Let's try now to figure out for what purposes it is required adjust presser foot pressure on fabric.
The presser foot pressure regulator was a standard option on vintage sewing machines. In modern sewing machines, it is less common, and it is not given much importance. So what kind of sewing machine should you buy, with a presser foot pressure regulator or not? What do we lose if we choose a machine without a presser foot pressure regulator on the fabric?
The pressure regulator allows us to adjust the degree of impact of the presser foot on the fabric that the presser foot presses against the feed dog feed dog. Thus, the size of the resulting stitches can depend on the presser foot pressure.
The foot can be made of various materials - chrome-plated steel, plastic, teflon. Accordingly, different legs will slide on various materials with different friction forces. Another factor is the distortion of the fabric when the fabric is pressed against the teeth of the conveyor. It is necessary to select the optimal presser foot pressure so that the fabric is efficiently fed under the needle by the feed dog, and that the fabric does not deform when it is pressed against the feed dog. Even the most advanced computer sewing machines with automatic presser foot pressure cannot correctly calculate the friction of the presser foot and the resulting stretch or distortion of the fabric.
Most The best decision It's an experiment and a test. If you have a presser foot pressure regulator, you can adjust the setting so that the desired foot will glide optimally over the selected fabric. So choose a machine with a presser foot pressure regulator - it will only get better, it won't get any worse.
Let's bring simple example. If you use a GPS navigator, then you follow its instructions and fully rely on it. You drive from point A to point B and don't think about anything, you don't remember landmarks. As soon as your navigator breaks down, you first start to panic. Then you turn on all your senses and observation, and you will study the unknown area so much that you will never get lost here, even without a navigator. The same can be said about sewing. Adjust, experiment, try - and you will always achieve what you need.
Let's say you're sewing together 2 pieces of stretch jersey, and by the end of the seam you find that one piece has stretched out relative to the other - it's longer. The reason for this may be an incorrectly selected pressure of the presser foot on the upper layer of fabric - the upper and lower layers are fed under the needle at different speeds, the layers are shifted.
How to adjust presser foot pressure? Adjust the presser foot pressure and see the result. If the seam looks bad, then start to gradually increase the pressure. If the result becomes even worse, then do the opposite - reduce the presser foot pressure.
Presser foot location
Loosen screw A. Adjust by moving the presser foot to the left or right, and make sure that the needle goes straight to the center of the needle hole on the presser foot.
Presser foot lift
10 stitch pattern
10-1 Position of the needle thread guides
There should be a distance of approximately 17.5mm from the center of the needle thread guide hole to the set screw (see illustration). To adjust the height of the thread guides, loosen screws A and slide each thread guide up or down (refer to the distance in the figure). If the stitch pattern cannot be greatly changed by adjusting the height of the thread guides due to the thread being used, unwind the thread after trial sewing and adjust the height of the thread guides while checking the tension of the needle thread.
10-2 Position of the thread guide on the needle thread take-up
When the needle bar is in the upper running position, the needle thread take-up bracket A should be horizontal, there should be a distance of 75mm from the middle of the shaft to the thread guide on the needle thread take-up B. To adjust, loosen screws C and D. To tighten the needle thread, move the thread take-up to Y. To loosen the needle thread, move the thread take-up to X.
10-3 Needle thread take-up timing
The movement of the needle thread take-up relative to the up and down movement of the needles can be adjusted. Synchronization regarding the movement of the needle bar up and down is set at the factory. 
10-4 Needle thread guard position
When the needle bar is in the down stroke position, the center of thread guide hole A should be parallel to the top surface of needle thread guard B. In addition, A must be parallel to B. To adjust the height of needle thread guard B, loosen screw C and move the guard up or down. To tighten the needle thread, lift B up. To loosen the needle thread, move B down.
For cotton threads (non-stretch threads)
For woolen threads (stretch threads)
10-5 Position of the guide thread of the spreader thread take-up
With the needle bar in the upstroke position, thread any of parts A, B, or C on the spreader thread take-up.
For wool threads: Thread B or C.
