If the machine is used for its intended purpose and properly cared for, it will work for a long time without intervention from a technician. For electronic models, the most dangerous thing is power surges.
Straight stitch threads should intertwine and lie neatly between two layers of fabric. With zigzag stitches, the bobbin thread does not show up on the right side, and the needle thread comes out on the wrong side.
To perform a double stitch, you will need a double needle (two needles on one holder). If your sewing machine produces a zigzag width of 7mm, then the distance between the needles can reach up to 6mm.
For machines with a zigzag width of 5mm, the distance between the needles should not exceed 4mm.
A sewing machine has two spool pins that hold spools of thread. The rods can be vertical or one horizontal and the other vertical (included additionally).
Install two spools, thread the threads symmetrically behind the thread guide, then into the double needle. Select the straight stitch function. Foot (A) for zigzag.
A double stitch is formed on the front side of the fabric, and a zigzag stitch is formed on the back side. To process knitted fabric, use double stretch needles 130\705N No. 75\4.
This regulator makes it possible to work efficiently with different types of fabric: from thick to very thin. When sewing thick fabrics, the regulator is set to value “3”, when sewing lighter fabrics and knitwear - “2-1”.
The semi-automatic loop is performed in 4 steps, i.e. The stitch selection knob must be turned four times: 1) bartack, 2) left side of the buttonhole, 3) bartack and 4) right side of the buttonhole.
The automatic loop is performed in 1 step. The buttonhole size is automatically determined by the size of the button that is placed in the automatic buttonhole foot.
Many modern sewing machines have overlock stitches that imitate an overlock stitch. Since there are no knives in the sewing machine, there are no overlock functions.
For stitch quality and to help when sewing complex fabrics, we recommend the following accessories:
For jeans: “jeans” needles (have a sharp needle tip) and a plate for difficult places. For leather: leather needles (have a cutting edge) and a Teflon foot. For knitwear: jersey or stretch needles. When sewing complex materials, always use only those needles and threads that are intended for them.
The upper feed foot is used to advance the fabric twice. Indispensable when sewing sliding, complex fabrics, when combining patterns (stripes, checks), and when sewing multi-layers.
A sewing machine in skillful hands allows you to create many interesting things. Correct setting of the sewing machine leads to synchronous and coordinated work of all parts. Makes working on it more comfortable. The debugging procedure is similar for all models and is described below in the article.
Those people who sew constantly understand that setting up a sewing machine before using the device is simply necessary. You can do it yourself or contact a service center for help.
Before you set up the sewing machine yourself, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of its operation:
The operating instructions for the sewing machine are described in detail in the instructions for use that come with it.
Proper adjustment of the sewing machine will extend the life of the device. Allows you to sew on it easily, without breakage. But problems still occur with any sewing equipment. The most common is thread breakage. Occurs for three reasons:
Sometimes problems arise with the movement of the canvas. This type of failure occurs due to incorrect positioning of the teeth.
In some cases, the fabric is cut through while sewing. This problem occurs when the presser foot is pressed too hard, when the needle is not installed correctly, or when the needle becomes dull.
As a result of operating the sewing machine, other malfunctions may occur, which can be eliminated using the operating instructions.
To set up your sewing machine properly, you need to prepare the following:
Having prepared everything you need, you can safely begin debugging the sewing machine.
Setting up the sewing machine yourself is carried out in accordance with the manual that comes with the kit. The adjustment of modern sewing machines is similar and differs in the adjustment methods.
Modern models of machines are adjusted using special adjusting wheels. But individual parts are adjusted manually. First of all, adjust the spring, which presses the thread when winding it onto the bobbin. It is tightened so that the bobbin cap fits tightly and does not unwind. The upper thread on the machine goes through a whole labyrinth, this is:
Thread tension in modern machines is provided by mechanisms on the end panel and on the interline screw of the shuttle. The first is responsible for the lower threads, the second for the upper ones. The latter are tightened using shuttle washers that compress the screw responsible for tensioning the thread.
The result is checked on a piece of fabric. If the loops are hanging, then the upper thread is overtightened. With correctly adjusted thread tension, an even seam and perfect stitches are obtained.
When setting up the machine, the presser foot pressure is adjusted using a special spring. If the foot presses hard, the fabric folded together will move, making it difficult to sew and the fabric may tear. Light presser foot pressure will create an irregular weak seam. When adjusting the foot, pay attention to the thickness of the fabric; the thicker the material, the more pressure the foot should press.
