Thinking about buying a sewing machine? Internationally-renowned Marlene Kuba, The Sewing Coach, provides you with the best guide for making the right choice.

With fashion design and making your own clothes being the hottest trend for 2014 it is no wonder that people are rushing to buy sewing machines.
The Sewing Coach website (www.thesewingcoach.com) is where you can buy detailed step-by-step videoed sewing lessons, which are much easier than trying to learn by reading an instruction-sewing book or attending classes where you are showed the lesson only once.
A sewing machine is a major investment. Most people keep their machines for at least 10 years.

“It is a good idea to work out your budget and then take a look at the best sewing machines available on the market to buy in your price bracket. I always advise my students to buy the best machine that they can afford,” says Marlene Kuba, leading New Zealand sewing coach.

“See what the different brands and models will do, and how well they function. As for prices, they vary greatly, depending on brand, model and a variety of considerations,” says Marlene Kuba, who lives in Auckland.

“Like hand sewing needles, the best thing to do is get the variety pack. You’ll find that sewing machine needles are colour coded and numbered. The basic rule of thumb is that the lower the number, the smaller the needle. A size 10/70 to 12/80 needle covers most projects, while higher-numbered needles are better for heavier fabrics and lower numbered needles are best for very lightweight and sheer fabrics,” says Marlene. Let common sense be your guide. Look at what you’re planning to sew and pick the most logical needle.

With use, your machine can collect dust, lint and even small pieces of thread. “A small bristle brush is perfect for cleaning out the lint in your sewing machine. Leaving it too long can jam the inner workings of your machine. So it’s important to brush out underneath the presser foot, the bobbin area and any other nook and cranny that may attract dust,” says Marlene.

Even if you’re not putting in a zipper right away, a zipper foot is good to have and usually comes with the machine. It is designed to allow the needle to get extra close to the teeth of a zipper. A zipper foot is also essential for inserting piping and cording used in home décor,” says Marlene.

“Once you have your sewing machine and accessories in hand, practice some simple seams and seam finishes so that you get comfortable with your machine and its capabilities,” advises Marlene. The more you practice, the easier it will be to actually sew a garment together.

“A sewing machine is like a car - the more you practice, the more you become one with it,” says Marlene Kuba.

Contact Marlene Kuba
Address: 19 Kaitune Drive, Flat Bush, Auckland, 2016, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 3901090
Email: marlene@thesewingcoach.com
Website: www.thesewingcoach.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesewingcoach

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