For cotton threads or fiber threads: thread with thread A and adjust the spreader thread take-up with screws D
10-6 Looper thread take-up thread guide position
The eyelets on thread guides B and C must be aligned with the X mark on thread guide A. To increase the amount of looper thread supplied by the looper thread take-up, loosen thread guide screws B and C and move the thread guides forward. To decrease the amount, move the thread guides back. Adjust according to the thread being used and the stitch length. For wool threads: Slide thread guides B and C forward. Do not thread the tension disk.
10-7 Looper thread take-up position
The thread guide D must be in the middle of the groove of the thread take-up A of the looper. When the point of the left needle is 0.5-1mm above the bottom surface of the looper plate, and the looper is moving from the leftmost position, the looper thread must be removed from position C on the looper thread take-up. To adjust, loosen screw B and adjust the looper thread take-up. To adjust the height of the thread guide D, loosen screw E and align the bottom of the thread guide hole D with the top surface of the bracket.
11 gum supply
11-1 Inserting ribbon/elastic
To insert the ribbon/elastic band correctly, see the illustration. The rollers are opened by pressing the rubber adjusting knob A.
Loosen screw A. Adjust the position of the guide tape according to the needle distance and/or the width of the tape. Adjust the upper knife guide B to match the width of the hem cut by the knife. Install the upper knife guide B by tightening screw C while making sure that the upper knife guide B does not come into contact with the knife.
11-3 Adjusting the front of the presser foot
Adjust the front of the presser foot according to the type of fabric and/or elastic being used. To sew heavy elastic on fabric, raise the front of the presser foot. This reduces resistance and the gum is fed evenly. Loosen nut D and turn screw E in the desired direction.
11-4 Installing the guide tape
Set the guide shaft A as close to the needle as possible, but the machine should sew the fabric evenly. To adjust the tape guide, loosen screw B and turn eccentric collar C clockwise or counterclockwise. The eccentric collar works as a stopper, so install the eccentric collar correctly so that it does not come into contact with the needle holder and spreader thread guide, etc.
11-5 Amount of tape/elastic to be supplied
To adjust the amount of ribbon/elastic to be supplied, loosen wing nut A and turn adjusting screw C while checking the markings on knob B. To increase the amount, turn screw C clockwise. To decrease the quantity, turn screw C counterclockwise. Adjustment range from 0.9 - 2.3mm. Adjust according to the fabric and elastic used. At the same time, adjust the pressure of the small gum feed roller (see 11-6). To slightly increase the number, loosen the two eccentric set screws from hole D. Turn the handwheel to its maximum with a wrench until it stops. Then tighten the set screws. In this case, the range will increase from 1.4 to 3.6mm.
11-6 Gum feed small roller pressure
To adjust the pressure of the small roller A, loosen the adjusting nut B as far as necessary. To increase pressure, turn clockwise. To decrease pressure, turn counterclockwise. Adjust the pressure according to the rubber band you are using. 
11-7 Checking the operation of the gum dispenser
If the gum feeder does not work well, the gum will not feed smoothly, and various problems may occur: gum burning, gum shrinking, needle breakage, uneven seam. Check the following:
Adjust small roller A so that it rotates freely. Otherwise, the tape will feed unevenly.
The roller axis and its shaft must rotate smoothly.
The small roller spring pressure should be minimal but sufficient to follow the speed of the roller.
11-8 Lubrication of parts
The clutch is lubricated at the factory. Add lubricants before starting work. Turn the handwheel to align mark A on the body with mark B on the handle. Remove screw C from the hole and add lubricant. Remove screw D and lubricate the bearing.
12 front knife device
12-1
Lower knife holder adjustment and lubrication
Loosen screw A to change the position of the lower knife holder. The lower and upper knife holders can be adjusted by moving them to the left or right at the same time. When changing the distance from the right needle to the edge of the fabric, adjust the position of the lower knife holder.
12-2 Replacing the lower knife
12-3 Replacing the upper knife
Adjust the clearance at the top and bottom between the upper and lower knives (refer to 12-2 1).
Loosen screw F and remove upper knife G.
Install a new knife and check the cutting quality (see 12-2 6).
