Your First Steps in Learning to Sew

Step 2 - Learn to Sew a Straight Line

Now that you have learned the main parts of the sewing machine in our Learn to Sew Step 1, it is time to learn how to sew straight lines. Many people want to jump right into sewing their project. However, we are going to sew on paper first so that you can practice sewing a perfectly straight line and perfect controlling the machine and your fabric (paper).

Now, place the paper under the pressure foot and line up one of your lines as shown in the photo.

Put the needle down into the paper. Put the pressure foot down.

This is how you will begin ALL of your sewing. (Needle down into the fabric, and pressure foot down)

NEVER SEW WITH THE PRESSURE FOOT UP!

Do not HOLD ONTO the PAPER TOO TIGHT. That is the biggest problem I see with new students. They are nervous, and hold onto the paper so tight that it doesn't even move. Remember you learned in step 1 that as you sew the feed dogs will be pushing the paper back. Let them do their job. Don't hold onto your paper too tightly, and don't push your paper through either. Let the machine do it.  Your job is to control the paper or fabric and what direction of course it goes in.

Continue this until you have sewn several perfectly straight lines and can control the machine smoothly. If you have to, make a second piece of paper with lines and practice some more.  You will want to master this until you move on.

Now draw curved lines (like an "s") and circles on a piece of paper and try mastering circles and curves. Once you have done this, move onto Learn to Sew step 3.