Preparation
Replacing a broken needle on a sewing machine can be an intimidating task for a novice sewer, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can easily mend your machine and be sewing away in no time. To begin with, what you’ll need to do is gather the appropriate materials to help you with the job. It is important to have the correct size and type of needle, the correct type of needle threader, and the correct screwdriver.
If you are uncertain as to what size and type of needle your sewing machine needs, you can look up the appropriate information in your sewing machine’s instruction manual, or you can search for it online. Once you have gathered your materials, it is important to turn off your machine and unplug it from the electrical outlet to ensure that the machine is completely turned off.
The next step is to loosen the throat plate. This is the flat metal plate that lies beneath the needle in your sewing machine. On older machines, this plate may be secured on with a screw and can be easily removed with a flat head screwdriver. For newer models, you might need a special type of screwdriver to loosen the plate.
Removal
Once the throat plate is free, it is time to remove the broken needle. With older machines, you will use the flat head screwdriver to carefully push the needle down through the throat plate. The needle should slide easily out of the machine. For newer machines, you will have to remove the bobbin case, which houses the thread spindle. This is usually done by lifting up the small piece of metal that covers the bobbin case, and then pulling out the case.
Once the bobbin case has been removed, the needle should be visible. To remove the needle, you will need to turn the hand wheel of the machine, located near the base of the machine. As you turn the wheel, the needle should move gently up, out of the machine. Once the needle is removed, you can set it aside, as you will no longer need it.
Installation
With the broken needle removed, it is time to begin the installation of the new one. To properly insert a needle, it must be placed with the flat side facing the back of the machine. You can determine which side is the flat side by looking along the shaft of the needle. Once inserted, the needle should be seated firmly against the bobbin case.
Next, slide the needle threader into the hole located at the front of the throat plate, and loop it around the rod that holds the needle. Slowly turn the hand wheel of the machine to secure the needle threader and raise the needle. This will insert the needle up into the machine. Lastly, replace the throat plate and fasten the screw to properly secure it in place.
Testing
Once the needle is secure, it is important to test the machine out before you begin any kind of detailed sewing project. This can be done by running the machine on a scrap piece of fabric to make sure that everything is working properly. It is important to pay close attention to how the needle moves as it pierces the fabric and make sure that it is able to do so without any problems.
Once you have completed the testing, you should be able to begin sewing with your machine again. Thanks to a bit of preparation and a few easy steps, you can now replace a broken needle on a sewing machine with ease.
Bottom Stitching
Replacing a broken needle is not the only essential sewing machine maintenance. The technique of bottom stitching helps to reinforce a garment and keep the fabric from fraying. To bottom stitch, use an invisible spool of thread, in a similar color to the garment fabric, to sew a neat line of stitches along the width of a seam. The ideal seam allowance for bottom stitching is between one and two millimeters.
As you run the stitches, the thread will be kept hidden in the seam allowance. This is accomplished by keeping the presser foot slightly raised and allowing the feed dogs beneath the foot to directly feed the fabric beneath the stitches. Once the line of stitches is complete, the fabric will be securely reinforced and ready for use.
Edge Finishing
Edge finishing is another important technique that should be incorporated into your garment making. This technique not only helps to avoid any fraying of the fabric but also provides a polished and professional look to the finished project.
Edge finishes can be easily accomplished with either a serger, or an overlock stitch. To serge the edges of the fabric, you will need to adjust the needle and looper system to the desired setting, and then feed the fabric beneath the knife. As you stitch, the edge will be neatly enclosed as the knife trims away the excess fabric. To accomplish an overlock stitch, adjust the stitch settings of your machine and sew along the edge of the fabric.
Sewing Accessories
In addition to the maintenance of the sewing machine, there are some essential accessories that every sewer should have on hand. This includes things such as measuring tapes, an iron, a seam ripper, and pins. Pins are an invaluable tool and should be used liberally throughout the sewing process. Before you get started on any project, make sure that you have all the necessary tools on hand to make your sewing job as effortless as possible.
Another important accessory to have is good quality fabric. Investing in quality fabric and findings will help to ensure that the end result of a garment will look its best. You should also make sure to properly prepare your fabric before starting the sewing process. This includes pre-washing and pressing the fabric, as well as marking out stitching lines with a measuring tape and a fabric pen or chalk.
Using Patterns
Once you have gathered your fabrics and supplies, you can begin by cutting out the pattern pieces for your garment. Patterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from garments for children to formal wear. It is important to read through the pattern’s instructions before you start. Many patterns require fabric pre-washing and other preparation steps that should be done before you get started.
Using a pattern is the most effective way to create a garment that fits well. As you lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric and cut them out, be sure to keep the edges even and follow the guidelines provided by the pattern instructions. Once the pattern pieces are cut out, it is time to begin stitching them together and creating your garment.
