Why Does Fabric Move In a Sewing Machine?
The fabric movement in a sewing machine is caused by the combination of the needle and the feed dogs.
The needle is what carries the thread and pierces the fabric, while the feed dogs are small, serrated teeth that are located underneath the fabric and help to move it through the machine.
As the sewing machine is operated, the needle moves up and down, piercing the fabric and creating the stitch.
At the same time, the feed dogs move back and forth, pulling the fabric along and feeding it under the needle.
This combined action is what causes the fabric to move in a sewing machine.
The speed at which the fabric moves through the sewing machine can be controlled by the user.
Most sewing machines have a speed control that allows the user to adjust the speed of the needle and feed dogs.
This can be helpful for sewing more delicate fabrics or for working on more complex sewing projects.
Sewing machine ‘walking foot’ description and use
A ‘walking foot’ is a small brace on your sewing machine that sits on your fabric and guides it past the needle while sewing.
The walking foot rests on the top layer of your fabric and ensures that the fabric moves ahead at relatively the same speed as the feed dogs below the fabric.
The meaning of E1 on a Brother sewing machine
Psst, you likely forgot to lower the presser foot!
According to documentation provided by the manufacturer, E1 is the error code you get when you press the foot controller while the reverse/reinforcement button is also pressed AND the presser foot is still raised.
Solution: Lower the presser foot and the error should be cleared.
Basic sewing machine parts to know (All 5)
There are five basic common components in every home sewing machine that you should know how to use.
These five allow for user input while typical other parts, such as the motor and casing, do not.
The five basic parts to learn about are the bobbin(incl bobbin housing), the presser foot (and foot dogs), the needle, the throat plat (sometimes called the needle plate) and the electronic controls (electrical switches on older models).
Bobbin case location on a sewing machine
Front loading bobbin cases are always located on the side of the sewing machine facing the user.
Side loading bobbin cases are rarer on newer machines and are located below the needle plate.
Front loading bobbin cases can be used on side loading machines, but side loading bobbin cases, whether removable or inset, cannot be used with front loading sewing machines.
A presser foot holds the fabric while sewing
The presser foot is what holds your fabric while using you sew with your home sewing machine.
It’s important that you remember to lower the presser foot each time you start to sew or you’ll find that the fabric doesn’t move through your machine as easily as it should.
When I first started sewing, I forgot it ALL THE TIME!
Difference between a computerized and a regular sewing machine
A computerized sewing machine is programmable for repetitive tasks, and a regular sewing machine is not.
Computerized machines typically have more options and settings to fine tune results.
Mechanical machines, on the other hand, require manual user input to perform the same tasks.
Many digital machines don’t even require a foot pedal to control speed.
The best sewing machines between Singer and Brother
For starters, Brother and Singer sewing machine brands offer a comparable model for almost all sewing related needs.
It doesn’t matter which price-range, which type of material or the level of features you need, both Brother and Singer (and others) have a model best suited for any specific need.
The trick is to determine what you need because both companies have similar solutions.
The sewing machine belt shifter – what it does
A sewing machine’s belt shifter is located on the lower part of the sewing machine, and its function is to help remove the drive belt.
Not all models have a drive belt, or a belt shifter, but for sewing machine models with a belt drive the shifter is needed for belt adjustment and removal.
Avoid sewing over pins in your fabric (injury risk)
Sure, sewing over pins in your fabric is faster and more secure than removing them first, but, it’s dangerous.
Sewing over pins in your fabric is not recommended because your sewing machine needle could jam against them, causing damage and, possibly, injury.
Stay safe by removing pins before they pass under the needle.
