Sewing machines can seem intimidatingly complicated to those who don't know how to use them. Whatever the case may be, don't let the fear of unknown operations and skills required to use a sewing machine stop you from creating textile wonders! Use this step-by-step guide to set up and operate your sewing machine so you can get started making things with your own hands.

Steps

Sewing machine parts

Find the power button. It may sound stupid, but locating the power button is the most important step! It can be found in different places depending on the model of sewing machine you have, but most often you can find it on the right side of the sewing machine.

Find the reel seat. This small plastic or metal stick that sticks out from the top of the sewing machine is designed to hold the spool of thread.

Find the thread guide. The thread guide guides the thread from the spool mounted on the top of the machine to the bobbin winder. This is a geometric piece of metal that sticks out on the top left side of the sewing machine.

Find a bobbin winder. To the right of the reel seat is another, even smaller, metal or plastic pin, next to which there is a small horizontal wheel. This is a winder reel and its limiter. They work together (together with the bobbin with thread) and are designed to wind the thread onto the bobbin before sewing.

Look at the buttons that allow you to adjust the stitches. They can be in different places depending on the model of sewing machine you have, but they usually look like buttons with little pictures on them and are located on the front of the sewing machine. These buttons allow you to change the type of stitches you can use, the length of the stitches, as well as their direction (forward and backward). Check the instructions for your sewing machine model to find out what each button does.

Determine the location of the thread take-up. When you are ready to thread your sewing machine, start pulling the thread from the spool at the top, through the thread guide, and then into the thread take-up. This is a lever (with two grooves cut out) located on the front left side of the sewing machine. Usually next to it you can see printed numbers and arrows, explaining how it is necessary and in what order to thread the thread into the sewing machine.

Find the tension regulator. The tension dial is a small wheel with numbers located next to the thread take-up. It controls the thread tension while sewing; if the tension is too high, the needle will bend to the right. If the tension is not sufficient, the thread will tangle on the back of the fabric you are sewing.

Find the needle clamp screw. This is a metal tool that holds the needle while sewing. It is located under the sleeve of the sewing machine and is shaped very similar to a large fingernail. It attaches to the right side of the needle.

Find the paw. This is the metal part located under the needle holder and looks like tiny skis. When you lower the foot, it holds the fabric in place and guides it as you sew.

Find the presser foot lever and practice lowering and raising the presser foot. It should be behind or to the right of the needle holder and needle. To try the lever, lower it down and lift it up.

Find the needle plate. The needle plate is the silver pad located directly below the needle. Very simple, right?

Find the transporter. The feed dog is a small metal guide that is located on the needle plate, under the foot, and guides the fabric as you sew. Pay attention to the two metal rows under the foot - this is the conveyor.

Locate the coil limiter and releaser. The spool is a small bobbin of thread that is located at the bottom of the sewing machine and supplies the second thread to the needle, which is needed to create stitches on the inside. Under the metal plate is the spool stop, and there you will also find a button or lever that releases it. You will need it to secure the spool before you start sewing.

Setting up the sewing machine

1. Place the sewing machine on a stable table, work area, desk, or sewing machine stand in front of you. Sit on a chair that is at an appropriate height relative to the table you are using. The sewing machine should be positioned so that its needle is on the left and the rest on the right, relative to you. You'll have to check a few settings first and become a little familiar with the sewing machine, so don't plug it in at this point.

   Insert the needle securely. The needle has a flat side, so it can only be inserted one way: the flat side must be facing backwards. On the other side, there is a groove at the bottom of the needle, usually located opposite the flat side of the needle. This groove always faces the direction the thread passes (the thread passes through this groove as the needle stitches up and down the fabric). Insert the needle as described and tighten the screw holding it securely.

   Install the coil. Sewing machines use two sources of thread - upper and lower threads. The lower one is on the reel. To wind the spool of thread, place the spool on the upper spool pin, which is where the thread is wound. Follow the directions and wind the thread from the thread spool, passing it through the thread take-up, onto the bobbin. Turn on the thread winder and wait until it stops when the bobbin is completely wound.

   • When the bobbin is ready, place it in the designated place, under the needle, at the bottom of the sewing machine. Leave the end of the thread outside to insert it into the needle.

2. Thread the sewing machine. The spool of thread located on the top of the sewing machine must be untwisted and attached to the needle. To achieve this, take the end of the thread and pull it through the thread take-up on top of the sewing machine, and then lower the thread down to the presser foot. There should be little numbers and arrows on your sewing machine to show you the order of the thread.

   Take out both threads. Run the scissors under the foot to release the ends of both threads. You should have two tips - one from the thread passing through the needle, and the second from the thread coming from the bottom spool.

   Plug the sewing machine into the outlet and turn it on. Many sewing machines have a built-in light that will help you determine if the machine is running and has power. The power button is often located on the right or back of the sewing machine, if there is one at all. Some models of sewing machines do not have such a button and turn on as soon as they are plugged into a power outlet.

   • Also connect a foot pedal to the sewing machine. Place the pedal in a comfortable position under your foot.

   EXPERT ADVICE

   

   Pattern designer

   Keep your sewing machine clean. Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz, a professional pattern maker and fashion designer, advises: “Take your sewing machine to a specialized sewing machine service center from time to time. so that it can be cleaned there. It is advisable to do this regularly, especially if you use your sewing machine all the time».

   Sewing with a sewing machine

   Select a straight stitch, medium size. Check your manual to see how to do this on your model of sewing machine. On this model, the stitches are set by turning the lower knob on the right side of the machine until it clicks into place. Always set or change the stitch pattern with the needle raised, removing the fabric as it may move the needle.

• The straight stitch is the most popular stitch in sewing. The next most popular stitch is the zigzag stitch, which is used to finish the edges of the fabric and prevent it from unraveling and fraying.

Practice on bad material. Choose a plain fabric, not knit, for your first sewing experience. Do not use fabric that is too thick for your first attempts at using a sewing machine. Denim or flannel fabric is very difficult to work with due to their density.

Place the fabric under the needle. Sew, placing the stitched material to the left of the machine. If you place the fabric on the right side, it may cause uneven stitches.

Lower your foot. Find the lever on the back or side of the needle that allows you to lower and raise the presser foot.

• If you lightly tug on the fabric that is pressed down with the presser foot, you will realize that it is being held quite firmly. When you stitch, the sewing machine uses a protractor to move the fabric at the correct speed. Therefore, there is no need to pull the fabric through the sewing machine manually; in fact, if you pull the fabric, it can cause the needle to bend or ruin your project. You can adjust the speed and stitch size using the buttons on the machine.

1. Keep the ends of both threads loose. For the first few stitches, you will need to hold the ends of both threads to prevent them from getting tangled in the fabric. Once you have stitched a bit, you can release the ends of the threads and use both hands to control the fabric and the sewing machine.

   Press the pedal with your foot. The pedal is responsible for controlling the sewing speed. It's like the gas pedal in a car - the harder you press, the faster the sewing machine will run. At first, press the pedal very slowly and just enough to start the sewing machine.

   • Your sewing machine may have a button that you press with your knee instead of a pedal. In this case, use your knee to press it.
   • You can use the top wheel on the right side of the sewing machine to make it stitch, or you can move the needle by hand.
   • The sewing machine will automatically guide the fabric away from you. You can guide the fabric under the needle in a straight line or at different angles. Practice stitching straight and wavy. The only difference is how you bring the fabric to the needle.
   • Do not push or pull on the fabric that is under the needle. This may cause the fabric to stretch or the needle to break, or the stitch may become caught in the bobbin. If you feel like your sewing machine is not working fast enough, press the pedal harder, adjust the stitch length, or (if necessary) buy a faster sewing machine.

2. Find the reverse button or lever and try it out. It allows you to change the direction in which you sew, so the fabric flows towards you instead of away from you. Typically this button or lever is held on by a spring, so you will have to hold it to continue stitching in the reverse direction.

   Use the hand wheel to raise the needle to its extreme point. Then raise your paw. The fabric should now be easy to remove. If the thread pulls back when you try to remove the fabric, check the needle position.