When the top knife is in the bottom position, the top and bottom knives should cross by about 0.5mm. To adjust, loosen screw A on the upper knife shaft handle. After that, the upper knife and the upper knife holder can be moved up or down at the same time. Tighten screw A when the upper and lower knives intersect by 0.5mm. Attach bushing D to upper knife shaft handle B and spacer C so that upper knife shaft E does not move to the right or left. Tighten screw A.
12-5 Sharpening knives
The top knife is made of a very hard alloy. When the knives become dull, sharpen the lower knife first (see illustration). If the cut remains poor, replace the upper knife.
13 Timing belt replacement
13-1 Timing belt marks
For the X series, there are three types of timing belts A, B and C according to the distance between the upper and lower shafts. [A] indicates the longest timing belt.
13-2 How to remove the timing belt
Loosen the eight set screws on the housing cover and the four set screws on the oil reservoir (see illustration). Remove every detail.
Loosen the two screws A. Slowly turn the flywheel to the right and remove it (see illustration).
Remove the pulley, plates and bearing in the sequence shown in the figure below. Then pull the timing belt out of the bearing hole.
13-3 Installing the timing belt
14 car cleaning
At the end of the day, remove the needle plate, then clean the grooves of the needle plate and the area around the feed dogs.
There are four main types of sewing machines: mechanical, electromechanical, electronic and computer.
Mechanical machines operate from the mechanical effort of the user (manual or foot drive).
Electromechanical have an electric drive - an electric motor that drives the flywheel. The speed of operation depends on the degree of pressure on the foot pedal. The functions are controlled by switches on the machine body.
Electronic sewing machines have an electric drive and an electronic control panel. The built-in microprocessor controls the movement of the needle relative to the fabric. Using the electronic panel of the sewing machine, you can select the desired operation.
Computer machines can be connected to a computer. It is possible to load new embroidery patterns and stitch types, as well as program sewing operations.
Shuttle type
The shuttle can be of three types: oscillating vertical, rotary horizontal and rotary vertical.
The swing shuttle is generally used in expensive cars, it is mounted vertically. At the same time, the maximum sewing speed is low, there are restrictions on the width of the line, and vibration is also observed during operation.
Rotary hooks (double-running hooks) provide quieter and smoother operation without vibration and skipped stitches. The shuttle can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
When positioned horizontally, it is more convenient to thread the bobbin and sewing can be started without first lifting the bobbin thread up.
The vertical arrangement of the double run shuttle is used only in expensive household or industrial sewing machines. They are characterized by high reliability and durability.
Presser foot pressure adjustment
The ability to adjust the pressure of the foot on the fabric. The thicker the fabric, the less pressure required. Also, the pressure regulator may be needed when sewing knitwear, as it stretches under presser foot, and by reducing the pressure, this can be avoided. If your machine has a built-in top feed dog, you do not need the presser foot pressure adjuster. Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the adjustment can be done manually using the regulator or automatically depending on the type of fabric.
Sewing speed adjustment
The type of maximum sewing speed regulation. As a rule, the sewing speed depends on the degree of depressing the motor pedal, and the maximum speed can be set using the switch. The sewing speed can be adjusted smoothly or stepwise. With stepless adjustment, the sewing parameters can be fine-tuned.
Speed limiter
A function that allows you to limit the maximum sewing speed using a switch installed on the sewing machine body. Despite the fact that all sewing machines allow you to adjust the speed by the degree of pressure on the pedal, the presence of a limiter will make it easier to go through difficult areas by fixing a comfortable sewing speed and focusing on working out the elements.
Maximum sewing speed
400 to 6000 sti/min
Depending on the model, the sewing machine performs from 600 to 1600 stitches in 1 minute without loss of sewing quality. Modern machines automatically adjust the puncture force of the fabric, taking into account the type of needle, stitch speed and fabric thickness. It is important to remember that in addition to speed, stability and quality of the seam are also important.
Top feed dog
The presence of an upper fabric conveyor in addition to the lower one. It is used to pull the top and bottom layers of fabric at the same time. This conveyor will be especially useful when working with thin and slippery fabrics. This results in an even line and no gathering is formed. In addition, when performing work related to quilting, with the help of the upper conveyor, the mutual displacement of the fabric layers is reduced.
