often people ask me what it takes to learn how to sew.
my current answers:
- a respect for precision. an understanding of why 1/8th inch matters.
- the dexterity and coordination to apply the above.
- good three-dimensional spatial visualization skills.
- visual analytical skills (being able to look at a garment and mentally deconstruct the steps required to copy it)
I also add that it’s quite difficult to make professional looking garments without industrial machines. I personally am not able to, though somebody out there with a really nice home machine might have the technique down.
- Industrial machines almost never have tension problems. home machines constantly do.
- Industrials don’t pull the bottom fabric piece faster than the top one (or at least to the same degree home machines do.)
- Industrials apply really excellent & even pressure through the foot, holding the fabric in place properly when through tight corners or over multiple layers.
- Industrials go fast.
Most people don’t realize it, but an industrial lockstitch (straight stitch, backwards & forward, nothing else) costs about $800. It’s the same price as a decent home machine, and will last forever. The only reason I own home machines is for the occasional zigzag, double-needle, or buttonhole work.
