The A-Z Guide to Sewing Machines: Introduction

While some people can't resist opening the fridge for a quick nibble as they pass, I can't resist trying out a new technique on my sewing machine (especially if I am just about to vacuum, iron or dust!!). Try leaving your machine set up for a couple of weeks and set aside half an hour a day to systematically try out all its different attachments and stitches. You will quickly become familiar with various feet and stitches and subsequently, when you need to use them for garments or projects, you will obtain better results.

Once you have built up a rapport with your sewing machine, using it will become an addiction. There were times when I felt sorry for colleagues who went home from work only to watch television, when I was rushing home to get started on a new project on my sewing machine.

I have tried to make this guide simple to use by giving step-by- step instructions with numerous settings and diagrams. The contents are arranged in alphabetical order for ease of reference.

I hope that by reading and working through this guide you gain confidence and pleasure from using your machine.

a-z_7.jpg The sewing machine. Before reading this guide, familiarize yourself with the basic parts and functions on your sewing machine: pressure control located inside hinged cover; light; take-up lever which lifts foot; needle bar; feed teeth; needle plate; front loading bobbin located beneath flat bed; removable flat bed converts to free arm; tension dial; width control and pattern selector; stitch length; spool holders; bobbin wind; pattern selection; clutch wheel; inner wheel releases to deactivate needle when winding bobbin; reverse button.