   Cut the thread. Many sewing machines have a notch on the pin that holds the presser foot. You can cut the threads by holding them with both hands and running them along the notch. If there is no notch or you want to cut the threads more accurately, then use scissors. Leave the ends of the threads in order to continue sewing the next seam.

3. Practice sewing seams. Pin two pieces of fabric, right sides together, right at the edge. The seam will be 1.3 cm to 1.5 cm from the edge. You can stitch the fabric in one layer (and may want to do this to reinforce the edge), but since the purpose of most sewing machine work is to join two pieces of fabric together, you will need to get used to sewing multiple layers of material and using pins .

   • The fabric is pinned right sides together so that the seam remains on the wrong side. The front side is the side that will be outer after sewing is finished. On dyed fabric, the brighter side is usually the right side. Some fabrics may not have a facing.
   • Attach pins perpendicular to the line along which the seam will run. You can sew directly over the pins and later easily remove them from the fabric, but doing so may damage the sewing machine, the fabric, or the pins. It is safest to remove the pins as soon as the needle reaches them, since if the needle accidentally hits a pin, it will break and the needle will bend. However, prevent the needle from hitting the heads of the pins.
   • As you follow the fabric, pay attention to where the material moves. The seams can go in different directions, but most sewing projects are trimmed afterwards so that the seams run parallel to the edge. Also, pay attention to the direction of the pattern if your fabric has one, and lay the fabric so that the pattern runs from top to bottom on the right side. For example, floral or animal prints, or stripes or other designs should go in the right direction.

Today, sewing machine manufacturing companies most often specialize in producing foot-operated models powered by electrical energy. Such devices are very ergonomic, both hands remain free, and the time required to perform individual operations is significantly reduced. Unfortunately, the manual mechanical machines that our grandmothers used often gather dust without use. Completely in vain! Let's look at the question of how to set up a manual sewing machine, and over time you will be able to avoid the services of a sewing workshop, creating real sewing masterpieces.

A little history

Until 1829, all attempts to practically create a sewing machine can be considered unsuccessful, although the great Leonardo created drawings that could be used as a basis.

The first sewing device made of wood was created by the French tailor Thimonnier. Despite all its primitiveness, the productivity of this mechanism was several times higher than that of a person sewing by hand. The first sewing machine was greeted quite aggressively by workers, since mass production of such mechanisms threatened mass layoffs.

Subsequently, Thimonnier improved his invention. Some of his ideas are still used in today's models. Its peculiarity is that it can work even with the thinnest and most delicate fabrics, for example, silk.

A machine with a shuttle, vaguely reminiscent of the modern one, was invented by W. Hunt in 1834. This device was also equipped with a fabric advancement mechanism. The machine was equipped with a horizontal needle. For the first time, vertical movement of the needle was introduced into practice in the famous Singer machines.

How does a manual machine work?

Almost all old-style manual sewing units have the same operating principle:

• On the right side there is a wheel called a winder. It is driven by hand.
• Next to the wheel there is a lever through which the stitch length is adjusted.
• On the left side of the machine there is a shuttle device and a needle with a presser foot. There is also a regulator for the tension of the upper thread and a lever for lifting the presser foot.
• The working surface of the device is equipped with slats that advance the fabric during the sewing process.

How to set up an old sewing machine: general principles

The essence of the setting is to select the correct thread number and needle to work with a particular fabric. The quality of the stitch largely depends on how well the thread tension is adjusted. If the tension is incorrect, the seam “loops” from the bottom or top.

How to set up a manual sewing machine:

1. You can adjust the bobbin thread tension using the screw located on the bobbin case. The more the screw is tightened, the stronger the thread tension.
2. The tension of the upper thread is adjusted using a special regulator, which is located near the lever that raises the presser foot.

Rules for using the “Chaika” machine

Here are some of the most important rules for using a sewing unit of this brand:

• You cannot start stitching without first lowering the needle and presser foot.
• The handle should only be turned towards you.
• To lubricate the machine, you must use only special oil.

Important! The machine should only be used on fabrics that are suitable for all types of stitches. Otherwise, the machine may become unusable.

How to set up a manual sewing machine “Chaika”? The most important point when setting up the “Seagull” is the correct installation of the thread and needle:

1. By turning the handle, set the mechanism for pulling the thread to its highest position.
2. Insert the needle into the holder as far as it will go, with the flat side facing the rod on which the foot is located.
3. Secure the needle with a screw.
4. Place the spool of thread on the special rod.
5. Pass the thread through the thread guide and friction washers.
6. Insert the thread into the thread tensioner, and then fix it into the thread guide and needle holder.
7. Finally, the thread must be threaded through the eye of the needle.

All this concerns the top thread.

Let's figure out how to set up the lower thread:

1. Wind the thread onto the bobbin.
2. Insert the bobbin into the cap and bring the thread out.
3. Insert the cap back until it clicks.
4. Turn the handle of the machine to tension the threads.
5. Thread both threads under the foot.

How to set up an old Podolsk sewing machine?

The peculiarity of this sewing machine is that it can be used to sew dense and thick fabrics, such as denim. The machine is quite easy to operate, but you need to follow simple rules that will extend the working life of the structure:

• According to the instructions, the machine’s flywheel should rotate only in the “toward” direction (the direction of movement of the handle is away from the person working). Rotating the flywheel “pull forward” is unacceptable, as the thread in the shuttle may become tangled.
• If the machine is not working, the presser foot must be raised.
• Do not start the device without placing fabric under the presser foot, since the teeth of the device that advances the fabric may become dull.
• Do not pull or push the fabric while working. The needle may break or bend. The machine itself carries out the advancement of the fabric.
• When working, be sure to close the front plate tightly over the hook.

How to wind thread on a bobbin?

The Podolsk machine is equipped with a special winding device located at the rear of the machine, near the flywheel.

Important! The winder operates together with the lower thread tension device, which is located in the right corner of the platform. The sewing device mechanism should not operate while winding the thread.

How to set up an old manual sewing machine of this model:

1. The first thing to do is to disable the flywheel so that it cannot start the machine moving. To do this, turn the friction screw located in the central part of the flywheel toward you.
2. Place the bobbin on the winder.
3. Place the spool of thread onto the spool pin.
4. Pass the thread from the spool under the tension washer and then up to the bobbin.
5. Push the winder frame down until the pulley rim contacts the flywheel.
6. Hold the loose end of the thread until you have wound enough threads to secure the thread. Then tear off the protruding end of the thread.

Important! When wound correctly, the turns lie tightly and evenly.

Threading the bobbin into the cap:

1. Hold the bobbin with your right hand and insert it into the cap. In this case, the oblique slot of the cap should be on top.
2. Then pull the thread through the slot to the tension spring, and then into the slot at the very end of the spring.
3. Place the cap in the machine, remove the free end of the thread and close the shuttle.

How to install the needle correctly?

The needle is installed when the needle bar is in its highest position.

Important! The needle must be installed correctly. Otherwise, the line will end up with gaps. The flat part of the needle flask is directed to the left, and the long groove on the blade is directed to the right.

Upper threading:

1. Turning the handwheel towards you, set the thread take-up lever with the hole to its highest position.
2. Place the spool on the pin and draw the thread to the eye of the needle.

Important! Thread the thread into the eye of the needle outwards - from right to left.

Preparing the machine for sewing

We figured out how to set up a manual sewing machine. Now let's get ready for sewing:

1. First of all, pull the bobbin thread out. To do this, turn the machine's flywheel so that the needle first drops, catching the bobbin thread, and then rises again to the top position.
2. After this, pull both threads back and place them under the foot.
3. Place the presser foot on the fabric underneath.
4. The machine is ready for use.

Features of setting up mini-cars

This is the best option for occasional use. Externally, this machine is similar to a stapler for fastening papers.

Important! The device can be easily placed in a handbag. The machine takes up very little space and can be held with one hand.

The resemblance to a stapler is not accidental. The principle of use is approximately the same, only instead of staples, a spool of thread is inserted on the side. Before threading, you need to wind the thread on a regular standard spool, which is supplied with the device.

