Industrial sewing machines are powerful tools that can be used to create a wide range of sewing projects, from clothing to home decor. Before using an industrial sewing machine, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the machine’s controls and buttons, thread the machine, adjust the thread tension, adjust the stitch length and test the machine. This guide will walk you through each of these steps, providing detailed instructions and important tips to help you achieve professional-looking results. By following these steps, you can ensure that your sewing projects will be successful and that your industrial sewing machine is set up correctly for the task at hand.
Here are 7 steps for using an industrial sewing machine.
1. Familiarize yourself with the machine’s controls and buttons.
Before using an industrial sewing machine, it is important to familiarize yourself with the machine’s controls and buttons. These machines often have a variety of buttons and knobs that are used to adjust the machine’s settings, such as stitch length and tension. Understanding the functions of these buttons and knobs will help you to make the necessary adjustments to the machine and ensure that your sewing projects turn out correctly.
2. Thread the machine.
Threading an industrial sewing machine is an important step in the sewing process. It includes threading the needle and threading the bobbin. The specific instructions for threading the machine will vary depending on the model of the machine, so it is essential to consult the manual or instruction booklet that came with the machine. Proper threading ensures that the machine will sew correctly and will also prevent any damage to the machine.
The process of threading can be different from machine to machine, some machines have color-coded guides to help to thread easily and straightforwardly, for others you might have to look for diagrams in the manual. Also, industrial machines often have different types of needles, such as single needles or double needles, so this will affect the threading process as well. It’s important to take the time to properly thread the machine to ensure that your sewing projects will be successful. It might take a little bit of practice but once you get the hang of it, threading your industrial sewing machine will become a quick and easy task.
3. Adjust the thread tension.
Adjusting the thread tension on an industrial sewing machine is a crucial step in achieving professional-looking stitching. The tension is the amount of resistance that the thread feels as it is pulled through the machine, and if it is not adjusted correctly, it can affect the overall quality of the sewing. If the tension is too tight, the thread may break, resulting in unsightly knots or broken threads in the fabric. If the tension is too loose, the stitches may appear uneven or puckered, creating a less polished final product.
Most industrial sewing machines have a tension adjustment dial or knob, some models also have a tension indicator that helps you to find the correct tension for your specific project, thread, and fabric. It is important to consult the manual or instruction booklet that came with the machine to understand the specific location and operation of the tension adjustment on your machine. It is also important to test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your project.
Once you find the proper tension, you’ll be able to make sure that your seams will be strong and your stitches will be consistent. This can take a bit of practice and experimentation, but with a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to achieve perfect tension.
4. Adjust the stitch length.
The stitch length is an important setting on a sewing machine as it controls the distance between stitches. Short stitches are typically used for strong seams and decorative effects, while long stitches are used for machine basting, gathering, and other temporary stitching. Industrial sewing machines often have the ability to adjust the stitch length, allowing for greater flexibility and precision in the sewing process. It’s essential to adjust the stitch length appropriate for the type of fabric and the intended use of the finished product, as a stitch that is too long or too short can cause the seam to be weak or the fabric to pucker.
5. Test the machine.
Testing a sewing machine before beginning a project is a crucial step in ensuring the machine is set up correctly and that the final product will meet your expectations. This can be done by running a test seam on a scrap piece of fabric using the same thread and needle that will be used for the final project. This will allow you to check the thread tension, stitch length, and any other settings that are specific to your industrial sewing machine.
Additionally, It can also help you to check if your needle is sharp and properly inserted if the thread is not tangled if the bobbin is loaded and wound properly, and if the feed dog is functioning well. By performing this simple test, you can catch and correct any issues before starting your project, which can save time and prevent costly mistakes. It’s a good practice to test your machine before every use to avoid any disruptions during your production.
6. Sew your project.
Sewing your project on an industrial sewing machine is a multi-step process that requires attention to detail and proper machine operation. One of the most important aspects of the sewing process is keeping the fabric moving by feeding it under the presser foot. This can be done using a variety of controls specific to your machine, such as a handwheel, presser foot lifter, or other control.
On industrial sewing machines, the handwheel is usually located on the right side of the machine and is used to manually move the needle up and down. The presser foot lifter is a lever or button that raises and lowers the presser foot and is used to move the fabric under the presser foot. Some industrial machines also have a feed dog that helps to move the fabric along as you sew. Additionally, most machines also have a pedal or knee lift that controls the speed of sewing.
To begin sewing, first, make sure the presser foot is in the down position, then align the fabric under the presser foot and begin sewing. As you sew, be sure to keep the fabric moving by using the handwheel, presser foot lifter, or other control, while keeping an eye on the stitching and making any necessary adjustments to keep the seam looking neat and even. It’s important to keep in mind that fabric type and thickness will have an effect on your machine settings. And also keep an eye on the needle and thread, and make sure they are not breaking, tangling, or fraying while sewing.
7. Finish your project.
Once you have finished sewing your project on an industrial sewing machine, it’s important to properly finish and clean up the machine before moving on to your next task. To do this, you should first cut the thread by using the built-in thread cutter or scissors. Then, carefully remove the fabric from the machine, being mindful of any remaining needles or thread.
It’s important to ensure that you have removed all of the thread and fabric scraps from the machine, including any debris that may have accumulated in the bobbin case, feed dogs, or other parts of the machine. This can be done by using a brush or compressed air to remove any loose debris. Some machines also have a self-cleaning function with help of an oiling mechanism. Cleaning the machine regularly can help to prevent issues such as jamming or breaking needles, and prolong the life of the machine.
After cleaning, it’s good practice to run a test seam to check the machine is working properly before starting your next project. Additionally, if you will not be using the machine for an extended period, it’s important to cover the machine and store it in a dry and dust-free area to protect it from damage.
In conclusion, using an industrial sewing machine can seem daunting at first, but by familiarizing yourself with the machine’s controls and buttons, threading the machine, adjusting the thread tension, adjusting the stitch length, and testing the machine, you can ensure that your sewing projects turn out correctly and meet your expectations. Remember, it might take a little bit of practice and experimentation to get the hang of it, but with patience and attention to detail, you will be able to achieve perfect tension and make a polished final product. Following the instructions and tips provided in this guide will also help you to identify any issues or problems that may need to be addressed before beginning your final project, and ensure that your industrial sewing machine is set up correctly for the task at hand.