Sewing Machine Tips & Techniques

What are your tried and true sewing tips to keep your sewing machine in working order? How do you care for your sewing supplies? Check out our tips below, and don't forget to replenish your supplies!

Machine, needle & thread savvy 

• To thread the needle, do not wet the end of the thread. This will cause it to expand. Instead, wet the eye of the needle & capillary action will help the thread go into the eye. 
• Universal needles work well on most woven & knit fabrics and cover most sewing situations. 
• Stretch needles work well on highly elastic knits like Lycra & synthetic non-wovens such as Ultrasuede®. 
• Use ballpoint needles for heavy knits, double knits & synthetic blend interlocks to help prevent runs & snags. 
• Topstitching needles have a larger eye for heavy, decorative threads. 
• Wedgepoint needles are for leather & vinyls. 
• Metafil/Metallica needles, size 80/12 HE, work well with metallic threads, helping prevent breakage of the delicate thread. Size 70/10HE makes smaller holes & works well on organza & fine silk fabrics. 
• Needle sizes range from 9(fine) to 18(coarse); the higher the number the thicker the needle. 80/12 on a needle package indicates both European & U.S. measurements; 80 is European and 12 is U.S. The finer & more delicate the fabric & thread and the closer the stitch length, the smaller the needle size should be. 
• Most sergers take standard, universal needles, but some require specific needles recommended by the manufacturer. Always check your manual. 
• Change the needle before starting new large projects to remind you to use the correct needle for your fabric & thread and avoid using damaged needles that may harm the machine & your fabric. 
• Old thread that has been stored on wood or foam spools should be thrown away. Chemicals in these spools weaken the thread, causing repeated breaks. 
• Use high quality, tightly wound thread that does not show fuzzy lint when held to the light. Modern sewing machines are highly computerized, and lint from cheaper thread will increase the need for repairs. 
• Purchase thread & needles that match your fabric & project.  
• Hand quilting thread is for hand sewing & not machine use. 
• Serger cone thread is so delicate it should only be used in a serger, where the multiple threads in the overlock stitch create strength. 
• Rayon thread is hand-washable and can be pressed with a warm iron on a synthetic setting but it is not a good choice for items that will be washed often or machine dried.  
• Polyester thread is the most versatile. It can be machine washed & dried or dry cleaned, is colorfast and has a slight amount of stretch. 
• Plug your machine into a power surge protector strip to protect your investment. 
• Keep your machine well-maintained and lint-free in all working areas. Have it professionally serviced annually. 
• Never sew over pins, which will damage the needle or the machine throat plate.