Before putting the machine into operation, pay attention to the needle holder. The needle should go all the way into it. The large needle groove points to the left, and the short one to the right.
Setting up a manual sewing machine is not particularly difficult. On the right side of the device there is a wheel - a winder. It is set in motion by a handle that is turned by hand. Nearby is a stitch length adjustment lever. On the left side of the sewing machine there is a hook, a presser foot and a needle. In the same part there are levers for tensioning the upper thread and for raising the presser foot. The working surface of the sewing machine is covered with slats that help advance the fabric while sewing.
When setting up old-style sewing equipment, the main thing is to choose the correct size of needles and threads. The quality of the stitch depends on the thread tension setting. If it is done incorrectly, the seam will loop.
The tension of the bobbin thread is adjusted with a screw in the bobbin case. The tighter it is tightened, the greater the tension.
Setting up the Podolsk sewing machine, like other manual units, is carried out according to the rules specified in the instruction manual. Following them helps to avoid many problems. But even if you follow all the recommendations, sewing equipment sometimes malfunctions and problems occur (for example, the machine knocks when sewing).
To eliminate the knocking, pull the flywheel several times in the axial direction of the device. If this does not help, then they disassemble the machine. First of all, remove the manual drive and unscrew the limiter, which resembles an ordinary screw; it is located under the manual drive. Remove the flywheel. Following the flywheel, the bobbin, which resembles a cone, and the sleeve are removed from the shaft.
A tin washer is placed on the shaft. Some people cut it out of a tin can. A correctly made washer allows you to eliminate knocking in the machine forever. After adding the washer, the sewing machine is assembled.
If problems with the needle arise while working with a sewing machine, you can fix them yourself. It is worth remembering that the needle affects not only the quality of sewing, but also the operation of all sewing equipment.
Any sewing needle has a shaft (blade), a thickened bulb, a point, an eye, a long and short groove, and a flat. If the needle does not meet the requirements or is defective, then it tears the material, causes thread breakage and can completely ruin the fabric. In case of such problems, change the needle to a new, high-quality one.
When installing a new needle, unscrew the fixing screw and remove the defective element. At this moment, the needle holder should be in the upper position. The needle holder is made according to the shape of the needle, so it is unlikely that it will be installed incorrectly. When the needle is installed correctly, the long groove points to the right and the short groove points to the left. After the needle is inserted into the needle holder, tighten the screw. Take a piece of fabric and sew a few stitches. If the stitches come out oblique, then it is necessary to adjust the location of the needle.
When working with a machine, it is important to choose the right needle thickness. You should navigate by its number. An incorrectly selected needle will break the thread, damage the fabric and create a poor stitch. If the needle is thin and the fabric is thick, the needle may break.
Setting up sewing machines is carried out using tools and buttons, screws and knobs located on the device panel. To adjust the stitch, the second adjustment method is sufficient. For the correct stitching, adjust:
Setting up a stitch doesn't take much time and is something every necker should be able to do.
The Chaika sewing machine is not significantly different from other sewing machines. Setting up the Seagull sewing machine begins with the correct installation of the needle and thread.
To adjust the upper thread, set the handle of the thread pulling mechanism to the upper position. The needle is placed in the holder as far as it will go and secured with a screw.
The spool of thread is placed at the top of the machine on a special rod. The thread is pulled through the thread guide. Then through the friction washers, then inserted into the thread tensioner. At the end, the thread is secured in the needle holder and thread guide, and threaded through the eye of the needle.
To adjust the bobbin thread, you need to wind the thread onto the bobbin. Place the bobbin in a special cap and take it out. The cap is inserted into the machine until it clicks. The lower thread is brought out. After this, the handle of the sewing machine is turned away from you to obtain the necessary thread tension. This completes the setup of the Chaika 134A sewing machine.
Before working, lower the presser foot with the needle. Turn the handle towards you. Lubricate the device with oil. For sewing, use material that is suitable for all types of stitches.
The machine is equipped with a disk with four tooth adjustment positions. To sew thick material, the teeth should protrude, but when doing embroidery, they should be completely hidden.
The device differs from other manual machines in that it can sew thick and dense fabrics. To do this, it needs to be configured correctly.
