A lot of people do not know how to get started with the sewing machine. But the sewing machine mechanism is not that complicated.
It does not require any expertise to get begin with a sewing machine.
Anyone with little knowledge about how to operate the machine can start using it without any trouble.
But there is little information available online regarding the operation of such a machine.
In this write-up, we will discuss the sewing machine mechanism, which will help you to operate the machine without any trouble.
You must try to read carefully and enrich your understanding of the process.
Follow the following step-by-step guidelines to operate the sewing machine for the very first time. Let’s have a look at them:
- First of all, you will have to plug the device into the power supply to turn it on. Most of the machines will contain a light that will indicate whether the device is correctly turned on or not. The power switch is usually located on the back or the right side of the machine. Some machines do not contain any separate switches. Such machines become turned on when the power cord is plugged in.
- After that, you will have to select a straight stitch or a medium stitch length. You can see the manual to be able to understand the mechanism. You can set the stitches by rotating the lower knob on the right side of the machine. You should set the stitch with the needle up so that the needle does not move. There is also a zigzag stitch. But as a beginner, you should start with the straight stitch.
- As you are just getting started with the sewing machine, you should avoid working with new clothes or fabrics. The beginners must practice for a while to be able to work with the machine comfortably. Otherwise, you may have to waste your new fabric or cloth. So, first of all, you should practice with the scrap materials. Avoid heavy fabric like denim because they are very hard to sew.
- You have to line up the fabric properly under the needle. While positioning the fabric under the needle, you should keep the bulk of the fabric by the left side of the machine. If you keep the larger part of the fabric by the right side, you may get messy stitching.
- You will find a lever behind the needle assembly. With the lever, you will have to raise or lower the presser foot. A gentle tug will grip the fabric firmly. If you fail to adjust the fabric properly, the fabric will not pass through the needle at the correct speed. Hence, you will not get perfectly stitched clothes. You must avoid pulling the fabric through the machine because it may damage the fabric or the needle. If needed, you will be able to adjust the stitch length very easily on the machine.
- At the time of stitching, you will have to hold the loose ends of both threads for a few stitches. After that, you will be able to free your hand to hold and control the fabric. You must avoid pulling the fabric because it may cause the needle to break.
- Every electric sewing machine contains a foot pedal. With this element, you will be able to control the speed of the sewing. It is like the gas pedal in the car. The harder one pushes the gas pedal, the faster one will be able to go. But avoid pushing it hard from the very beginning. The operator must increase the speed slowly for this. The pedal has to be pushed slowly. Some machines contain a kneebar instead of the foot pedal because different companies try to differentiate their products by introducing new mechanisms. So, in the case of the kneebars, you should use your knee to put the pressure.
- After that, you will have to find out the reverse button or the lever. It will reverse the direction of the machine. The fabric will travel towards you as the machine starts sewing. If you desire to sew in reverse, you will have to hold the reverse button down.
- You may need to cut the thread sometimes. In most of the machines, you will find a small notch with which you will be able to cut the thread. If such a notch is not available on your machine, you should use scissors to trim the thread. You should always leave a tail for the nest seam.
- While sewing, one may have to move from one part of the fabric to another part. It can be done easily through the use of a handwheel located on the top right side of the machine. You have to look for the lines on your sewing machine, which indicate the seam allowance. It is the space between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. It is already marked on the machine’s throat plate. You may use a ruler to measure either side of the needle if it is not marked.
- To be able to sew a sharp corner, you will have to lower the needle near to the fabric. You may also utilize the handwheel to bring the needle near to the fabric. To tighten the fabric, you must press the pressure pedal. Now rotate the fabric to the new position and leave the needle in it.
Final Words
So, this is how you can use a sewing machine for the first time. We have tried to present the facts in simple language so that you can understand and implement them very quickly.
If you correctly follow these steps one by one, it will not seem that complex. When you become comfortable using the machine, you should try to start a simple project.
You may start practicing with the newspapers, pillow, pillowcase, and torn clothes. If you can learn sewing, it will be very beneficial for you because it saves money.