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.
Basic operating rules
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:
- Sewing equipment is stored in a dry room away from heating devices.
- Before you start sewing, you need to prepare the tools that you will need for further work.
- Before the work process, you need to make sure that the thread guide and needle are in the upper position.
- When sewing, you should help the machine by pulling the fabric towards you.
- At the end of the work process, you need to raise the presser foot and pull out the material. Cut the thread, having previously found its free end, at least five centimeters long.
Operating rules sewing machine are described in detail in the instructions for use that come with it.
Causes of breakdowns
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:
- poor quality thread;
- mismatch between needle and thread sizes;
- the appearance of burrs on the bobbin.
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.
What is needed to set up the sewing unit?
To set up your sewing machine properly, you need to prepare the following:
- sewing machine;
- screwdriver;
- quality threads;
- sewing equipment operating manual;
- cleaning solvent;
- oil for lubricating internal parts;
- a small piece of cotton fabric.
Having prepared everything you need, you can safely begin debugging the sewing machine.
Modern sewing equipment
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:
- metal ears;
- thread voltage regulator;
- lever with thread puller hole;
- staples;
- sewing machine needle.
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. When the thread tension is correctly adjusted, it turns out straight seam and perfect stitches.
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 manual machines
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. Working surface The back of the sewing machine is lined 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.
Eliminating knocking
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.
Needle problems
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 to install it incorrectly. At correct installation needles, the long groove faces the right side, and the short one 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 the sewing stitch
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:
- Presser foot pressure. The adjustment is carried out with a bolt that presses the foot. It is located on the arm of the sewing machine. For thick fabrics, the pressure is increased, for thin fabrics, the pressure is weakened.
- Comb height. The position of the teeth is determined visually. When sewing thick material, they protrude more than when working with thin fabric.
- Upper thread tension. Its adjustment is carried out using the adjustment wheel, which is located on the top panel of the device.
- The degree of tension of the lower thread. Adjustable with a screw on the bobbin case spring. The uniformity of tension is checked by pulling the lower thread in the position when the machine is threaded. The thread should stretch freely, without jerking, but with little tension.
Setting up a stitch doesn't take much time and is something every necker should be able to do.
Seagull sewing machine: setup and adjustment
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 achieve the required 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.
Setting up and adjusting the Podolsk sewing machine
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.
Setting up mini cars
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.
Sewing equipment care
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:
- Lubricate the machine in a timely manner and sweep away dust from it.
- Upon completion of work, place thick paper under the presser foot. In this case, the presser foot and needle should be lowered all the way.
- Before storing the machine, it is cleaned of torn threads and fabric.
- If the machine is equipped with a drive, then make sure that the wires are not twisted, otherwise they may break inside.
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.
Unit design
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 principle of operation for all old models is the same:
Old samples
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.
Model "Seagull"
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:
- lower the foot with the needle;
- turn the handle towards you;
- lubricate the device with special oil;
- lay a suitable fabric base.
Unit "Podolsk"
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 and 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:
- the flywheel is rotated towards itself, otherwise the thread will get tangled;
- the foot is raised when the machine is not in use;
- before work, be sure to lay down a work cloth;
- Do not push or pull the material, otherwise the needle may break;
- The plate above the shuttle must be tightly closed.
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.
Modern cars
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:
- metal ears;
- tension regulator;
- thread pulling lever;
- staples;
- eye of a needle.
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 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 are 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.
Preventative care
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, which allow you to work only with thin material.
Almost every beginner, when choosing a household sewing machine, includes a request toI sewed a variety of fabrics: from chiffon to thick cotton, and also easily coped with knitwear and elastic materials. Everyone wants to choose quality and universal model. Is this real?
On a note!! If the machine copes with its tasks perfectly and produces high-quality stitching, there is no need to adjust anything out of curiosity. But if you are trying to work with different densities of materials, sewing knitwear, and the stitching turns out to be defective, then adjusting the pressure may be a way out of the situation. But you should not set super-tasks for your technology that it cannot accomplish under any circumstances.
The force with which the foot presses the material against the conveyor is called “foot pressure”. Why is it important? Because without uniform feeding and optimal pressure, you cannot get a high-quality stitch. By adjusting the pressure level of the presser foot, you can achieve optimal results when sewing different materials.
Patterns:
1. The higher the feed teeth are located above the needle plate, the moreThere should be foot pressure. To ensure uniform feeding.
2. When sewing thin materials, the pressure should be reduced, and for dense materials - increased.But to get the right result, select it empirically.
Adjustment methods:
1. Using a manual adjuster - this can be a disk or a screw.
2. Using electronic sewing machines.
More details about the adjustment method can be found in the instructions for your machine model. For those who are just looking for a household sewing machine, we recommend paying attention to models with the ability to easily adjust the pressure. Very convenient and easy to use, implemented in computer sewing machines.
Is it true that electronic cars break down more often?
When using the machine for its intended purpose and proper care it will work for a long time without the intervention of a master. For electronic models, the most dangerous thing is power surges.
How to properly adjust thread tension?
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 front side, and the needle thread comes out on the back side.
How to use a double needle?
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.
What does the presser foot pressure regulator do?
Such a regulator makes it possible to work efficiently with different types fabrics: from thick to thinnest. When sewing thick fabrics, the regulator is set to value “3”, when sewing lighter fabrics and knitwear - “2-1”.
What is the difference between an automatic loop and a semi-automatic loop?
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.
Does the sewing machine do overlocking?
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.
Can household machines sew on leather, jeans and knitwear?
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.
What is an upper feed foot?
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.
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 presser foot pressure regulator 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 feeding 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, the different paws will slide along various 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 that will allow the given presser foot to 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.