Electronic puncture force stabilizer
Automatic adjustment of force of a puncture of fabric by a needle. At any speed of rotation of the engine, the puncture force remains maximum. With the help of an electronic stabilizer, you can comfortably work with fabrics of any thickness.
Disabling the feed mechanism
Possibility of disabling the operation of the fabric conveyor. This function may be needed when performing some operations (hand embroidery, sewing on buttons) when the fabric is easier to move manually.
Sewing in multiple directions
The ability to automatically move the fabric in all directions. As a rule, sewing machines can sew stitches up to 8-9 mm wide. With the possibility of sewing in several directions, you can get wider stitches. Such models are usually regarded as machines with embroidery capabilities.
Sewing without a pedal
A function that provides the ability to sew without using the pedal - to start sewing, you need to press a special button on the body, and to stop the machine, press it again.
Reverse button
Has a reverse stitch button. When the machine is running in this mode, sewing is performed in reverse. As a rule, this is done to secure the line. In more expensive machines, this function is performed using the "automatic reinforcement stitch" mode.
Automatic reinforcement stitching
The presence of the function of automatic reinforcement stitching, when the thread is automatically secured at the beginning and / or at the end of the stitching. Also, fastening can be done using the reverse mode, when a stitch is performed at a short distance in the opposite direction.
Presser foot lifter knee
The presence of a special lever for lifting the foot to the upper position, which is convenient to press with your knee.
Automatic presser foot lift
Possibility of automatic presser foot lifting. At the end of the sewing operation, the presser foot automatically raises. This function can be turned off and the presser foot can be lifted using the hand or knee lever.
Max. foot lift height
from 5 to 16 mm
The distance between the work surface and the presser foot in the up position. The thicker the fabric, the greater the height required.
Lighting
The sewing machine has a built-in halogen lamp or incandescent lamp to illuminate the work surface.
Lamp power
5 to 15 W
To illuminate the working surface, sewing machines are equipped with a built-in incandescent lamp or a halogen lamp. Depending on its power, the intensity of illumination and, accordingly, the convenience of work depend. When choosing this parameter, it should be borne in mind that it is unacceptable to use a light bulb of greater power than stated in the characteristics of the sewing machine.
Button size measuring system
The presence of a device that measures the size of the buttons (the size of the loops).
Power consumption
from 35 to 550
Depending on the model, the sewing machine consumes from 0 to 105 watts. A low value of the indicator indicates the efficiency of the device.
Connecting to a computer
It is possible to connect an electronic sewing machine to a computer. This allows you to download to the device new type stitches or embroidery patterns, program the sewing operations at your own discretion. A direct connection is provided via a cord via a USB port. It is also possible to download via USB-flash.
Sewing operations
Number of sewing operations
from 1 to 3024
The number of types of stitches that the sewing machine can sew.
Making a loop
There are three sewing loop processing modes: automatic, semi-automatic and manual.
With an automatic buttonhole, the machine sews the buttonhole on its own in one step. It also automatically makes the necessary switching and overcasts all the edges of the buttonhole. Buttonhole dimensions are set using the special buttonhole foot or by the user in millimeters. This is convenient when making several identical buttonholes on one product.
The semi-automatic loop is performed by the user himself when he alternately switches the necessary operations (lower, left, upper and right edges of the loop). There is no need to manually move the fabric. In this case, the processing of each loop takes more time.
In manual mode, the loop is performed by the user himself. You need to manually move the fabric and measure the distance between the edges of the buttonhole.
Number of loops
from 1 to 20
The parameter indicates the number of buttonhole types that the sewing machine can sew.
Typical for models with automatic buttonhole execution (see "Buttoning").
Line on the body
Some models of sewing machines are equipped with such a useful addition as a ruler on the body. Its use will allow you to easily control the stitching of parallel elements and other sizes without the use of additional rulers and fixtures.
Maxi Patterns
Computer sewing machines can have an additional mechanism that allows you to move the fabric not only back and forth, but also left and right. Thanks to this, additional embroidery possibilities are provided - you can embroider a flower, make a few stitches obliquely, embroider a small geometric pattern, and so on. Maintaining this feature is called maxi patterns.
