
I personally think they are hard to use! Not the actual sewing, but the machine itself. My mom is pretty much a professional sewer, or at least used to be, and she has absolutely no problem with sewing and doing he basic upkeep on her machine and knows it like it’s the back of her hand, even her newer computerized model. I did take home ec, and made an apron and skirt in it, but hated doing it and didn’t really learn how to do it well and pretty much hated the experience. I’m not sure if it was because my mom was so good at it and had no patience to really explain it to me, or what. I wish I could do it, as it would come in very handy to me. I, however, have the hardest time with sewing achines! I have two of them, actually, and neither is used as they are just too frustrating to me. Bobbins seem to always fall out on me, and the threading path just doesn’t want to cooperate, or a needle breaks. I’m sure it’s me, I need someone to sit down and show me how the darn machine works and sho