Setting up the Podolsk sewing machine begins with threading. The winding device for this device is located at the rear of the flywheel. A tension device is connected to the winder from the bottom of the platform. When winding the thread onto the bobbin, the sewing part of the machine is turned off; to do this, turn the friction screw towards yourself. After winding the thread, the bobbin is inserted into the cap.
The needle setting is important in setting up the machine. To do this, bring the needle holder into a vertical position and insert the needle until it stops. In this case, the flat part of the flask should be on the left, and the long groove on the right.
The upper thread is threaded from right to left. Reaches from the spool to the eye of the needle. After the upper thread is adjusted, take out the lower thread. Setting up the Podolsk 142 sewing machine is complete and you can start sewing.
When operating the device, turn the handwheel toward you and the handle away from you. This will prevent the thread from getting tangled in the shuttle. When the machine is not in use, the presser foot must be raised. When starting the machine, the fabric should be on the floor; if the machine sews idle, its teeth will become dull. The sewing machine has three tooth adjustment positions.
A mini sewing machine is suitable for those who do not sew all the time. It resembles a large stapler, takes up little space and easily fits in a handbag.
The spool of thread is inserted into the machine from the side. Before work, the threads are wound on the spool that comes with the device.
The machine easily sews both thin and thick fabrics, is easy to use, and versatile. It can be used not only at home, but also while traveling or at the dacha.
Caring for a sewing machine is not difficult. It is enough to keep it clean and lubricate it with oil every six months.
If the machine has been working for a long time, then clean the shuttle location compartment. It accumulates a lot of fluff, dust and oil. Periodically clean the shuttle from contamination with a stiff brush.
Immediately after lubrication, the machine should be allowed to idle. In this case, the oil will heat up and penetrate faster into the structure of the machine. To lubricate hard-to-reach places, oil is drawn into a medical syringe.
The machine should be stored in a dry and cool place in a case: this way it will be protected from dirt and dust.
In order not to set up the machine every time, you need to resort to preventive measures:
Timely preventive actions will prolong the life of the sewing machine and save you from many problems.
Modern manufacturers offer foot-powered sewing machines that are powered by electrical networks. These are convenient devices that allow you to keep your hands free and quickly cope with all operations. But an experienced seamstress can set up a sewing machine of both a new model and an old model. After adjustment, you can start sewing real masterpieces.
The first sewing machine was created in France. Its manufacturer is tailor Timonier. It was a primitive but productive device. The workers greeted the new product with dissatisfaction, as the unit led to the mass dismissal of seamstresses. Then the device was improved, and modern models can accurately process the finest fabrics. In the eighteenth century, a machine was invented with a shuttle and a mechanism that automatically moves the fabric.
The operating principle is the same for all old models:
The old device sews fabric no worse than the new models. You can take out the old unit and adjust the sewing machine. First you need to select the appropriate thread and needle numbers, which will allow you to work normally with different fabrics. Then the optimal stitch length and seam sizes are adjusted. The thread tension regulator is located at the bottom of the device; the bobbin case screw is used for adjustment.
Near the lever that lowers the presser foot, there is a button that tensions the upper thread. Before you start setting up, you need to read the operating instructions for the machine. In older models, the shuttle is in a vertical position on the left.
In new samples it can be located in the same direction or horizontally.
In the old Chaika machine, you must first install the thread and needle correctly. To adjust the upper thread, you need to turn the knob to set the mechanism to the upper position. Then the coil is inserted into the holder until it stops, turning the flat side towards the foot, and secured with a screw. After this, the thread is pulled through the guide, friction washers, tensioner, needle holder and needle eye.
It is enough to wind the bottom thread onto a bobbin, which is inserted into the cap and brought out. Then turn the handle, tighten the threads and tuck them under the foot. It is necessary to take into account that the “Seagull” has a disk with different positions. On thick material its teeth protrude, on thin fabric they hide. After setting up the sewing machine you can start working:
Modern craftswomen still use the Podolsk machine. The device stitches thick, dense fabric. First, thread the thread. The winder of the device is located at the back, where the thread tensioning mechanism is also connected. The wheel is turned off, the screw is turned towards itself. A bobbin is put on the winder, and a reel is put on it. The thread is lowered under the washer and directed upward. The winder frame is lowered, and the flywheel touches the pulley rim.