Max. stitch length
from 2.5 to 12 mm
The parameter indicates the maximum possible distance between two longitudinal needle punctures.
The shorter the stitch is made, the stronger the overall seam is. The desired stitch length depends on the purpose of the seam. The maximum indicator, first of all, determines how thick fabrics can be sewn on a typewriter. Also, the parameter plays an important role, for example, when embroidering.
Max. stitch width
from 3 to 36.5 mm
The maximum possible distance between stitches, which determines the width of the entire seam.
Usually decorative and overcast zigzag stitches are made wide.
Number of types of monograms
from 1 to 30
Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the number of monograms varies from 1 to 30. Monograms are typical for artistic embroidery, they are applied due to the presence of built-in special programs that provide the connection of letters into an ornamental inscription.
Number of embroidery alphabets
from 1 to 28
Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the number of alphabets varies from 1 to 17. Cyrillic and Latin embroidery alphabets with several types of fonts, hieroglyphs are available. The standard set of alphabets built into the program is 2-4. If it is possible to connect directly to a computer, any number of sewing programs with patterns and fonts can be loaded into the device.
Number of embroidery motifs
from 21 to 930
Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the number of motifs varies from 21 to 480. Any sample of a photograph or drawing can act as an embroidery motif.
Stitches
Overlock
The ability to perform seams that mimic overlock. Overlockers can carry out at the same time sewing, trimming and processing the edge of the fabric. The presence of overlock lines may be needed when processing the edges of loose fabrics.
overcasting
The sewing machine allows you to sew seams that mimic overcasting. Only overlockers can cut, grind and process the edges of the fabric at the same time. Sewing machines are deprived of such an opportunity, however, the imitation of overcast seams makes it possible to work with loose fabrics.
secret
The ability to perform a secret line. It can be performed in one or two forms. Blind seams are used, as a rule, when hemming the bottom garment and invisible from the front.
elastic
The ability to perform elastic stitches with a sewing machine. Such seams are usually used when working with knitted fabrics.
Elastic hidden
Possibility of making elastic blind seams. As a rule, such a line is used for hemming knitwear.
Design
embroidery block
The presence of an embroidery unit in the kit, which is installed on the sewing machine. A hoop with a stretched fabric is fixed in this device. Embroideries can be of varying complexity and sizes. Depending on the model of the machine, embroidery units can produce only simple drawings and inscriptions, or they can be connected to a computer, loading new embroidery designs from floppy disks or memory cards.
Display
The presence of a display on the body of the sewing machine. It usually displays the selected operations, stitch type, embroidery pattern and other information. Some car models have a touch screen.
Display type
The presence of a display on the body of the sewing machine will allow you to view the selected operations, stitch type, embroidery pattern and other information. More expensive models are equipped with color displays, but for most functions, a black and white display will be sufficient.
Sewing Advisor
Many computer-controlled sewing machines are equipped with a sewing help and advice system - a sewing adviser. Depending on the class of the machine, the adviser can tell you which settings are recommended for a particular type of fabric and which foot and needle should be used to perform a particular sewing operation. They can also monitor the correctness of the sewing process, and even tell in detail, with pictures or short clips, how to perform the desired sewing operation.
Sleeve platform
Possibility to remove part of the desktop. This allows you to comfortably work with narrow products (trouser legs, cuffs, sleeves).
Platform length
from 14.5 to 33 cm
The length of the platform characterizes the distance from the needle to the side of the machine body, located to the right of the seamstress. This indicator should be paid attention to if you plan to sew voluminous items, such as blankets or winter coats, since the longer the platform is, the easier and more convenient it will be to handle bulky items.
Sleeve length
from 7.5 to 200 cm
Sleeve platform is a narrow part of the sewing machine, which allows you to process the sleeves of products. The length of the sleeve platform varies between 7-20 cm, and depends on the overall dimensions of the sewing machine.
Table for extending the working surface
Existence in a set of an additional table by means of which it is possible to expand a working surface. This may be necessary when sewing large items (curtains, bed sheets, bedspreads).
Needle threader
The presence of a device that threads the upper thread into the needle.
