Operating a sewing machine is comparatively simple. Anyonecan learn to do it well and proficiency is merely a matter of practice. You will get the most satisfaction out of sewing if you own your machine and learn touse it well. Machines may be operated either by electric motor or by foottreadle. Practice first on paper and then on cloth.
The upper part of the machine is called the head, and thelarge wheel on the right is the balance wheel. This is connected to the drivewheel, underneath the table, by a belt, and the two wheels turn together. Thebalance wheel is turned towards you to make the needle go up and down.
The presser foot holds the material in place as you sew, andis lifted and lowered by means of the foot lifting level. The needle, whichfalls between the toes of the presser foot, is inserted into the needle bar andtightened in place with a small screw. The needle must be inserted properly, straight up into the needle bar, with grooved side to right or left, depending on yourmachine.
The machine is usually threaded in this order: spool pin,thread guide, tension disks and spring, take-up lever at highest point, threadguides, needle. The needle is always threaded from the side on which the lastthread guide is, along the groove into the hole. Check your manual for exactdetails for your machine.
Use the same kind and size thread on the bobbin as on top ofthe machine, except for special effects. To wind the bobbin, wind some threadaround it by hand until there is enough tightness so thread does not slip off,insert bobbin into bobbin winder, put thread on spool pin. Loosen the largescrew in the center of the balance wheel so that needle no longer goes up anddown, push winder into place back against wheel, run machine slowly to wind bobbinevenly, not so full that it fits into shuttle tightly. Tighten screw in balancewheel when finished.
In old type treadles, there is often a long bobbin and ashuttle into which it is inserted. Put the bobbin into the shuttle, holding thetop in place with one finger of left hand. With right hand, pull thread downthrough slit to bottom where it catches in a spring and up again into center.Put shuttle into shuttle case, point first, flat side up. Pull up bobbin threadby holding upper thread in left hand. Turn balance wheel towards you slowlyuntil needle goes down and up, catching bobbin thread in a loop. Pull up loop,and put both threads back through toes of presser foot. Close slide overshuttle case.
New treadle and electric machines have round bobbins whichare wound in a manner similar to that described. See that small piece of metalon winder fits into hole on side of bobbin.
If the machine has no automatic bobbin winder release, becareful not to wind the bobbin too full or too tight or the thread may break institching. It is a good practice not to wind on a bobbin partly filled withthread. You may be deceived later about the amount in the top winding andforget what kind of thread is underneath. If you lack bobbins and must wind ontop of another thread, be sure the thread ends underneath are caught under thenew thread and not left loose to tangle and cause the new thread to break.
Always be sure the machine is wiped clean before you startto stitch.
At all times, start to stitch with a practice piece offabric to be used for the garment. Select proper size needle and thread. Neverallow a stitch to be taken without cloth under the needle. Watch beginning andend of stitching lines for this. Stitch a short line and check size of stitchand tension. Stitch regulator at right will change the size of stitch by yourmoving the lever up and down or turning dial.
Now you understand the sewing machine, it is time to startsewing your own garments!
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