Fun Facts About Sewing That Are Worth Knowing
by Kelsi Watts: The earliest known sewing needles date back to the Upper Paleolithic period, around 30,000 years ago. These needles were made from bone, antler, or ivory, and were used to sew together animal hides and furs.
In the Middle Ages, sewing guilds were formed to protect the interests of sewers and to regulate the quality of their work. These guilds also helped to preserve sewing techniques and traditions.
The first sewing machine was invented by Charles Fredrick Wiesenthal in 1755. However, it was not until the early 1800s that the first practical sewing machine was developed by French tailor Barthélemy Thimonnier.
In the early 1900s, sewing machines became widely available and affordable, and this led to a boom in the clothing industry. Sewing machines allowed clothes to be produced more quickly and inexpensively, and this made fashionable clothing accessible to a wider range of people.
Today, sewing is still an important industry, and many people enjoy sewing as a hobby. Sewing can be therapeutic and rewarding, and it allows people to create unique, handmade items that can be treasured for years to come.
In addition to clothing and home decor, sewing is also used in a variety of other fields, including medicine, where it is used to create surgical sutures, and the automotive industry, where it is used to join together the leather and upholstery in car interiors.
Bobbin case location on a sewing machine
Front loading bobbin cases are always located on the side of the sewing machine facing the user. Side loading bobbin cases are more rare on newer machines and are located below the needle plate.
Front loading bobbin cases can be used on side loading machines but side loading bobbin cases, whether removable or inset, cannot be used with front loading sewing machines.
Embroidering on a computerized sewing machine - fun
Yes, you can embroider on a computerized sewing machine and it's fun. The biggest benefit is being able to connect to the internet and have your machine download embroidery patters to try.
If connecting your computerized sewing machine to the internet directly isn't possible you can take advantage of a built-in USB port to collect and store embroidery patterns.
Computerized sewing machines are easy to use
Feature rich computerized sewing machines have revolutionized the home sewing industry. Their complexity and price vary based on how many features they have but all are relatively easy to use and simple to program.
The introduction of computerized sewing machines has changed sewing forever just as the first mechanical machines did in the early 1900s.
The best sewing machines between Singer and Brother
For starters, Brother and Singer sewing machine brands offer a comparable model for almost all sewing related needs. It doesn't matter which price-range, which type of material or the level of features you need, both Brother and Singer(and others) have a model best suited for any specific need. The trick is to determine what you need because both companies have similar solutions.
Avoid sewing over pins in your fabric (injury risk)
Sure, sewing over pins in your fabric is faster and more secure than removing them first, but, it's dangerous. Sewing over pins in your fabric is not recommended because your sewing machine needle could jam against them causing damage and, possibly, injury. Stay safe by removing pins before they pass under the needle.
Choosing a new sewing machine - Important considerations
The most important step in choosing a new sewing machine, besides model research, is to honestly evaluate your sewing needs, both current and future. What kind of sewing you do, which types of fabrics you prefer, your budget and sewing skill level will help you choose the sewing machine perfect for your needs.
The price of a good sewing machine
For starters, the cost of a bad sewing machine is higher than that of a good one, even if it's cheaper. Secondly, try renting or borrowing a sewing machine if you're not sure it's the model you want or need.
Lastly, the average price range of a typical 'good' sewing machine is between $150 and $750 depending on your needs, less if used.
Janome is a well known brand of sewing machine
Janome and Brother are likely the most widely known brands of home sewing machine. Yes, Janome is a good brand, but to determine if it's the best brand for your needs consider your budget, your experience and what you plan to do with your Janome machine.
Each and every sewing machine model has it's own slight benefits and drawbacks, choose accordingly.
Cause of fabric movement in a sewing machine
The needle plate, a metal plate located under the needle, moves fabric forward during sewing. The needle plate works best with an optional presser foot engaged above the fabric while sewing because the needle plate and presser foot then work in tandem at the same speed.
