Sewing Basics and Tools Needed
When it comes to needle positioning on a Brother sewing machine, the first thing to know is the basic sewing terms and features needed to know. For instance, the machine should have a needle, a foot pedal, a bobbin winder, and a feed dog. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the terminology involved like, basting stitch, machine tension, top stitching, hemming, and straight stitching. These basic tools and terms will be instrumental when it comes to understanding how to move the needle position on a Brother sewing machine.
Why Needle Motion Matters
Needle motion is the process of moving the needle up and down in a back and forth motion. This motion is responsible for the stitch formation which occurs when the machine is turned on. Therefore, needle motion is a vital process when it comes to making sure that the stitch being created is uniform and correct. If needle motion is not correct, the stitches formed may be uneven, incorrect size, or have an otherwise unappealing appearance.
Positioning the Needle
Before taking the actual step of needle motion, the needle must be set in the correct position. On a Brother sewing machine, needle positioning is done by adjusting the handwheel. This is the circular object on the side of the machine and is necessary for turning the needle from its current location to where it needs to be. Additionally, the direction of the needle should be monitored. The optimal direction is for it to be directing downwards when it moves into the fabric.
Raising and Lowering The Needle
Once the needle is in its correct position, it may be raised or lowered with the aid of the foot pedal. To raise the needle, press down on the foot pedal until the needle for your Brother sewing machine is raised to the desired height. It is important to note that the needle should not be held up too high or too low. To lower the needle, press the foot pedal again in a quick, short motion. This will allow the needle on the Brother sewing machine to be lowered.
Adjusting the Feed Dog
The feed dog is a small, metallic object that is found at the bottom of the machine. It is important to note that the feed dog must always be set appropriately. If it is too high or low, needle motion may not be accurate. To adjust the feed dog, the knobs found on either side of it should be adjusted. Once adjusted, the needle should move in its proper rhythm again.
Checking the Machine Tension
After properly setting the needle and the feed dog, the machine tension should be checked. Machine tension is an important aspect of stitch formation and needs to be adjusted to ensure uniform and tight stitch formation. To check the machine tension, wind the bobbin in a counterclockwise direction and check the tension on the bobbin thread. To adjust the tension on the thread, use the screw located on the inner side of the machine. This ensures that needle motion is proper and will result in correct stitch formation.
Guidelines to Replace Needles
It is important to remember that Brother sewing machine needles also have a limited amount of cycles they can run through. Too much wear and tear on the needle will result in thread bunching, uneven stitches, and broken stitches. If a needle appears to be worn or damaged, it should be replaced. When replacing the needle, make sure to follow the instructions that come with the needle. Generally, new needles should not be overstretched and should be installed with the long side going up and the flat side going into the machine.
Troubleshooting Tips to Fix Needle Misalignment
Sometimes the needle may still misalign even after correctly positioning it. In such a case, it is possible that another part of the machine such as the presser foot is loose or bent. To fix this, remove the presser foot and check for any damage or misalignment. In case of misalignment, use a pair of pliers to realign the presser foot. Additionally, the needle may need to be realigned if the presser foot was moved during the repair process. Once realigned, the needle should be able to move properly if the presser foot is correctly attached.
Conclusion
Needle motion on a Brother sewing machine is an important process to understand and make sure correct stitching occurs. To do this, the foot pedal should be used to raise and lower the needle, the handwheel should be used to move it in position, the feed dog should be adjusted, and the machine tension should be checked. It is important to remember to replace the needle if damaged or worn, and that presser foot misalignment can also affect needle motion. With the help of these tips, needles on a Brother sewing machine can be easily moved and adjusted.
