HELPFUL HINTS TO MAKE YOUR SEWING MACHINE AND SEWING MORE ENJOYABLE

Read your instruction manual carefully and familiarize yourself with each feature and part. Learn each of the various knobs and controls shown in the manual in order to understand how to set-up the machine for particular stitches.   

The most common stitch made by the home sewing machine is the "lock stitch". It requires two threads, an upper and lower. If the sewing machine thread tensions are correct, the knot tied by the sewing machine will be in the middle of the fabric. (See tension page). 

Before beginning to sew, select the correct thread and needle for the fabric you are using. Many sewing machines manufacturers install a #14 needle in their new machines. A #14 is recommended for sewing with 60 to 80 cotton or 50 mercerized thread. Always make sure your needles are sharp and straight.

Wind a bobbin and place the bobbin thread in position as shown in your instruction manual. Always be sure the bottom thread is securely in the bobbin tension adjustment. If it is not, you will have no bottom thread tension.  

Next, top thread your machine per your instruction book. Proper threading is crucial to correct machine operation. Improper threading will cause skipped stitches, broken thread, and generally mess up your project.

You are now ready to sew. Practice on scrap fabric first. Never tug on the material as you sew. If you do you just may break the needle. Never run the machine without fabric under the presser foot. If you do threads may get caught in the stitching mechanism or the feed dogs and will require removal.

Tension settings may need changing depending on the stitch, material, or thread. (See tension page). If the tension adjustment that you need is beyond the range of the normal sewing machine adjustment, see your sewing machine technician. He may be able to give you more adjustment for your specific type of sewing. 

ALWAYS TURN THE HAND WHEEL TOWARD YOU. If the sewing machine is threaded and you accidentally turn the hand wheel backwards, you may break the thread. Worst case is that you may knock the bobbin case out of timed adjustment which will result in a broken needle or a pierced bobbin case. 

Your machine will need periodic cleaning and oiling. How often depends on how often you use it. Singer Featherweights need daily oiling. Check your manual for your correct information. As a general note, older machines require more often oiling and newer computerized machines require less or no oiling by the user. (See oiling page).

Regular cleaning of the bottom bobbin area is essential as pieces of thread just seem to migrate to that location. Complete cleaning of your machine, lubrication, and adjustment should be performed by your sewing machine technician at least once a year; probably more depending on hours of usage. Remember, that automatic embroidery machines rack up the hours of operation very quickly and may easily need cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment two times a year. Sergers are recommended to have these services performed every three months.  This is a case of "pay me now" or "pay me later"...... Without the relatively inexpensive regular preventative maintenance (PM) of cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment, your machine is going to wear out much quicker and require expensive replacement of major components. No machine lasts forever without new parts, but our goal is to delay that as long as possible thru preventative maintenance. 

How long has it been since your machine had its PM? If you can't remember, it has been too long. Before you forget, bring your machine in today for my service at: