Regardless of if you’ve been sewing for years or are just starting, knowing what the free arm is and how to use it can make a world of difference in your projects. So grab your fave fabrics and let’s learn about this fabulous tool together!
Let’s start with learning what is a free arm on a sewing machine!
1. What’s A Free Arm?
Picture this: You’re working on a project, maybe you’re hemming pants or attaching sleeves, when suddenly your regular sewing machine setup just doesn’t cut it anymore. That my friend is when the free arm steps in. It’s like magic – it’s an extra narrow surface that you can reveal by taking something off of your machine.
2. Why Should I Care About The Free Arm?
I thought this was so small too but wow was I wrong! And so are you! Let me paint you a picture: You’re trying so hard to sew something together but fabric keeps bunching up or you accidentally sew through multiple layers – sound familiar? Well say goodbye to all that with the free arm. Instead of dealing with annoying stuff outta our control, we can just slide that tube over the free arm and keep on trucking.
Slide It Through
Now that we’ve got the free arm off our chest, let’s talk about situations where we might actually use it:
2.1 Hemming Sleeves & Pants:
Slip those sleeves and pant legs right onto that free arm for no-fuss hems.
2.2 Adding Cuffs:
For all you crafty creators out there who wanna add cuffs to sleeves or pant legs- let the free arm guide you.
2.3 Attaching Sleeves:
Struggle with attaching sleeves? Not anymore! The free arm is here to rescue us.
2.4 Small Sewing Projects:
When working on teeny tiny sewing projects like baby or doll clothes- the free arm is your new best friend.
2.5 Mending Clothes:
Fixing a tear on your fave pair of jeans? Slide them over the free arm and stitch away!
By using the free arm you’ll be able to sew faster, which means less adjusting. It’s kinda like having someone there to give you an extra hand!
3 Hands On: How Do I Use The Free Arm?
Alright, enough talk let’s dive into some examples. I’m going to walk you through two scenarios: joining two tubes of fabric and hemming a tube. Grab your scrap fabrics and let’s get started!
3.1 Cut and Fold:
– Cut two 15 x 35 cm fabric rectangles.
– Fold each piece in half, right sides facing, and sew with a 1 cm seam allowance.
3.2 Press and Prep:
– Press seam allowances open on the wrong side.
3.3 Tube Fusion:
– Turn one piece right side out and slip it into the other tube, aligning the right sides.
3.4 Pin and Sew:
– Pin along the edges and sew, using the free arm to make quick work.
3.5 Finishing Touch:
– Pull the inner tube from the fabric, press seams flat, voila!
4. Hemming a Tube of Fabric
4.1. Shape the Tube:
– Cut a 15 x 35 cm fabric rectangle and fold it in half, right sides facing.
4.2. Press the Seams:
– Slip the tube over a sleeve ironing board, press seam allowances flat.
4.3. Hemming Magic:
– Fold edge over 1 cm, press flat; then fold and press again. Use free arm to sew hem without stopping.
4.4. Admire Your Work:
– Take a moment to marvel at clean hem and professional finish achieved with the free arm.
5.Choosing the Right Sewing Machine: Free Arm or Flatbed?
Now that you’re armed with free arm wisdom, you might be wondering if it’s a necessity or just a “nice to have” feature. The truth? It’s not necessary but it does make sewing up circular projects faster and easier — anything you can do with a free arm you can also do on a flat bed sewing machine.
6.Considerations When Choosing a Free Arm Sewing Machine:
6.1 Diameter of the Free Arm:
– Consider smaller diameters for sewing small items like baby or doll clothes.
6.2 Length of the Free Arm:
– Consider length based on projects you’ll tackle; longer arms are ideal for mending or larger garments.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it — everything we know about this unsung hero of sewing machines! It’s not just any feature… it’s definitely an adventure-changer! Next time you find yourself wrestling with sleeves or hemming pants legs, don’t forget to let that free arm power shine through! Happy sewing and may your stitches be as smooth as your newfound free arm skills!
