A sewing machine may not be the most fragile tool, but without proper care, its service life will be significantly reduced.
Many needlewomen do not think much about caring for their sewing machine, believing that it is enough to just wipe the dust from time to time and lubricate it if necessary. In fact, a sewing machine is not too different from a car: you can drive it for a very long time, but only under the condition of regular and constant care for the safety of parts.
TIP 1: Choose the right sewing machine
If you already own a sewing machine, that’s fine, but if you need to buy one, there are sewing machines best suited to choose from.
TIP 2: Covering
Store your sewing machine in a case, because no matter how you keep your apartment clean, dust tends to settle on absolutely everything. You can buy a cover or even a bag for your machine, but you can also very easily sew them yourself!
Also, make sure that your sewing machine is stored in a completely dry place.
TIP 3: Monitoring
Monitor the condition of the bobbin case, because the quality of the stitching depends on this important detail. Defects in the bobbin case can cause skipped stitches, looped stitches, and thread breakage.
There should be no traces of rust or oxidation on the surface of the cap, not to mention nicks and chips. Remove the cap regularly and clean the inside of the cap using a soft, clean cosmetic brush, or cloth.
It is equally important to clean the grooves of the shuttle body from dust and dirt, that is, the very place where the shuttle rotates.
TIP 4: lubrication
Pay attention to the lubrication of the sewing machine. An important point: only and exclusively specialized oil for sewing machines is suitable for these purposes! Never use motor, food or cosmetic oils, as this may cause damage.
In the instructions for your machine, you will find detailed recommendations on how to properly lubricate it.
TIP 5: Changing the needle
Change the needle regularly. Because a bad needle leads to stitch defects and can damage the machine itself.
Experts recommend changing the needle after 8 hours of working.
TIP 6: Professional debugging
Once a year, take the machine into the hands of a professional. It doesn’t matter whether your machine is cheap or expensive; it needs professional debugging because a specialist can competently assess the condition of the parts and disassemble the machine for deeper adjustments and cleaning.
TIP 7: Get the correct stitch length and width.
Most sewing machine manuals will recommend the optimal settings for each stitch, and while many machines have auto settings, it is still vital to understand how to manually modify the settings and how different settings affect the outcome.
FAQs
Are sewing machines easy to learn?
Learning to use a sewing machine can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially for beginners. While it may seem daunting at first, sewing machines are generally considered easy to learn.
What is a good age to start sewing?
The appropriate age to start sewing can vary depending on the child’s individual development and interest. But in general, at the age of 4, the child can start learning sewing.
Is sewing a good skill?
Sewing develops fine motor skills, increases concentration and focus, and teaches the value of calm and self-control.
Can you make a living from sewing?
Yes, it is possible to make a living from sewing. Sewing offers various opportunities for generating income, depending on your skills and interests.
What is a sewing kit?
A sewing kit is a tiny bundle comprising supplies such as needles and thread that you will need for stitching something.
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