How to use a manual or stationary sewing machine correctly

Figuring out how to use a sewing machine is actually the simplest thing! It is much more difficult to learn how to sew. But let's not drive horses and start from the very beginning.

Modern cars, and not modern ones, by the way, are arranged in almost the same way. Even those rare Singers, which were used long before your birth, have almost the same device. And if, you understand how to use any one, the rest of the modifications you will no longer be so puzzled and put into a stupor.

What to do if there is no instruction

Of course, it would have been better, but the opposite situation often happens when the machine is bought from hands or inherited. Then, before refueling it, you need to try to find a detailed description of the process for this particular model on the Internet.

But we, nevertheless, will give a universal process of threading and starting a machine, using the example of a conventional electric model. By and large, they differ only inside, and look the same from above and on the side panels. What's more, all modern machines are equipped with small, descriptive pictures above each button or lever. Therefore, one must try very hard not to understand at all how to exploit it.

The most basic steps for refueling a sewing machine

Once you get the hang of it, this process will take you three minutes at most. In the meantime, remember exactly what steps you need to take before you start sewing:

• Install the needle and secure it
• Install the top spool of thread
• Wind the lower coil with it
• Thread the machine from above with thread and bring it to the lower spool
• Plug the mechanism into an outlet and press the "Start" button

Of course, this procedure does not tell you anything yet, but it will be very useful to you after you read the second and third blocks. You can look at it and check, it's convenient.

Now let's go step by step.

We are looking for the necessary parts of the sewing machine

1. Power button.As a rule, it is located on the right side of the sewing machine, since all machines are designed for those for whom the right hand is the main one, in a word, on the right-handed.
2. Upper reel seat.This is the most common pin, which is located on the top of the body. A coil is put on it, nothing complicated.
3. Thread guide.It is located on a needle holder (what it is, it is clear and without explanation, I hope). The thread guide guides the upper thread to the bobbin (lower bobbin of thread that is wound with the main bobbin on top). It looks like a small metal plate.
4. Pin for reel-winder.Located next to the reel seat, it also has the shape of a pin, but smaller. A reel is placed on it. A thread is wound on it, and then it is placed in a bobbin and placed inside the machine, down.That is, this is the bottom coil, but it is refueled from the top, before getting into place.
5. Stitch adjusting buttons.Usually, they are in the most conspicuous place of the case. Looks like sliders or round rotary knobs. They have patterns with types of stitches, so it is almost impossible to lose sight of them. With these buttons, you can adjust not only the stitch length, but also the direction (forward-backward).
6. Thread take-up.It is always located on the left front of the case. The thread is threaded into it after passing it through the thread guide. It looks like a lever.
7. Thread tension regulator.It is located on a foot, in the form of a wheel or a twisting lever on a thread. It adjusts the thread tension. If it is set incorrectly, then the bottom of the sewing line will be with loops, and not smooth. In general, the seam will not be tight, but loose.
8. Needle holder with screw.A needle is inserted into it, by loosening it slightly, and then, after the needle is inserted, the screw is tightly pulled. It is always located on the right side of the needle holder, and it is not so miniature as not to be noticed.
9. Foot.The foot is the foot because it looks like it. I am sure you will not confuse it with anything else. But, just in case, this is a part located under the needle holder and visually similar to small skis. It is needed in order to fix and hold the canvas while sewing.
10. Lever for lowering the foot.When you start sewing, you lower this lever and the foot presses down on the fabric. When finished, pick it up and take out the product.
11. Needle plate.This is a metal plate right under the needle, with a hole for it to enter.
12. Fabric conveyor.These are the teeth that are on the stitch plate. With their help, matter moves in the direction you need. If the stitch is pressed forward, it moves in one direction, if switched to the reverse, then the teeth move the fabric in the opposite direction. It always has two rows.
13. Bobbin and lever.Always located under the throat plate. This is a box in which a flat bobbin with a thread (bottom) is placed, which is wound by putting the bobbin-winder on the pin. There is also a lever with which the bobbin is inserted and removed.