Important! You can purchase several of these spools at the store and wind threads of different colors on them.

The compact, self-contained machine sews both thin and heavy dense fabrics well. You can use it both at home and while traveling. The design is extremely simple: press a button and sew the fabric.

Service Issues

It is best to entrust repairs to a sewing machine to a professional technician. However, there are settings that a seamstress can easily handle on her own. Moreover, in the process of work you have to deal with different types of fabrics. Knowing how to set up an old sewing machine when minor problems occur is essential.

Presser foot pressure

It can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the bolt that presses the foot spring. It is located directly above the foot and is made so that it is convenient to tighten it by hand.

Important! If you are going to work with thin fabric, you need to loosen the presser foot.

Height of teeth for tissue advancement

In the “Chaika” machine, regulation is carried out using a disk in 4 positions. The thicker the fabric, the more the teeth should protrude. When embroidering, the teeth are completely hidden.

Important! “Podolsk” has 3 positions for adjusting the teeth.

Adjusting the bobbin thread tension

This is done using a special adjusting nut. Adjustment is made, for example, if loops form at the bottom.

Adjusting the upper thread tension

To do this, there is a small screw located on the bobbin case spring. The adjustment is made if loops appear on top during the sewing process.

Important! Sometimes, when the bobbin rotates too freely inside the cap, the thread often breaks.

New models of sewing machines are equipped with special spring devices that press the bobbin. Old cars don't have this. You can simply solve the problem of how to set up an old sewing machine:

• cut a circle from fabric or thin paper with a diameter slightly smaller than a hairpin;
• cut a hole in the center for the axle.

All that remains is to put a homemade washer in the bobbin cap, drop special oil for sewing machines on it, and then insert the bobbin.

Care issues

1. If you work on a sewing machine without lubricating it for years, it will, of course, work, but over time various problems will arise and the quality of sewing will deteriorate. But if you lubricate it regularly, it will last much longer. Lubricate the car once every six months to a year.

Important! When lubricating, you must use special sewing machine oil. Otherwise, a “drying oil effect” may appear, and the running of the car becomes more difficult.

1. Equipment is cleaned of dust much more often. It all depends on what fabrics you use when sewing. There is especially a lot of dust from fur, wool and knitwear. After work, it is necessary to sweep away the dust under the covers, from the surface of the machine, under the shuttle and the needle plate. You can use a regular cosmetic brush for this.
2. At the end of the work, you need to place a small piece of dense fabric (for example, denim) under the foot.
3. The machine must be kept in a non-working state under a cover.

Video material

With proper care, the device will work flawlessly, and you will rarely have questions about how to set up or repair a manual sewing machine. This means you can easily create original clothes for yourself and look irresistible in them.

Making leather crafts is a fun and interesting hobby. However, there is one difficulty: a shortage of tools. Some were lucky enough to purchase them on occasion, while others ordered them from local craftsmen. At the same time, a DIY leather sewing machine is completely doable. Sewing with a regular needle with preliminary piercing of the workpieces with an awl is quite labor-intensive and complex. In addition, the thread constantly twists, “fluffs” and gets tangled. There seems to be a good solution - to adapt a needle from a regular sewing machine for sewing. The thread remains intact, but the needle itself cannot withstand such violence. At the slightest careless movement it simply breaks. Therefore, the very idea of ​​​​making some semblance of a manual typewriter could not be more relevant.

What will you need for work?

To make a manual leather sewing machine with your own hands, you will need:

• An awl equipped with a collet mechanism.
• Bobbin.
• Needle from an industrial sewing machine for leather goods, No. 250.
• File handle.

Procedure:

1. First, remove the collet mechanism from the awl.
2. Install a sewing machine needle into the mechanism and pass the thread through the collet. Do not forget to make sure that the collet is functioning properly.
3. Now cut off any unnecessary material from the wooden handle and base. As a base for fastening, metal plates are used, soldered together in the shape of the letter P.
4. Cut a groove for the thread to move and secure the bobbin with a self-tapping screw.

Video material

It turns out to sew no worse than crocheting. In any case, much faster. The thread does not fluff or twist, as when sewing leather parts with a regular needle.

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 used at home, and in order for it to be used, it is only necessary to configure and adjust it. And this can be done on your own, the main thing is to find out and understand how to properly set up the sewing machine before work and which parts should be adjusted in it.

How to set up and adjust a sewing machine

Basic faults requiring setup and adjustment

The main operational problems that require timely adjustment and adjustment can be called:

• stitch instability, which consists in the formation of gaps in the line, different lengths of threads, breakage of one of them or both at once;
• manifestation of irregularities in the stitching, namely, tightening of the fabric in the form of an accordion, excessive tightening or loosening of the loop, as well as bevelling of the stitching;
• change in stroke, accompanied by noise, the appearance of “heaviness” or jamming.

Stitch instability

The occurrence of all these malfunctions indicates 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 them. If you do this at the very initial stage, it will not require much effort. Prolonged operation of the sewing machine in the wrong mode may require expensive repairs that can only be carried out by a professional.

Read also - how to fix the problem if the sewing machine starts to tear the upper thread.

Basic rules for setting up a sewing machine yourself

Setting up a sewing machine with your own hands is quite simple. To do this, you must adhere to a certain sequence of actions, the main stages of which are:

Among other things, before starting work, you need to set the stitch length. Usually their exact value for different types of fabric and a particular stitch is indicated in the operating instructions for the device. In this case, the average value of this value is from 1 to 2 mm when using thin fabric and at least 3 mm when using thick fabric. It is also worth checking the sharpness and fit of the sewing needle. If the needle is dull or chosen too thin for a particular type of fabric and thread, skipping stitches will occur.

Choosing a needle for a sewing machine

No matter how strange it may seem, the needle is one of the most important elements of a sewing machine, so before wondering how to properly set up a sewing machine, you need to check this element. During the stitching process, the needle makes several hundred punctures in the fabric, some of which are not thin and light. Over time, this leads to its dullness, and subsequently to the fact that it bends. And if, during its movement, the needle hits the metal of the device body at least once, the tip will certainly be crushed. At the same time, inexperienced craftsmen may not pay attention to such an incident and, during a visual inspection, will not notice the defect that has arisen. But in fact, it will exist, and when the tissue is punctured, relatively large tears will form in the latter. The thread, which passes through the eye of the needle, will cling to the deformed point, slowing down with the appearance of excess in the stitch. Loops will begin to form in the stitching. In addition, a bent, blunt needle can cause constant thread breaking, especially if the process of stitching a complex section of the product is being carried out, when the upper thread is stretched to its maximum.

In such situations, setting up a manual and electric sewing machine and adjusting it as such is not required. And to perform the job normally, you just need to replace the needle yourself. This element in the car must be changed as often as possible. This will not complicate the work in any way, but on the contrary will make the sewing truly high-quality and neat.

When replacing a sewing needle, you must select this element strictly corresponding to the type of machine. Under no circumstances should you install a needle intended for an industrial sewing machine into a household device. It is extremely difficult to confuse them, since needles for industrial devices do not have a cut on the bulb. Using such a needle in a household sewing machine, the gap between the needle blade and the nose of the shuttle is disrupted, which, at best, leads to skipped stitches. And in the worst case, it can damage the sewing machine hook. Also very important is the correct location of the element in the needle holder, which is to locate the blade on the side of the shuttle nose.

Needle selection and installation

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, which may not be noticed at first glance. In order to make sure that the needle is absolutely straight, you can place it on glass or a mirror. The gap will be immediately visible. In addition, you need to choose a needle according to the fabric you are using. So, for sewing “complex” fabrics such as stretch, denim or faux leather, there are special needles that have a special shape that facilitates better passage of the needle through the material, thereby eliminating skipped stitches and uneven loops created by the top thread.

You must select a needle according to the number of thread being used. In this case, it is worth taking into account a feature of new sewing machines, which is the presence of a guide stop under the surface of the table, which does not allow the needle point to go sideways. In this case, the distance from it increases with increasing tissue thickness.

