Sewing has always gone down in history as one of the best pastime hobbies for those interested in the art of making or modifying clothes.
Although it has been less widespread in recent years, there are still many people, men and women alike, who take an interest in it.
Sewing has always been a very gendered skill mostly marketed towards women, but it is something everyone can do.
Not everyone has an older parental figure or grandparent who knows how to sow to teach them, but that’s perfectly okay.
You can easily learn how to do it yourself when you have the right tools to get you started.
These days we have all types of sewing machines coming in, the most widespread brand being Singer.
There have also been easy-to-use handheld sewing machines that have gotten popular in recent years.
However, handheld sewing machines do not have the best reputation for lasting long.
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that isn’t too huge and easy to use, the perfect one for you could be a mini sewing machine.
Mini sewing machines replicate the art of sewing on a regular machine very well but make it a bit more simple and handy.
Yet, if you don’t know what you’re getting into, you may not know how to work it. If that’s the case, then this tutorial is for you.
Setting up your mini sewing machine
When you unbox your mini sewing machine, it will come with a small piece of fabric for testing, and it will already have a thread inserted from both the top and the bottom.
This will allow you to start stitching right off the bat; however, the thread will eventually run out, and you will have to replace it.
Here’s how to set up your sewing machine:
Powering your sewing machine
Under your mini sewing machine, there will be a small compartment where you can input batteries for easy wireless use.
You can insert your batteries there to power your machine, and it’ll be good to run if it’s working properly.
Another method of powering your sewing machine is through a wire and cable that you can attach to a power outlet.
The cable can be attached to the side of your sewing machine under your wheel.
Threading your bobbin
The mini sewing machine comes with a built-in bobbin threader. You can use this bobbin threader by placing your thread on the top of your sewing machine in a retractable notch and swirling the thread a bit around your bobbin.
You will see a small protruding button in the wheel on the wheel.
Press and turn this button in the anti-clockwise direction, and it will protrude further from your wheel.
Hook your bobbin on this notch and bring the foot of your sewing machine down, and the thread will start winding itself around your bobbin.
Placing the top thread
You can either place the thread on the top notch, or you can place a thread bobbin on the top side of your mini sewing machine near the wheel and screw it in place.
Then you can retract the thread from your bobbin and pass it through the thread guiders placed on the side of your machine.
Your user manual will indicate these.
Then you need to swirl your thread around the tension disks and continue winding your thread through the thread guiders towards your pin.
The last thread guider will be just above your needle, which you can push into before pushing your thread through the needle.
Your top thread will be in place.
Placing the bottom thread
Input a second bobbin into its slot beneath the pin area in a clockwise direction and bring the tail of the thread out.
Place the thread into a tiny slot holder. Then bring your needle down, and it will also retract the bottom thread through the needle.
Pull the bottom thread out until it is level with your top thread.
Pull both the top and the bottom thread under the pressure foot towards the other side of your machine.
All your threads will be in place, and your mini sewing machine will have been set up completely.
Using your mini sewing machine
Now that your sewing machine is set up and loaded with thread and batteries, you are ready to use it and put it to work.
Following a few simple steps, you can sew anything from minor holes to embroidery tasks as such:
- First, put your fabric under the pressure foot and then down the pressure foot.
- Spin the handwheel towards you a few times to bring the needle down and stab your thread through the fabric and keep it firmly in place.
- Push the pressure foot back up, swivel your fabric back around, and sew over your ends to double them. If you don’t do this, your stitching might come undone; this acts as a security measure for your thread to stay put.
- Bring it back down and sow through your fabric to your heart’s desire. In the end, always double your stitches in the opposite direction to keep your threads secure.
Simple enough, right? It can complete all your minor sewing fantasies and keep your clothes looking fresh.