Until the end of winding, the thread is held by the end, the bobbin is inserted into the cap so that an oblique gap remains. The thread is passed through it, the shuttle is closed. Then insert the needle, thread the thread from right to left, grab it with the lowered needle and raise it again. Craftswomen must follow several rules:
Since old units do not have a spring, seamstresses use one little trick. A circle with a diameter smaller than a bobbin is cut out of thin fabric. A hole is made in the center, the part is inserted into the cap and oil is dripped in. The bobbin itself is attached to the top.
Using the instructions, you can adjust the sewing machine yourself. Setting methods may vary, although new models work almost identically. First, the unit is prepared: the position of the parts is adjusted using special wheels. You need to adjust the bobbin so that its cap does not allow the thread to unwind. The thread must move in a certain order:
The tension parts are located in the shuttle screw and on the end part for the upper and lower threads, respectively. After adjustment, you need to check the condition of the loops, for which you make a small seam on an unnecessary piece of fabric.
When adjusted correctly, small knots appear in the middle of the stitches, and the loops themselves do not sag.
Then they work with the presser foot, adjusting its pressure using a spring. Incorrect adjustment will result in fabric tearing or weak seams. The pressure directly depends on the thickness of the material. Manufacturers place a speed controller in the pedals. If it is damaged or incorrectly adjusted, the number of revolutions will not depend on the seamstress.
There is a special spring between the graphite parts of the pedal. The elements need to be disassembled and cleaned of dirt, then the regulator will operate normally. But if the contacts have oxidized, then the part must be completely replaced. If you have a tooth adjuster, you need to set the appropriate needle height, which will affect the stitch sizes. If the thread is thin, then the stitch should have a length of 2 mm, with a thick thread - 3 mm or more.
You can avoid the setup procedure if you take certain preventive measures. Craftswomen need to take care of their equipment in a special way:
Sewing machines allow craftswomen to create outfits and textile household products of any complexity at home. You can use different devices - modern, old or miniature ones, which allow you to work only with thin material.
Shuttle type
The shuttle can be of three types: swinging vertical, rotating horizontal and rotating vertical.
The swinging shuttle, as a rule, is used in inexpensive machines, it is installed vertically. At the same time, the maximum sewing speed is low, there are restrictions on the stitch width, and vibration is also observed during operation.
Rotary shuttles (double-running shuttles) provide quieter and smoother operation without vibration or skipped stitches. The shuttle can be installed vertically or horizontally.
When positioned horizontally, it is more convenient to thread the bobbins and you can start sewing without first raising the lower thread to the top.
The vertical arrangement of the double-running shuttle is used only in expensive household or industrial sewing machines. They are characterized by high reliability and durability.
Adjusting the presser foot pressure on the fabric
The ability to regulate the pressure of the presser foot on the fabric. The thicker the fabric, the less pressure is required. Also, a pressure regulator may be needed when sewing knitwear, since it stretches under the presser foot, and by reducing the pressure you can avoid this. If the machine has a built-in upper fabric feeder, a presser foot pressure regulator is not needed. Depending on the sewing machine model, adjustment can be done manually using a dial or automatically depending on the type of fabric.
Adjusting the sewing speed
Type of regulation of maximum sewing speed. As a rule, the sewing speed depends on the degree of pressure on the electric drive pedal, and the maximum speed can be set using a switch. The sewing speed can be adjusted smoothly or stepwise. With stepless adjustment, you can adjust the sewing parameters more precisely.
Speed limiter
A function that allows you to limit the maximum sewing speed using a switch installed on the sewing machine body. Despite the fact that all sewing machines allow you to regulate the speed by the degree of pressing force on the pedal, the presence of a limiter will make it easier to go through difficult areas, fixing a comfortable sewing speed and concentrating on working on the elements.
Maximum sewing speed
from 400 to 6000 sti/min
Depending on the model, the sewing machine performs from 600 to 1600 stitches in 1 minute without loss of sewing quality. Modern machines automatically adjust the force of puncture of the fabric, taking into account the type of needle, stitch speed and fabric thickness. It is important to remember that in addition to speed, stability and quality of the seam are also important.
Upper fabric conveyor
The presence of an upper fabric conveyor in addition to the lower one. It is used to pull the top and bottom layers of fabric through at the same time. This conveyor will be especially useful when working with thin and slippery fabrics. This results in an even stitch and no bunching. In addition, when performing work related to quilting, using the upper conveyor reduces the mutual displacement of layers of fabric.