Choosing a needle depending on the type of fabric

Setting the interaction between the needle and the sewing machine hook

The joint work of the shuttle and the needle

The quality of the result obtained during the sewing process depends on the adjustment of the shuttle and needle assembly of the sewing machine, or rather on the correspondence of the gaps between them to the correct values, in the absence of which gaps, looping and breaks of the lower and upper threads can also occur in the lines. In order to make this adjustment, you need to understand how the machine works when forming a loop.

So, when the needle is raised 1.5-2 mm from its original 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 distance from the nose of the shuttle to the eye of the needle should be 0.5 mm. These values ​​are approximate and correspond to working with fabrics of medium thickness. Depending on the type of material used, they may vary somewhat. Their numerical value can only be understood experimentally in the process of performing work, and such skills in most cases come with experience.

It is also worth noting the importance of correctly installing the vertical position of the rack. They are responsible for moving the fabric relative to the needle and the body of the sewing machine during operation. At the moment when the needle pierces the material, the upper edges of the teeth of the rack should be at the level of the sewing machine work table.

Proper care of your sewing machine

In order to avoid the need to adjust the sewing machine each time before using it, it is enough to follow certain preventive measures, the main ones of which include:

• All main parts must be lubricated with special oil at least once every six months;
• after each use of the sewing machine, it is necessary to remove from its surface, as well as the hook cover and needle plate, all dust and dirt formed during operation;
• before hiding the machine in a case, you need to make sure that there are no torn threads or fabric in its structural elements, and also by placing thick paper or cardboard under the foot, lower it all the way;
• The sewing machine must be stored in a case;
• The pedal and drive cords should be coiled as carefully as possible to prevent kinks and breaks.

Proper storage of your sewing machine

Setting up 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 to make sure that during the long “standing”, all the main elements and mechanisms do not rust due to improper storage. To do this, you need to lubricate all metal parts of the device with the oil that comes with the sewing machine. If it is not there or it has run out, then you can use regular machine oil. Next, without lowering the foot, you need to run it at low speed in vain, so that all the elements that did not get oil are also treated with it.

After all these steps, you need to replace the sewing needle, and only after that proceed to threading and using the device. The first line is best done on a piece of waste fabric in order to avoid machine oil getting on the material of the product that will be made using a sewing machine. At the same time, it will become clear whether the line is correct. After this, you can safely start working with full confidence that this device is working properly and will not damage the main fabric.

Thus, it is quite possible to set up the sewing machine yourself. The main thing is to understand exactly what problem arises during the work process. All basic operations are standard and apply to both manual and electric sewing machines. If you check all the main parts and assemblies of the device every time before you start using it, as well as carry out preventive measures in a timely manner and use it correctly in accordance with all points of the operating instructions, then the question of how to set up and adjust the sewing machine will not arise.

Read also why the bottom thread in the line began to loop.

technosova.ru

How to set up a manual sewing machine?

Today, sewing machine manufacturing companies most often specialize in producing foot-operated models powered by electrical energy. Such devices are very ergonomic, both hands remain free, and the time required to perform individual operations is significantly reduced. Unfortunately, the manual mechanical machines that our grandmothers used often gather dust without use. Completely in vain! Let's look at the question of how to set up a manual sewing machine, and over time you will be able to avoid the services of a sewing workshop, creating real sewing masterpieces.

The first sewing device made of wood was created by the French tailor Thimonnier. Despite all its primitiveness, the productivity of this mechanism was several times higher than that of a person sewing by hand. The first sewing machine was greeted quite aggressively by workers, since mass production of such mechanisms threatened mass layoffs.

Subsequently, Thimonnier improved his invention. Some of his ideas are still used in today's models. Its peculiarity is that it can work even with the thinnest and most delicate fabrics, for example, silk.

A machine with a shuttle, vaguely reminiscent of the modern one, was invented by W. Hunt in 1834. This device was also equipped with a fabric advancement mechanism. The machine was equipped with a horizontal needle. For the first time, vertical movement of the needle was introduced into practice in the famous Singer machines.

• On the right side there is a wheel called a winder. It is driven by hand.
• Next to the wheel there is a lever through which the stitch length is adjusted.
• On the left side of the machine there is a shuttle device and a needle with a presser foot. There is also a regulator for the tension of the upper thread and a lever for lifting the presser foot.
• The working surface of the device is equipped with slats that advance the fabric during the sewing process.

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How to set up an old sewing machine: general principles

The essence of the setting is to select the correct thread number and needle to work with a particular fabric. The quality of the stitch largely depends on how well the thread tension is adjusted. If the tension is incorrect, the seam “loops” from the bottom or top.

How to set up a manual sewing machine:

1. You can adjust the bobbin thread tension using the screw located on the bobbin case. The more the screw is tightened, the stronger the thread tension.
2. The tension of the upper thread is adjusted using a special regulator, which is located near the lever that raises the presser foot.

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Rules for using the “Chaika” machine

Here are some of the most important rules for using a sewing unit of this brand:

• You cannot start stitching without first lowering the needle and presser foot.
• The handle should only be turned towards you.
• To lubricate the machine, you must use only special oil.

Important! The machine should only be used on fabrics that are suitable for all types of stitches. Otherwise, the machine may become unusable.

How to set up a manual sewing machine “Chaika”? The most important point when setting up the “Seagull” is the correct installation of the thread and needle:

1. By turning the handle, set the mechanism for pulling the thread to its highest position.
2. Insert the needle into the holder as far as it will go, with the flat side facing the rod on which the foot is located.
3. Secure the needle with a screw.
4. Place the spool of thread on the special rod.
5. Pass the thread through the thread guide and friction washers.
6. Insert the thread into the thread tensioner, and then fix it into the thread guide and needle holder.
7. Finally, the thread must be threaded through the eye of the needle.

All this concerns the top thread.

Let's figure out how to set up the lower thread:

1. Wind the thread onto the bobbin.
2. Insert the bobbin into the cap and bring the thread out.
3. Insert the cap back until it clicks.
4. Turn the handle of the machine to tension the threads.
5. Thread both threads under the foot.

All! Now you can sew.

• According to the instructions, the machine’s flywheel should rotate only in the “toward” direction (the direction of movement of the handle is away from the person working). Rotating the flywheel “pull forward” is unacceptable, as the thread in the shuttle may become tangled.
• If the machine is not working, the presser foot must be raised.
• Do not start the device without placing fabric under the presser foot, since the teeth of the device that advances the fabric may become dull.
• Do not pull or push the fabric while working. The needle may break or bend. The machine itself carries out the advancement of the fabric.
• When working, be sure to close the front plate tightly over the hook.

How to wind thread on a bobbin?

The Podolsk machine is equipped with a special winding device located at the rear of the machine, near the flywheel.

Important! The winder operates together with the lower thread tension device, which is located in the right corner of the platform. The sewing device mechanism should not operate while winding the thread.

How to set up an old manual sewing machine of this model:

1. The first thing to do is to disable the flywheel so that it cannot start the machine moving. To do this, turn the friction screw located in the central part of the flywheel toward you.
2. Place the bobbin on the winder.
3. Place the spool of thread onto the spool pin.
4. Pass the thread from the spool under the tensioner washer, and then up to the bobbin.
5. Push the winder frame down until the pulley rim contacts the flywheel.
6. Hold the loose end of the thread until you have wound enough threads to secure the thread. Then tear off the protruding end of the thread.

Important! When wound correctly, the turns lie tightly and evenly.

Threading the bobbin into the cap:

1. Hold the bobbin with your right hand and insert it into the cap. In this case, the oblique slot of the cap should be on top.
2. Then pull the thread through the slot to the tension spring, and then into the slot at the very end of the spring.
3. Place the cap in the machine, remove the free end of the thread and close the shuttle.

How to install the needle correctly?

The needle is installed when the needle bar is in its highest position.

Important! The needle must be installed correctly. Otherwise, the line will end up with gaps. The flat part of the needle flask is directed to the left, and the long groove on the blade is directed to the right.

Upper threading:

1. Turning the handwheel towards you, set the thread take-up lever with the hole to its highest position.
2. Place the spool on the pin and draw the thread to the eye of the needle.

