Singer sewing machines offer a wide range of capabilities and features that make them a great choice for dressmaking, quilting, and many other projects. Learning how to lower feed dogs on a Singer sewing machine is an important step in becoming an efficient and accurate seamstress. Feed dogs are the metal teeth located underneath a machine’s needle plate, and they help to advance fabric as the needle moves up and down. Unfortunately, if the feed dogs remain in the up position, sewing will be difficult, as the fabric will not advance on its own. Here is how to lower feed dogs on a Singer sewing machine.
First, unplug the machine, hold down the stitch selector (upper right hand area of the machine), and turn the handwheel until the needle is in its highest position. Some Singer machines have a needle position lever; if so, turn it all the way to the left until it clicks.
Singer machines with a slide plate will also have a plate lever located near the needle plate. Move the lever towards the back or left of the machine, and the slide plate will open. You can now use your finger to move the feed dogs all the way down. Do not touch the red lifter, or the needle will not go all the way down into the bobbin. When the feed dogs are all the way down, slide the plate lever back to the right and close the plate. Return your handwheel to the original direction.
Removing the Throat Plate
On some Singer machines, you will also have to remove the throat plate, located on the needle plate, to lower the feed dogs. Grab the feed dog lever, which should be covered by the throat plate, and pull up. The throat plate should lift right out. Move the feed dogs into their lowest position, and put the throat plate back onto the needle plate. To guarantee a proper seal, use a small screwdriver to make sure the slots on the throat plate align with the feed dogs.
Preparing for Sewing
Once the feed dogs are lowered, you are ready to start sewing. Make sure to run test stitches on scrap fabric before sewing into the project. To start sewing, press the reverse lever (provided the machine is set for reverse stitching) to stitch forward. Increase the clip speeder and the fabric will start to advance. Adjust the stitch length and stitch width as necessary to sew even and consistent stitches.
Advantages of Lowering the Feed Dogs
Lowering the feed dogs allows for the fabric to be advanced without any extra steps. This helps to conserve energy and reduce stress on the fabric. This also increases the accuracy of the stitching as the fabric will always be advanced in the same way. Additionally, lowering the feed dogs allows for more control over embroidery stitches, heirloom stitches, and other intricate details.
Cleaning the Feed Dogs
Before biting into any other project, it is important to clean the feed dogs. To keep them in good working order, use a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush) and lint-free cloth to wipe away built-up dirt and thread. Use a dab of machine oil on a corner of the cloth to help loosen any stubborn particles. To properly lubricate the feed dogs, place a drop of machine lubricating oil on a small piece of cloth and lightly rub it onto the feed dogs. Be sure to wipe away any excess oil with a dry cloth.
Caring for Your Machine
Once the machine is in proper working condition, some light maintenance can help ensure that the feed dogs remain in the down position and are ready to use whenever the project calls for it. Regularly dust and oil the machine, being sure to use the appropriate type of oil for the machine. It is important to regularly remove lint build up to prevent any debris from getting stuck in the feed dogs. Periodically check the needles to make sure they are in good condition and replace them when they become dull or bent.
Common Problems with Feed Dogs
If the feed dogs are still not responding in the down position, it is likely that the problem lies in the bobbin case. To troubleshoot, open the bobbin case and clean out any built-up dirt. Check that the bobbin is properly installed and that it is not in an incorrect position. If this does not fix the issue, consult your machine’s manual for further instructions.
Using the Feed Dogs for Decorative Stitches
Once the feed dogs are in the down position and the machine is properly cared for, the feed dogs can actually come in handy for decorative stitching. Lowering the feed dogs allows for fabric manipulation with the presser foot and even stitching. Some techniques for decorative sewing include free motion embroidery, tucking, pleating, ruffling and much more.
Practicing on Scrap Fabric
To get the hang of fabric manipulation, start practicing on scrap fabric. Setup the machine in the manner described above and move the fabric around with one hand as the needle pierces it. Begin with a loose and light grip as you become more comfortable. This will help build confidence and dexterity when manipulating the fabric. As you become more experienced, you can increase the sewing speed to match your own comfort level.
Learning with a Mentor
Learning how to use a Singer sewing machine can seem daunting since it is a complex piece of equipment. As with many things, practice makes perfect, and the best way to learn is to start with a mentor. This can be a family member, friend, or professional who can show you the ropes and answer any questions you may have. Make sure to take your time in learning and listen to all advice before making any big decisions.
