Sewing Room Secrets
With the broad range of machines on the market , it can be difficult for both novice and professional sewers to navigate the quantity on offer . These tips will help you to know what to look for and narrow down your search .
Shop Sewing
What to look for ;
• Look for a computerized sewing machine ; you ’ ll find a wide range stitches for both utility and decorative effects , and the digital interface makes them easier to select .
• A needle threader is a must-have ! It makes threading so much quicker , particularly when you ’ re changing the colour of your thread regularly .
• A drop feed dog facility is helpful for free-motion embroidery , some machines come with a plate that covers the feed dogs to make them inactive .
• Some machines will come with a knee lift that enables you to lift the presser foot with your knee , leaving your hands free to continue sewing your work . This feature is useful when you ’ re stippling your quilt or machine appliquéing curved designs .
• A needle up / down function allows you to start and stop sewing with the needle up or down in your work . This is handy when pivoting or stop / starting free-motion embroidery . It also means the needle is in the correct ‘ up ’ position when you remove your work , freeing the thread from the tension discs and allowing it to pull through freely .
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