General Maintenance and proper technique are critical for optimum performance of your sewing machine and project outcome.

A few tips from Rob's Basement Workshop

Tip #1 - Run a test. When starting a new project, set your machine up with the thread and fabric combinations that you intend to work with. Take a moment to run several test passes through a small test piece to be certain you have everything set and ready to go. Tension, needle, thread, stitch length, etc. Running a test allows you to make any needed adjustments and will ensure every stitch looks great on your project.

Tip #2 - Avoid Skipped Stitches at the turn. Often times you want to make a turn at a corner. Maybe a 90 deg, maybe something more or less. When making a turn, it makes sense to have your needle down to allow a pivot. In order to be certain the action of turning the fabric does not interrupt the stitch causing a missing or skipped stitch, you should manually turn the handwheel on your machine toward you until the needle goes down as far as it can and begins to move back up. It is at this point that the hook has captured the bobbin thread and this will ensure that the stitch will be made once the machine starts again. Perfect stitches in the corners every time!  

Tip #3 - No Automatic Thread Cutter, No Problem. On machines without automatic thread cutters, have you ever had difficulty pulling the thread out in order to cut it? Most likely you moved the handwheel to free the thread. Some folks will tell you to look at the needle and raise it all the way up. While that is close, it does not bring all the internal parts of the machine in line to allow the thread to be free. If, as you turn the handwheel toward you, watch the uptake lever and stop at the point where the uptake lever is in its highest position. It is in this position that everything lines up and the thread will be free. (you will notice that when the update lever is at its highest point, the needle will have already started its travel down toward the fabric) Your thread will be free and clear and easy to move and cut.