Threading the Sewing Machine
Backstitching is a process of reinforcing a seam by stitching back along it, usually with a different length of stitch. It’s a popular method of sewing on a Singer sewing machine, as its simple and easy to use when you know how! Threading a sewing machine correctly, particularly the Singer variety, can be fiddly and tricky so it pays to be mindful of the right steps.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure the machine is on the right tension to begin with. Generally, lighter fabrics of thin or fine thread require lighter tension, whilst thicker material and thread will require more tension for a lasting seam. This can be adjusted on the Singer sewing machine by turning the tension knob. Adjusting the tension will also help with making sure the thread is caught in the needle properly and doesn’t slip out when sewing.
Creating the First Stitch
Once the machine is set to the correct tension, it’s time to begin backstitching. To start, the presser foot should be raised and the needle put down into the material. The needle should be moved slightly to the right of the material with the presser foot in the same position. Then, press the foot pedal and release the needle to secure it in place. Finally, press the foot pedal again and the machine will take over, stitch and stop with the needle in the fabric without any further assistance.
Finishing a Seam Line
After the initial stitch has been created, the stitching process begins. To complete the seam with a backstitch, raise the needle before stopping the machine and start pulling the fabric away from the machine. Tie a knot in the top thread to ensure the fabric doesn’t come undone.
Turn the wheel at the front of the sewing machine to the left and the needle will rise, allowing the fabric to be pulled in the opposite direction. At this stage, it’s also important to adjust the stitch length back to the original setting; a shorter stitch length for a longer backstitch, and a longer stitch length for a shorter backstitch.
The wheel should then be moved to the right and the presser foot should be lowered once again. Then, slowly press the foot pedal and the machine will begin to backstitch. When the correctly shaped stitch has been created, slide the wheel back to the left, take the fabric away and tie a knot in the top thread.
Creating Buttonholes
A backstitch can be used to make a buttonhole on the Singer machine. This is achieved by using the buttonhole foot and beginning in the same manner as described above. With a marker pen, draw a dashed line in the fabric to indicate the length of buttonhole desired.
Put the buttonhole foot onto the machine, set the stitch length to 3.5 and adjust the sequence according to the instructions from the manufacturer. Most Singer machines have a buttonhole sequence clearly marked on the front.
Turn the wheel to the left and lower the presser foot. Slide the wheel to the right and begin to stitch, slowly pressing the foot pedal. Most Singer machines have a buttonhole adjuster that can be used to complete the buttonhole with ease.
Applying Zippers with a Singer Machine
Applying zippers onto fabric can be fiddly on a Singer machine, but it is possible. Start by pressing the seam allowance in the area where the zipper is to be attached. Place the zipper upside down with the teeth facing up and slot the zipper foot into the machine. Raise the needle and press the foot pedal to stitch onto the fabric, keeping the edge of the zipper tape aligned with the seam line. Move the zipper foot across the edge of the zipper, pressing the foot pedal whilst moving it.
Stop the machine and raise the needle. Take the fabric away and press the length of the zipper taped. Turn the fabric over and stitch the other side of the zipper tape. Turn the wheel again to raise the needle and check the stitch length, as this must be the same for a successful finish.
Attaching Ribbon with a Singer Machine
Ribbon looks beautiful on clothing or fabric bags and it can be sewn onto a Singer machine with relative ease. Start by cutting the ribbon to length and coat the edges with fray check, or use fray-resistant ribbon. Place the ribbon onto top of the fabric and decide on the width to be sewn. Then, move the presser foot slightly towards the right and set the stitch length to 3.2.
Raise the needle and lower the presser foot. Keep adjusting the position of the presser foot to help keep it accurately in line with the ribbon. Slowly press the foot pedal and the machine will do the rest. As with other backstitching processes, it’s important to raise the needle when stopping and tie the top thread once finished to secure the fabric.
Making Gathers on a Singer Machine
Gathered fabrics can give a party look to any piece of clothing, and it’s simple and easy to achieve on a Singer machine. Start by marking the fabric with a ruler or marker pen. Then, set the stitch length to the longest setting, raising the needle and lowering the presser foot for greater accuracy.
Run the gathering thread along the mark with the presser foot and keep pressing the foot pedal until the fabric has been firmly attached. Make sure to keep the fabric taut while stitching and begin going backwards and forwards along the marked area. Once the fabric has been gathered, tie off the gathering thread to ensure it is held securely in place.
Attaching Elastic with a Singer Machine
Elastic can be used to provide an interesting touch to shirts, skirts or jackets. Begin by threading the elastic through the casing or fabric, then align each side on the material. Set the stitch length to a medium size, and overlock the seam when done.
With a Singer machine, it’s important to backstitch a few stitches at the start and end of the elastic to ensure it’s securely in place. Then change the stitch length to the longest setting and stretch the elastic a little before beginning to stitch. Pull gently in the same direction as the line of stitching until it’s gathered as desired. Tie off the thread at the end and gently pull out the elastic to avoid any bunching.
Curved Seams on a Singer Machine
Making curved seams is a tricky process on any sewing machine, but it can be done accurately with a Singer machine. Start by tracing the curved line onto the fabric, then use pins to secure the seam in place. Set the stitch length to the shortest setting and lower the presser foot before pressing the foot pedal.
Move the fabric slowly as the machine stitches, ensuring to keep the line curved as desired. Once finished, double check the seams and if needed, start again until the curved line looks accurate. Then, tie off the thread and cut off any excess fabric.
Attaching Bias Tape with a Singer Machine
Bias tape of any width can be added to fabric to provide an interesting design, but the Singer machine must be set up correctly to create this. Start by finding the centre of the bias tape and mark it with a marker pen. Begin stitching with a longer stitch length, pressing the foot pedal as the machine moves.
Keep the bias tape aligned along the seam line whilst stitching and if needed, move the needle position to enable greater ease of stitching. Change the stitch length to 2.5 when finishing the stitching; this will help ensure the bias tape is strong along the seam and there is cannot be regular pulling and tension on this piece of fabric.
Adding a Hem with a Singer Machine
Hems are commonly found along clothing and fabric bags, and it is a useful stitch to learn when using a Singer machine. Start by folding the fabric and make a slight crease with a marker pen. Attach the presser foot so that it moves freely, then set the stitch length to 3.2.
Slowly press the foot pedal and line up the fabric as the machine stiches. Move the fabric slowly, adjusting the needle position if needed, until the hem reaches the desired stitch length. It’s important to ensure the needle reaches the crease as this will ensure that the stitching is accurate and the hem looks professional. Tie off the thread and cut off any excess material.
