14
votes
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How can I stop my thread from bunching when using a sewing machine?
Are you absolutely sure the upper thread is threaded correctly, especially through the tension control knob? (I would go ahead and re-thread the machine, since it's cheap to do.)
Other things to make ...
- 1,818
10
votes
What to look for in a good beginner's sewing machine?
Most entry-level sewing machines should do fine for sewing apparel, and can even handle a few thicknesses of denim (reviews are good for this sort of info). I would recommend going for a well-known ...
- 2,385
10
votes
What criteria should I be considering when looking at a second hand sewing machine?
Basic requirements
For a basic sewing machine that does hems and maybe some simple garment sewing... I'd look for:
Basic stitches - running stitch, zig zag, blind hem stitch
Adjustable tension - to ...
- 343
9
votes
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Will lack of a zig-zag stitch be a problem for me?
Based on your planned usage of the machine, it likely won't be an issue for you. The common usages of a zigzag stitch are to allow give in a seam for stretchy fabrics (which you can handle with the ...
- 3,902
9
votes
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What important tools does a small tailoring outfit need?
It sounds like she already has a basic "starter kit" for sewing. So, instead of getting her a comprehensive kit, I would try to focus on one or two high-quality items that would save her ...
- 1,771
8
votes
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Are there cases where we do not reverse stitch when sewing?
To understand when to use backstitching, you need to understand the purpose of it in the first place. It's not just "a thing that is done," it is a technique to "lock" the stitches in place on a seam. ...
- 3,902
7
votes
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What is that dial on top of my sewing machine? What purpose does it serve?
That's a tension dial, for adjusting how taut the upper thread is held while sewing; the adjustments run from 1 (least tension) to 5 (greatest tension), and allow you to adjust the pull of the upper ...
- 3,902
7
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What important tools does a small tailoring outfit need?
The equipment you listed is exactly what I would have suggested as a genral starter pack.
Sewing machine is a no-brainer. The "pizza cutter" is called a "rotary cutter" and is ...
Elmy♦
- 12.6k
7
votes
Do I have to lower the foot and needle when my sewing machine is not in use?
This is akin to the advice, "Don't run with scissors". As rebusB points out, it isn't a necessity for the machine to work. It's because undesirable things could potentially happen, which ...
- 11.5k
7
votes
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Why does the thread keep snapping on my Silvercrest sewing machine?
Many sewing machine issues can be resolved by simply removing the thread and re-threading it. Your machine's manual should have a diagram showing how to insert the thread. Even if you're sure you ...
- 1,771
7
votes
Are you supposed to oil the upper thread tension discs on a sewing machine?
Nope. You do not oil the tension discs. You may need to open it to remove lint or check for damage, rust, and wear. Then, it may be that you need new discs. But they are not part of the lubricating ...
- 1,639
6
votes
How can I stop my thread from bunching when using a sewing machine?
One fix to attempt before taking the machine into the shop is replacing the needle. A slightly bent needle can appear to be sewing correctly, but once you start going at speed it almost inevitably ...
- 4,356
6
votes
How can I stop my thread from bunching when using a sewing machine?
Any time I've had that problem, the bobbin was inserted in the holder the wrong way. What seemed like the right way was the wrong way.
- 61
6
votes
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How to Slow the Speed of a Sewing Machine
Singer foot pedals sometimes have a speed adjustment. Mine does, I own a CG 550. Look underneath the pedal and if there is a little hole, you should be able to take an electronics grade small flat ...
- 1,639
5
votes
How can I stop my thread from bunching when using a sewing machine?
Another thing you might check is for knotted threads jamming the bobbin area. This happened to me after having consistent birdnesting on my piece, after checking the tension and upon removing the ...
- 51
5
votes
What criteria should I be considering when looking at a second hand sewing machine?
I am looking for a machine which would help me do basic stitches and
hems on clothing and other thin materials.
Stay away from too much stitch variety. When looking for the basics in a machine, too ...
- 1,639
5
votes
Accepted
How to pick an embroidery machine
It isn't the machine selection that matters so much as the software available for a particular machine and the ability of that software to digitize a photographic image into the the correct form.
My ...
- 7,231
5
votes
Accepted
What needle depth should I set to prevent the machinery from hitting the needle?
You should be able to download the manual for this machine on Singer’s website. I can’t see the model number, it looks like it may be model 457, if so, it’s there. Upon looking at the manual for the ...
- 1,639
5
votes
What kind of stitch is this?
It is most likely either an overlock stitch or a serger stitch. These are used to finish edges to prevent fraying and give a professional appearance to a sewn item.
The overlock stitch is a ...
- 4,356
5
votes
Accepted
Sewing machine: how to sew a straight line left ⇆ right (instead of front ⇆ back)?
You are describing the technique used for "free motion quilting." On some sewing machines, you can lower the feed dogs instead of covering them. Your machine may come with a "darning foot" or a "free ...
- 66
5
votes
Accepted
Do I have to lower the foot and needle when my sewing machine is not in use?
I've heard similar things about bicycle derailleurs, and hand-tools like secateurs (pruning shears), both of which have springs inside them.
There's an "old wives tale" that the spring will ...
- 326
5
votes
Sewing machine that looks manly
The question asks for recommendations of sewing machines that have a certain type of appearance. I can't answer that directly, but maybe I can expand your options.
If you were sewing your own sails, ...
- 11.5k
5
votes
Accepted
What should I look for when I look for sewing machine needles?
Home sewing machines use the same style of needle. Any store that sells sewing supplies for home crafters (as opposed to manufacturers) should have that type of sewing machine needles, and only that ...
- 1,771
5
votes
Accepted
Needles for machine-sewing rubber
You need a thick, sturdy needle to sew rubber. I would suggest a thick leather needle, if you have one. The tips of those have cutting edges that pierce cleanly through the material and create a tiny ...
Elmy♦
- 12.6k
4
votes
Accepted
Sewing machine problem: machine won't tighten the loops under the material
Reve gave me the tip that led to the solution. As part of each stitch, the upper thread has to be pulled around and under the bobbin case; the loop is then pulled tight against the underside of the ...
- 203
4
votes
Sewing machine problem: machine won't tighten the loops under the material
The bobbin case rocking back and forth is normal! In order to form a stitch, the top thread has to cross under the bobbin thread and back up. It does that by looping all the way around the bobbin case ...
- 321
4
votes
Accepted
Raising the bobbin thread doesn't work
After much searching, reading and watching videos I figured it out. I took the machine apart to adjust the "needle timing" (key words to search for). Sadly there is no video or instructions for this ...
- 181
4
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Sewing machine: how to sew a straight line left ⇆ right (instead of front ⇆ back)?
You need to change your perspective to solve this problem.
Short of breaking your sewing machine, I don't see how to cover or deactivate the feeding dog so it won't interfere.
Usually, you can ...
Elmy♦
- 12.6k
4
votes
How do I fix upper thread tension being too high?
Are you using the correct needle point and size for the fabric?
Ball points for knits
Straight points for woven fabric
Sometimes the needle just needs to be changed.
The other problem could be ...
- 1,639
4
votes
What should I look for when getting a treadle sewing machine second hand?
Brand, Model, Functionality and Missing Parts
Singer is first choice, White second, and other brands should be
purchased only if complete (check for bobbins, presence of operating
manual, and ...
- 191
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