Automatic lower threading
The presence of a device for automatic filling of the lower thread. As a rule, it is used in horizontal type shuttles. With this attachment, you can start sewing without first pulling the bobbin thread up.
Automatic thread cutter
When the thread cutter button is pressed, a special mechanism cuts the lower and upper threads. The needle is in the upper position.
Automatic needle stop in the up position
At the end of the stitch, the needle automatically moves to the top position.
Needle position switch (up/down)
Possibility after the end of the line to switch the needle to both the upper and lower positions.
Coil Location
The thread spool holder is usually located vertically on the top surface of the sewing machine. Less common is the horizontal installation of the coil, this position contributes to a smooth and uniform unwinding of the thread, and provides a more even line.
Compartment for accessories
The presence of a compartment for storing accessories in the machine body.
Case
The cover is designed for protective purposes. It can be a soft fabric cover or a hard frame one, which also prevents the machine from mechanical damage.
Paws
For quilting
The quilting foot is typically used to sew multi-layered fabric, often with fillers (such as padding polyester).
For sewing in zippers
When using this foot, you can sew a parallel stitch as close to the zipper as possible.
For sewing on buttons
The buttonhole foot is always equipped with two straps for increased stability. Some models have rubberized pads that prevent slipping of the fabric. Additionally, it can be equipped with a removable pin to obtain a "leg".
These feet can also be used for sewing on buttonholes, buttons and hooks.
Overlock
This foot is used for overlock stitching. The special design of the overlock foot prevents the fabric from pulling together when sewing.
overcasting
There is a presser foot that is designed for overcasting. Thanks to the overcasting foot, the fabric does not shrink when sewing.
For hem
Hemming feet are used for hemming fine fabrics. The presence of a guide channel on the underside of the foot ensures a smooth hem.
Dimensions and weight
Width
from 9 to 64 cm
The width of the sewing machine in centimeters. When choosing this parameter, it should be borne in mind that manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the overall dimensions of the device without taking into account the protruding parts of the case.
Depth
from 8 to 44 cm
Depth of the sewing machine in centimeters. When choosing this parameter, it should be borne in mind that manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the overall dimensions of the device without taking into account the protruding parts of the case.
Height
from 16 to 56 cm
The height of the sewing machine in centimeters. When choosing this parameter, it should be borne in mind that manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the overall dimensions of the device without taking into account the protruding parts of the case.
Weight
from 0.4 to 50 kg
The weight of the sewing machine in kilograms. Depending on functionality and power, it can be from 2 to 15 kg.
In the event of a serious breakdown of the sewing machine, only a competent specialist can help it. Although, in most cases, as practice shows, complex repairs are not required for a machine operated at home, but in order to be able to use it, it is only necessary to configure and adjust it. And it is quite possible to do it on your own, the main thing is to learn and understand how to set it up correctly sewing machine before work and what details should be adjusted in it.
How to set up and adjust the sewing machine
The main malfunctions requiring tuning and adjustment
The main malfunctions that require timely adjustment and adjustment can be called:
- stitch instability, which consists in the formation of gaps in the line, different length threads, a break in one of them or both at once;
- the manifestation of violations in the line, namely the contraction of the fabric in the form of an accordion, excessive pulling or loosening of the loop, as well as beveling the line;
- change in stroke, accompanied by noise, the appearance of "heaviness" or jamming.
Stitch instability
The occurrence of all these malfunctions suggests that you need to take a closer look at the operation of the sewing machine, determine the cause of their occurrence and try to eliminate it. If you do this at the very initial stage, then it will not require much effort. Continued operation of the sewing machine in the wrong mode may require expensive repairs that only a professional can carry out.
Basic rules for self-configuring sewing
Setting up a sewing machine with your own hands is quite simple. To do this, it is necessary to adhere to a certain sequence of actions, the main stages of which are:
Among other things, before starting work, it is necessary to set the stitch length. Usually their exact meaning for various kinds fabric and a particular line is indicated in the instruction manual for the device. In this case, the average value of this value is from 1 to 2 mm when using thin fabric and not less than 3 mm - thick matter. It is also worth checking the sharpness and compliance sewing needle. If the needle is blunt or too fine for a particular type of fabric and thread, skipped stitches will occur.
