Introduction to Sewing:
Knowing how to sew by hand or with a machine is a practical and rewarding skill. Sewing can save you money, help you customize and tailor your clothes, and even create unique crafts. Many people select a sewing machine to learn this craft, as a machine can make sewing faster and more precise. While sewing machines are easy to understand once they are set up, learning to thread the machine and put a needle in properly can be tricky.
How to Put a Needle In a Brother Sewing Machine:
Putting a needle in your Brother sewing machine is not complicated, but needs to be done with hand and eye coordination. When you are threading any machine, it is important to take your time and stay focused so that you can avoid problems like thread jams or skipped stitches.
- Start by pushing the needle bar toward the back of the machine and raising the needle by using the hand wheel.
- Next,carefully remove the old needle by unscrewing it from the needle bar.
- Next,select a new needle that is suitable for the type of fabric and thread you are using.
- Place the needle into the needle bar and make sure that is it inserted all the way into the bar. It should be secure but not so tight that cannot be adjusted.
- Now,pull the needle bar away from the back of the machine until it stops. The needle should be sticking up at an angle, ready to be threaded.
- Insert the thread from the back of the machine, towards the thread guide at the front.
- Bring the thread from the front to the back again, through the needle’s eye. Make sure that the thread is pulled tightly so that it is secure when you begin to sew.
And that’s it, you have successfully placed a needle in your Brother sewing machine and it is ready to be used!
Checking The Needle Position:
Even after the needle has been placed and threaded, it is a good idea to check the correct position. To do this, you should lower the needle into the fabric using the hand wheel and look closely to examine the needle angle. It should be at a slight angle so that it will be able to penetrate the fabric and create a stitch. If the position of the needle is incorrect, you should gently adjust it and then use the hand wheel to check its positioning again.
Choosing the Right Needle
You can locate the correct type of needle for any type of sewing project by referring to the sewing machine manufacturer’s instruction guide. Different types of fabric and threads require different sized needles. The size of the needle is indicated by a number on the side and corresponds to the width of the shaft of the needle.
For basic sewing projects, a universal needle is an excellent option. Generally, universal needles are suitable for most fabrics and can be used in a variety of sewing tasks. When handling thicker fabrics such as canvas or leather, you should use a heavier needle to ensure that the stitches hold and avoid putting too much strain on the machine.
Why Regularly Change Your Needle?
Replacing your needle regularly is important for maintaining your machine and ensuring that your stitches turn out properly. It is recommended that after about 8 hours of sewing, you should switch out the machine needle. A blunt needle or one that is not the correct size for the fabric can cause uneven, skipped or even broken stitches.
You should also be aware of which type of needle you are using. Some needles are designed for specific tasks, such as stretch needles or quilting needles. Learning the features of different types of needles can make sewing easier and allow for more creative possibilities.
Safety Tips
When working with needles, it is essential to use caution. Always check to make sure that the needle is securely fastened in the needle bar before turning the machine on. Be careful to keep your fingers away from the needle while sewing and never sew with a damaged machine or needle.
Using the correct type of needle for fabric and thread can make your project easier and more successful. Being aware of the features of different needles can also make sewing safer. Remember to replace the needle regularly for the best results and to keep your sewing machine in good condition.
Needle Maintenance
It’s important to remember that the quality of the needle itself can also affect the success of your sewing project. Be sure to purchase high-quality needles and appropriate accessories. Always store needles in their original packaging, away from things like magnets or electricity. Properly maintaining your needles will make them last longer.
Unfortunately, needles wear out over time. Don’t be tempted to try to use a needle for too long as this will be damaging to your machine and affect the quality of your stitching. Replace worn needles to avoid wasted fabric, time, and other problems.
Feed Dogs and Pressure Foot
In order to get the correct stitch formation with your sewing machine, it is important to understand the function of the feed dogs. The feed dogs are located underneath the needle plate and are the ridges or ‘teeth’ that move the fabric as it is being sewn. The pressure foot controls the pressure of the needle as it passes over the fabric, allowing you to choose the correct amount of tension for the type of material you are sewing.
You may need to adjust the pressure foot and feed dogs while sewing to get the desired stitch formation. Many Brother sewing machines have an adjustable pressure foot and the ability to raise or lower the feed dogs. Refer to your machine’s instruction manual for specific instructions.
Adjusting Tensions
Adjusting the tension of the thread is essential for getting the right stitch formation on your fabric. If the tension is too tight, the fabric can be puckered as the needle pulls the thread too hard. If the tension is too loose, your stitches may be loose or even skipped altogether.
The way to adjust the top thread tension is to look for a small dial or knob next to the thread guide. This is usually located on the front, side or top of your Brother sewing machine. To increase the tension, move the dial or knob to the left or turn it clockwise. To decrease the tension, move the dial or knob to the right or turn it counter-clockwise.
Lubricating the Machine
Remember to lubricate the machine with oil regularly to keep it running smoothly and prevent any damage. Be sure to check your machine manufacturer’s instructions to identify the specific type of lubricant that should be used. Once you have identified the right oil, use a cotton swab to apply a few drops of the oil around the needle bar and the area around the bobbin case.
If possible, it is also a good idea to remove the needle bar and clean it with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any residue and dust, and ensure that the needle is moving smoothly as you sew.
