Sewing machine sewing tips and tricks
It is always helpful for seamstresses to learn a couple of new sewing machine tips and tricks for a variety of situations. How to make thick thread? How to make your own knitting needle? How to make a beautiful tack without gaps on an ordinary sewing machine? You’ll find these and other tips a little further down.
Lifehack: straight stitch without skipping a stitch
If you want to make a nice stitch on stretch fabric or chiffon, but without bending the stitch, and you do not have a special foot for this, then use this tip. Get some construction tape and your regular all-purpose sewing machine foot. Cut about 5 cm of duct tape and glue it to the sole of the foot. Leave a little tail, which you tuck. The hole on the foot is now covered by the tape.
Set up a straight stitch on the machine and make a couple of needle holes in the tape. Then carefully pick up and remove the thread. Take your fabric and try your hand at straight stitching.
You have a homemade straight stitch foot without skipping a stitch!
Little tip: a knitting needle with your own hands
You need to sew something in stretch fabric and you don’t have a knitting needle? No problem! A normal universal needle differs from a knitting needle only in the tip of the needle (rounding). Hence, all you have to do is dull the tip of the regular needle. Use sandpaper or a simple nail file for this purpose.
The needle will not damage the stretch fabric, and the stitching is seamless.
How to make a thick thread out of two thin ones
You need to decorate the fabric with thick thread, and it was not there? You can simply put two regular, thin threads in the eye of the needle.
It works perfectly without any problems! Look for yourself on the contrasting fabric. you have a two-color intertwined thick thread:
How-To: Good First Stitch on Thick Fabric
How to compensate for the thickness of the material being sewn at the beginning of sewing, so that a normal stitch is obtained already from the first? Most sewing machines have this button on the foot.
You need to put thick fabric under the foot, press this button and lock tightly. Now the foot is clearly and tightly on the fabric, and the machine sews perfectly from the first stitch.
Lifecycle :
How to increase presser foot pressure on fabric if your sewing machine has no such adjustment? No problem! Unscrew the presser foot holder, lift the pulley a half centimeter and screw it back on. This will give 15-20% more pressure on the fabric.
LIFE TIP: A nice tack on a regular typewriter
You want to make a nice spot stitch like a computer machine does, but you have an electro-mechanic? Here’s how to solve that, too. Secure the fabric under the foot as usual, select straight stitch mode, set the stitch length to zero millimeters first, do a couple of stitches, then set the desired stitch length. Make the stitch length you want, at the end of sewing set it to zero again and secure it with a couple of stitches.
At the beginning and end of the stitch is now neatly fixed! If there are small knots left, just tighten the edges of the thread on both sides.
Varieties of
Bulbs for lighting the working area of the sewing machine are classified by voltage, power, technology of light production, the socket. According to the first parameter, there are light sources for 12 and 220-240 V. According to the method of receiving radiation, the following types of lamps are distinguished:
Incandescent bulbs
They are a small glass bulb, inside which a thin filament of refractory metal is installed on the electrodes. Connection to the wires is made by means of a base and a special socket.
When electric current passes through the filament, it heats up and emits light. Glass bulb can be transparent and opaque, the latter is preferred because of the better dispersion of light, lack of glare. The power of such devices for sewing machines is 15 watts, designed for 220-240 V.
- short life;
- are susceptible to vibration;
- susceptible to changes in current parameters;
- Poor lighting quality
- low efficiency.
Halogen sources
This is a kind of incandescent bulbs, but to improve the performance characteristics inside the glass bulb added pairs of halogens (bromine or iodine). Cervical machines use similar light sources on 12 V, 5 W.
- small dimensions;
- extended service life;
- Not afraid of vibration;
- emits bright white light;
- good color rendering.
LED lamps
LED light sources are relatively new. LEDs and a power supply circuitry are installed inside the bulb. The overall shape sometimes resembles a normal incandescent bulb.
LED crystals emit light when current flows through. According to the color emission of such devices are divided into 3 groups:
Recently, conventional light sources are often replaced with LED versions due to their longevity, efficiency, good brightness, absence of noticeable heat.
Types of bases
Sewing machine bulbs are available in three different bases:
Threaded bases are the most common. The base is made of aluminum, on the side surface are made screw grooves, which are screwed into the socket.
