Measuring the Thread
One of the most important steps in putting the thread in your sewing machine is measuring it out. First, cut off a length of roughly 16 inches (40 cm), being sure to make sure that the deep is right. If the thread is too thick or too thin, it will not be able to pass through your needle and the tensioner.
The thread should then be measured again by looping it around the measuring tape lightly. The correct thickness of thread will give the most even stitch when in use. It is best to err on the side of caution and buy a thread that can be adjusted if necessary.
When measuring the thread, it is also important to look out for any signs of fraying or other damage. If the thread is damaged, it will be more likely to break and snag in the machine, resulting in poor quality stitching.
While there are many types of thread on the market, the best threads for sewing machines use a blend of polyester and cotton. This blend ensures strength and durability while still producing a consistent and even stitch. Natural fibers may break more easily, resulting in more frequent thread breaks.
Unspooling the Thread
Once the thread is correctly measured and chosen, it is time to prepare it for the machine. Start by unspooling the thread. Using the spool cap and the spool pin, attach the thread and secure it to the machine. Be sure to cut off any excess thread, as any extra length can potentially tangle.
To further prepare the thread for use, place the spool on the spool holder and pull the thread through the wire. This step is essential for preventing tension and keep your thread from tangling.
For machines that require cones of thread, such as a coverstitch machine, there are some extra steps to unspooling. Always start by placing the cone of thread onto a large spool holder located above the machine. This will keep the thread from slipping and prevent it from becoming tangled.
Once the thread is attached to the machine, the thread will still need to be looped back through the wire. This process is similar to that of the spool, but with the thread held in the cone and the wire looped in a U-shape.
Threading the Needle
Threading a needle is the most important step in the process. Start by raising the presser foot and cutting off an extra length of thread. Carefully guide the thread through the eye of the needle, being sure not to pull too tight or too loose. Gently tug the thread to make sure it is secure.
Once the needle is threaded, take the remaining thread and wrap it around several of the machine’s spindles. This will anchor the thread and help to prevent tangles. Then take the thread and run it through the thread guide located at the top of the machine.
Thread guide tensioners are located on the top of most machines. These are adjustable tensioners that work to keep the thread from becoming too tight or too loose. Be sure to adjust the tensioner depending on the type of thread and material being sewn for the best results.
The last step is to run the thread through the take-up lever. Finally, the presser foot can be lowered, and the machine can be ready to sew.
Choosing the Right Needle
Using the correct needle for the fabric and thread being sewn is essential for a successful project. Needles are also made with different types of points, such as sharp, ballpoint, and universal. Sharp needles are best for woven fabrics, while ballpoint needles are better used with knit fabrics. Universal needles can be used on both wovens and knits, using a combination point.
In addition, needles also come in different sizes. The thicker the fabric, the larger the needle size should be. Thinner fabrics should use a smaller sized needle. This will help prevent any damage to the fabric due to incorrect sizing.
Using the right needle and thread in your machine will help keep tension even and produce better results. It is also recommended to regularly change the needle every four to six hours of sewing, as a dull needle can cause problems with the stitches being sewn.
Thread Tension
Correct thread tension is essential for any sewing project. Too much tension will cause the thread to be too tight, and too little tension will cause the thread to be too loose. Excess thread tension can cause the thread to break easily and the stitches to be too tight.
The tension dial on the machine can be adjusted to two different settings. The lower the number is set at, the looser the tension will be. On the other hand, the higher the number is set at, the tighter the tension will be. It is important to refer to the machine’s manual for the correct tension settings for each type of fabric.
Another important aspect of thread tension is making sure the top and the bottom tension are even. This can be done by using a tension tester and adjusting the tension until the readings match. Even thread tension will help ensure that the stitches are even and the fabric is not pulled in any direction.
Finishing the Stitches
Once a project is finished, it is important to finish the thread correctly. Start by cutting the thread, leaving a few inches of excess thread on the back and front. Then thread a needle onto the end of the thread and manually weave the thread through the stitches on the back of the sewing project. This will help secure the stitches and keep them from coming undone.
The thread can then be trimmed, leaving a small amount of excess thread on the back of the project. A tailor’s knot should then be tied to the end of the thread and cut off any excess. This will help ensure that the thread is secure and the stitches will not come undone.
It is best to leave the thread on the project until it is completely finished. This will help keep the stitches secure and the fabric from unraveling. Once the project is finished, the thread can be removed and the tailoring knot can be snipped off.
Keeping the Machine Clean
One of the most important steps in keeping the machine in proper working order is properly cleaning it. But before cleaning the machine, it must be unplugged from its power source. Then, use a soft cloth to wipe down all the plastic parts of the machine.
Be sure to also check for any thread that may be tangled in the needle or bobbin. Threads can be easily removed by using tweezers and a toothpick to gently pull the thread out. Over time, threads can build up on the inside of the machine, causing it to jam or malfunction.
Finally, an oil cloth should be used to lubricate any of the exposed metal parts on the machine. This will help reduce friction and keep the parts from becoming too hot or seizing up. Be sure to re-oil the parts every few months, or if the machine is in use more frequently.
Taking Care of the Bobbin
The bobbin is a very important part of the sewing machine, and it is important to take proper care of it. To do this, the bobbin case should be periodically cleaned and the thread should be replaced. Bobbins should also be unwound with a bobbin winder before they are used.
Before using a bobbin in the machine, it is important to make sure that the thread is correctly and evenly wound. Overwound bobbins can cause jams and improper tension in the needle, resulting in poor stitching. The bobbin should also be placed into the bobbin case correctly, with the bobbin thread leading out of the case before it is inserted into the machine.
In addition, it is important to not forget to pull the bobbin thread from the bobbin and thread it into the eye of the needle before sewing. If the bobbin thread is not properly fed through the needle, it will not stitch correctly and the project will be ruined.