Electronic puncture force stabilizer
Automatic adjustment of the force of tissue puncture with a needle. At any engine speed, the puncture force remains maximum. Using an electronic stabilizer, you can comfortably work with fabrics of any thickness.
Disabling the Fabric Feeder
Possibility to turn off the fabric conveyor. This function may be necessary when performing certain operations (hand embroidery, sewing on buttons), when it is easier to move the fabric manually.
Sewing in multiple directions
Possibility of automatic movement of fabric in all directions. Typically, sewing machines can produce stitches up to 8-9mm wide. With the ability to sew in multiple directions, wider stitches can be achieved. Such models are usually considered as machines with embroidery capabilities.
Sewing without pedal
A function that allows you to sew without using a pedal - to start sewing, you need to press a special button on the body, and to stop the machine, press it again.
Reverse button
Has a reverse stitch button. When the machine is operating in this mode, sewing is performed in the reverse direction. As a rule, this is done to secure the stitching. In more expensive machines, this function is performed using the “automatic stitching” mode.
Automatic stitching
The presence of an automatic stitching function, when the thread is automatically secured at the beginning and/or end of the stitch. Also, fastening can be done using the reverse mode, when stitching is performed at a short distance in the opposite direction.
Knee presser foot lift lever
The presence of a special lever for lifting the presser foot to the upper position, which is convenient to press with your knee.
Automatic presser foot lift
Possibility of automatic lifting of the presser foot. At the end of the sewing operation, the presser foot automatically raises. This function can be disabled and used to lift the presser foot using a hand or knee lever.
Max. presser foot lift height
from 5 to 16 mm
The distance between the working surface and the presser foot in the upper position. The thicker the fabric, the greater the height required.
Lighting
The sewing machine has a built-in halogen or incandescent lamp to illuminate the working surface.
Lamp power
from 5 to 15 W
To illuminate the working surface, sewing machines are equipped with a built-in incandescent or halogen lamp. Depending on its power, the intensity of illumination and, accordingly, the convenience of operation depend. When choosing this option, it is worth considering that it is unacceptable to use a light bulb with a higher power than stated in the characteristics of the sewing machine.
Button size measurement system
The presence of a device that measures the size of buttons (loop size).
Power consumption
from 35 to 550
Depending on the model, the sewing machine consumes from 0 to 105 W. A low value indicates the efficiency of the device.
Connecting to a computer
It is possible to connect an electronic sewing machine to a computer. This allows you to load a new type of stitch or embroidery pattern into the device, and program sewing operations at your own discretion. Direct connection is provided via a cord via a USB port. Loading via USB flash is also possible.
Number of sewing operations
from 1 to 3024
The number of types of stitches that a sewing machine can make.
Making a loop
There are three sewing loop processing modes: automatic, semi-automatic and manual.
With an automatic buttonhole, the machine sews the buttonhole itself in one step. It also automatically makes the necessary switches and overcasts all edges of the buttonhole. The dimensions of the buttonhole are set using a special buttonhole foot or by the user in millimeters. This is convenient when making several identical loops on one product.
The semi-automatic loop is performed by the user independently, when he alternately switches the necessary operations (lower, left, upper and right edges of the loop). There is no need to move the fabric manually. In this case, more time is spent processing each loop.
In manual mode, the user performs the buttonhole independently. You need to manually move the fabric and measure the distances between the edges of the loop.
Number of loops
from 1 to 20
The parameter indicates the number of types of buttonholes that the sewing machine is capable of making.
Typical for models with automatic buttonhole execution (see “Buttonhole execution”).
Ruler on the body
Some models of sewing machines are equipped with such a useful addition as a ruler on the body. Its use will allow you to easily control the stitching of parallel elements and other dimensions without the use of additional rulers and devices.
Maxi patterns
Computer sewing machines may have an additional mechanism that allows you to move the fabric not only back and forth, but also left and right. This provides additional embroidery capabilities - you can embroider a flower, make several stitches diagonally, embroider a small geometric pattern, and so on. Maintaining this function is called maxi-patterns.
Max. stitch length
from 2.5 to 12 mm
The parameter indicates the maximum possible distance between two longitudinal needle punctures.
