Lower the presser foot and restart sewing if the fabric is not feeding properly. Another reason the machine may not be feeding fabric is that the feed dogs (or feed teeth) are not correctly engaged for stitching, so ensure sure they are properly engaged. If the stitch length control is set to "0," the machine may also refuse to feed cloth. This should not happen unless the top is closed down completely. If your machine has a button for selecting a thread, make sure it's set to "auto" rather than "hand." If the bobbin is empty, the machine will stop stitching until you drop in a new one. Be sure this is done with all bobbins, including those in back-up modes. If your machine has a clutch, release it before starting to sew. This will prevent your needle from being pulled into its housing when you lift the presser foot. Check that the bobbin case is full; if it's not, there may not be enough thread on the bobbin to reach the bottom of the pattern. Check too that the bobbin thread is not tangled. If it is, pull it out and start again. Don't use any kind of lubricant on your sewing machine. It will reduce its lifespan. Don't throw away hand-sewn items without first trying them on. Most patterns include sizing charts, so check these against yourself before you begin.