Drawing with your sewing machine.

When I first got my sewing machine, I new this is what I really wanted to have a go at...

thread sketching or free motion sewing.

It is when you sew without the machine 'feeding' the fabric through.

Having free motion to draw with the thread on your fabric.

I've been asked numerous times for advice on this subject but have found it very

hard to explain having never done a tutorial before, but also because everyone's machines are different. 

free motion foot for a Brother

* So, you will need a darning/free motion foot for your particular machine.

Follow your instruction book on how to fit it securely.

* You will also need a strong needle.

* Drop/disengage the feed dogs on your machine.

Usually there is a switch or lever at the back or inside.

(again, follow the instructions in your manual)

If there is no way to drop the feed dogs, some machines have a 

plastic or metal plate that comes with it to cover the feed dogs.

* You don't really need to adjust the stitch length,
as the speed which you move the fabric,

combined with the speed you sew determines the size of the stitches.

Saying that though, some machines stitch length needs to be set to 0.

You will need to experiment with this. 

(see what I mean about it being hard to explain with us all having diff machines!)

* The needle thread tension needs to be set at about 2.

But again, see if this suits your machine.

* Use the same colour thread for both needle and bobbin in case there are slight

irregularities in tension or you'll get spotty looking lines of thread.

* Move your bobbin thread through to the top before starting.

Pfaff free motion foot

* Then hold the top thread to the side while you sew a few stitches 

in one place  to prevent from undoing.

* Stop and put the needle into the fabric again. 

Then with your hands flat, lightly holding the fabric taught.

Start sewing and gently guide the fabric up/down left/right.

You will probably want to sew slowly at first,

BUT (and this is my main piece of advice)

Put your foot down at a relatively steady/almost fast pace

while moving the fabric slowly.

This will give you a good stitch length.

If you feel you are going awry or need to readjust your grip/decide which

direction you are going in next - just stop, put your needle down, lift your 

presser foot and see where you are at!

Flower Brooch

* Fast hands + slow needle = long uneven stitches

* Slow hands + relatively fast needle = stitches that are just right.

You will need to practice  getting the right balance between how hard

you put your foot down and how slowly you move the fabric.

Custom made brooch

* Depending on the fabric you are sewing, you may need
to stabilize it with some iron on interfacing before sewing.

* What ever pattern you are sewing, make sure you keep the fabric at the same angle

all the time - do not twist or turn it, as this will break the needle.

If you want the fabric to face another direction, put the needle down 

lift the presser foot and turn the fabric.

Free motion and fabric paint

* Using an airasable (air erasable) pen is really helpful, so that you can draw out your
word or pattern straight onto the fabric. Sew over it, and then
 either use a clean paint brush to wipe water over it -
for the markings to instantly disappear or some brands of this pen will
disappear over the next day if you leave them, depending on which one you get.
Just make sure you don't iron over any pen markings,
as they will become permanent!

Free motion and green fabric paint

I hope this is helpful for you.
If I've left anything out, let me know.
Just have a go, practice loads
and have fun with it!x