When it comes to selecting a sewing machine, one must consider the materials you plan to work with. Fabric, especially lightweight or woven varieties, often requires different handling than heavier materials like leather. For sewing delicate fabrics such as silk or chiffon, a standard sewing machine with adjustable tension and a selection of needle sizes can perform well. However, when you step into the world of leather, the machine's specifications must change.

3. Insert the Twin Needle Position your twin needle in the needle clamp, ensuring that both needle shanks are seated correctly. Tighten the clamp screw securely to hold the needles in place.

I remembered the Stegosaurus costume my mom made for halloween one year, an impossibly complicated stretch of triangles stuffed with synthetic fluff atop a gray bodysuit (we didn’t yet know about Dinosaurs with feathers, thankfully). I remembered all of the ’70s clothing she made herself to save money and look fantastic anyway. I remembered how much she cared, and how this act of crafting was the physical manifestation of that love. What gift is more personal than a piece of clothing that won’t fit anyone else?