In sewing machines, the E14 size (international classification) is used.
The pin base has a cylindrical shape, on the side surface there are 2 protrusions. They are inserted into the notches of the socket, pressed from above and turn the lamp. The fixation of the device is due to the elasticity of the parts.
The current flows through the 2 contacts located at the end (there are variants with one contact, the second is the side surface). Such devices are also called two-pin, in the marking there is necessarily the English letter B.
In the rootless bulbs, the glass bulb at the bottom turns into a flat projection, from which two bent wires protrude.
When connecting, the protruding part is inserted into the cartridge hole, where it is held by spring contacts.
Such products are marked with the letter W. Halogen lamps are usually available without a base.
LED light for industrial sewing machines _ installation 공업용미싱 작업등 설치
Sewing machine lighting: what you need to know
Very often, craftswomen, especially at home, have to sew in the evenings or at dusk. But even when working during the day, backlighting is often not enough, and the stitches are not too straight. That is why most models of sewing machines provide built-in lighting, allowing you to consider all the subtleties of work and feel comfortable.
Lighting equipment allows you to improve lighting of the work area and minimize the strain on the eyes. Anyone who has worked for at least an hour on a sewing machine without additional lighting, knows how tiring it is. Additional lighting is especially important for visually impaired users. In modern modifications, the lights are attached to the table or embedded in the housing. That makes additional bulbs unnecessary.
Latest generation machine bulbs are universal in their design. They are equally suitable for sewing machines and overlock machines of any brand. A quality light source compatible with sewing equipment:
Similar bulbs can be used in refrigerators and other household appliances. They are often interchangeable. The most common light source is an incandescent lamp with a screw base. These bulb models are available at all hardware stores. Their power is 15 watts. The threads are shaped so as to guarantee compatibility with any socket. The difference relates only to the height of the bulb and the base. 2-pin light bulbs are also used quite often. They do not have a threaded base. Same power as their screw-type counterparts.
The special structure of the 2-pin device sometimes makes it difficult to use. Many people can not immediately properly insert such a light bulb in the proper socket. No need to screw it into the socket. You only need to insert it inside, and then after turning it ¼ turn, the contacts of the bulb and the socket will be interlocked. Those who have already had to change a light in a car will immediately know what to do.
2-pin models are completely universal. The only difference between them is the height of the bulb. Removing such a light source does not cause any problems. It is pressed in slightly at first, and then rotated. Do not apply too much force, otherwise the glass will break and cut your hands.
On some machines and overlockers, LED lighting can be used. This is a practical and modern solution. Often, instead of a normal lamp even provides for the installation of a strip of LEDs. This light source allows you to direct the rays very specifically. Connoisseurs even note its convenience in everyday use.
Some LED lights do not require a special mount at all. The base is fixed to the surface of the machine on a magnet. Since almost all machines contain significant metal parts, there are no problems with installation. Even if it’s a machine or overlocker of older models that didn’t have a separate light fixture at all. LED and fluorescent lights last a long time and are not prone to filament breakage due to constant vibration.
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The functionality of the device
Before we get to the circuitry side, let’s find out what features smart lighting has.
- Opening the door causes the interior light to turn on smoothly, which builds up to a maximum in about 4 seconds.
- Closing the door with the engine off causes the lights to dim after a 10-second delay (user adjustable).
- Closing the door while the engine is running will cause the lamp to go off smoothly for 3-4 seconds without a delay.
- The interior lighting will turn off after 10 minutes from the time the door is opened.
In addition to the functions listed above, the user can adjust the pause time (delay) and on-board voltage sensitivity at any time.
The sewing room: 3 lighting tips
Good lighting saves your eyes and helps you do your job better. These tips help you set up your space as comfortably as possible. with modern fixtures.
Lighting is a very important parameter for a comfortable sewing station. Correct and sufficient light, firstly, will help to save vision, and secondly, will help to work better and with more pleasure. Of course, we all sew in different conditions. Some may have an entire workshop dedicated to their favorite needlework, while others take the sewing machine out at night to put it on the kitchen table and finally get down to sewing when everything else is done. But lighting problems can be present in both the former and the latter. and in between, too. Give the lighting of your workplace a special attention: the stitches will be smoother and your eyes will be less tired! These tips will help you organize good lighting in different sewing conditions and will be useful, no matter what you sew. a coat, a summer top or an evening dress.
