Sewing machines have made it easier for people to finish their sewing project with neat and flawless stitches. With the increasing advancements in technologies, machines now provide an array of features such as easy and reliable stitching, quick and effortless adjustments, and of course, the freedom to stitch on intricate and delicate designs. As exciting and beneficial as the features are, knowing the basics of how to free stitch on your machine is essential to make the most of your stitchery creation.
The word ‘freehand’ itself implies the ability to make an alteration or customize a garment without any mechanical guidance. Unlike traditional machines, free hand stitching machines require minimal manipulation while they stitch. These machines simplify the process and make it easier to tackle various projects from altering stitches, hems, and fabrics to making custom designs and even repainting clothes. Additionally, many of these machines also come with the very useful feature of having adjustable stitching speeds for different fabrics and stitch types.
Whether you have a basic machine or an advanced one, you need to learn the core principles of free stitching by following a few simple steps. Firstly, you need to take the basic measurements of your fabric before starting the process. This ensures that the fabric is the right size for the free stitch design and will not get distorted. Secondly, you need to adjust the tension of the machine to the right setting depending on the fabric. Check the user manual for details. Thirdly, insert the thread spool in the correct place and attach the needle correctly. Lastly, stitch the fabric manually along the lines of the design without using the machine’s feed.
The best way to get used to free stitching is to start with simpler projects and follow step-by-step instructions. If possible, find a tutorial or a book that will provide more detailed information about freehand techniques and tips. Additionally, many high-end machines come with downloadable tutorials, so it is worth checking out those before starting the project. Moreover, it is always good to practice free stitching on scraps of cloth to familiarize yourself with the process and learn the techniques required for making perfect designs and patterns.
Above all, make sure to use the right type of needles and threads that are suitable for free stitching. The wrong type of needles can cause a lot of problems, from tangled threads to uneven stitches. Look for needles specifically designed for free stitching and make sure to use the right type of thread for the fabric. If you are unsure which needles and threads are suitable, consult your local sewing supply store to get the right advice.
Adjustment
When learning how to free stitch on a sewing machine, it is important to note that these machines require frequent adjustment. The stitch settings must be adjusted to match the fabric and design you are working with while setting the correct tension can take some time to get right. It is always best to begin with a basic design and increase the complexity gradually. Once you get the hang of things, you can move on to making more complicated and intricate designs.
Furthermore, it is essential to pay attention to the requirement of the fabrics. Depending on the type of fabric, different needle settings, thread sizes, and tensions have to be used. Pay particular attention to this and make sure to use the correct settings from the beginning. This will save you from having to make unnecessary adjustments later on.
Experimentation
The beautiful thing about free stitching is that it allows for a lot of experimentation, especially when it comes to creating new designs and patterns. You can even practice with different fabric, thread, and needle combinations before settling on an effect. This type of experimentation also allows you to get comfortable with the machine and understand how to use it in the best way possible.
To make the most of this opportunity, keep a notebook handy that can be used to write down the results of your experiments. That way, you will know what combinations work best and what techniques are more successful than others. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep a log of the successes and failures so that you know what works and what doesn’t.
Equipment
The type of equipment used while free stitching is also very important. Make sure to use only good quality fabrics, needles, and threads that are suitable for free stitching. Many times, the type of equipment used can make or break the entire project. Therefore, it is best to invest in quality materials that are specifically designed for free stitch projects.
Additionally, it is advisable to keep some emergency equipment on hand. Things like spare needles, extra thread, and scissors can come in really handy especially when working on complex designs. This emergency set can also help you to get out of tight spots should any emergency arise.
Maintenance
One of the most overlooked aspects of free stitching is the maintenance and upkeep of the machine. In order to make sure that the machine runs smoothly for a long time, regular cleaning, oiling, and inspection should be done. This includes checking for any worn out needles and rust spots. Also, it is important to make sure that the machine is dust free and the thread guides are all properly lubricated.
A well-maintained machine will give you the best results, so it is always advisable to take proper care of the machine. Furthermore, it helps to read the user manual thoroughly and understand the features of the machine and how to use them properly.
Materials
While there are some techniques and conditions that always remain the same when using a freehand stitching machine, the materials used in a project can be changed to create different effects. Different fabrics and thread will give the project a unique look and feel when put together. Playing around with this combination is an essential part of freehand stitching and a great way to add a personal touch to each piece.
Textures like lightweight linens, cotton, wool and other soft fabrics can be used for making intricate and delicate freehand designs. Thicker fabrics such as canvas and gloves can also be used for a more robust look and feel. Threads also play a crucial role in the overall outlook of the project. You can choose from coloured polyester, cotton, and silk threads and mix and match them to create the perfect effect.
Practice
It can take some time to get used to free stitching and it requires practice to perfect the technique. Thus, it is always a good idea to practice freehand stitching on a regular basis. Whether it is a simple design or a complex project, these skills will come in handy when it is time to make the fabric come to life.
Also, practice helps to refine the skills which is an essential part of becoming a master of freehand stitching. Keep in mind that it takes time to develop confidence and proficiency with the skills and techniques. So, keep practicing and experimenting and you will be able to make amazing creations in no time!
