Today in any supermarket or shopping center there is a large amount of everything we could wish for in terms of clothing or home furniture. So why do many people decide to make these products themselves with sewing machines? The reasons are many, from savings to passion for the world of sewing and DIY.
Which sewing machine to choose?
There are the two types to choose from: electronic or mechanical. You should consider which type of machine is best for you, keep in mind your level of familiarity with this kind of appliance when you take this decision.
The substantial difference between the two types lies in the practical functioning, the way they sew the various stitches.
The electronic ones are much simpler to use, but more expensive. While the mechanical ones require the manual setting of the stitching points and other parameters, are suitable for already expert users, who are looking for a product for domestic use. Some sewing machines are small and light, perfect for travel or for those with limited space in the home.
Where to place the sewing machine: the work surface
Choosing the right work surface for a sewing machine can be a rather difficult task, especially for those who do not know what the tricks are to use this tool in the best way.
To be used correctly, the sewing machine requires a work surface that is solid and large enough to accommodate the machine itself, part of the fabric that will be used and possibly the tools. There are also work tables on the market designed specifically for this, where you can also store the machine when not in use.
Whether you choose a work surface designed specifically for sewing machines or the use of a normal table, it must be kept in mind that the surface of the shelf must be smooth, but at the same time make sure that the machine doesn’t slides or move during the use.
Try to work in a room of your house where there’s plenty of natural daylight— but avoid the direct sunlight, as the UV rays can damage the fabric, your tools and the machine. It’s also very important to choose a comfortable chair to sit on while you’re at work— sit with your back and neck straight and your feet on the ground. Your arms should have enough room for rest and moving around on the working area.
The importance of cutting mats for sewing
For those that never heard of it, the cutting mats for sewing are soft padded mats, about 5mm thick, that you can use as a support for sewing or for any other type of cutting job.
You might think that you can substitute a cutting mat with any other type of support (a tea towel, carton, a table cover, etc.). Well, the cutting mat is not just an accessory – it’s a fundamental tool when it comes to creative techniques requiring maximum precision.
Why using a cutting mat for sewing?
It might sound obvious, but even if you’re a sewing machine pro, using a cutting mat for sewing is important for two reasons:
- It’s a handy base to place on the work surface to protect it for any possible damage, scratch or spot.
- It has a grid of centimeters and inches to allow you taking the correct measurements and executing a right sewing.
Self-healing cutting mats for sewing
The price for cutting mats for sewing varies with the dimension and the material used to produce them.
The most expensive ones (but also the best ones) are the so-called self-healing cutting mats— it’s self-explanatory, they auto regenerate, the rubber “heals” after being cut and it doesn’t leave marks on the cutting mat.
The dimensions available are many, and choosing definitely depends by the kind of job you have to do. In general, an ideal cutting mat for sewing is in the A2 format (60x45cm), it shouldn’t be less than 3mm in thickness and in color green to not strain your eyesight.
Conclusion
We hope that all the tips and info we provided are going to be helpful. If you’re still confused and need to know more, here’s a cutting mats for sewing buying guide that will clear any further question!