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Learn to Sew Lesson #9: Set Up Your Sewing Machine*

Place your sewing machine on a sturdy surface and at a comfortable height if you don’t have a cabinet for it.
And make sure your work area is well lit.

Before beginning any sewing project, there are several things you need to do:


Choose a needle
                                                                           

    Sewing machine needles come in different types and sizes. It’s important to use a needle appropriate
    for your fabric and thread because using the wrong needle can lead to stitch problems.

For more information on choosing a sewing machine needle, see Sewing Machine Needles – The Basics.

    Also, needles become dull with use. So use a new needle with every project or change your needle
    after eight hours of continuous sewing.

    To change your needle, most machines have a screw to turn, then the needle slides out. But consult
    your sewing machine manual* in case your machine is different.


Choose a presser foot
                                                                                   

    The presser foot is the piece that sits beneath your machine needle that looks, well, like a foot. It’s
    what holds your fabric down against your needle plate as you sew.

    Your presser foot lifts up and down. Move the presser foot down onto your fabric before sewing a
    seam and back up when you’re finished.

    Presser feet are interchangeable. For most sewing jobs, a zigzag presser foot is probably fine (this may
    be the foot your machine came with). The opening in the center of this foot is wide to allow for the side
    to side motion of the needle as it makes a zigzag stitch. But this foot can also be used for sewing
    straight stitches. Other types of sewing may require different presser feet. For instance, you may need
    a special presser foot for putting in a zipper or for sewing an overcast stitch.

    For more on presser feet, see Presser Foot Basics.


Thread Your Sewing Machine
                                                                                   

    Threading a sewing machine involves placing your spool of thread on a spindle, then weaving the
    thread through a series of guides, then into the eye of your needle. Since different sewing machine
    models need to be threaded differently, consult your owner’s manual* for how to thread your
    particular machine.

    Threading your sewing machine correctly is important. An incorrectly threaded machine can lead to
    stitch problems.


Wind and Insert Your Bobbin
                                                                                   

    Your bobbin is a smaller spool of thread you wind yourself. The thread from your bobbin is used to form
    the underside of a stitch.

    Different machines use different types of bobbins, so consult your manual* for the type of bobbin your
    machine uses and for how to wind it. Just don’t over wind your bobbin because it can lead to problems.

    You may find it convenient to keep several bobbins on hand with different threads for when  you’re
    working on several projects at once.


Adjust your Thread Tension
                                                                                   

    When the tension on your sewing machine is adjusted correctly, your stitches will look neat and
    smooth. The top thread won’t show through to the underside of your fabric and the bobbin thread won’
    t show through to the topside.

    There should be a way to adjust the upper thread tension for your machine. And some machines allow
    you to adjust the bobbin thread tension. Some machines have a dial or lever for tension adjustment
    and some newer machines can automatically adjust the thread tension for you. Consult your owner’s
    manual* for how to adjust the thread tension for your machine.

    And before every project, take a square of the fabric you’ll be sewing, double it, sew a seam, then
    check to make sure the stitching looks good. Stitches that pucker the fabric or stitches that show little
    loops mean your tension is off. Adjust your tension and sew another test seam until the problem is
    resolved.


Adjust your Stitch Length and Width
                                                                                   

    Consult your sewing machine manual* for how to adjust the stitch length and width on your machine,
    which are usually adjusted with dials, levers, buttons, or touch pad controls.

    Sew several test seams on a scrap of your fabric to decide on a stitch length or width for your project.

    And use a stitch length appropriate for your fabric. About ten to twelve stitches per inch for medium
    weight fabrics and most general sewing. Use a shorter stitch length for sewing fine, delicate fabrics or
    for adding reinforcement to an area. And use a longer stitch for heavier fabrics or for basting.

    Adjust your stitch width when sewing “zigzag” or other decorative stitches.



*There are so many models and types of sewing machines out there and they all work a little differently. So
consult your owner’s manual for learning the specifics of operating your particular machine. If you don’t have the
manual for your machine, try visiting your manufacturer’s website. They often have old manuals for download or
purchase.