Important! Thread the thread into the eye of the needle outward - from right to left.

Preparing the machine for sewing

We figured out how to set up a manual sewing machine. Now let's get ready for sewing:

1. First of all, pull the bobbin thread out. To do this, turn the machine's flywheel so that the needle first drops, catching the bobbin thread, and then rises again to the top position.
2. After this, pull both threads back and place them under the foot.
3. Place the presser foot on the fabric underneath.
4. The machine is ready for use.

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Features of setting up mini-cars

This is the best option for occasional use. Externally, this machine is similar to a stapler for fastening papers.

Important! The device can be easily placed in a handbag. The machine takes up very little space and can be held with one hand.

The resemblance to a stapler is not accidental. The principle of use is approximately the same, only instead of staples, a spool of thread is inserted on the side. Before threading, you need to wind the thread on a regular standard spool, which is supplied with the device.

Important! You can purchase several of these spools at the store and wind threads of different colors on them.

The compact, self-contained machine sews both thin and heavy dense fabrics well. You can use it both at home and while traveling. The design is extremely simple: press a button and sew the fabric.

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Service Issues

It is best to entrust repairs to a sewing machine to a professional technician. However, there are settings that a seamstress can easily handle on her own. Moreover, in the process of work you have to deal with different types of fabrics. Knowing how to set up an old sewing machine when minor problems occur is essential.

Presser foot pressure

It can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the bolt that presses the foot spring. It is located directly above the foot and is made so that it is convenient to tighten it by hand.

Important! If you are going to work with thin fabric, you need to loosen the presser foot.

Height of teeth for tissue advancement

In the “Chaika” machine, regulation is carried out using a disk in 4 positions. The thicker the fabric, the more the teeth should protrude. When embroidering, the teeth are completely hidden.

Important! “Podolsk” has 3 positions for adjusting the teeth.

Adjusting the bobbin thread tension

This is done using a special adjusting nut. Adjustment is made, for example, if loops form at the bottom.

Adjusting the upper thread tension

To do this, there is a small screw located on the bobbin case spring. The adjustment is made if loops appear on top during the sewing process.

Important! Sometimes, when the bobbin rotates too freely inside the cap, the thread often breaks.

New models of sewing machines are equipped with special spring devices that press the bobbin. Old cars don't have this. You can simply solve the problem of how to set up an old sewing machine:

• cut a circle from fabric or thin paper with a diameter slightly smaller than a hairpin;
• cut a hole in the center for the axle.

All that remains is to put a homemade washer in the bobbin cap, drop special oil for sewing machines on it, and then insert the bobbin.

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Care issues

1. If you work on a sewing machine without lubricating it for years, it will, of course, work, but over time various problems will arise and the quality of sewing will deteriorate. But if you lubricate it regularly, it will last much longer. Lubricate the car once every six months to a year.

Important! When lubricating, you must use special sewing machine oil. Otherwise, a “drying oil effect” may occur, and the running of the machine becomes more difficult.

1. Equipment is cleaned of dust much more often. It all depends on what fabrics you use when sewing. There is especially a lot of dust from fur, wool and knitwear. After work, it is necessary to sweep away the dust under the covers, from the surface of the machine, under the shuttle and the needle plate. You can use a regular cosmetic brush for this.
2. At the end of the work, you need to place a small piece of dense fabric (for example, denim) under the foot.
3. The machine must be kept in a non-working state under a cover.

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Video material

With proper care, the device will work flawlessly, and you will rarely have questions about how to set up or repair a manual sewing machine. This means you can easily create original clothes for yourself and look irresistible in them.

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Design and principle of operation of a sewing machine

Initially, the sewing machine was designed in such a way that it could do work independently, thereby replacing a person. This invention made it possible to significantly facilitate the work of a seamstress and increase his productivity. The operating pattern allows even an absolute beginner, who has never held a needle in his hands, to sew straight and high-quality stitches. The newest generation of devices not only sews in a simple way, they are also capable of creating patterns and embroidery. The achievements of modern technology are amazing, but the operating principle of every sewing machine is still based on the very first algorithm developed many years ago.

Sewing machine diagram

There are basic parts of a sewing machine, without which no unit can do:

• flywheel;
• winder;
• sleeve;
• sewing platform;
• stitch selection wheel;
• sleeve stand
• receiver (reverse)
• needle holder;
• needle plate;
• paw;
• lever for raising and lowering the presser foot.

But these are the details that are visible upon superficial inspection - they are a small part of the mechanism hidden under the body. There's a complex system inside to power the shuttle. We can say that the operation of a sewing machine is entirely based on the shuttle device. For an untrained person, the parts diagram of a regular sewing machine may seem complex and confusing, but everything becomes clear if you understand a little.

The bobbin is the most visible part with which the tailor constantly interacts. It is located behind a retractable panel under the needle. To remove the bobbin from the slot, pull it towards you and slightly up. This way you will bend the small grip and release the element.

The bobbin is necessary to supply threads that are wound onto it from the main spool before work. This happens automatically - the thread from the spool is threaded into a special hole in the bobbin. After this, the part is placed in the socket, and the spool of thread is secured to the body of the machine. When the flywheel is activated, the bobbin rotates, which winds the thread on its axis, and the spool of thread also rotates.

To tension the thread during operation, the bobbin structure includes a small screw. Correctly set settings eliminate the possibility of skipping top and bottom stitches. A tailor can sew without being distracted by constant quality checks. Carefully check the thread before starting work; excessive tension causes constant breaks. Watch a video about ideal thread tension.

A small part, the so-called spout, is designed to insure the reel against accidental bobbin drops. It is mounted on a moving panel, which is pressed away from the bushing body by a spring mechanism. If everything works as intended, then there are no failures in the system. As long as this part is in the correct position, the bobbin is securely fastened in the sewing machine and cannot be pulled out. To reassemble, bend the spout and, holding it in this position, insert the bobbin into place.

When examining the body of a sewing machine, you can find an oblong protrusion. Its task is to prevent the rotation of the bobbin spool or shuttle drive.

The bobbin inserted into place interacts with one of the main parts of the device, namely the shuttle. It is presented in the form of a part that goes back and forth, cut into a special profile.

A working sewing machine sets it in motion through a connecting rod connection, which sets the correct trajectory.

The operation of the connecting rod connection can be controlled by the operator. For this purpose, a retractable metal panel is specially provided on the case. Having unscrewed it, you can see how the flywheel rotates, setting the needle in motion, going down and up. At the lifting point, not reaching the table surface of five millimeters, a sharp grip passes past it.

This grip represents the bow of the shuttle. The design of the sewing machine provides a gap between this nose and the needle, not too large, but not small enough to allow their accidental contact.

Sometimes the distance begins to increase, and if its value changes by even half a millimeter, the machine will begin to skip stitches in the line. With such a malfunction, the needle continues its work, the fabric advances properly, but the thread does not stitch it at all. The perforated matter is practically not held together and continues to move. To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to adjust the position of the needle to the shuttle.

Video on how to adjust the hook of a sewing machine from the Podolsk company.

Operation of the sewing machine

How does a sewing machine work, and what forces drive its internal processes? The entire system is based on a simple principle based on a given needle movement. Taking the top thread with her, she threads it down. Next, it is picked up by a shuttle that is ready for this, and intertwines the lower thread with the upper thread.

The simplest movement provides the basis for such complex manipulations as zigzag seams and even patterned embroidery. Video on how to do embroidery on a home sewing machine.

Manufacturing companies are improving their models. Today there are already units with a special addition in the form of a side needle for processing the edges of the material, but it is not easy to find them in ordinary stores.

The inner part of the housing hides a drive, which is activated manually (in mechanical machines) or using an electric motor (in electromechanical devices). The engine, through a connecting rod, starts the rotation of three other shafts. If we go into detail, we can say that the system includes one intermediate axis, which transmits a rotational impulse to the three described shafts.

This system is designed for a long period of use and is considered quite durable. To apply lubricants to the moving parts, there are holes in the housing into which the nozzle of the oil can easily fit.

