Sewing Machine 'walking foot' description and use
by Kelsi Watts: A walking foot is used for sewing fabrics that are difficult to feed evenly through the machine. It works by holding the fabric down and moving it forward along with the feed dogs, which helps to prevent the fabric from bunching or shifting as it is being sewn.
This is especially useful for sewing fabrics that are thick, slippery, or have a lot of texture, such as quilts, leather, or fur.
A walking foot is also known as a darning foot or a dual feed foot. It is a useful tool for any sewer who works with difficult fabrics.
Cause of fabric movement in a sewing machine
The needle plate, a metal plate located under the needle, moves fabric forward during sewing. The needle plate works best with an optional presser foot engaged above the fabric while sewing because the needle plate and presser foot then work in tandem at the same speed.
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).
Flatbed sewing machine description (what it is)
A 'Flatbed' sewing machine, often simply called a traditional machine, is the most common type of sewing machine with a traditional flat base, typically used to sew flat pieces of fabric together. The needle arm extends over a flat base that contains the bobbin and feed dogs. Very common (and popular).
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 of 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.
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.
Serger machines make sewing faster (and easier)
After becoming proficient with a traditional home sewing machine it's common to want to upgrade your machine for something faster and easier. A serger home machine is the most common upgrade.
A serger sewing machine can handle seam sewing, edge finishing and trim away excess fabric all at once making it faster and, with some experience, easier.
What a lockstitch machine is used for
A lockstitch sewing machine is designed for use in top-stitching, seaming, cover stitching and general use with knits and woven materials that stretch. Just like the name implies a 'lock' stitch keeps the stitching consistent and secure when the fabric is less rigid and more prone to breakage by stretching.
