Adjusting the Speed
Having a Singer Sewing Machine is a great asset for anyone who loves sewing. It helps to make crafting and fixing projects easier and more precise. Like all sewing machines, Singer Sewing Machines have adjustable speeds which can be adjusted to help with different projects. Tailoring or quilting projects may require different speeds than a simple mending job. Understanding how to adjust the speed of a Singer Sewing Machine can make your sewing experience more enjoyable and much more efficient.
Speed Control Knob
The control knob is located at the right side of the machine, right next to the foot pedal. All Singer Sewing Machines have the same knob for adjusting speed. Push the knob in and then turn the wheel gently to the left to slow down the speed. Do not turn the wheel too far, since over-slowing may cause the machine’s needle to begin bouncing or not sew in stitch at all. For best results, try turning the wheel only one eighth of an inch at a time to ensure you don’t over-slowing.
Foot Pedal
The foot pedal is the control switch for the machine’s speed. The foot pedal allows the user to sew at a constant and even speed with the machine. To adjust the speed, just press the foot pedal and move it up or down. The more you press, the faster the machine will sew, and the less you press, the slower the machine will sew. It is important to note that, while the foot pedal can speed up the machine, it cannot be used to slow down the machine.
Needle Position
Adjusting your needle position can also help slow down the machine’s speed. The needle position is adjustable on most Singer Sewing Machines. By turning the position to the middle, the speed of the machine will slow down. This can be very helpful in situations where the machine is going too fast and needs to be slowed for a precise detail. To adjust the needle position, the knob on the left side of the machine needs to be twisted to the left or right.
Presser Foot Pressure
The presser foot pressure determines the degree to which the machine pulls fabric as it sews. If the presser foot pressure is too high, the machine will sew faster and the stitch size may be larger than desired. To lower the machine’s speed and reduce the stitch size, adjust the presser foot pressure. This is done by gently turning the wheel on the left side of the machine until the desired speed is achieved.
Max Settings
Most Singer Sewing Machines have a maximum speed setting which is indicated with a red dot. Most of these Singer machines are set to a maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute and if this speed is exceeded, the stitching may be uneven and the machine may stop suddenly. To prevent this, it is important to make sure the sewing machine is not set past the red dot at any time.
Thread and Bobbin Tension
One way to create a smoother, more uniform-looking stitch is to adjust the thread tension on the machine. If the tension of the machine is set too tightly, it can cause the machine to run faster and lead to unwanted bunching. To correct this issue, twist the knob located near the top of the machine in a counter-clockwise direction until the proper tension is achieved. Another way to speed up or slow down the sewing machine is to adjust the tension on the bobbin by turning the knob on the right side of the machine.
Using the Right Needle
Using the right needle is also important to achieving the desired speed with your Singer Sewing Machine. Using a universal needle is best for most projects, while a more delicate needle is better suited for projects that require intricate detail. Different types of needles come in different sizes and thicknesses, so choosing the right one is important in achieving the desired speed with your Singer Sewing Machine.
Change Threads
Changing threads is one of the most effective ways to adjust the speed of your Singer Sewing Machine. Different types of threads have different weights which can affect the speed of the machine. Thin threads allow for a slower speed, while thicker threads require a faster speed. Choosing the right thread for the project can not only decrease the amount of time it takes to complete the task, but also ensure the desired outcome.
Clean the Machine Regularly
Finally, it is important to make sure to clean the Singer Sewing Machine regularly. This will help to prevent the machine from getting clogged with dust, lint and thread which can slow down the speed of the machine. Clogged machines are also more prone to skipping stitches and jamming, which can lead to broken needles and uneven stitches.
