Having a sewing machine is important for many people, whether for making clothes or other craft items. With proper use and regular maintenance, a sewing machine should give you many years of service.
A key part of maintaining a sewing machine is regular replacement of needles. When buying needle replacements, be sure of the size, type, and length, keeping in mind that machine needles differ from hand needles.
To get started changing a sewing machine needle, the machine should be shut off and unplugged. Next, the main needle should be removed by pulling it straight up and out of the machine.
When installing a new needle, ensure that the round flat side of the needle is facing the back of the machine. If a shank needs to be adjusted, loosen the needle clamp and move it into the correct position.
When tightening the clamp to secure the needle, be sure not to over-tighten it. After the needle has been properly clamped and tightened, turn the wheel of the machine manually to make sure the needle is moving up and down in the proper way.
In addition to changing the needle, it is also important that all other parts of the sewing machine are in good working order. It is recommended to inspect the machine each time a needle is changed.
On Singer Sewing Machines, a few other parts should be checked for proper tension. The bobbin case also needs to be correctly wound, as well as the shuttle hook.
Cleaning the Machine
It’s also important to do a proper cleaning of the sewing machine each time the needle is changed. Wiping the bobbin and throat pieces with a dry cloth while they are still inside the machine can help remove any lint or other particles that can affect the performance of the machine.
Once the lint within the machine has been cleaned, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Doing this on a regular basis can help keep the machine looking good and help maintain its performance.
To ensure that a Singer Sewing machine runs smoothly, it is recommended to also lubricate parts such as the shuttle hook mechanism and tension discs by running lubricating oil along them once a week.
Threading the Sewing Machine
Proper threading of the sewing machine is essential to creating solid and evenly stitched seams. Inspect the thread before beginning and make sure it is free from knots.
The thread must be properly threaded in the machine for it to work correctly. Start by drawing the thread from the spool, through the pathway on the machine, and out at the needle.
Once the thread has been properly secured in the machine, continue to thread by drawing it through the tension discs, bobbin case, and the shuttle hook. When the thread has been securely placed in each of the tension discs, the thread should then be set up between the take-up lever and pressure foot.
After the thread is securely in the pressure foot, the needle should then be lowered by turning the wheel manually, followed by setting the stitch length, width, and sewing machine speed.
Overlocking and Sewing Seams
Once the machine is properly set up and threaded, the user can then begin to sew seams. When sewing seams, start by engaging the overlocker on the machine. This will help ensure that the fabric is held in place as the material is being sewn.
Next, lower the pressure foot and begin to slowly sew the seam. Start and end the seam with a few reverse stitches to secure the fabrics in place. To ensure the fabric doesn’t move while sewing, maintain a consistent speed with the machine.
For more heavy fabrics, it is recommended to use a heavier needle since this will help penetrate thicker fabrics. When finished, use a pair of scissors to cut each side of threads and remove from the machine.
Storing the Machine
When storing a machine after use, cover the entire machine with a protective cover. This can help keep dust and dirt away from the machine and reduce the need for cleaning when it’s in storage.
While stored, some machines can be left with the needle in place, but it is recommended to unhook the needle and put it away as it may dull or damage the needle over time.
It’s also important to oil the machine every few weeks when it’s in storage. To do this, start by applying one drop of oil in each of the openings. Then, use a lint-free cloth to wipe away the excess oil.
Using Preventative Maintenance
To keep a sewing machine running in good condition, experts recommend using preventative maintenance. This can include regularly checking all the parts of the machine, such as the needle, belt, bobbin, and other smaller parts.
It is important to use the proper supplies and parts when doing any maintenance, as this can help ensure that all the parts are of good quality and will last for many years with proper care.
Also, it’s a good idea to keep spare parts handy, so you have replacements immediately on hand if needed. This can help reduce the time needed for repairs and get the machine back in working order.
Using Sewing Machine Accessories
Using sewing machine accessories can also help make sewing a more enjoyable experience. Accessories such as magnetic needle threaders, fabric cutters, and hand sewing needles can make more complex projects easier to complete.
In addition to accessories, using proper lighting can also make sewing easier. If a sewing machine is located in a low-light area, then using a lamp can help reduce eye strain and make it easier to focus on detailed areas such as hems and collars.
When using a needle, it is also important to use the correct ones for the type of fabric being sewn. Different fabric types require different needle types and sizes, so be sure to research what type of needle is needed for the fabric being sewn.
Choosing Sewing Thread
Having the proper thread is essential to successful sewing. When choosing thread, select a quality brand and color that matches the fabric being sewn. Match the thread color to the fabric or use a contrasting color for decorative sewing.
When selecting a thread, also consider the type of thread being used and the type of stitch that is needed. Different types of thread such as cotton, polyester, and nylon all have their own characteristics and can be used accordingly.
Finally, consider the weight of the thread when choosing. Threads come in a variety of weights and can be used for a variety of different projects. For most projects, a standard 100-weight thread should be sufficient.
