Sewing machines are incredibly useful for amateurs and professionals alike. They are an invaluable addition to any craft or hobby room and can be used to sew garments, drapes, and even quilts. However, to make the best use of your sewing machine, it is essential to know how to drop the feed dogs. This guide will provide you with the information you need to understand the process and master it.
Feed dogs are the metal bars beneath the presser foot, extending up to the needle plate. They move up and down in a continuous motion, propelling the fabric through the machine as you sew. When raised, the feed dog has a grip on the fabric and helps keep it steady while being sewn. But if you ever want to do any free motion work, such as creating quilting patterns, or stippling, you need to “drop the feed dogs.”
Dropping the feed dog involves lowering it underneath the presser foot. This is done by depressing a lever on the side of the machine that drops the feed dog and turns off the motor, making the needle stop moving. Now, you are free to move the fabric around with your hands, and the feed dog will no longer be interacting with it. This allows you to follow complex patterns easily, and also make any adjustments if needed.
Before you drop the feed dogs, make sure that you check your machine manual. Some machines come with a specific setting for this, and some do not. Depending on the model of your machine, there may be other adjustments you need to make before you turn the wheel to lower the feed dog. It is also essential to understand the safety procedures for the machine, as pressing certain levers could damage it.
It is also important to note that when you lower the feed dog, you have some limitations in regards to the type of fabrics you can work with. Quilting fabrics tend to work best, as they are thicker and have more stability. If you are working with lightweight fabrics, it is better to keep the feed dog raised. The fabric might otherwise slip beneath the presser foot and cause an uneven stitch line.
Finally, if the feed dogs fail to drop, it could be because the machine’s bobbin is winding too tightly. In this situation, you will need to loosen the tension of the bobbin winder. To do this, use your wrench to unscrew the winder a quarter of a turn. Keep testing the machine and adjusting the winder until it reaches the desired level of tension and drops the feed dog.
When to Drop the Feed Dogs
When selecting the sithrᥱad and presser foot for free motion sewing, it is important to consider what type of fabric you are working with and the desired outcome. Many specialty feet are designed for free motion and give the stitch a more professional finish. If you are only planning to do some basic free-motion quilting, you can use a straight stitch and standard presser foot. The foot should be positioned so the slotted tip is pointing to the left for a more uniform appearance.
Dropping the feed dogs prior to beginning free motion stitching will give you ultimate control over the stitched design. Many machines have a dedicated free motion button, or a lever specifically designed to lower the feed dog. On vintage machines, you may need to engage a subjecter to lower them.
Once you have dropped the feed dogs and backed up the fabric, begin to stitch in a counterclockwise motion and follow the desired design. To avoid any skipped stitches, make sure to keep the pressure consistent on the fabric, and take care when stitching curves to maintain an even stitch.
Troubleshooting the Feed Dogs
If the feed dogs are not dropping, it could be due to a variety of issues. Make sure that the bobbin winder is not winding too tightly, and if the machine is still not working correctly, it is recommended to take it to a trained technician for servicing. Sometimes, the feed dog may just need to be cleaned, as dirt or lint can accumulate on them and cause them to jam.
If the feed dog is not dropping after cleaning, it is recommended to investigate the other parts of the machine. If the machine is malfunctioning, the feed dog might be the symptom of a larger issue.
Maintenance
To ensure that your machine is kept in optimal condition, it is important to keep the feed dogs clean and in proper working order. As dirt and lint quickly accumulate on the feed dog, it is recommended to regularily clean them with a soft brush, such as a toothbrush. Also, pay attention to any unusual sounds when the machine is in use. Unusual sounds are often the first warning signs that something is malfunctioning.
If your machine is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, it is recommended to take it for servicing to identify any underlying issues and resolve them before they become problematic. It is also a good idea to lubricate the feed dog weekly to keep them lubricated and well-functioning.
Free motion Stitches
The possibilities of free motion stitches are practically endless, and you can use them to embellish almost anything. Stippling and stipples can often be found on quilts, while appliqués can be used on bags and t-shirts. Additionally, you can use free motion stitching to create waves, zig zags, bunched feathers, circles and more.
Whatever pattern you are working with, practice is key for mastering free motion stitches. Before you start working with a certain item, it is recommended to test different free motion techniques on scrap fabric. This will help you familiarize yourself with the techniques and get a better idea of how to handle the fabric.
Once you have the hang of it, you can start to experiment with different patterns and create unique designs. The possibilities are endless and you can easily begin to create unique pieces of art that can be admired for years.
Pros and Cons
Before you attempt to drop the feed dogs, it is a good idea to evaluate the pros and cons. Dropping the feed dogs allows you to work on complex patterns and enables you to make adjustments as you go. This can be especially useful when quilting, as you can easily adopt a pattern to the situation. Additionally, this feature is available in many of the newer sewing machine models.
On the downside, dropping the feed dog could make the fabric slip if you are working with lightweight fabrics. Additionally, you might need to purchase a different type of presser foot for free motion sewing. Some machines also require additional adjustments before the feed dogs can be dropped, so it is essential to check your machine manual prior to doing so.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiarised with the basics of dropping the feed dogs, you are ready to try it out. With a bit of practice, you can start to experiment with more complex designs and create your own free motion quilts. And even if you don’t use the technique regularly, it is always good to know how to work the features of your machine.
