Makerspace

An introduction to operating a sewing machine! In this workshop you will become comfortable with machine sewing by making a custom face mask! After taking this workshop you are certified to use our sewing machines during drop-in hours. Refer to the makerspace calendar to find when this workshop is offered.

You will learn:
 - To setup and operate a sewing machine
 - To overcome common sewing issues

Before attending this workshop:
 - Register to attend the workshop

Available Sewing Machines

We have two sewing machines available, the Brother CS7000x, the Singer Heavy Duty, and the Brother SE600.

• The Brother CS7000x is a computerized sewing machine, meaning it offers a wider variety of stitch patterns.
• The Singer has fewer stitch patterns but has the ability to sew thicker materials (like denim, canvas and leather) or many layers of fabric (like quilts). 
• The Brother SE600 is a computerized embroidery and sewing machine; and, it has the ability to take digitized vectors and embroider autonomously. 

Quick Reference Guides

Contains infographics for threading the bobbin and sewing machine.

• Singer Heavy Duty: PDF
• Brother CS7000x: PDF
• Brother SE600: PDF

Setting up the Machine

The general workflow of using any sewing machine goes:

1. Thread the bobbin and insert it into the bobbin holder
2. Thread the sewing machine
3. Start your stitch
4. End your stitch

Threading the Bobbin

Sewing machines use two threads to create stitches. One thread starts from above the needle (called the top thread) and another thread starts from a spool that sits beneath the needle called the bobbin (sometimes this is also called the bottom thread). The first step of setting up any sewing machine is to load a bobbin with plenty of thread. When done sewing the bobbin thread will be the visible on the RIGHT side of the fabric. So be sure to load the bobbin with the color thread you want to see on the outside of the garment. 

The best way to learn how to thread the bobbin is by following the Quick Reference Guide for the machine you are working on. Load the bobbin with plenty of thread or until the bobbin starts rotating slowly. Once it is loaded, remove the cover to the bobbin holder and insert the bobbin, leaving any excess thread hanging out to the left side.

Threading the Machine

Threading the machine refers to guiding the top thread through the sewing machine to the needle. Choose a top thread, realizing that this thread will only be visible on the WRONG side of the fabric.

Starting a Stitch

After you have threaded the bobbin and the machine, you're almost ready to begin sewing.

1. Insert your fabric under the foot leaving the RIGHT side facing DOWN.
2. Guide the top thread through the foot and behind the machine.
3. Holding the end of the top thread taught, lock the foot down.
4. Spin the handwheel towards yourself until the needle plunges into the fabric. 
5. If everything still looks right, go ahead and select a stitch and press down on the foot pedal or continue spinning the handwheel to start stitching.

The goal is to end up with stitches that are even on both sides of the fabric. If this is not the case, double check your setup and refer to the "Adjusting Tension" section.

ALWAYS spin the handwheel towards you in a counter-clockwise fashion.

Finishing a Stitch

Once you are finished 

1. Spin the handwheel towards yourself until the the needle exits the fabric and reaches its highest point. 
2. Raise the foot and carefully slide out the fabric.
3. Cut the threads, giving yourself an extra 2 inches or so.
4. Flip the fabric over to the WRONG side. Place a pin under the last stitch and pull up on it so that you end up with both ends of the thread on the WRONG side.
5. Tie a knot and cut the excess thread. 

Adjusting Tension

Generally, you shouldn't need to mess around with tension dial. By default the tension is set to 4 which works well in most instances. Never adjust the tension higher than 5 or lower than 3. If you can't get satisfactory stitches anywhere between the range of 3 and 5 consult Makerspace staff. This may indicate that the machine needs to be serviced. Only adjust the tension if your stitches exhibit the following issues:

Too Much Tension

• If you can see top thread on the RIGHT side or the bobbin thread on the WRONG side.
• If the fabric cinches badly around the stitch

Not Enough Tension

• If stitches shift around when rubbing your finger across them.
• If the stitches have slack and become a jumbled mess. 

Jams / Common Issues

• "I'm pressing the foot pedal and I hear a noise but nothing happens."
  • Make sure the bobbin holder on the top of the machine is pushed forward.
• "I finished my stitch and raised the foot bur I can't pull the fabric out."
  • Spin the handwheel toward you until the take-up lever is at its highest position. Now try to remove the fabric.
• "My machine is jammed."
  • You most likely missed the take-up lever when threading the machine. Check to see if the thread is still looped around the take-up lever.
  • If you just started a stitch, check to make sure the thread is held in place at the top of the needle, the needle itself is threaded and the thread travels under the foot ending at the back of the machine. If everything looks like its threaded properly, the jam was most likely caused by the thread getting tangled at the start of the stitch. After un-jamming the machine, start the stitch again ensuring that the thread ends are taught before locking the foot down.

Demo Project - Sew a Custom Face Mask!

Our demo project for machine sewing is face masks! The Makerspace accepts clothing donations (especially patterned garments), to provide students with free sewing materials. Choose your favorite patterned fabric and let's make a custom face mask!

Steps:

1. Start with 2 rectangular pieces of fabric 9" x 7" and two 7" strips of elastic. 
2. Place the fabrics down so that the the RIGHT sides are facing each other. Place the elastic strips on in-between the fabrics on either side of the mask. Ensure that the bands only touch the edge of the fabric at the corners. You can use pins to hold the elastic in place. 
3. Sew around the edge of the fabric leaving a 2" opening on one side.
4. Turn the mask inside out. You can use a point turner to help give the mask its shape.
5. Make three pleats on the sides of the mask, holding them in place with needles.
6. Edge stitch around the entire mask, being sure to not stitch over a needle.