and yet sewing repair. people recommend you store your machine with a foot down and a piece of fabric underneath.
Store Away In A Cool And Dry Location
Exposing it to extreme warmth or cold can make it more susceptible to rust. One of the best places to store a sewing machine is in a cupboard or wardrobe area at home, if you have the room. Make sure the space isn't susceptible to damp or near any water to avoid rusting.
Never thread a machine with the presser foot down. The tension discs should be open to fully grab the thread. So put the presser foot UP when you thread.
Always keep your sewing machine well oiled. All dust should be removed from the exposed parts at least once every week, and the important parts of the machine should be oiled. Use good quality sewing machine oil. Always remove lint deposits, dust and thread bits before oiling any part of the machine.
Which Way Do You Put a Needle in a Machine? The blunt end of a sewing machine needle has a rounded side and a flat side. You should place the needle into the machine with the flat side facing the back of the machine. The rounded side should be facing forward.
Always unplug your machine when away from it for extended periods of time. If you are unable to get to the wall plug, at least turn it off at the main machine switch. Lightning or power surges can cause damage to machines that are left on. Also, your sewing light, when left on, can generate considerable heat.
There are some circumstances where you may need to have your sewing machine on its side… Perhaps it will only fit in the box you have to store it in on its side, or maybe you have a small cupboard for it. It should be perfectly fine to store your machine on its side in these type of circumstances.
Before threading the needle, be sure to turn off the machine, otherwise injuries may occur if the Start/Stop button or any other button is pressed, causing the machine to start operating.
The foot also holds the fabric down as the needle stitches, which keeps the fabric from traveling up the needle as each stitch is formed. Another function of the presser foot is that it helps control the tension on the upper thread. Putting the foot down engages the tension and raising it releases the tension.
The presser foot must always be in the “down” position for sewing. Don't force or pull the fabric- the machine will feed automatically. Use the thread cutter to cut thread tails or trim threads with scissors as you work. The take up lever should always be at the “top” when beginning and ending line of sewing.
In general, sewing machines are known to last well over five years and sometimes as long as 25 years. However, the conditions that the sewing machine is exposed to will make a huge difference in its lifespan.
Avoid storing your machine in the garage…
Unless the garage is climate controlled. If this is the case, be sure to use a hard cover that will discourage moisture, dust and curious critters from getting into it.
A cover keeps your machine protected from dust and sun exposure when not in use, and a custom sewn cover in gorgeous fabric can be a very pretty alternative to what may have come with your machine. Decorative stitching in multiple colors plus button accents add a bit of flair to our design.
Vacuum Up Dust and Dirt
Dust can damage your sewing machine. So, cleaning your sewing machine is crucial! Some people with allergies or asthma need to be especially careful not to have any dust in their sewing area. The vacuum is great for sucking up all the extra bits of fabric that get caught around your machine.
Sewing is relaxing and can lead to a more steady heart rate, lower blood pressure, and less perspiration over time. The calming effects of sewing can reduce stress if your mind is focused on it. Sewing keeps the mind healthy and active so that your mind can stay sharper for longer.
Vintage machine – pros:
Made to last for decades. Metal parts – hard to break. Issues are often cheaper to fix because they are mechanical, as opposed to computerized. Though they weren't built for knits, they were built for thicker fabrics and can handle heavier weights with ease.
Never turn the handwheel away from you.
Turning the handwheel the wrong way can mess up the timing on your machine and could lead to costly repairs. The one exception would be if you have a bobbin thread jam, you can turn it a small amount towards the back to help release the tension.
How often should I have my machine serviced? That depends on how much you use your machine and how well you take care of it. If you sew 2-3 hours every day you should probably have it looked at twice a year. If you sew 5-8 hours a week, your should have it serviced once a year.
Use a needle that is the correct length. If it is too long, it will come in contact with the bobbin case and break. If it is too short, stitches cannot interlock.
What moves the needle up and down on a sewing machine? The hand wheel controls the movement of the take-up lever and needle on a sewing machine; it can be controlled by power or by hand. Always turn the hand wheel toward you when changing your stitch selection to ensure the proper operation of your sewing machine.
Answer: Yes, the needle needs to go in all the way.