Now it is possible to save yourself from that outcry over your sewing machine stitches. You know what I mean.. when you say: My sewing machine just will not work. Why? What did I do? I hate sewing! The frustration is very real. Most sewing machine users are not expert sewing machine technicians. What they want to do is sit down to their sewing machine and sew. The last thing on their mind is fixing, adjusting, or monkeying with a sewing machine.
If you sew everyday or regularly, you know it is important to keep your sewing machine operating at peak performance in order to enjoy your sewing. You may only sew occasionally, and think to yourself, "It worked when I put it away, it should work now." In either case, sewing machines require a bit of tender loving care to keep them working properly.
Occasional sewing machine problems should be anticipated by all sewers. When these flukes occur, the user should not panic. Instead, the user should apply a few simple tests to identify the problem and find a solution.
Stitch quality is the number one issue that faces the sewing machine user. There are many elements involved in good quality stitches as well as potential problems affecting stitch quality. Usually, minor adjustments can make a world of difference. It is important to know what adjustments to make.
To understand sewing problems, requires appropriate inspection of a simple sewing test using medium straight stitch and zig zag stitches. A seam of only four to five inches will reveal what the sewing machine is doing.
The sewer proceeds from a knowledge of good quality stitching and evaluation of the stitch formation and threads as they form those stitches.
Your seams may expose all manner of stitch distortion including excess threads above or beneath the fabric. Threads may be too tight, too loose, wobble, or even skip proper stitch formation.
If you see skipped stitches or if your sewing machine fails to form stitches; there are three things to check. The thread line must be free of snags, drags, and errors. The needle can be critical. Hook-needle timing and hook-needle clearance must be properly adjusted.
The number one source of problems causing bad stitches is the needle. That small, inexpensive, and yet crucial part of your sewing machine can distort and disrupt proper stitch formation due to improper selection, dull point, or burrs.
When needles are properly matched to fabric for point and size, it supports quality stitch formation. However, if you use a sharp needle with stretchy fabric, the stitch will skip. The same is true if you use a ball point needle on woven fabrics. So, if you see stitch problems; replace and match the needle.
The thread line can be a problem. Rethread the machine being sure to avoid any points of snag and making sure the thread flows freely through every thread guide, tension discs, tension spring, take up lever, and other guides. When the thread fails to flow properly, it will distort the stitch quality.
Tension balance is critical for proper stitch formation. Like a tug of war the lower tension pulls the thread down and the upper tension pulls the thread up. When properly balanced, the stitches form in the middle of the fabric with no excess on top or under the fabric. The source that pulls the hardest draws excess threads to its side. When excess threads appear underneath, increase the upper tension. When excess threads appear on top, decrease the upper tension.
If changing the needle and adjusting the tensions just does not work, you may have a problem with hook-needle settings. Most sewing machine users will need to take their machine to the shop for professional assistance.
Instead of panic; take charge. Use this simple sewing test. Make a few minor adjustments and enjoy sewing for hours. You can do it. Remember, sew should be fun and relaxing. Now you can make it so.
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