You can learn about it from our article.
Choosing a sewing machine needle
No matter how strange it may seem, but the needle is one of the most important elements sewing machine, so before wondering how to properly set up a sewing machine, you need to check this element. In the process of sewing, the needle makes several hundred punctures in the fabric, some of which are not thin and light. Over time, this leads to its blunting, and subsequently to the fact that it bends. And in the event that, in the course of its movement, the needle hits the metal of the device case at least once, then the tip will certainly doubt. At the same time, inexperienced craftsmen may not pay attention to such an incident and during a visual inspection they will not notice the defect that has arisen. But in fact, it will exist, and when the tissue is punctured, it will form relatively large tears on the latter. The thread, which at the same time passes through the eye of the needle, will cling to the deformed point, while slowing down with the appearance of an excess of it in the stitch. Loops will begin to form in the line. In addition, a bent, blunt needle can cause permanent thread breakage, especially if you are sewing a complex section of the product when the top thread is pulled to the maximum.
In such situations, manual and electric sewing machine adjustments and adjustments are not required as such. And to perform the work in normal mode, you just need to replace the needle yourself. This element in the machine must be changed as often as possible. This will not complicate the work in any way, but on the contrary, it will make sewing really high-quality and neat.
When replacing the sewing needle, it is necessary to choose this element strictly corresponding to the type of machine. In no case should a needle intended for an industrial sewing machine be installed in a household appliance. It is extremely difficult to confuse them, since needles for industrial devices do not have a cut on the flask. Using such a needle in a household sewing machine, the gap between the needle blade and the nose of the hook is broken, which at best leads to skipped stitches. And at worst - to damage the hook of the sewing machine. Also very important is the correct location of the element in the needle holder, which consists in finding the blade from the side of the shuttle nose.
Choosing and installing a needle
Before inserting even a new needle corresponding to the type of sewing machine into the needle holder, you need to make sure that there is no curvature of it, which at first glance may not be noticed. In order to make sure that the needle is absolutely straight, you can put it on a glass or mirror. The gap will be visible immediately. In addition, you need to choose a needle in accordance with the fabric used. So for sewing "difficult" fabrics such as stretch, jeans or artificial leather there are special needles that have a special shape that contributes to a better passage of the needle through the fabric, thereby eliminating skipped stitches and uneven loops created by the upper thread.
The needle must be selected according to the number of thread used. At the same time, it is worth considering the peculiarity of new sewing machines, which consists in the presence of a guide limiter under the surface of the table, which prevents the needle point from leaving the side. At the same time, the distance from it increases with increasing tissue thickness.
Choosing a needle according to the type of fabric
Setting the interaction between the needle and the hook of the sewing machine
The joint work of the shuttle and the needle
The quality of the result obtained during the sewing process depends on the setting of the shuttle assembly and the needle of the sewing machine, or rather on the correspondence of the gaps between them to the correct values, in the absence of which gaps, loops and breaks in the lower and upper threads can also occur in the lines. In order to make this adjustment, it is necessary to understand how the machine works when forming a buttonhole.
So when the needle is raised by 1.5-2 mm from its initial position, a loop is formed from the upper thread, located slightly above the eye. In this case, the nose of the shuttle should pass almost close to the hollow of the needle. This distance should not exceed 0.15 mm. The value from the nose of the shuttle to the eye of the needle in this case should be 0.5 mm. These values are approximate and correspond to work with fabrics of medium thickness. Depending on the type of material used, they may vary somewhat. Understanding their numerical value can only be done experimentally in the process of doing work, and such skills in most cases come with experience.
It is also worth noting the importance of the correct installation of the vertical position of the gear rack. She is responsible for the movement of the fabric relative to the needle and the body of the sewing machine during operation. At the moment when the needle pierces the fabric, the upper edges of the teeth of the rail should be at the level of the desktop of the sewing machine.
