Brother is one of the most reliable, and easiest brands to use when it comes to sewing machines. The Brother sewing machine allows you to make beautiful and intricate designs out of fabric and other materials. But with all the amazing features, and advantages that these machines offer, the most common question asked is “how do I reverse on a Brother sewing machine?”
Learning how to reverse is one of the most important stitching techniques for any sewers who are just getting started. Reversing stitches can be used for multiple techniques like buttonholes, appliqués, and decorative stitches. It’s also helpful for reinforcing seams which becomes necessary when you are piecing quilts or working with delicate fabrics.
When you need to reverse your machine, the first step is to locate the Reverse Lever (sometimes labeled as the Backtack Lever). This lever typically looks like a metal bar with a bent end, or a small plastic toggle switch. It will be located on the left side of your machine near the foot control. Once you have located the lever, you can begin reversing stitches.
To start, place the fabric and presser foot under the needle on the machine. Pull the presser foot back towards you with your left hand, and then press the lever switch, or move the lever back-and-forth with your right hand. As you do this, the needle and bobbin thread will lock together and create a reverse stitch, locking the fabric in place. The longer you press the lever or toggle switch, the more stitches you will make.
Top Tips when Reversing on a Brother Sewing Machine
• It’s important to keep in mind that you should never put the presser foot down while reversing because it can cause the fabric to bunch up or distort.
• Don’t forget to set the needle to the highest position when you’re done. This will ensure that it doesn’t move or become tangled while you take out the fabric.
• Keep the foot lever and reverse lever pressed at the same time when you turn the hand wheel. This can be tricky as you have to build up the strength in your wrist muscles. It’ll become easier with practice.
Essential Tools
It’s helpful to have a few tools on hand to make the process easier. First, a seam ripper is an essential tool since it’ll help you easily remove stitches without causing damage to the fabric. Secondly, in order for you to have full control over the fabric and machine, you’ll need a good pair of quilting or embroidery scissors. Third, invest in a quality non-stick foot so the presser foot doesn’t stick to the fabric.
You can also purchase special presser feet and other accessories to help enhance your work. For example, a Ruffler Foot is great for pleating fabric while an Applique Foot makes attaching appliqués a breeze. There is so much you can do with these special feet and attachments.
Potential Problems with Reversing on Brother Sewing Machines
When learning how to reverse on a Brother sewing machine, you might encounter a few frustrations. Reversing on any sewing machine can sometimes be difficult, but with a little patience and practice, you can master it.
It can also be tricky to make sure that the stitch is perfect. When you are making a reverse stitch it can often be imprecise as the needle is taking fabric with it in the opposite direction. There will be times when you need to adjust the length of the stitch or the tightness of the fabric in order to ensure the stitch looks perfect.
Another potential issue is that the reverse lever might be stuck. If the reverse lever won’t move, make sure it isn’t jammed with thread or lint. If the lever is jammed, carefully use a tweezer or seam ripper to remove the jam and try reversing again.
Troubleshooting
If your machine isn’t sewing properly, try a few troubleshooting tips. First, check the tension dial to make sure it’s at the proper setting. Secondly, make sure that the needle is properly inserted and that the bobbin is correctly in place. Then, switch out the needle for a new one, as sometimes an old needle can cause issues. Finally, check your stitching settings to make sure it’s on the proper setting for the type of fabric you are using.
If your machine is still having issues, it may need professional servicing. It’s important to have your machine serviced regularly. This prevents issues down the line and ensures that your machine maintains its efficiency.
Conclusion
Learning how to reverse on a Brother sewing machine can improve your stitching, and as a result your overall results. With practice and the right tools, you can make your creations amazing. There’s nothing more satisfying or rewarding than creating something beautiful with your own two hands. So go out, start stitching, and get creative!
