The sewing machine Flashcards
Straight stitch
Used for most sewing, eg. seams, to apply waistbands and to sew hems on non-stretch fabrics.
The stitch length can be adjusted. Long stitches are used for thick fabric.
List of machine stitches
Straight stitch
Zig-zag stitch
Buttonhole stitch
Embroidery stitch
Zig-zag stitch
Used for finishing seams, sewing stretchy fabric and appliqué.
Buttonhole stitch
Used for making buttonholes.
Embroidery stitch
Used for decorative work.
Choosing a sewing machine
Consider the following factors:
- Cost of the machine
- Is the machine easy to use?
- What stitches and/or special features will you need?
- What attachments/extras are included?
- Does if have a reliable brand name?
- The after-sales and gurantee.
Using a sewing machine
Thread the machine properly
adjust stitch length and tension to suit the fabric
test the stitch on a length of fabric
begin machining by pressing lightly on the foot pedal
if you need to stop in the middle of a line, or to turn a corner, leave the needle in the fabric
Care of a sewing machine
Follow the instructions for use and cleaning
Do not run a threaded machine within out fabric
Cover when not in use to avoid dust
Oil moving parts occasionally
Have the machine serviced regularly
Machine faults
Needle breaks
Thread breaks
Looped stitches
Uneven stitches
Slipped stitches
Puckered seams
Needle breaks
Pulling fabric before raising needle
Top tension too tight
Needle too fine or inserted incorrectly
Loose presser foot
Thread breaks
Top tension too tight
Incorrect threading of machine
Poor-quality thread
Needle inserted incorrectly
Uneven stitches
Incorrect threading
Needle set too high or too low
Pulling or pushing fabric while machining
Needle blunt or inserted incorrectly
Looped stitches
Top tension too loose
Incorrect threading of machine
Bobbin threaded incorrectly
Slipped stitches
Wrong size of needle
Needle set too high or too low
Needle inserted incorrectly
Puckered seam
Tension set incorrectly
Needle too thin or too thick