The mechanisms of mechanical sewing machines do not wear out quickly, and their characteristics are considered one of the best. With proper care, the device can serve a tailor for up to fifty years without any problems. However, to do this, you need to follow all the preparations prescribed in the instructions before work, and also regularly lubricate and clean moving parts

In more advanced models, a pedal is provided, when pressed with your foot, all mechanisms are set in motion. It is much more convenient to use, as it gives freedom to your hands. Of course, modern designers have improved this system, turning the pedal from mechanical to electric.

Moving fabric

When talking about how a home sewing machine works, we cannot omit the description of the device designed for drawing fabric. This invention, revolutionary for its time, made it possible to set the desired length of stitches, and also relieved tailors of the obligation to monitor the progress of the flap.

It all happens as follows:

• at the first stage, the main shaft passes through the central part, which is connected to the flywheel axis through a connecting rod;
• two rods pass through the side parts, the synchronous rotation of which sets the broaching mechanism in motion.

The first is equipped with a part that experts call among themselves “Dovetail”. To the common man, it looks more like a key. This element moves back and forth in the direction of the fabric.

The second axis has a cam that is located in the dovetail space. Its main function is to lift and lower this part.

The final result of all the movements of the listed mechanisms is the operation of the sewing machine; the dovetail-shaped part sets the lingering teeth in motion. Having received an impulse, the teeth carry out their steps, spinning in place.

All manipulations to adjust the stitch length are carried out using a rotary lever. A very small part is attached to the axis of the tailed key. When the lever is turned, the tails change their configuration from the initial position, which leads to a change in the length of the stitch in the line. The video shows how to properly adjust your stride length.

Thread tension

This manipulation is carried out using a special screw located above the needle holder. The tension of the upper thread is an important indicator that controls the quality of the seam. Not far from the needle holder there is a special eye that moves during operation and does not allow the tensioned thread to weaken or sag when the needle goes up. Without this small detail, the entire work of the sewing machine would be nullified.

Video on how to assemble and install the thread tension regulator.

Winding device

At the end of the description, you need to say a few words about the winding device. As a rule, not far from the winding flywheel there is a small pressure wheel with a shaft equipped with a mark.

On the panel located underneath there is an eyelet with another small wheel. The spool is placed on a vertical stand, and from it the thread is passed over the table to be wound onto a bobbin. To ensure proper operation, the pinch wheel is gently pressed in with your finger, after which rotation begins, transmitted by the sewing machine drive.

The design provides another option. If the bottom thread suddenly runs out, you can use the end taken straight from the needle. The main thing is to remember to remove it from your ear first. After this, repeat the algorithm described above.

tehnika.expert

DIY sewing machine repair: detailed instructions with photos

Sewing machines do not lose their popularity even in the twenty-first century. Those who were born during Soviet times remember that girls from childhood were taught to sew various things, from gloves to jackets and coats.

During the Soviet era, most people repaired sewing machines themselves. Even today, those who attend cutting and sewing courses understand that it is better to repair a sewing machine yourself than to take it to a service center:

• Firstly, companies that repair sewing machines require quite a lot of money from their clients for the services they provide.
• Secondly, the structure of even modern machines can be understood in a matter of hours; you just need to approach this issue carefully, and in the future this will make it possible to repair sewing machines without involving third parties.

Basic rules for operating a sewing machine

Let's look at the basic rules for operating sewing machines:

• Sewing equipment should not be located near radiators or heaters. But at the same time, it must be in a dry room, in which there are no signs of dampness;
• Before starting work, it is necessary to select the necessary materials and tools, needles and threads that will be needed during the work process;
• Before you start sewing, you need to make sure that the needle and thread guide are in the up position;
• Remember that the sewing machine needs to be assisted while sewing, pulling the fabric towards itself;
• After the sewing work is completed, you need to raise the presser foot and stretch the fabric. Next, cut the thread, having previously found a free end, the length of which will be a maximum of seven, but a minimum of five centimeters.

Problems with sewing machines

There are rules and they must be followed. The use of high-quality materials and additional tools minimizes the occurrence of problems and malfunctions when working with sewing machines. Therefore, the following reasons that lead to malfunctions are the most common:

1. Thread break. Breakage can occur in both the upper and lower threads. In the first case, the problem is related to the selection of low-quality threads or the wrong needle size. In the second case, the problem of a sewing machine malfunction may be associated with unevenness, the presence of burrs in the bobbins, and incorrect winding of the thread.
2. Problems with fabric advancement. If such a problem occurs, you need to carefully look at the position of the teeth. If they are raised or lowered, then it is necessary to bring them to normal condition;
3. Cutting fabric. If such a problem occurs, in order to fix the machine we need to reduce the pressure of the presser foot and check the condition of the needle, perhaps it is too dull.

Read also: Blender repair: disassemble and repair it yourself

Serious problem - sewing machine knocking

The above problems are not serious and can be resolved in a matter of minutes. But there are types of problems that occur infrequently. Therefore, repairing sewing machines with your own hands in case of problems will take quite a lot of time.

The most difficult, most serious breakdown should be considered the appearance of a knocking sound when the sewing machine is operating. To solve this problem, you need to pull the flywheel several times, and do this in accordance with the axial direction of the machine.

In order to repair a sewing machine, it must be disassembled. We disassemble the sewing machine in the following sequence:

1. Remove RP (manual drive). It is necessary to remember its location, this will allow you to subsequently assemble the sewing machine in a short period of time;
2. Unscrew the stopper, which is a classic screw, from the nut. It is under manual drive; at the time of assembly it must be screwed back to its original location;
3. Remove the flywheel. This must be done carefully, avoiding damage to it; if the flywheel malfunctions after assembling the machine, you need to see if everything is in order with it;
4. Remove the bobbin that looks like a cone. It is located below, after the flywheel. Finding her will not be difficult;
5. Remove the bushing from the shaft base;
6. Place a tin washer on the shaft. You can make such a washer very simply, just cut out the bottom of a tin jar.

In 40% of cases, a washer is the key to high-quality work done using a sewing machine. Sometimes adding it to the machine is enough to solve the problem, but this does not always happen. When setting up sewing machines, in 60-70% of cases you have to turn the staff 180 degrees.

Read also: Microwave oven works but does not heat food: what to do?

The needle is a key part of a sewing machine.

Needles are the main elements that make a sewing machine work. Its further work depends on which needle is chosen. If a defective needle is selected, then the occurrence of the above problems is not a rare case, because the needle is the basis, and without it it is impossible to sew a single thing.

Therefore, when choosing a needle, you need to carefully consider its size and thickness. You also need to check the needle numbering if you are doing any complex sewing work, otherwise it may happen that the item will not turn out the way you imagined it before.

There is another problem in which the wrong choice of needle can lead to stretching and damage to the fabric. If the needle is too thick and the fabric is thin, then you cannot use the needle with such fabric, otherwise it will tear.

Read also: How to repair a thermopot yourself

Using too thick a fabric with a small needle may cause the needle to break. In order to sew something from thickened fabric, you need to choose a thicker needle; if you don’t have it at home, then go to the store and buy it. Before doing this, measure the thickness of the fabric in advance - this will allow you to select a needle in the store in a shorter time. You will need to tell the seller the thickness of the fabric, and he will independently select a needle of the size you need.

tehrevizor.ru

How to repair a sewing machine yourself?

Sewing original and much-needed items yourself is great, especially if you know how to use a sewing machine. Everyone who had the good old “Chaika” at home was wondering how to repair a sewing machine on their own? Oddly enough, this is quite simple to do, especially if you know the cause of the problem. And in order to find out the reason for their appearance, read this article, which contains all the material regarding this topic.

Natural wear and tear

During its life, it makes hundreds of thousands of punctures of tissue, and no one says that it is always light and thin tissue. Therefore, it is logical that the needle point becomes dull, and the needle itself may bend.

Important! Are you paying attention to this? At first glance, the needle is intact, which means everything is fine with it. But use a magnifying glass and examine its tip - the blade will be bent in any direction, and how will such a tip accurately pierce the fabric? No way, just break through it.

