Hello and welcome to my new blog, The Off Kilter Quilter. I’m so happy you’re here.
My name is Lynda Johnson. I have been quilting for 21 years and long arm quilting since 2017. I live in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I’m a wife, dog mom, business owner and newer garment sewist.
So let’s address the elephant in the room. You got a sewing machine for Christmas and it’s still sitting in the box. Am I right? Your biggest question is “Now What?” Keep reading and let me help you get started sewing.
Confession time, when I decided to learn to quilt in 2003 (feels like a LONG time ago), I was scared of sewing machines and I’m not joking! This was thanks to my Grade 7 Home Economics teacher who was an absolute witch. To be exact, I was terrified of bobbins. So I get your hesitation, but let’s get you started sewing.
Where to Start
You need to open the box and pull everything out. Depending on your machine’s manufacturer and model, what’s inside may be a lot or a little.
READ YOUR MANUAL
After removing the packing and plastic from your machine, the best place to start is with your sewing machine manual. I cannot stress enough that your manual will be instrumental in sewing with your machine. Please make sure you keep it close by, as it should be the first place you look for answers. Ok, I know we live in the world of YouTube videos and it’s easier to look it up online. However, not everything is covered on YouTube, and frequently the answer to your question is right there in your manual.
Included in your manual will be such worthwhile subjects such as:
- How to set up your machine
- How to thread your machine
- How to wind a bobbin
- What the various presser feet are for
- Decorative stitches
- Ideal settings
- Troubleshooting, and more
One of the key things to check for in your manual is whether your machine should be oiled. Many modern machines contain a filled oil tank inside and do not require oiling. If your machine does require oiling, you should receive a small oil container with it. Make sure you check your manual for instructions.
Setting Up Your Machine
With the help of your manual, let’s set up your machine.
- Find a sturdy table to put it on
- Plug in the plugs and turn it on
- Use your bobbin winder and get your first bobbin wound
- Insert your bobbin in the machine or bobbin case
- Insert the bobbin case (if you have one)
- Thread your machine via the thread path (available in your manual) and you’re ready to go
Winding a Bobbin
Check your manual on how to wind your first bobbin.
- Make sure your bobbin is placed on the bobbin winder correctly
- You will need to thread your machine before winding a bobbin, which is not the same thread path for sewing (see image above)
- After threading, wrap your thread around the bobbin a couple of times
- Hold the thread end and press the button/shift the lever to start winding
- Keep an eye on the bobbin to make sure you are winding a symmetrical bobbin and check that you’re not winding thread under the bobbin
- When finished, remove the bobbin and either insert directly into your machine or into the bobbin case
- If you have a bobbin case, insert it into your machine
Threading Your Machine
Check your manual on how to thread your machine. There should be a thread path visible on your machine. However, knowing which guide you need to thread behind will be evident in your manual.
It is important that you raise your presser foot before starting to thread your machine. This way, the tension disks inside your machine will be open and the thread will slide between them. If you do not raise your presser foot, the tension disks will not be open and this will cause issues such as broken threads or bird’s nests under your needle plate.
That’s it! You’re ready to get sewing! That wasn’t too hard, was it?
Presser Feet
Your machine will come with at least one presser foot. Presser feet either snap on or are solid pieces of metal that you attach with a lever. To start, all you need is a basic foot to get started sewing.
Later, a quarter inch foot will help you to maintain a quarter inch seam which is important in patchwork piecing. If one was not included with your machine, you may want to pick one up.
Decorative Stitches
Most sewing machines come with programmed decorative stitches. These can include alphabets, zigzag,and blanket stitches, etc. For now, all you need for quilting is a simple straight stitch.
Sewing Machine Needles & Threads
Since my blog is mostly about quilting, I will speak about this topic relevant to quilting. You should get a small package of needles included with your machine and possibly a spool of thread too.
For quilting, in particular patchwork piecing, a cotton thread is preferred. A 50 weight (wt) thread works well. I recommend Aurifil if you have the budget, or Gutermann. Make sure the Gutermann is 100% cotton. Stay away from hand quilting threads as many are waxed which makes it easier to hand sew the three layers. This wax will build up on the inside of your machine which you don’t want.
Schmetz is a well known sewing machine needle brand which is owned by Bernina International. In my experience, it is much easier to find Schmetz needles than either Organ or Superior. However, any of these brands will serve you well. A quilting or topstitch needle are great needles to start with in size 90/14.
My Final Thoughts
Get your machine out of the box, set up and get started sewing. Make sure you keep your manual handy. Sewing and quilting are not nearly as difficult as many people think. Like anything, with practice, it all will come easily to you. Once you get to the point that you have mastered a skill, it’s time to move on to a different type or style of quilting. The world of quilting is very broad, and it’s no longer just about bed quilts. I hope this helps you get sewing. Thanks for reading.
For more helpful blog posts and quilting tips and tricks, make sure you follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram.