Overview
Sewing machines are a great way to quickly sew clothes, projects, accessories, and craft items. Sewing machines come in different styles, features and sizes. Knowing how to adjust the necessary parts on the sewing machine is important to get the desired results. One of the parts that you may need to lower the feed dog or teeth on the machine. The feed dog is a steel plate that transports the fabric when you sew. The feed dog is located under the needle plate and is used to move material during the sewing process. This article will explain how to lower a sewing machine feed dog and why you would need to use this setting.
Why Would You Lower the Feed Dog
There are a variety of reasons why a seamstress may need to lower the feed dog on a sewing machine. One of the primary reasons the feed dog may need to be lowered is for free motion quilting. Free motion quilting requires the feed dog to be lowered so you can move the fabric around freely. Free motion quilting requires the fabric to be moved in all directions, horizontally and vertically, in order to make the desired patterns on the quilt. Another reason why the feed dog may need to lower is for pintucks and French seams. Pintuck and French seams require forward and backward stitching and the feed dog needs to be lowered to accomplish this.
How to Lower the Feed Dog
To lower the feed dog on a sewing machine, a seamstress has to first access the needle plate. Depending on the model of the sewing machine there may be different ways to access the needle plate, so it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the needle plate is removed, the seamstress can then use a screwdriver to adjust the feed dog height screws. If the machine only has one or two screws this means that the feed dog cannot be lowered and the machine only has a partial drop feed mechanism. If the machine has three or more screws the feed dog can be adjusted. Pushing the feed dog down on the two side screws will cause the teeth of the feed dog to lower into the bed of the machine.
Raising The Feed Dog
Once the seamstress is finished with the lower feed dog setting, they need to know how to raise it back up as well. This can be done by using the same screwdriver to adjust the screws and raise the feed dog back up. It is important to make sure the feed dog is aligned correctly when raising it back up. If the feed dog is not aligned correctly, it may not transport the fabric correctly and cause problems with the stitching. Once the feed dog is back up and it is the correct height the seamstress can then place the needle plate back on the machine.
Advantages of Lowering the Feed Dog
Lowering the feed dog on a sewing machine can provide the seamstress with a greater range of freedom when creating their projects. Lowering the feed dog makes free motion quilting possible as well as other creative techniques while sewing. Most sewing machines have to have the feed dog lowered in order to accomplish some of these techniques.
Additional Tips
When working with a sewing machine, it is important to use the right tools and supplies. This includes a clean and sharp needle, the proper thread and tension adjustments and also the right fabric and stabilizers. Once a seamstress is confident with adjusting and using the feed dog they can create beautiful projects with their sewing machine.
Cleaning the Feed Dog
On occasion, the feed dog may need to be cleaned. This can be done by using a stiff brush and running it over the feed dog to remove any dirt or lint that has accumulated on it. A seamstress should also check to make sure that the connections and screws that help hold the feed dog into place are tightened. If they are loose, it can make an effect on the stitches and can cause uneven transport. It is also important to make sure that the feed dog is free from any obstructions.
Inspect the Feed Dog Regularly
In order to ensure that the feed dog is working properly and at a good height, the seamstress should inspect it regularly. This means lifting the needle plate and taking a look to see the condition of the feed dog teeth and the alignment. If they need to be adjusted or cleaned, make sure to do so in order to get the best results when using the machine.
Types of Needles for Lowering the Feed Dog
When it comes to free motion quilting or any other project that requires lowering the feed dog many sewists choose to use a darning or quilting needle. These needles are designed to create a much larger hole in the fabric and allows the seamstress to make bigger and smoother stitches. It is also important to make sure that the tension is set correctly and that it is adjusted in order to get the desired results.
Essential Supplies
When working with a sewing machine, the seamstress must have the essential supplies needed. This includes needles, the proper thread, bobbins, and presser feet. It is also a good idea to have extra supplies on hand such as extra needles, thread snips, fabric scissors, and a seam ripper. Having these extra supplies will ensure that the seamstress is prepared for any projects that require lowering the feed dog.
Adjusting for Different Projects
When it comes to lowering the feed dog, a seamstress may need to adjust the height for different projects. For free motion quilting, the feed dog may need to be lowered further than it does for other projects such as pintucks or French seams. It is important for the seamstress to experiment with the height setting and test out different techniques in order to know what works best for their projects.
Summary
Lowering the feed dog on a sewing machine can give the seamstress a greater range of freedom when creating their projects. Knowing how to adjust the feed dog on a machine is important in order to get the desired results and understand the different techniques when sewing. Sewing machines vary in style and features, so it is important to read the instructions and experiment with the settings to get the best results.
