Simply Sewing is a digital magazine available on Libby.
These books are a selection of those available to check out from the Hunterdon County Library:

The HCL Makerspace has four Singer 4452 sewing machines. The adjustable presser foot pressure also allows you to sew lighter fabrics. There is also a non-stick foot to aid in sewing leather, plastic, or vinyl. The machine supports 110 different stiches. The built-in needle threader and drop in bobbin case make threading the machine easier.
The makerspace also has an embroidery machine and serger.
The Singer 4443/4452 Instruction Manual explains the basics of using and maintaining the machine. It also includes a troubleshooting guide on page 61. Use [CTRL + F] to quickly search this digital manual.
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Needle Threader
Needle Positions
Top Drop-in Bobbin
Presser Foot Pressure
Drop Feed
Stitches
Sewing Speed
Buttonholes
If you are using the sewing machine outside of a scheduled library program, you will need to bring your own supplies. Please contact the librarian in charge of your appointment if you have any questions.
Fabric
Bring enough fabric to complete your project. You should also have some scrap pieces to practice stitch settings. Depending on your project, you may also want interfacing and/or lining fabric. A pattern should explain what types of fabric are recommended. Be sure to prewash fabric before sewing.
If you are just starting sewing, practice with cheap woven fabrics that have simple designs. Knits, specialty fabrics, directional designs, and fabrics with nap all need more experience to successfully sew.
Needles and Thread
You should match the needle size to the fabric you will be working with. The Singer 4443/4452 Instruction Manual has a helpful guide on page 54.
In addition to needle size, there are different types of needles. For example, you should use a ball-point needle for sewing knit fabrics.
| Needle Size | Fabrics | Thread |
|---|---|---|
| 9-11 (70-80) | Lightweight fabrics: thin cottons, voile, silk, muslin, interlocks, cotton knits, tricots, jerseys, crepes, woven polyester, shirt and blouse fabric | Thread in cotton, polyester or cotton wrapped polyester |
| 11-14 (80-90) | Medium weight fabrics: cotton, satin, kettlecloth, sailcloth, double knits, lightweight woolens | Most all purpose threads are suitable. Use the same thread in the upper tension and bobbin. |
| 14 (90) | Medium weight fabrics: cotton duck, woolen, heavier knits, terrycloth, denims | Most all purpose threads are suitable. Use the same thread in the upper tension and bobbin. |
| 16 (100) | Heavyweight fabrics: canvas, woolens, outdoor tent and quilted fabrics, denims, upholstery material (light to medium) | Most all purpose threads are suitable. Use the same thread in the upper tension and bobbin. |
| 18 (110) | Heavy woolen, overcoat fabrics, upholstery fabrics, some leathers and vinyls |
Heavy duty thread in the upper tension. All purpose thread in the bobbin. Set stitch length to 3 or 4. |
The manual recommends replacing needles after every other large project, or after thread breakage or skipped stitches.
If you plan to bring your own bobbin, please make sure it is a Class 15 Transparent bobbin.
Pattern
Patterns are a useful guide when sewing a project. You can buy paper patterns, download patterns online, or follow print or digital instructions. In the "Sewing Project Resources" section, there are several library resources you can use to find free patterns.
If you are making a garment, be sure to accurately measure your body before choosing a pattern size. Commercial sizes vary by brand, so they are not always a good guide when sewing.
Fasteners and Embellishments

Depending on your project, you may want to bring buttons, zippers, latches, patches, etc. If you are following a pattern, it should say at the beginning what materials you will need.
Often you can salvage these items from unused bags and clothes!
These books are a selection of those available to check out from the Hunterdon County Library:
|
Bunnvale (908) 638-8523 ext. 401 7 Bunnvale Road, Califon, NJ 07830 Sun-Tue: CLOSED Wed: 1pm-8pm Thu-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9am-2pm |
Frenchtown (908) 996-4788 29 Second Street, Frenchtown, NJ 08825 Sun: CLOSED Mon-Tue: 3:30pm-7pm Wed-Thu: 9:30am-1pm Fri-Sat: CLOSED |
Holland Free Public Library (908) 995-4767 129 Spring Mills Road, Milford, NJ 08848 Sun-Mon: CLOSED Tue:1pm-6pm Wed-Thu: 1pm-6pm Fri: 10am-6pm Sat*: 10am-1pm *Closed on Saturdays in August |
Readington Township Library (908) 534-4421 255 Main Street, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Sun: CLOSED Mon-Tue: 9am-5pm Wed: 9am-7pm Thu: CLOSED Fri: 9am-5pm Sat*: 9am-12pm *Closed on Saturdays in August |
Tewksbury Public Library (908) 439-3761 PO Box 49 31 Old Turnpike Road, Oldwick, NJ 08858 Sun-Mon: CLOSED Tue-Thu: 9am-6pm Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9am-1pm |
Three Bridges Library (908) 782-2908 449 Main Street, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 Sun: CLOSED Mon: 9am-5pm Tue: CLOSED Wed: 9am-6pm Thu-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat*: 9am-12pm *Closed on Saturdays in August |
