Fundamental Aspects of Bobbing a Brother Sewing Machine
The idea of bobbing a Brother Sewing machine is not a complex process and yet it can be extremely intimidating to the novice needleworker. With so much of the process unfamiliar it is easy to overlook vital steps that are essential to the successful and safe functioning of the machine. Luckily, there is a plethora of resources both on and off the internet that can help the wary needleworker to tackle this new endeavor with confidence.
At its core, bobbing a sewing machine is the practice of taking a “part” of the machine’s “form” and replacing it with a specific bobbin, a device usually made from plastic or metal that stores a thread spool. A careful selection of the correct bobbin type – both by thread type and thread size – is essential for the smooth and consistent operation of the machine. Fortunately, this step is relatively easy as the machine’s user manual will usually provide clear guidance on the types of bobbin acceptable for the machine’s use.
Having chosen the right bobbin type, the next crucial step is to correctly fit it into the machine. This is a crucial safety point as incorrect fitting of the bobbin could damage the machine’s internal mechanism or, worse, cause the machine to malfunction while in use. To avoid catastrophes like these, needleworkers are urged to follow the fitting instructions carefully – even if they do seem unnecessary changing a bobbin should take no more than a few minutes of careful work.
Once the new bobbin has been fitted and in place, the practice of rethreading the spool is required for the machine. Taking time to ensure the spool is properly threaded and tensioned is vital if the needleworker wishes for optimum performance from their machine. It is also suggested that, over time, the needleworker can observe the standard tension levels of various fabrics and stiches to better understand the ideal tension.
If all the above steps have been completed, the needleworker is now ready to move onto the next step: threading the machine’s needle. Much like the threading of the spool, this step requires care and attention in order to ensure that the machine is properly threaded. Incorrect threading will no doubt result in malfunctioning or even broken needles!
Finally, when all of the above steps have been completed, the needleworker should check their overall work by manually moving the machine’s handwheel and needle to ensure that the machine is correctly threaded. Once satisfied, the needleworker can then move onto the next project confidently knowing that their machine is correctly prepared and safe for use.
Understand Different Types of Brother Sewing Machines
As previously mentioned, there are a number of different types of Brother sewing machines available on the market. Knowing the unique features and capabilities of the different types will help the needleworker choose the right machine for their needs. For example, mechanical machines are often preferred by experienced sewers who do not require fancy features and want the machine to deliver consistent results. Electronic machines, on the other hand, offer more features and are more suited to those who need additional features such as stitch setting and selections. However, these machines are more electronically complex so they are often chosen by experienced sewers.
Furthermore, another factor to consider when selecting the machine is its portability and weight. Those who sew on-the-go or require the machine to be easily carried from room to room might opt for a lightweight, travel-friendly machine, such as a computerised or even mini-sewing machine. Alternatively, those who mostly sew in one place may opt for a traditional heavier machine as portability is not an issue for them.
Ultimately, the needleworker should always read the full user manual and review the different features of the chosen machine before making a decision. It is also important to always consult a professional in case of any doubts before using the machine.
Understand Required Components
As with any task, bobbing a Brother Sewing Machine machine requires the needleworker to have access to the right components. This includes the specific bobbin, thread, and needle recommended by the manufacturer – each of which should be decided upon after consulting the user manual. The needleworker should also be sure to stock up on a few spare bobbins, needles, and thread spools in different colors in case of future projects. Furthermore, having a surface cover is essential to keep the machine’s surface free from dirt, dust, and food. It is also recommended to have toe presser, machine oil, seam ripper, pin cushion, scissors, and other tools handy in order to maintain the machine and make any repairs.
Maintaining the Machine
Properly maintaining the machine requires a combination of effort from the needleworker as well as regular inspection from a professional. To ensure that the machine is free of dust, dirt and debris, it is a good practice to regularly vacuum and wipe the exterior as well as the interior components such as the bobbin case and needle. It is also important to regularly inspect the machine for any signs of wear and tear, and repairs should be done as soon as they are identified.
In addition to this, it is essential to make sure that the machine is always lubricated before use as this prevents the parts from moving too much and causing any damage to the mechanism. It is also something that should be done regularly regardless of needleworking frequency – adding oil and tightening any loose screws will help keep the machine in good condition.
Finally, it is crucial to keep an eye on any loose ends, such as the thread and the needle, to ensure that the material being sewn will be securely held – paying attention to details like this can save a lot of time if any repairs or rethreading have to be done.
Working on Different Types of Material
Every material has a different texture, weave and structure, which means there are certain challenges that arise when working with each material. With this in mind, any needleworker should pay attention to their Brother Sewing Machine’s user manual which will provide insight into the type of needle, tension, and fabric-specific stitch settings that should be used in order to achieve the desired results. Furthermore, it is essential to match the needle size with the material’s thickness and the thread type, otherwise an unsatisfactory result is likely.
Experimenting with different needles is an important step for the needleworker to understand which needle will suit different types of materials. For instance, a longarm needle should be used for materials that are tightly woven, such as cotton or linen, while a stretch needle should be used for clothing or any other stretchy fabric. It is also important to note that metallic and waxed threads require special needles and thread guides.
Finally, it is crucial to remember to match the thread tension levels with the specific material in order to achieve the desired result. Referring to the machine’s manual as well as experimental stitches on scraps of material will be useful way to determine the right tension levels.
Tips and Takeaways
Bobbing a Brother Sewing Machine may seem like a daunting process but with the help of this guide and some patience and practice, the task can easily be accomplished. While it is essential to follow each step carefully and correctly, the process can be quite rewarding – the needleworker’s improved understanding of their machine as well as the satisfaction of mastering a new skill should make the entire experience worthwhile.
Making sure to choose the right machine for the task, stock up on a few spare bobbins, needles and thread spools, understand the various components of the machine and use the correct needle type for different materials are all key tips to keep in mind when bobbing a Brother machine.
Finally, there are a few important things to remember when working on different types of material. It is essential to match the needle size to the material’s thickness, use the appropriate thread type and correctly adjust the tension according to the specific material being sewn. Following these steps should give the needleworker satisfactory results and provide the added bonus of increased confidence in their sewing machine!
