Sewing Machine Guide for Beginners

Each machine model offers a range of features and functions, but all have the fundamental elements in common. Use this handy guide and you'll know your way around yours in no time. All of these features of your sewing machine work together to create the perfect stitches for your fabric.

Below we share the complete guide to all the features on your machine!

This year iconic and much loved Sewing Machine brand, Janome celebrates their 100th Anniversary in 2021! - read all about The History of Janome Sewing Machines  it's fascinating to see how the company has evolved.

We've shared three great Janome sewing machines perfect for starting your dressmaking journey with at the end of this post! Be sure to let us know if you have any questions, just leave a comment!

Sewing Machine Guide for Beginners

1. THREAD GUIDES
   
   Two threads make up each stitch: - the top thread and the bobbin thread. The top thread from the spool of cotton passes through the thread guide, which regulates the tension of the thread before it's fed through the needle.
2. SPEED CONTROLLER  
   
   A slider that sets the speed the machine will work at when the pedal is pressed, allowing control and precision when sewing.
3. REVERSE FUNCTION
   
   Use this to set the machine working in a reverse direction, to move backwards across a stitched line. This function is used when securing the threads at the start and end of a line of stitching.
4. NEEDLE AND NEEDLE CLAMP
   
   The needle is removable to allow you to select from a variety of types and sizes to suit your project. The needle is held in place by the clamp. Most machines include a tool for tightening and loosening the clamp to access the needle.
5. PRESSER FOOT LIFTER
   
   For lifting and lowering to hold the fabric in place while you sew. Release it to remove the fabric from the machine.
6. BOBBIN CASE
   
   Inside the removable cover is the bobbin case, which houses the bobbin. The bobbin is wound with thread and provides the second thread for each stitch.
7. FEED DOGS
   
   These moving parts lie underneath the needle plate. With spiked teeth that protrude from the opening, these help to move the fabric through the machine.
8. NEEDLE PLATE
   
   The metal plate directly below the needle and presser foot. The small opening allows the thread from the bobbin to pass through while the needle enters to make the stitches. On the plate are guide markings to assist straight sewing and measure seam allowances.
9. PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE DIAL
   
   Used for releasing/increasing the weight of the foot on the fabric, for example when working appliqué. You can release the pressure to enable you to turn the fabric smoothly.
10. BOBBIN WINDER
    
    Winds thread from the cotton spool onto the bobbin, ensuring that the thread is fed evenly onto the bobbin and maintains the correct tension.
11. SPOOL HOLDER
    
    This pin runs through the centre of a spool of thread, allowing it to feed smoothly through the machine.
12. SCREEN
    
    Displays the relevant information regarding the stitch style, width and length that has been selected.
13. HAND WHEEL
    
    Manually operates the mechanics of the machine, moving the needle up and down and engaging the feed dogs. Newer, computerised machines also have a needle up/down button which can be programmed to stay in the down position — ideal for pivoting on corners.
14. STITCH SELECTOR
    
    Allows you to select from the different stitches on the machine and includes a menu from which you make your selection. The stitch is selected by pressing the relevant button and the number will appear on the screen.
15. STITCH LENGTH AND STITCH WIDTH SELECTORS
    
    Use to increase or decrease the length or width of your stitch. The shorter the stitch, the more stitches are worked across the line of sewing, making it stronger. The width applies to stitches where the needle moves from left to right, such as a zigzag stitch. Adjusting the width button will also move the needle position, which is important when sewing in zips and piping etc.
16. FREE ARM
    
    This is a narrower working space created when the accessory box is removed. This is perfect for sewing smaller items or inserting sleeves.
17. ACCESSORY DRAWER
    
    Use to store alternative presser feet, spare bobbins and maintenance tools.
18. START/STOP BUTTON
    
    This allows you to operate the machine without the foot pedal. @
19. THREAD CUT BUTTON
    
    This will cut the threads after sewing and is highlighted in the screen with the thread cutter mark.

Three sewing machines perfect for starting your dressmaking journey!

The Janome HD 220 is a mechanical sewing machine perfect for a novice dressmaker looking to learn the basics. A combination of power, elegance and simplicity. The solid metal body provides the robustness required by schools and heavy users, whilst the design makes it so easy to use.

Find out more

The Janome 230 DC is a computerised sewing machine, offering more versatility and features than a basic mechanical model. The model 230DC has lots of easy to use features which make sewing a pleasure, it is the machine to grow with your skills and is both suitable for beginners and more experienced sewers. Fully computerised with stitches and settings at the touch of a button. No fuss threading with the auto needle threader and quick set bobbin.

Find out more

The Janome Atelier 6 is a larger armspace computerised sewing machine. This computerised free arm sewing machine is designed for every type of sewing and is perfect to take your sewing to a new level. It has all the essential features for dressmaking, quilting, crafting and home furnishings with stitches and settings at the touch of a button plus lots more to give you an easy professional finish!

Find out more!

We can't wait to hear about your brand new sewing machines, or why not let us know what your first machine was if you're an experienced dressmaker - do you have fond memories of it, or does it bring back nightmares! Beginner Sewing Machines have certainly evolved enormously in the past 100 years!

If you're keen to hear more from Janome, why not follow them on Instagram @JanomeUK

This post is sponsored by Janome