The Brother sewing machine is a popular choice for both amateur and experienced craftspeople. It is easy to operate and navigate through the functions that come with the machine. One of the most important features of the machine is the ability to adjust your feed dogs. Feed dogs are the ridges that glides your fabric through the sewing machine as it sews. Adjusting the feed dogs properly will insure that your fabric is properly fed through the machine as you work.
Tools for Adjusting Feed Dogs
Adjusting the feed dogs on a Brother sewing machine generally requires only a few tools. Basic tools that come with the machine include a feed dog height adjuster, screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Before you adjust the feed dogs, you should also have a clean cloth on hand, to wipe away any dirt or debris that comes up as you work.
It is also important to ensure that your machine is unplugged while you are making any adjustments. This will help to prevent any unnecessary electric shocks, as well as avoid situations that could cause damage to the machine due to electricity.
Identifying How to Adjust the Feed Dogs
The first step in adjusting the feed dogs is to identify the feed dogs on your Brother sewing machine. Generally, the feed dogs will be located directly underneath the presser foot. Once you have located the feed dogs, you can move on to the next step in the process.
The next step is to use the feed dog height adjuster. This is a lever or knob that can be used to adjust the height of the feed dogs. Depending on the type of Brother sewing machine that you are using, the adjustment knob may be located on the left side of the device, or on the right side. It is important to remember that the lower the setting, the less material will be fed through the machine as you sew.
It is important to remember to use precise and gentle movements when adjusting the feed dogs. This will help to avoid unnecessary damage to the machine. Once you have made the necessary adjustments, you can plug the machine back in, and start using it again.
Types of Fabric and Adjustments
When deciding how to adjust the feed dogs on your Brother sewing machine, it is important to consider the type of fabric that you will be working with. Different types of fabrics require different levels of feeding height. For example, stretchy fabrics tend to require more feeding height, while woven fabrics only require a minimal amount. Once you have determined the right amount of feeding height for the fabric, you can make the necessary adjustments.
It is important to remember that the adjustments are only a rough guide. It is best to test the machine first before beginning a project. This will help to ensure that you have the correct settings for your project, and that the feed dogs are working as they should.
Advanced Feed Dog Adjustments
Those with advanced experience in using Brother sewing machines may want to make more advanced adjustments to the feed dogs. It is possible to adjust the length of the feed dog, as well as the amount of force it applies. Generally, experienced users will make these adjustments depending on the type of project they are working on.
Making the necessary adjustments requires a great deal of time and patience. It is important to remember that making changes to the feed dog settings can affect the overall performance of your Brother sewing machine. As such, it is important to be as precise as possible when making these adjustments.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Once the feed dogs have been adjusted on the Brother sewing machine, it is important to regularly maintain the device. This includes cleaning the machine thoroughly, and ensuring that all of the parts are in working condition. It is also important to check the feed dog settings periodically, to ensure that they are still at the optimal level.
If you encounter any difficulties with the machine, it is best to consult with a professional for assistance. An experienced technician will be able to help you troubleshoot any problems that you may be having, and can also advise you on the best way to adjust or maintain your Brother sewing machine.
Safety Procedures to Follow
Whenever you are making any adjustments to the Brother sewing machine, it is important to follow the necessary safety procedures. This means ensuring that the machine is unplugged before making any adjustments, and that you are wearing the right protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask.
It is also important to ensure that all of the moving parts are kept free of lint and debris. This will help to avoid any situations that could lead to damage or injury. In addition, it is important to read the user manual thoroughly before attempting to adjust the feed dogs.
Avoid Over-Adjustment of the Feed Dogs
It is important to remember that the feed dogs should only be adjusted when absolutely necessary. Over-adjusting the feed dogs can lead to problems with stitching, as well as potential damage to the fabric or the machine. Therefore, it is important to make adjustments to the feed dogs only when absolutely necessary.
It is also important to remember to test the machine after making any adjustments. This will help to ensure that the feed dogs are working properly, and that your project will turn out as desired. This will save time and money in the long run.
Conclusion
Adjusting the feed dogs on a Brother sewing machine is a simple process that requires only a few basic tools. It is important to remember to follow the necessary safety procedures while adjusting the feed dogs, and to make the necessary adjustments only when necessary. With the right care and maintenance, your Brother sewing machine should work properly and provide you with many years of use.