Make the most of natural light
The best light for any small job, including sewing, is natural. This is not possible everywhere and not always, but try to use natural light as much as possible. Place the sewing machine near the window, better. so that the light falls to the left, open the curtains, remove plants from the window. in short, try to ensure that nothing impedes the natural light on the work surface.
How to organize a workspace for needlework useful tips
Use a lamp that simulates daylight
Sewing with enough bright natural light. a pleasure that is not always available. So it’s a good idea to have a daylight-like lamp. It is best if it will be a lamp that illuminates not only the working area of the needle machine, but your entire workspace, such as in the photo above. Very handy clip-on or clothespin lamps that attach to the edge of the tabletop. Such a lamp you will not accidentally sweep with your hand, and if necessary, it can be moved and installed in the right place.
You can use the daylight lamp also for your usual table lamp. First of all, it provides cleaner, brighter light with less color fringe. Secondly, unlike incandescent lamps, it is almost not heated, that is, it can not accidentally burn. When sewing can be anything, and burns from an incandescent light bulb is similar to burns from an iron and heals just as long. Be careful and change the bulb in the workplace.
Use additional spot lighting to illuminate the sewing machine work area
In addition to all of the above, additional spot lighting can be helpful. You can buy for this purpose one of the special lamps for sewing machines: they can be attached either to the machine itself, or to the table top. Typically, these lamps have a flexible “leg”, so their light can be directed exactly where you need. The range of such lamps is quite large: you can choose what you like and what suits you best.
For the same purpose, it is quite possible to use a small but very bright LED lamp.
There are also flexible LED lights that can be attached to the sewing machine and illuminate the work area.
And still in the work can help magnifying glass with lighting: it is especially useful when doing small precise work.
Sewing machine. How to change a light bulb?
Sewing-machine-How-to-Change-Bulb
How to change a light bulb in a sewing machine? Such a question arises when the bulb burns out. What would seem to be easier to change the light bulb? But for those who know and know how, and with a machine on you, it’s easy. But for the beginner, who just starts sewing, this is a problem. Also, different machines have different bulbs built in.
The built-in light bulb in the machine is a great idea. Often you have to sew in the dark, or when there is not enough light. And, sometimes, you need to stitch very accurately stitch to stitch and need light exactly under the needle. Lateral auxiliary lighting does not solve this problem, and then the built-in light at the bottom of the head of the machine comes into play. Also, a light bulb in the machine reduces the strain on the eyes, allows visually impaired people to sew.
And if the bulb was not provided in the machine at all? Still very much in demand old Podolsk machines, in the design of which there were no bulbs, and which were painted black, which further exacerbated the problem of lighting. Is it possible to change the situation? In this article, we will look at the solution to both problems.
Light bulb for a sewing machine
On industrial machines the bulbs were not built in, they were screwed on the industrial table separately. As big as desk lamps. I worked for many years on a machine Seagull 2. It was the first backlit household machine. In the Seagull 2 light bulb is turned on through the plug wire, without a toggle switch, which is not very convenient, so I used it rarely. Didn’t have to change light bulbs often, but did and knew how to do it.
Lightbulb-for-machine-Janome
And then I bought a new modern Janome machine that turns on the lightbulb at the same time. That’s why it quickly burned out. So I searched in specialized stores for a replacement. It turned out to be a problem. And then all of a sudden I saw a light bulb in a construction store (. ) store. It was for the refrigerator. But meet all the parameters. I bought a few extra for the Seagull and for the refrigerator, too.
What was the surprise that the bulb did NOT fit. It turns out that there are different bases. Whereas earlier bulbs had threaded bases, today’s machine bulbs have two small pins. And it took me a long time to find the right bulb. I advise to buy in advance and not to wait for the thunder to strike.
Now I know a lot about light bulbs, so I answer Svetlana’s question: How to change the bulb in the machine?
Light bulbs with a screw base
incandescent bulb with a screw-type base.
The 15w and 240v sewing machine bulb is considered universal, because it is used in many different household appliances. Therefore, it can be found not only in sewing supply stores, but also in hardware, electrical goods and construction. And I’ll note that in these stores it will be many times cheaper than in the clothing department.
