Hello friends, just here with a new post. So, let's use our hands again and create some more fun stuff. Since I was left with lots of scraps from my previous project of dying with botanical dyes, I decided to put them to use and create some pieces of art. For that, I chose to use a technique with my sewing machine that I wanted to try since forever, and that is to draw with thread on my fabrics.
My first fabric turned out to be a total disaster, since I had to do some adjustments to the tension, figure out what to use best and so on. But with a bit more practice I finally got some more decent pieces that I am not that embarrassed to share in here.
So, if you have a sewing machine and some basic knowledge on how to use it, then keep reading as I want to share with you my experience and what a few tips and trick so it’s easier for you to start out and try this method.
- Basically I just used my regular thread and needle. Then depending on your machine’s type, you’ll need to check how you can either lower the feed dogs (those metal teeth), or cover them. So for your brand’s machine, read the user manual or check a video.
Mine is a Singer Tradition and it comes with that black cover as in the picture.
This single step is what separates the standard from the free motion sewing.
Second step is to set the width to zero, and that’s all, you have your machine ready for free motion sewing. Use some pieces of paper first to try it out, do some doodling just so you can get more accustomed with the movement and speed control, then move on to the fabric.
Then practice, practice, practice.
Another tip is to choose fabrics that are not too elastic, or too thin. For example the pink fake leather was a bit too elastic and it made the process way harder. The back of it turned out quite neat though.
If the back turns out badly, then try to adjust the tension or the speed you're working with. But it's fine as it doesn't have to be perfect cause it's in the back anyway.
- Now to have the fabric well stretched you can use an embroidery hoop and work easier.
And don’t be afraid to just randomly doodle and get creative.