Now let's see how such a needle forms a stitch. The thread, which is located in the eye of the needle, clings to the curved point, slows down, thereby forming excess upper thread inside the stitch. This is one of the reasons why loops appear in a line.

Important! In addition, a curved point will cause periodic thread breakage, especially in difficult areas for sewing, when the upper thread is extremely stretched.

Based on this, we understand that sometimes the entire process of repairing a sewing machine consists of simply replacing the needle.

Incorrect installation and use

Another reason for problems with a sewing machine is incorrect installation of the needle in the needle bar, this problem is especially typical for older machines:

• The needle blade must be on the side of the shuttle nose. Remove the needle plate and see if this is actually the case, if for no apparent reason the machine begins to loop and tear the thread.
• It often happens that seamstresses install a needle in their home sewing machine that is intended for industrial sewing machines. It is impossible to confuse an industrial needle with a home needle. Household needles have special cuts on the flask. But despite this, it is industrial needles that are installed.

Important! Under no circumstances should you make this mistake:

• Firstly, you will damage the gap between the head of the needle and the nose of the shuttle, which is where the gaps in stitches begin.
• Secondly, you run a very high risk of damaging the hook of your sewing machine.

Some of the industrial needles are noticeably longer than home ones, and can touch the surface of the shuttle, scratch it, and even damage the shuttle itself.

• All sewing equipment should not be located near batteries or heaters. But at the same time, it must be located inside a dry room, in which there are completely no signs of dampness.
• Before you begin the work itself, you must select the materials and tools, threads, and needles necessary for the work. By clicking on the link, you will learn how to thread a sewing machine.
• Before you start sewing, make sure that the thread guide and the needle itself are in the up position.
• Always remember that the sewing machine needs to be assisted while sewing by pulling the material towards itself.
• When finished, raise the presser foot and then pull out the fabric. After this, cut the thread. Find a free end in advance, a maximum length of 7, but a minimum of 5 cm.

Important! For those who love to sew, sooner or later there is a need to buy an overlocker. Our separate review “How to choose an overlocker?” will help you.

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What problems exist with sewing machines?

There are rules and they must be followed. The use of additional tools and high-quality materials reduces the chance of problems and malfunctions while working with sewing machines to a minimum. That is why the following reasons, which lead to malfunctions and the need to repair the sewing machine yourself, are the most common.

Broken thread

This problem occurs with both the top and bottom threads:

• In the first case, the malfunction is associated with the selection of a low-quality thread or the wrong needle size.
• In the second case, the malfunction is associated with unevenness, the presence of burrs in the bobbins, and also with incorrect winding of the thread.

Important! Do you want to sew a new beautiful knit skirt? You will find about the features of this type of fabric, the rules for working with it and much other useful information with sewing instructions in our article “How to sew a skirt from knitwear?”

Problem with fabric advancement

If you have a similar problem, you should carefully examine the position of the teeth. If they are down or retracted, return them to their normal position. As you can see, often when problems occur, no complex repairs to the sewing machine are required.

Cutting fabric

If you have such a problem, then in order to repair the sewing machine, you need to reduce the pressure of the presser foot, and then check the condition of the needle. It's likely that she's too dumb.

Important! Update your wardrobe! Treat yourself to a new culotte. For detailed sewing instructions, see our master class “How to sew a skirt-trousers with your own hands?”

Machine care:

• After prolonged work, you must clean the shuttle section and other accessible places from fringes, dust, and oil stains. Periodically clean the shuttle itself, using a stiff hair brush, the shuttle mechanism.
• Lubricate the machine at least once every six months, and after lubrication, run it idle for a while, especially if the machine has just been standing there for a long time. The oil will heat up slightly during operation and penetrate much better into the friction points and units.
• The fierce enemy of absolutely all mechanisms are rust and dirt. So try to keep your car in a cool and dry place.
• If the machine is not going to be used for a long period of time, make sure that dust does not get into it. Otherwise, the oil will harden from dust, and the machine will turn poorly, or even jam.

Important! It is better to put machine oil into a medical syringe, then drop small drops into accessible places where friction of metal parts occurs.

Important! Do you like to wear dresses? Find out about a very practical model - the trapeze dress.

Important! It is precisely the fastening of the tension regulator that is most often the cause of poor performance. The plastic case is pressed under the influence of the screw, and over time the tensioner begins to wobble or even fall out of the case.

In order to fix this, unscrew the screw slightly, adjust its position, making sure that the groove and the blade of the needle are in the correct location in relation to the shuttle itself.

Important! The parka is universal clothing. It can be worn with jeans or an evening dress. Can't find the right model for sale? Follow the link and follow the steps of the master class to sew a parka with your own hands.

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Setting the interaction between the needle and spout:

• Calibration of the shuttle mechanisms of sewing machines “Chaika”, “Podolsk”, “Veritas” and so on, which perform zigzag stitches, involves setting the position of the looper tip higher than the eye of the needle by 1, 2, 3 mm at the moment the looper tip approaches the needle itself .

Important! This parameter is checked at the moment when the sewing machine produces more than just a straight stitch.

• The nose of the shuttle must simultaneously pass almost next to the blade of your needle - this is the second condition that allows you to form stitches without skipping. Loosen the screw with a 10mm wrench, at the same time hold the flywheel with your hand, turn the shaft along with the shuttle stroke itself, adjusting the position of the shuttle nose to the needle.

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Video material

In this article, we looked at the most common problems with a sewing machine and told you how to fix this or that situation. We hope, thanks to this information, from now on you will not have problems with sewing, and all your planned masterpieces will turn out as intended by design and in good quality.

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How to disassemble a sewing machine - Easy

How to disassemble a sewing machine

Finding out or at least seeing a photo of how a modern sewing machine works is not only educational, but also useful. Be sure to read this series of articles dedicated to repairing modern household sewing machines. A visual representation of the structure of a sewing machine will help you make the right choice when purchasing it, and will also make you treat it more carefully later.

It is quite difficult to disassemble a modern sewing machine yourself, but in most cases you will not have to do this. But there are still cases when you have to disassemble the sewing machine yourself. For example, when you need to replace an electric drive, a stitch does not form, the needle breaks, etc., and there is no way to go to a workshop, since there is simply none in your city or town.

In this article you will learn how to properly disassemble (remove) the plastic covers of a modern household sewing machine, a regular inexpensive model from Brother, Janome and any other.

1. What tools are needed

Almost all models of modern economy-class household machines are assembled in China and therefore, in order to disconnect the plastic parts of the case, you only need Phillips screwdrivers. One screwdriver should have a Phillips slot for medium-sized screws and one a little more powerful, even with a flat slot.

Screws on cars made in Europe (sometimes made in Taiwan) often have some peculiarity. They can only be unscrewed with a special screwdriver (star) with a special slot. First, look at what kind of screwdriver you can use to unscrew the housing mount; you may have to buy one specially for this in the store. This photo shows the types of modern screwdrivers and screws. By the way, we will be disassembling the sewing machine in the foreground. It's called "Dragonfly" - China. Its body is assembled with ordinary cross-shaped screws.

2. Before disassembling the machine

First, remove all parts that do not require special tools. Start with the removable table, then remove the tab. Remove the needle plate. To do this, use a flat-head screwdriver to unscrew just one screw (sometimes two). Naturally, you need to remove the bobbin and the plastic hook or bobbin case. remove the coil and to avoid injury, it does not hurt to remove the needle. Now you need to unscrew the screw indicated by the arrow in the photo and carefully remove the front cover. There is a special latch at the top of the lid; you need to disengage it before “pulling it out” by force.

All screws do not need to be put in one “pile”. When you start putting it back together, it will be difficult for you to determine which screw was placed where. Therefore, mark them in any way convenient for you. For example, you can place a piece of paper with a note next to each screw(s).

3. We begin to disassemble the sewing machine

Now we will begin to disassemble the sewing machine, or rather, disconnect its plastic body, consisting of two halves. But first, remove the shuttle compartment cover. To do this, unscrew the screws indicated by the arrows. Just like the front cover, this part, in addition to screws, is also attached with latches. To loosen them, you need to insert a screwdriver into the slot and try to gently move the cover to the left. On the back side where the handwheel is located, remove the stitch selection knob. Just pull it hard to the right. Immediately pay attention to how it stood, so that it would be easier to install it back.

