How to Sew With Your Sewing Machine
Before beginning sewing, it is essential to have both needle and thread ready. A general purpose medium sized sewing needle should work just fine, while it would also be beneficial to purchase thread that matches your fabric for ease of sewing.
To thread a needle, grab some thread of your choice and pinch its end between thumb and pointer finger. Wet the end, stiffening it by either licking or pressing between your fingers – this allows for the fluffy thread to easily maneuver into the eye of your needle – this technique was taught by grandparents and mothers many years ago.
Thread
Sewing machines use thread to produce stitches. The thread starts off from its spool and passes through various steps until reaching the needle, where it is guided by small wire hooks and tension discs that act like cheese in a sandwich.embroidery machine that connects to computer
Threading a needle may seem challenging, but there are some tricks you can employ for easier threading. One such trick involves licking the end of your thread so it will pass more easily through its eye of a needle.
As part of your stitching setup, it’s wise to wear a spool cap; this prevents thread from tangling or running out during stitching and helps ensure its longevity.
Bobbin
The bobbin contains the bottom thread that catches with the top thread to form stitches, so if it is improperly threaded or wound you could experience issues with stitch quality. Always consult your sewing machine manual to ensure you use a suitable size and type bobbin.
Begin by lowering the presser foot safety lever so you can open the bobbin cover, usually through sliding its latch right. Inside you will see a metal bobbin case like this (arrows represent thread moving from one slot into another) where thread will be stored.
Feet
There are various feet for your sewing machine that can make sewing more enjoyable, faster and give more professional-grade results. Some feet perform specific functions such as creating narrow rolled hems; others provide guides to line up fabric edges properly; still others can add special design details.
Cording feet feature holes designed to accommodate decorative thread or thin ribbon, eliminating twisting while simultaneously sewn them in place with either straight stitches or zigzag stitches. In contrast, zipper feet offer gaps either side that enable users to position zip tape.
Throat Plate
The throat plate is a metal part that holds fabric under the needle and features notched lines that act as guides when aligning fabric with a sewing machine seam guide. Failing to follow these directions when sewing garments could result in pull to either side and distorting stitches over time, leading to distortions in stitches over time.
Maintaining your sewing machine throat plate clear of fabric debris is vital to its smooth running. In order to do this, regularly wiping it down is also recommended; this will prevent it from becoming clogged up and jamming your needles.
Stitch Length
Length of stitch is an integral factor when selecting fabric types or creating decorative stitch patterns. Your sewing machine’s manual will recommend an optimal stitch length that suits both its model and type of fabric.
Stitch length settings on most machines are indicated with numbers measured in millimeters; some also utilize stitches-per-inch as an indication.
Most sewing machines feature a stitch-length adjusting button that should be depressed as soon as the needle enters fabric. Before using your real project, practice on scraps of fabric or printed paper for optimal results.