Proper care of your sewing machine
In order for each time before using the sewing machine it is not required to adjust it, it is enough to follow certain preventive measures, the main of which include:
- lubrication of all main parts must be carried out with special oil at least once every six months;
- after each use of the sewing machine, it is imperative to remove from its surface, as well as the covers of the hook and the needle plate, all dust and dirt formed during operation;
- before you hide the machine in a cover, you need to make sure that there are no torn threads and fabrics in its structural elements, as well as placing it under the foot thick paper or cardboard, lower it all the way;
- storage of the sewing machine must be carried out in a case;
- Pedal and drive cords should be coiled as neatly as possible to avoid kinks or breaks.
Proper storage of the sewing machine
Adjusting the sewing machine after a long break in work
If the sewing machine has not been used for a long period of time, it must be checked and adjusted before use. This is necessary in order to make sure that during the long “standing” all the main elements and mechanisms have not rusted due to improper storage. To do this, you need to lubricate all the metal parts of the device with the oil that comes with the sewing machine. If it is not there or it is over, then you can use ordinary engine oil. Further, without lowering the foot, it is necessary to drive it away at low speed in vain, so that all the elements that did not get oil are also processed by it.
After all these steps, you need to replace sewing needle, and only then start threading and using the device. The first line is best done on a piece of unnecessary fabric in order to avoid getting machine oil on the material of the product that will be manufactured using the sewing machine. In this case, it will become clear whether the line is correct. After that, you can safely start working with full confidence that this device is working properly and will not spoil the main fabric.
Thus, it is quite possible to set up a sewing machine on your own. The main thing is to understand what kind of problem arises in the process of doing the work. All basic operations are standard and apply to both manual and electric sewing machines. If each time before use, check all the main parts and components of the device, as well as timely perform preventive measures and use it correctly in accordance with all points of the instruction manual, then the question of how to set up and adjust the sewing machine will not arise.
Is it true that electronic machines break down more often?
When using the machine for its intended purpose and proper care it will work for a long time without the intervention of the master. For electronic models, the most dangerous is power surges.
How to properly adjust the thread tension?
The straight stitch threads should intertwine and fit neatly between the two layers of fabric. With zigzag stitches, the bobbin thread does not show through to the right side, but the needle thread comes out to the wrong side.
How to use a twin needle?
To sew a double stitch, you will need a twin needle (two needles on one holder). If your sewing machine makes a zigzag width of 7mm, then the distance between the needles can be up to 6mm.
For machines with a zigzag width of 5mm, the distance between the needles should not exceed 4mm.
The sewing machine has two spool pins where thread spools are placed. The rods can be vertical or one horizontal and the second vertical (optional).
Install two spools, thread the threads symmetrically behind the thread guide, then into the twin needle. Select the straight stitch function. Zigzag foot (A).
On the front side of the fabric, a double line is formed, and on the wrong side, a line in the form of a zigzag. For processing knitted fabric, use double needles stretch 130 \ 705H No. 75 \ 4.
What does the presser foot pressure regulator do?
Such a regulator makes it possible to work efficiently with different type fabrics: from thick to very thin. When sewing thick fabrics, the dial is set to "3", when sewing lighter fabrics and knitwear - "2-1".
What is the difference between an automatic loop and a semi-automatic loop?
The semi-automatic loop is performed in 4 steps, i.e. The stitch selection knob must be turned four times: 1) bartack, 2) left side of the buttonhole, 3) bartack and 4) right side of the buttonhole.
The automatic loop is performed in 1 step. The buttonhole size is automatically determined by the size of the button that is placed in the automatic buttonhole foot.
Does the sewing machine overlock?
Many modern sewing machines have overlock stitches that mimic an overlock stitch. Since there are no knives in the sewing machine, there are no overlock functions.
Can household machines sew on leather, denim and knitwear?
For stitch quality and to help with difficult fabrics, we recommend the following accessories:
For jeans: "jeans" needles (have a sharp needle tip) and a plate for difficult places. For leather: leather needles (have a cutting point) and a Teflon foot. For knitwear: jersey or stretch needles. When sewing difficult materials, always use only those needles and threads that are intended for them.
What is the top feed foot?
The top feed foot is used to double feed the fabric. Indispensable when sewing sliding, complex fabrics, when combining a pattern (stripe, cage), with multilayer sewing.