The shorter the stitch is made, the stronger the overall seam. The required stitch length depends on the purpose of the seam. The maximum indicator primarily determines how thick fabrics can be sewn on a machine. The parameter also plays an important role, for example, when embroidering.
Max. stitch width
from 3 to 36.5 mm
The maximum possible distance between stitches, which determines the width of the entire seam.
Decorative and overcast zigzag stitches are usually made wide.
Number of types of monograms
from 1 to 30
Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the number of monograms varies from 1 to 30. Monograms are typical for artistic embroidery; they are applied thanks to the presence of built-in special programs that ensure the connection of letters into an ornamental inscription.
Number of embroidery alphabets
from 1 to 28
Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the number of alphabets varies from 1 to 17. Cyrillic and Latin embroidery alphabets with several types of fonts and hieroglyphs are available. The standard set of alphabets built into the program is 2-4. If it is possible to connect directly to a computer, any number of sewing programs with patterns and fonts can be loaded into the device.
Number of embroidery motifs
from 21 to 930
Depending on the model of the sewing machine, the number of motifs varies from 21 to 480. Any sample photograph or drawing can serve as an embroidery motif.
Overlock
Possibility of making seams that imitate overlock stitches. Overlockers can simultaneously stitch, trim and finish the edge of the fabric. The presence of overlock stitches may be necessary when processing the edges of loose fabrics.
Overcasting
The sewing machine allows you to make seams that imitate overcast stitches. Only overlockers can cut, stitch and process the edges of fabric at the same time. Sewing machines do not have this capability, but imitation of overlock seams makes it possible to work with loose fabrics.
Secret
Possibility of performing a hidden stitch. It can be performed in one or two types. Blind seams are used, as a rule, when hemming the bottom of a garment and are invisible from the front side.
Elastic
Possibility of sewing elastic stitches with a sewing machine. Such seams are usually used when working with knitted fabrics.
Elastic concealed
Possibility of making elastic blind seams. As a rule, this stitch is used for hemming knitwear.
Embroidery block
The presence of an embroidery unit in the kit, which is installed on the sewing machine. A hoop with stretched fabric is attached to this device. Embroideries can be of varying complexity and sizes. Depending on the machine model, embroidery units can produce only simple designs and inscriptions, or have the ability to connect to a computer and load new embroidery patterns from floppy disks or memory cards.
Display
The presence of a display on the body of the sewing machine. It usually displays the selected operations, stitch type, embroidery pattern and other information. Some car models have a touch screen.
Display type
The presence of a display on the body of the sewing machine will allow you to view the selected operations, the type of stitch, the embroidery pattern and other information. More expensive models are equipped with color displays, but for most functions a black and white display will be sufficient.
Sewing Advisor
Many computer-controlled sewing machines are equipped with a sewing assistance and hint system - a sewing advisor. Depending on the class of machine, the advisor can suggest which settings are recommended for a particular type of fabric and which foot and needle should be used to perform a certain sewing operation. They can also monitor the correctness of the sewing process, and even tell you in detail, with pictures or short clips, how to perform the required sewing operation.
Sleeve platform
Possibility to remove part of the work table. This allows you to comfortably work with narrow products (pants legs, cuffs, sleeves).
Platform length
from 14.5 to 33 cm
The length of the platform characterizes the distance from the needle to the side of the machine body, located to the right of the seamstress. You should pay attention to this indicator if you plan to sew bulky items, such as blankets or winter coats, since the longer the platform, the easier and more convenient it will be to manage large items.
Sleeve platform length
from 7.5 to 200 cm
The sleeve platform is a narrow part of the sewing machine that allows you to process product sleeves. The length of the sleeve platform varies between 7-20 cm, and depends on the overall dimensions of the sewing machine.
Table to expand the work surface
The set includes an additional table, with which you can expand the work surface. This may be necessary when sewing large items (curtains, bed linen, bedspreads).
Needle threader
The presence of a device that threads the upper thread into the needle.
Automatic bobbin threading
Availability of a device for automatic threading of the lower thread. As a rule, it is used in horizontal shuttles. With this device you can start sewing without first pulling the bottom thread up.
Automatic thread cutter
When you press the thread cutter button, a special mechanism cuts the lower and upper threads. The needle is in the upper position.
Automatic needle stop in the upper position
At the end of the stitching, the needle automatically moves to the top position.