These are incandescent light bulbs, with a spiral. They are the same. Can vary in the height of the bulb, which is not essential. But the socket can be different. And that’s significant.
First cars had bulbs with screw bases. These bases were called Edison bases. These bulbs have been in use since the beginning of the last century. They are designated by the letter E.
The bulb is a two-pin bulb.
Bayonet Two-Pin Base
Later machines with exactly the same bulbs were produced: with a spiral (incandescent), with the same power 15W (15W) and 240v. But they changed the socket. Who is familiar with the car, he knows what the socket of auto bulbs and how to insert them. This is called a bayonet cap. It has two contacts, which are inserted into the slots and it is worth turning a half-turn, the bulb will be firmly fixed. This is much easier because in the old cars, screwing the bulb in was both long and inconvenient.
Universal these lamps are called not only because they fit different household appliances, but also because they fit different classes of machines. One thing. In second-generation machines of all classes (Chayka, Podolskaya 142, Malwa, Veritas, etc.) screw base, and in modern machines: Janome, Brother, Bernina, Singer, Pfaff, Husgvarna and others (third generation) and modern overlock bulbs with bayonet base.
bulb-in-a-turner
Incandescent bulbs fail when they burn out or the spiral breaks from vibration. When the bulb burns out, it usually turns black. But it happens that the coil is intact, but the bulb does not burn. The contacts may be oxidized. You need to clean them with emery paper or hacksaw and check for validity.
LED sewing machine light bulb.
LED-with-a-screw-socket
LED bulbs are great for sewing machines. They are economical, durable, they do not break the coil when vibration, does not burn out, because it is not there. Also, I’ve had complaints, from subscribers and children alike, that the light bulb burns their hands. I think this is a caprice. I’ve never noticed that problem in so many years. Although, the last bulb I bought was larger than the original bulb and it turns out to be below the head of the machine and closer to the platform. In this case, I admit that you can hit it when working with your hand and have an unpleasant feeling. It certainly will not come to a burn. LED lights in this regard is perfectly safe and also brighter.
They’re just as versatile, because they match the filament, line voltage, size, and are made with different bases. In other words, these bulbs are available for both old and new cars. And that’s good news! The only thing is that they cost twice as much as incandescent bulbs. But they’re worth it.
To avoid a puncture with the purchase of the bulb, as I have, first unscrew the old bulb from the machine, determine the type of socket, and even better take it with you to the store.
Replacing a sewing machine bulb
It is good if there is a manual and it is spelled out how to replace the bulb. But it often happens that the machines are given, inherited, and even found abandoned. People in this case are completely unaware of how to handle the machine, how to change the nodes that have failed.
Any machine repair begins with de-energizing.
Then, you need to find where the desired object is located and gain access to it. Remove the cover.
If the bulb is two-pin, you need to push it a little and turn it counterclockwise.
Now you need to do everything in reverse order. Screw in a new bulb with the right parameters in terms of power, voltage, value. However, it can be instead of an incandescent LED bulb, and vice versa.
Put all parts of the housing in place, fix.
Lights for the sewing machine
optional-lighting
We answered the main question on how to change the light bulb in a sewing machine?
But in the theme remained another question: and what can be done for the old machines, if they have no light bulbs by design?
Modern industry is evolving in all directions, and of course, the bright heads have found a great solution!
Not only have LED light bulbs replaced incandescent bulbs, but LED machine lights have also emerged. Table lamps get in the way on the desktop. Not every table can have a lamp mounted on a bracket. These lamps give general illumination. And here we see a small but bright lamp on a magnet, which can be attached to the metal bed of an old machine, and direct the light directly to the needle. It’s a win win!
LED-light-bulb-for-machine
For modern machines invented LED strip, which can be attached to the plastic surface and get a diffused light. This strip is powered via USB, so you need an adapter.
LED-Tape-Jume
Light bulb for a sewing machine to buy
We’ve already talked about where you can buy a light bulb for a sewing machine. But this product is not always on the store shelves. So an alternative may be the online stores. I buy a lot of merchandise, particularly on Juma. And that’s where all these products are needed: LED bulbs, lamps and LED strips.
There people also leave non-fake reviews.
These pictures were taken from Juma’s website.
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