Introduction
Sewing machines can require adjustment to complete specific tasks. One of the key adjustments is reducing the height of the feed dogs. This allows for different types of fabric to be stitched without the fabric sliding as the needle descends. Reducing the height of the feed dogs is a common process and easy to accomplish. Artisans and seamstresses can quickly progress their projects by understanding the basics of adjusting a sewing machine.
What are Feed Dogs?
Feed dogs are the small metal teeth found under the presser feet of a sewing machine. They fit into slots of the throat plate, the metal part directly under the presser foot. The teeth of the feed dogs grip the fabric as the presser foot is lowered and cause the fabric to move along with the needle. As the needle descends again and the presser foot is released, the fabric continues moving, allowing even stitches on all types of fabric.
How to Drop Feed Dogs on a Sewing Machine
To reduce the height of the feed dogs and allow for different fabric types to be sewn, most sewing machines have an adjustable dial. It is usually close to the throat plate and usually labelled ‘feed dogs’. Depending on the make and model of the sewing machine, the feed dogs can be dropped with a frequency adjustment dial or lever. Set and adjust the dial or lever according to the recommendations given in the machine’s instruction manual.
When special projects call for a no-feed system, the feed dogs can be dropped by covering them with fabric or a sheet of plastic. Traditionally, a piece of muslin fabric or scrap material was used, but most modern machines come with special attachments for this purpose. The fabric covering should be the same weight and thickness as the fabric being sewn, to ensure an even stitching.
Patterns on Difficult Fabric
When sewing on heavy fabric such as leather, canvas, and other tough materials, it is recommended to drop the feed dogs. Dropping the feed dogs allows for more precise pattern control and smoother fabric manipulation. When the feed dogs are at a lower height, it helps avoid problems such as uneven stitches and sewing in the wrong direction. When free motion quilting is being done, the feed dogs should be dropped.
Essential Safety Tips
Before adjusting the height of the feed dogs, there are some essential safety tips to consider that help prevent the fabric from being snagged. It is important to always have the presser foot raised when making any adjustments such as changing the stitch pattern or thread type. This helps to avoid the needle thread or bottom thread from becoming tangled in the clips of the feed dog mechanism.
Precisely Controlled Sewing Patterns
In most cases, dropping the feed dogs allows for more precise control over stitching patterns. This is especially important when completing applique patches, decorative stitches, and curvy stitches. Starting and stopping stitches, as well as doing intricate patterns and shapes, is smoother when the feed dogs are dropped.
Tutorials and Demonstrations
Understanding the basics of dropping the feed dogs on a sewing machine is essential to any artisan or seamstress. To help get accustomed to the machine and its operations, professionals can use tutorials or watch demonstrations of how to drop the feed dogs. This will help them to master the process faster and allow them to make repairs to their machine if needed.
Wrapping up
Dropping the height of the feed dogs is a simple process that allows artisans and seamstresses to control the precise stitching patterns of their fabric. Once the procedure has been mastered, artisans and seamstresses can quickly progress their projects, avoiding uneven stitches and other fabric manipulation problems. The important safety tip of raising the presser foot before making any adjustments should be heeded to avoid tangle and breakage of the needle thread or bottom thread.