Needle position switch (up/down)
The ability to switch the needle to both the upper and lower positions after finishing the stitch.
Coil location
The mount for installing a spool of thread is usually located vertically on the top surface of the sewing machine. Horizontal installation of the spool is less common; this position promotes smooth and uniform unwinding of the thread and provides a more even stitch.
Accessory compartment
The presence of a compartment in the machine body for storing accessories.
Case
The case is intended for protective purposes. This can be a soft fabric cover or a hard frame one, which also prevents the machine from mechanical damage.
For quilting
A quilting foot is typically used to sew together multiple layers of fabric, often using fillers (such as padding polyester).
For sewing in a zipper
When using this foot, you can sew a parallel stitch as close to the zipper as possible.
For sewing on buttons
The foot for sewing on buttons is necessarily equipped with two straps for increased stability. Some models have rubberized linings that prevent the fabric from slipping. Additionally, it can be equipped with a removable pin to form a “leg”.
These feet can also be used to sew on buttonholes, buttons and hooks.
Overlock
This foot is used when performing overlock stitching. Thanks to the special design of the overlock foot, the fabric is not pulled together when sewing a seam.
Overcasting
There is a foot available that is designed for overcasting. Thanks to the overcasting foot, the fabric does not pull together when sewing a seam.
For hemming
Hemming feet are used to finish the edges of thin fabrics. The presence of a guide channel on the underside of the foot ensures an even hem seam.
Width
from 9 to 64 cm
The width of the sewing machine in centimeters. When choosing this option, it is worth considering that manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the overall dimensions of the device without taking into account the protruding parts of the case.
Depth
from 8 to 44 cm
Sewing machine depth in centimeters. When choosing this option, it is worth considering that manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the overall dimensions of the device without taking into account the protruding parts of the case.
Height
from 16 to 56 cm
Height of the sewing machine in centimeters. When choosing this option, it is worth considering that manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the overall dimensions of the device without taking into account the protruding parts of the case.
Weight
from 0.4 to 50 kg
Sewing machine weight in kilograms. Depending on functionality and power, it can range from 2 to 15 kg.
Let's try now to figure out for what purposes it is required adjust presser foot pressure onto the fabric.
Presser foot pressure controls were a standard feature on vintage sewing machines. In modern sewing machines it is less common and is not given much importance. So which sewing machine should you buy, with a presser foot pressure regulator or not? What do we lose if we choose a machine without a pressure regulator for the presser foot on the fabric?
The pressure regulator allows us to adjust the degree of impact of the foot on the fabric, which the foot presses against the rack of the fabric feed conveyor. Thus, the size of the resulting stitches can depend on the pressure of the presser foot.
The foot can be made of various materials - chrome steel, plastic, Teflon. Accordingly, different paws will slide on different materials with different friction forces. Another factor is the distortion of the fabric when the fabric is pressed against the feed teeth. It is necessary to select the optimal presser foot pressure so that the fabric is effectively fed under the needle by the conveyor, and so that the fabric does not deform when it is pressed against the rack. Even the most modern computerized sewing machines with automatic foot pressure adjustment cannot correctly calculate the friction of the foot and the resulting stretching or distortion of the fabric.
The best solution is experimentation and testing. If you have a presser foot pressure regulator, you can select a setting at which a given presser foot will glide optimally over the selected fabric. So choose a machine with a presser foot pressure regulator - it will only get better, it won't get worse in any case.
Let's bring simple example. If you use a GPS navigator, then you follow its instructions and completely rely on it. You drive from point A to point B and don’t think about anything, you don’t remember landmarks. As soon as your navigator breaks down, you first start to panic. Then you turn on all your senses and powers of observation, and you will study the unknown area so much that you will never get lost here, even without a navigator. The same can be said about sewing. Adjust, experiment, try - and you will always achieve what you need.
Suppose you are sewing together 2 pieces of elastic knitwear, and towards the end of the seam you discover that one piece has stretched out relative to the other - it has turned out longer. The reason for this may be incorrectly chosen pressure of the presser foot on the top layer of fabric - the top and bottom layers are fed under the needle at different speeds, and the layers shift.
How to regulate presser foot pressure? Adjust the presser foot pressure and see the result. If the seam looks bad, start to increase the pressure little by little. If the result gets even worse, then do the opposite - reduce the presser foot pressure.
