Sewing machines were invented long back during the first Industrial Revolution. The intention behind the invention of such machines was to decrease the time required in sewing, as before this all the sewing work was done manually. The cloth companies needed to optimize their work and sewing machines was the answer.
The older machines used a single thread chain stitch mechanism. The modern sewing machine uses two threads instead of one and uses what is called lock stitching mechanism. The industrial sewing machines are generally specialized for one type of stitching since they need to be optimized. They are designed in a way that the fabric is able to glide in and out easily, without any hassle of thimbles and needles. The ease reduces the effort required and saves a lot of time.
Thomas Saint was the first person to have a design for sewing machine patented. His machine was designed to work on canvas and leather. A working model of the same was never built. Other designs and patents came along in the future. Walter Hunt was the developer of lock stitch technique.
Other than the basic requirements in the motion of loopers, needles and bobbins, the most important movement is that of the fabric. It is necessary that the fabric moves at the required time (generally continuously) so that the stitches are made at the right position. The motion is also called as `feed`. Typical feed motion include: needle feed, drop feed, puller, walking foot, and manual. Generally, more than one kind of feed is used in a single machine to optimize the working.
A household machine will generally include only the lock stitch mechanism. But the machine can be used in a little different way (generally by moving the needle in different ways which is an included function in the machine); fancy stitches can be made possible. The simplest form of a fancy stitch is zigzag in which the needle just needs to perform an oscillatory motion continuously as the stitching is done normally.
The invention of sewing machine was a necessity. And its introduction greatly increased the production and quality of the cloth industry.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Learning to Sew
Learning a new hobby or craft can always be exciting. Sewing can be used as not only a hobby but as a beneficial skill. The skill can vary from hemming a skirt to designing and creating your own wardrobe of clothing. The myth about sewing is that it is terribly difficult. On the contrary, if you can read and thread a needle, you can master sewing. With the practice and proper instructions, anyone can learn to sew.
One very easy and popular way to learn to sew is by taking a local class at a fabric or sewing machine sales store. Many craft store offer sewing classes from beginner to advanced skill levels. Very often the fees to sign up for the classes are minimal, and you sometimes may receive discounts on merchandise as well.
For most people, learning to sew and construct useful items for the home is taught to them as children from mothers, grandmothers or other older family members. If you have friends or family who already know how to sew, ask them to show you where to start. They may be willing to give you basic sewing lessons, or be the person you call when you're stuck on a sewing project and can't make something work the way it should in the pattern.
When you start to delve into the world of sewing, you'll notice that there is a specific jargon involved. Most crafts have their own language and sewing is no different. Once you learn what certain words and phrases mean, learning to read patterns and understand the process of sewing will no longer be so overwhelming.
No matter how large or small your sewing goals may be, with practice you can learn to sew. Sewing is not a hard skill to take on, so get out there and learn how. Just think of all the wonderful things you can create with your own two hands and some fabric!
One very easy and popular way to learn to sew is by taking a local class at a fabric or sewing machine sales store. Many craft store offer sewing classes from beginner to advanced skill levels. Very often the fees to sign up for the classes are minimal, and you sometimes may receive discounts on merchandise as well.
For most people, learning to sew and construct useful items for the home is taught to them as children from mothers, grandmothers or other older family members. If you have friends or family who already know how to sew, ask them to show you where to start. They may be willing to give you basic sewing lessons, or be the person you call when you're stuck on a sewing project and can't make something work the way it should in the pattern.
When you start to delve into the world of sewing, you'll notice that there is a specific jargon involved. Most crafts have their own language and sewing is no different. Once you learn what certain words and phrases mean, learning to read patterns and understand the process of sewing will no longer be so overwhelming.
No matter how large or small your sewing goals may be, with practice you can learn to sew. Sewing is not a hard skill to take on, so get out there and learn how. Just think of all the wonderful things you can create with your own two hands and some fabric!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Buying a Sewing Machine
Buying a sewing machine can be a daunting experience, as well as an exciting one, a little like buying a new car, remember you might be committing to spending a few hundred dollars and a sewing machine is something you are going to use a lot, you need to make sure that the one you spend your money on is really the right one for you.
The first thing to do is decide what you need the sewing machine for, is it just some light repair work or something more complicated? Are you going to use it on just one type of material or many different fabrics? Is the brand you have at the moment the one you wish to purchase this time?
When you do make a buying decision ensure that all the functions are available, as these are the ones you need and use, also ensure that most of your “I would like to see” features are also available as these are also the ones you would use most and do not get sold on features that are no you will probably not use.
Is there something about your current sewing machine you love, does it have that one killer function or is it easy to use for one reason that you would like to see in your new sewing machine. The oboist is also something you should be asking yourself about, is there something I hate about my old machine that I want to avoid with my new one?
The final thing to talk about is price, as noted earlier you might be paying hundreds of dollars for the sewing machine of your dreams, when you have found the make and model you are interested in make a note of the details, model numbers are great to use to search for on the internet and compare prices on line with those on the high street, you know you like the machine now you just have to find it at the best possible price.
The first thing to do is decide what you need the sewing machine for, is it just some light repair work or something more complicated? Are you going to use it on just one type of material or many different fabrics? Is the brand you have at the moment the one you wish to purchase this time?
When you do make a buying decision ensure that all the functions are available, as these are the ones you need and use, also ensure that most of your “I would like to see” features are also available as these are also the ones you would use most and do not get sold on features that are no you will probably not use.
Is there something about your current sewing machine you love, does it have that one killer function or is it easy to use for one reason that you would like to see in your new sewing machine. The oboist is also something you should be asking yourself about, is there something I hate about my old machine that I want to avoid with my new one?
The final thing to talk about is price, as noted earlier you might be paying hundreds of dollars for the sewing machine of your dreams, when you have found the make and model you are interested in make a note of the details, model numbers are great to use to search for on the internet and compare prices on line with those on the high street, you know you like the machine now you just have to find it at the best possible price.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)