And two more types of fastenings are located at the bottom of the machine body. For many models of sewing machines, the rubber feet at the bottom of the body are also the fastening of the plastic body to the metal frame of the sewing machine. In any case, in this model of the machine the two rear legs serve as such fastenings. But since we will only be removing the front part of the case, unscrew only one leg (the upper right one).

For all sewing machines of this class, it is necessary to release the fastening indicated in the photo by the letter (A). Moreover, both screws do not need to be unscrewed; it is enough to release only the front side cover. In this case, you need to unscrew the top screw.

4. Unscrew the most difficult to reach screw

The very last, but most inconspicuous screw (B) remains. It is located deep in the front part of the machine. Even with high magnification it is not visible in the photo. The screw that is so clearly visible does not need to be unscrewed. This is the upper thread tensioner mount. By the way, it remains in place after removing the cover. Take this moment into account and do not try to remove it. Actually, it is not difficult to unscrew the screw itself; it will be much more difficult to put it back. Therefore, hold the screwdriver on the magnet for a while, this will help you later.

Now you can remove the front cover, although it should be noted that other models may have an additional fastener, but the principle is approximately the same. Look carefully, your machine may have an additional mount in the lower part of the body. It happens that the fastening of the covers is hidden by plugs. Using a knife blade, pry the plug on the back of the machine and make sure there is no additional fastening there.

By the way, it is with the help of a knife that you will have to remove the cover, since in addition to the screws, there are latches at the ends of the covers. Place the blade of a knife between the ladles of the body and carefully try to push them apart, moving the latches. It’s just difficult to immediately determine where they are located, so be patient if you really decide that you definitely need to disassemble the sewing machine.

5. How to separate two parts of the case

This is roughly the “picture” you will see when you can disassemble your sewing machine. It's probably worth noting that the hardest part is not finding all the screws that secure the covers to the case and to each other. It is very difficult to carefully remove the covers and disconnect their latches. If you do this hastily, you can damage the plastic, which will not only ruin the appearance of the machine, but will also interfere with its operation. Rough parts in the machine sleeve area will cling to fabrics and even form puffs.

It is important to firmly decide whether you need to disassemble the machine yourself or not. If there is no other option, then be patient and attentive. Well, why we need to disassemble it, we have already mentioned above, but we will look at it in more detail in other articles.

The structure of a modern sewing machine How a modern household sewing machine with an electric drive works. Basic malfunctions of components and mechanisms.

How to disassemble the machine and replace the electric drive Sometimes it becomes necessary to disassemble the sewing machine, or rather remove the plastic body of the machine in order to gain access to some components. Such a need arises very rarely and it arises only when it is necessary to replace the sewing machine motor or drive belt.

Electric drive of a sewing machine Just like the pedal, the electric motor should not be repaired yourself. Moreover, there is nothing to repair there. The engine either works or it doesn't. If it does not work, and you know for sure that there is no other reason for this, then it needs to be replaced.

Device for winding thread on a bobbin Such a “trifle” as winding thread on a bobbin often creates a lot of inconvenience. For some reason, it is not always possible to do this quickly and “without problems.” Let's figure out why it is sometimes difficult to wind thread onto a bobbin and what needs to be done to fix minor damage to the winder.

Sewing machine Veritas Rubina The master's opinion about which sewing machine is the best. Learn more about a used Rubin sewing machine and other old Veritas models.

How to properly lubricate an overlocker Sometimes, you need to remove the covers of the overlocker and lubricate all the rubbing parts located inside the case. What you need to pay attention to and how to do it yourself.

How a sewing pedal works We do not recommend repairing a sewing pedal yourself. We only give advice on how to prevent it from breaking. The most common cause of pedal failure is its long wires.

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How to use a sewing machine

Today, when the choice of manual and compact sewing machines is quite large, anyone can learn the basics of tailoring. And, if there are no problems with the purchase of the unit, then in order to understand how to use a sewing machine, you may need enough time and patience. The efforts made will more than pay off when you can not only skillfully repair your things, but also pamper yourself with products of an exclusive pattern and design.

In this article, we will try to simplify the process of mastering the art of sewing for you as much as possible, and will also introduce you to the main nuances of all stages: from threading to starting sewing.

Let's look at the instructions

Regardless of what type of machine you purchase (manual, mini, foot-operated, electric...), it will definitely come with instructions in several languages. Ask the seller if the instructions contain explanations in a language you understand. The same applies to purchasing a machine second-hand - ask for instructions, so that in any unclear situation you have somewhere to turn for help.

Of course, if you are dealing with an old, even rare model from Singer or Podolsk, in most cases you will have to understand the intricacies of their work without documents. But the main advantage of old machines over modern ones is their simplicity and reliability of mechanisms, and recommendations for operation can be easily found in any “classic” book on sewing and cutting.

When studying the instructions, pay special attention to what you should never do with the machine: keeping the tool in working condition will be the first step towards mastering sewing.

The process of operating a modern sewing machine (including mini machines) is simplified as much as possible, and each part in them is located in a strictly designated place and performs a specific action.

Learning to refuel the machine

Before you start sewing, the machine must be properly threaded. And it doesn’t matter what kind of machine you are dealing with: mini or manual, foot-operated or old - without a coil it is of no use. Let's start with the top thread, which must be threaded through a series of holes in a strictly established sequence.

Having grabbed the end of the thread, we run it through the miniature window on the back of the device, after which we go to the tension regulator, follow through a couple of loops and finally reach the needle. The procedure for refueling your machine model, established in the instructions, must under no circumstances be violated. Otherwise, the risk of thread chafing and malfunction of the entire device will increase.

Remember: on the body of every modern machine (even manual or mini) there are symbols and arrows that help you navigate and quickly understand how and where the thread is threaded.

Now we move on to the second step - threading the shuttle (the device into which the bobbin with thread is inserted). Regardless of the type and model of the machine, the bobbin is installed in the hook in such a way that the thread comes out clockwise. To facilitate work and significantly save craftswomen’s time, manufacturers today produce not only reels, but also ready-made bobbins with wound threads. The main thing is to achieve the same thickness and quality of the upper and lower threads.

Putting a needle

Find out how to insert the needle into your machine. Buy a set of different sewing machine needles: with only one needle, you will not be able to work with fabrics of different thicknesses. Handicraft magazines or specialized formulas will help you find information about what needle and thread you will need to make the product you are interested in. Following each recommendation from the instructions, install the needle in the place intended for it and remember how you did it. If the needle is installed incorrectly, there is a possibility that it will fly out during high-speed sewing, or the fabric and threads will break.

Before sewing

Determine and remember where the thread tension controls are located (especially the top one) and the lever (wheel) that sets the stitch length (the interval between two adjacent fabric punctures, usually measured in millimeters). Find out what types of stitches your machine can make (zigzag, patterned, etc.), how to switch between them, and whether it is possible to sew buttonholes. Install the device so that you feel comfortable at your intended workplace. When working with a manual machine, hold the fabric with your left hand and turn the handle with your right (vice versa for left-handed people). With a foot operated machine, both hands are freed up and you have more control over the sewing process.

Before you start making (or repairing) a large product, adjust the device and test the quality of the seam on a small piece of the same material.

Features of using a mini sewing machine

Pros of a mini sewing machine:

• Compactness;
• Lack of many mechanisms;
• Ease of operation;
• Self-set stitch spacing.

Compactness is the main advantage of this device. You can take it with you on the road and repair things whenever necessary, because using a mini machine is very simple. Following the simple instructions, thread the thread into the mechanism and immediately start sewing! With it, you don’t have to bother with installing the shuttle, winding bobbins and delving into the structure of the device for a long time. Using just one thread, we hold the machine in our hand and, working in the same way as with a stapler, we make stitch by stitch, independently choosing their intervals.

It will also be indispensable for minor repairs to curtains, which can be done on the spot without removing the curtains from the curtain rod.

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