Frequenty asked sewing and sewing machine questions 

What sewing machine would you recommend for the beginner sewer? The easiest sewing machine to use is an electronic sewing machine because it picks the best width and length for the stitch you want to sew. No instruction manual is needed, just choose the picture of the stitch you want and the rest is automatic.

Are electronic machines reliable? actually there are about 350 less moving parts in an electronic sewing machine then in an old fashion mechanical one. That means less wear and tear and less adjustments needed.

I need a sewing machine that will sew over heavy fabrics like jeans! Does the Singer do that?  Of course all the sewing machines we sell will sew through denim. The technique and the needle have a great deal to do with success. Make sure you use a size 16 sharp and that you let the machine feed the fabric. Do not push the fabric or pull the fabric. If you have a heavy welt seam I suggest you trim the hem off the jeans, zig-zag or serge the raw edge to finish and turn up the hem once, not twice and top stitch to finish. Sew with the bulk. Do not try to climb a mountain of fabric. Use an aid behind the presser foot to even out the height of the seam as you sew over it, so the presser foot is level.

Is my old sewing machine worth anything?  There is always worth to an old sewing machine. The key is that it is in good working order. If you are interested in selling your old machine after you purchase a new one I suggest you ask the dealer for a cleaning and lubrication before you pass the machine on to the next user.  Generally older mechanical machines with instruction book are worth around $59.95 to $99.00 if they zig-zag and have a few utility stitches.

Is Singer going out of business? No Singer is not going out of business, in fact they sell most of the low to mid range sewing machines on the market today. Singer, Viking and Pfaff are all owned by SVP, a holding company that has signed Martha Stewart as it's spokes person to help promote the growth of sewing worldwide.

How do I know what size sewing machine needle to use? The weight of the fabric and the weave or knit of the fabric determines the type and size of needle to use. Generally a 12/80 is for light weight, a 14/90 is for medium weight, and a 16/100 is for heavy weight fabrics. A woven requires a sharp needle and a knit requires a ball point.

How can I learn to sew? Many web sites like www.sewingideas.com , and www.singerco.com and www.jennys-sewing-studio.com offer simple sewing projects for free that you can print off and try. Many sewing machines are so simple to use like the Singer Curvy that you can thread it in a few minutes and you are ready to sew. More sewers today are learning to sew by making simple craft projects like purses, placemats, or pillows that require no fit. Get a good sewing reference like "The Singer sewing essentials". Jenny's Sewing Studio also offers a sewing Blog where you can ask questions and read what is new on the sewing front. As always practice makes perfect.

What causes my sewing machine to not pick up a stitch? Make sure the needle is in correctly and that it is all the way up in the needle clamp, The needle is inserted in most machines so the long groove of the needle faces forward and the flat top faces back. In older machines we always said the long groove side faces the last thread guide.

What causes thread tangles underneath my sewing work as I try to sew? Check your instruction manual for correct threading procedures.  The thread nesting is usually caused by the thread not being placed into the top tension correctly. To help you do, this place your fingers of your right hand on the top thread as you lead the thread through the guides and take-up. This insures the thread will snap into the tensions correctly.

Is there a right way to put on the top sewing thread?  Make sure the thread cap is the right size. The cap should just cover the spool of thread on a SINGER, Baby Lock or Janome lead-off. The direction does not make much difference.

What kind of sewing thread should I use? I suggest a good quality thread. We like a 100% spun polyester for correct tension control and a perfect stitch.  When you are buying thread do not let the packaging fool you. Some thread wind the thread on a large core base to make it look like you have a lot of thread. Read the labels.

Can I get an old instructional manual for my SINGER machine? At the Singer web site you can find and print your old manual. http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html  Singer also give you some incredible instructional information. See how to thread, do a blind hem, buttonholes and more. http://www.singerco.com/resources/operation_basics.html