In this lesson, we will cover the essential aspects of operating your sewing machine and practicing straight stitches, which are foundational skills for any sewing project.

Operating the Sewing Machine:

1. Setting Up Your Machine:

– Plug In and Power On: Ensure your sewing machine is plugged into a power source and turned on.

– Thread the Machine: Follow the threading path specific to your machine model, threading both the upper thread and bobbin correctly.

– Adjust Tension Settings: Start with a medium tension setting, around 4 or 5, and adjust based on the fabric you are using.

2. Using the Foot Pedal:

– The foot pedal controls the speed of your sewing machine. Press gently to start and increase pressure to sew faster. Practice controlling the speed for better precision.

3. Selecting Stitch Settings:

– Straight Stitch: Set your machine to a straight stitch, which is the most basic and widely used stitch. Adjust the stitch length to about 2.5 mm, which is suitable for most fabrics.

– Stitch Width: For straight stitches, the stitch width should be set to zero.

4. Positioning Fabric:

– Place the fabric under the presser foot, aligning the edge with the seam guide on the throat plate. Lower the presser foot to hold the fabric in place.

5. Starting to Sew:

– Backstitch to Secure: Begin sewing a few stitches forward, then press the reverse lever or button to sew a few stitches backward to secure the seam. Continue sewing forward.

– Guiding the Fabric: Use your hands to gently guide the fabric, ensuring it stays aligned with the seam guide. Avoid pulling or pushing the fabric, as the feed dogs will move it forward.

6. Ending the Seam:

– Backstitch to Secure: As you reach the end of the seam, sew a few stitches backward to secure the seam.

– Cutting the Thread: Raise the needle and presser foot, pull the fabric out, and use the thread cutter or scissors to trim the threads.