Step-by-step guide to set up and refuel

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the main details, let's thread the machine and get it ready for work.

• Place the clipper in a comfortable, stable place. She should stand in such a way that the needle is on the left side.
• Insert the needle using the flat side. At the top of all needles there is such a place and it coincides with the groove on the needle holder itself. Look at which side it is located (either back or side) and insert the needle accordingly. Tighten the screw to keep it from loose.
• Place the spool up on the spool seat (large pin).
• Pull the bobbin out of the bobbin and place it on the short pin.
• From the main spool, pull the thread through the thread take-up and onto the bobbin, start the thread winding mechanism. Everything is clearly drawn there and difficulties should not arise.
• Remove the spool of threads and place it in the bobbin case, secure it under the needle plate. Make sure that the tip sticks out of the bobbin, about 5-7 cm, we will need it later.
• Thread from the main spool. It is very easy to do this, simply by following the signs on the sewing machine, arrows and drawings. If you have erased them from time to time or you still don’t understand anything, then usually, the filling stroke is as follows: to the left towards the needle - down - up - down again - into a special lever (thread guide) - into the needle.

• Insert the thread into the needle, focusing on which side it was originally fed from, that is, without twisting or winding the needle. Maybe this is an absurd clarification, but there are such mistakes.
• Pull both threads out from under the foot and guide them to the back behind the foot, positioning them on the needle plate. For convenience, you can pry them with something, for example, with scissors.
• Connect the pedal to the machine
• Plug in

Practicing stitching

You will now need a large piece of fabric. Cut it into many small ones and stuff your hand.

First you need to set the simplest sewing mode - straight. Scribble until you feel that the "machine" is listening to you.

Then learn to make turns, to stitch with an angle, that is, to turn so that a sharp corner remains, then stitch near the edge, trying to get one seam width.

Adjust the thread tension according to the thickness of the fabric. Here you can not advise anything, it comes only with practice and experience.

Once you are comfortable with a straight seam, try other types of stitches (zigzag, overcast and curly)

What tools should you always have in your arsenal

If you want to sew, then you always need to have the following main things:

• Accessory box
• Shears for cutting
• Thread cutter (small)
• Chalk or remnant
• Centimeter
• Ruler
• Pins with hats and a pillow for them
• English pins, set
• Ripper
• Replacement needle set
• Spare bobbin
• Machine lubrication oil
• Cloth Dust Brush

Of course, this is the most basic set. In the process of practice, you will understand what you still lack and buy it in addition.

Correct use and care of the machine

Cars, in general, are not a very capricious technique. But, the more functional it is, the more expensive is its breakdown, since everything is tied not to ordinary mechanics, which will tolerate any mistakes, but to electronic boards. And, if you constantly get confused and press the wrong buttons, it can "glitch". Therefore, be careful.

In addition, always clean the machine from the remains of fabric dust and small threads.

If you do not use the clipper for a long time, store it in a box in a dry place. Moisture will rust and deteriorate internal parts.

Do not try to sew on fabric that the machine will not “pick up”, this can lead to breakage. Usually, in modern models, various modes are provided, from silk to leather. Therefore, do not try to sew thick fabric in the “silk” mode.

How often to lubricate the clipper and how

There are special small holes for lubricating the machine. Bury oil in them, at least once every six months, or even more often if you notice that she began to make more noise during work than usual.

Choose a good oil, preferably from the same company as the car itself. But, please note that not all models need such a procedure. Some modern cars do not provide lubrication at all and it will only harm them!

Therefore, before deciding on such a step, check the information on the Internet about your car.

Safety in working with a sewing machine

The most important rule is not to put your toes under the foot! It can be very painful and creepy, especially when the needle fully pierces the pad of the fingers and nail at full stroke. Brrr ... Be careful, this is still a technique.

Conclusion

We hope our explanation was detailed and helpful to you. This is a one-stop guide that you can use both conventional sewing machines and mini sewing machines.

But, again, we remind you that the guide on how to use a sewing machine is just the first step at the beginning of a long journey.