How to Use a Sewing Machine for Beginners – Easy Towel Apron

Over the past 13 years or so, I've shared a lot of fabric crafts and DIYs.

Everything from curtains and furniture skirts to pillows and more.

And invariably every time I do, someone says, You're so talented, I wish I could sew.

To which I always reply, Trust me, if you can drive a car, you can use a sewing machine.


And I mean that. 100%.

You see, most people think the difficult part of sewing is using the machine...but it's not. That's the easiest part of the process.

Well...as long as you have a well behaved sewing machine.

The truth of the matter is that the most challenging part of any sewing project is the planning. Measuring and mapping out a pattern or blueprint for what you're going to make.

Using a machine is the easiest part of the equation. It's simply the - let's put this all together - step.

So today, I decided to break it down, by showing you how to make a simple apron.

I'm a huge apron fan. I've made them out of men's shirts, placemats and dish towels.

But today is not about the product, it's about the process.

Sure you can watch a lot of videos and read about using a sewing machine, but as a teacher, I've always believed the best way to learn was by doing.

And this is the easiest and least intimidating project I could come up with.

How To Use A Sewing Machine To Make A Dish Towel Apron

A super basic apron, made from a kitchen towel, with the emphasis being on getting acquainted with a sewing machine.


It's budget friendly, the stitches are basic, it uses straight lines, and with the pom pom trim already attached, a little bit of stylish flair is already built in.

So let go.

OK, first let’s talk about the supplies, beginning with that machine.

Where do I get a sewing machine for free?

Obviously you need a sewing machine, but you don’t have to buy one if you don’t have one hiding in the closet somewhere.

And trust me you’d be surprised how many people have them and never even opened the box.


But if you don't own one, most public libraries have sewing machines that you can borrow, and that’s where I'd start.

Other options for free or low cost machines are Facebook marketplace, freecycle pages, yard sales and goodwill.

Or you could ask a neighbor. Like I said lots of people have them hanging around and just want them gone.

Here are a few other items you'll need:

• Kitchen Towels- these would be darling for spring
• Measuring tape
• Thread - This is the only one I use
• Bobbin
• Scissors - I have (and love) this set
• Ribbon
• Pins or Clips - I love these
• An iron or steamer to get rid of wrinkles
• A magnetic seam guide
• A seam ripper is always helpful

Step 1: Open up the tea towel on a flat surface.

Then fold it in half.

Step 2: Use your clips to anchor both sides together, so they will remain aligned as you sew.

I like clips better than pins, they don't poke holes in the delicate fabric and they're easier to remove on the fly. 


Of course, pin cushions are prettier. 😉

Step 3: Measure and cut ribbon for waist ties

I usually go with 26 inches waist ties. The standard is about 24 inches and I add a little more for seam allowance.

From here, all you’re going to do is use the machine to stitch the folded towel together and attach the ribbon.

Sewing It All Together

This is the part that scares most people, but again, it’s so easy.

Setting Up The Machine

As far as getting the sewing machine set up, it’s really just a matter of reading the manual for your specific model.


It will tell you exactly how to do that based on what you're going to sew.

The information is all there for you, including how to thread the machine, how to set the tension for the stitch you want to use, what foot and why.

What is a bobbin?

It also tells you how to make, or wind, a bobbin.

The bobbin provides the lowers thread, that catches the needle thread to form each stitch and lock it in place. For some reason that seems to be a very mysterious part of the process, but once you understand its function, it's clear.

I like to use the same color thread for the bobbin, as the one I'm using to thread my needle. 

Once your machine is set up, it's time to go!

How To Sew With A Machine: The Basics

Fabric is always going to move away from you on the machine, unless you're in reverse, so you need to keep that in mind when you decide where to start your stitches.

Begin by raising the foot with the lever and place the fabric underneath.

For this project, since the towel already has visible seam, line the needle up with it, push the lever down, to secure it in place.


Then put your foot gently on the pedal and use your hand to guide my material along.

Just like that car, the more pressure you put on the pedal, the faster the needle will go.

As the fabric moves along, your hands are the steering wheel. Follow the road and stay in your lane.

I find it's easiest to do, by keeping that fabric edge aligned with the edge of the foot. However for DIYs like this one where the fabric isn't, and you require more help, they do have magnetic tools to help you set your distance and keep to it.

Magnetic Seam Guide

When you get to a corner, and need to make a turn, stop sewing.

Make sure the needle is down, poking into the fabric. Then lift the foot, spin the material and realign it with the edge again, lower the foot and continue.


Keep in mind that when driving you wouldn't want to run over anything in the road, and again, it's the same with the machine. That means, you need to remove the pins or clips, as your needle gets close to them, so they don't get caught under the foot.

For all these reasons a slow and steady pace comes in handy. More control.

When you get about an inch from the end of your material you'll want to carefully hit the reverse button, and sew backwards a few stitches and then go forward again, to lock those last stitches in place.

Then you add the ribbon at the waist in a similar manner and you're done.


See. Super simple. Quick and easy.

And so - sew - cute!

Ok, so for those of you who are still asking, do I really need to learn how to sew?

The honest truth? No. Not at all. 99% of sewing projects can be accomplished without a stitch. Including this one.

There are fabric glues and iron on tapes that work relatively well. In fact, I covered an entire upholstered chair using a fusible web.

However, for a project with staying power, one that’s washable and stands up to long term wear and tear, nothing compares to sewing.

My goal was break down the basics, so that if someone out there was interested, but intimidated, this might remove some of the hesitancy to seek out more information or give that machine a try.

I wanted to show that if I can do it, anyone can, because I have no formal sewing training, other than what I learned in a middle school home ec class.


Which also means I don't necessarily do things "the right way", but it doesn't matter. My results are fabulous, even up close...despite my jokes about them being otherwise.

What I do have is a lack of fear...which is what I'm hoping to pass on to you.

I don't let complicated directions, or some rigid set of rules or processes, thwart my enthusiasm or my desire to sew.

I give it my best shot and if it doesn't work out, well.

That's what seam rippers are for, right?

☺️ 🪡

Will you give the machine a chance?

Happy Sewing, Friends!