Sewing a pouch

Ironing the edges

STEP 1:

Start by gathering two pieces of the same size fabric, you may choose to embroider them before making your pouch following the embroidery tutorial. We may have some precut fabric available in the space.

STEP 2:

Gather the mini iron from the drawer beneath the sewing machine and the cutting mat from behind the tool chest.

Turn on the iron to the heat setting 3. Any hotter will melt the mat!

STEP 3:

Ensure your fabric is facing so the outward side is down on the mat.

On the cutting mat, each dot represents .25". Fold just a the top part of the left and right sides 0.5" (or 2 dots) over.

STEP 4:

Use the mini iron to iron the fold down, from the top to about 2 inches down.

Repeat for the other side.

STEP 5:

Fold the entire length of the top over about 0.75" (3 dots).

Then iron down the fold.

STEP 6:

Use the fabric scissors (next to the sewing machine) to cut small slits on the right and left sides under the top fold.

Your final product should look like this.

STEP 7: Repeat for the other side.

setting up the sewing machine

Ask a staff member to set up the machine for sewing. The machine is typically left set up for embroidery so they will change to the sewing foot and table. It is very important that it is set up correctly or something could be damaged!

Changing the Bobbin

When sewing you typically want your thread and your bobbin to be the same color. The bobbin holds the thread on the back side of the fabric. For more information about how it works, watch this informative animation.

The bobbin, used for embroidery is typically white, so if you want to use a different color thread, you will need to change the bobbin. For this example we are using red canvas so we want red thread and a red bobbin.

If a bobbin of your desired color doesn't exist, ask staff for assistance with winding a bobbin.

I want to change the white bobbin in the machine to this red one.

STEP 1:

Pop open the cover by pulling the spring loaded latch to the right. The clear cover will pop up and you can remove it.

STEP 2:

Remove the original bobbin carefully, to prevent the thread from breaking in there.

Place the new bobbin in so that the thread is unwound by spinning counterclockwise.

STEP 3:

Follow the diagram to pull the thread through the grooves, following the diagram.

At the end, there is a little blade to pull against that will cut the thread.

STEP 4:

When you have finished, replace the cover.

Congratulations, you've changed a bobbin!

Threading the Needle

To thread the needle, please follow that portion of the basic embroidery guide.

Sewing the slot for the drawstring

STEP 1:

Take one of your sides and align it such that the folded cut edge lines up with the left edge of the foot. The foot should be raised, so that the fabric can easily be placed under it. If it is not raised, press the foot button to raise it.

Raised foot

foot button

STEP 2:

Press the foot button to lower the foot onto the fabric. It should be holding the fabric down pretty tightly.

The arrow button will turn green when the foot is down.

STEP 3:

From the screen front page, select Sewing then option 1, Straight Stitch (which may already be selected).

sewing speed setting

STEP 4:

When you're ready to start, press the green button once to start sewing. You do not need to hold this button. Pressing it again will stop it from sewing.

IMPORTANT: The machine will move the fabric itself, DO NOT push the fabric as it could jam and damage the machine. Only use your hands to guide the fabric to keep it sewing in a straight line. Use the edge of the foot as a guide.

Set the constant sewing speed using the sliding switch next to the foot button. If you do not have much experience, I recommend using the slowest speed.

Optional: We also have a foot pedal for variable speed for more experienced users.

STEP 5:

Once you have gone 8 - 10 stitches or so, push the green arrow to stop it from sewing. Then push and hold the back stitch button (above the green button) to stitch the other direction for about 5 stitches. Let go of that button and press the green button again to stitch forward and continue until you're almost at the end.

STEP 6:

Once you are close to the other end (maybe 0.25-0.5" from the edge), stop again and back stitch 5 stitches. Then use the green button to go forward.

STEP 7:

Right before the end of the fabric, press the green button to stop the movement. Use the scissors button to cut the thread then press the foot button to raise the foot. You should be able to easily remove your fabric.

STEP 8:

Your fabric should somewhat like the photo. Repeat the process for the other piece.

sewing together the two sides

STEP 1:

Place your two pieces so that the outside faces of the pouch are touching each other.

STEP 2:

Place the pieces of fabric under the foot and align it so that the needle is about 0.5 in from right edge.

With the foot down, press the green arrow to start. Use your hands to guide the fabric, but NOT PUSH it.

STEP 3:

Like before, remember to back stitch about 5 stitches after you've gone forward about 8-10 stitches. Then return to forward again.

STEP 4:

Once you are about 0.5in from the end of the fabric, press the green arrow to stop sewing. The press the foot button to lift the foot so that you can turn the fabric 90 degrees. Put the foot back down and press the green button to begin sewing again.

Repeat the process for the next corner.

STEP 5:

Once you get close to the end, back stitch again then sew forward again until you've nearly reached the end then press the green button to stop. Then lift the foot and cut the thread with the scissors button.

STEP 6:

After removing it from the machine, use the dedicated sewing scissors to cut off the bottom corners, under the thread.

STEP 7:

Flip it inside out to reveal your new pouch! You can add the drawstring through the slots.

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