A few brands offer three different needle adjustment positions. But some newer models have even more. Before you go adjusting all types of needle positions, you need to change the needle height, needle bar, and needle plate for more accessible and comfortable sewing. Thus, your changing needle position will be a great success.
To sum all things up, in order to adjust the needle position on the sewing machine, you will have to install and lower the needle. Grab a screw so that you can then adjust the needle bar holding the needle with that screw. Try not to hurt yourself and do accordingly.
Features Needed to Adjust Needle Position
Sewing machines offer many types of features, and to know how to adjust the needle position on a sewing machine, you will need to identify these features and change all the settings to have smooth sewing.
1. Zig Zag Capabilities
This capability comes with a needle position adjustment feature. This practical option guides you through using your presser foot and adjusting the position of the sewing machine needle. This lets you set your stitches exactly where you want them to stitch.
You can change the width of a zig-zag stitch to a straight stitch. Set the stitch width to 2.00 mm, and this change allows you to sew a straight line perfectly. Next, align the machine foot to your destination to gain the stitching line you have wanted.
To keep your stitching straight, remember that your eyes are always following the foot, not the tiny sewing needle. One suggestion, keep practicing stitching on different fabrics until you understand how to use the setting feature.
1) Stitch width 2.0 mm
2) Marking
3) 5 mm (3/16 inch)
2. Presser Foot Guide
Presser foot is one of the best features for you to sew quickly. When you use the guide on the presser foot, you can sew any distance from the seam you choose. Under-stitching and top-stitching, both stitches can be placed wherever you want the stitches to land.
Again, while sewing, your eyes must always follow a guide on the machine or the foot. Not the machine needle to achieve straight stitching because safety is involved here. You lose your focus for one second, and there will be accidents. So, take the time to practice and gain your comfort and confidence.
How to Adjust Needle Position on Sewing Machine
There are some basic steps for anyone to change their needle positions on the sewing machine. But here, you will only need three steps to overcome the changing situation.
1. The Needle Plate Marking
The markings above the needle plate indicate the distance from the needle position of a seam sewn with the straight stitch to the left needle position. While you sew, keep the edges of the fabric aligned with a marking on the needle plate. The gap between the markings in the upper scale is 1/8 inch and in the grid is 3/16 inch. The stitch width is 0.0 mm for the left needle position.
1) Seam
2) Presser foot
3) Millimeters
4) Inches
5) Needle plate
6) 5/8 inch
2. Adjusting the Needle Height
Carefully inspect every needle as it must be free of any damage. Also, the needle should be sharp enough to avoid unexpected issues during sewing. Choose a hand and install the needle on your sewing machine.
In the next step, lower the needle to its lowest position as much as possible and remove the bobbin case. You need to check the bobbin area to have your eye level with the needle eye. It is a necessary step to adjust that needle. As all you need to, you want to see most of the needle eye, not just its upper portion.
3. Adjusting the Needle Bar
At the front of the sewing machine, there is a screw that holds the needle bar in its place. All you need to do is to adjust the needle bar. Hold that needle bar and turn the screw counterclockwise. Adjust the loosened bar and then tighten it.
You will do it once you have selected the position you want them to be in. Again the setup needs to be at your eye level so that you can see the eye of the needle. Now, return the bobbin to your sewing machine in order to thread this sewing machine, and then pull up the bobbin thread. Test several stitches, and you are good to go.
Needle Position on Sewing Machine with Different Functions
Here is a way to change that needle position with common knowledge for most standard machines. If you find a similar situation with your machine, the needle position used as the baseline is different for the left needle position and the center needle position
1) Left needle position
2) Center needle position
The standard setting for the left needle position is 0.0 mm, so the gap between the right side and the pressure foot is 1/2 inch. But if you change the stitch width to 1/4 inch, then the needle position will also show a new position.
Because of the changes with the right side of the presser foot which is aligned with the edge of the fabric, a seam allowance can be sewn with a set width.
1) Stitch width setting
2) Distance from the needle position to the right side of the presser foot
3) 1/2 inch
4) 3/8 inch
5) 1/4 inch
6) 3/16 inch
Adjusting Needle Position on Different Brands of Sewing Machines
You will need to know the process for other brands, so you will always be ready with whatever the companies’ model you have. Some famous recommended sewing machines are the Singer sewing machine and Brother Sewing machine, so read and study their manual to see the diagrams.
1. Adjusting On Singer Sewing Machine
After studying the manual, locate the needle selector of this particular brand’s sewing machine. Then determine your goal if you want the needle in the left, center, or right position.
Refill if the needle is out of fabric; center the needle for your preferred stitching. At the last check-up, slide the lever to see if the indicator line is in your preferred position.
2. Changing the Needle Position On A Brother Sewing Machine
In every sewing machine of this brand, the default needle position is straight stitch left or straight stitch in the middle. Put on the display panel, click on the selector arrow {plus (+) and minus (-) } to access the needle position setting. Set it to your pre-planned position, and lastly, press the back button.
1. Stitch width adjustment key
2. Left needle position
3. Right needle position.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. What are the necessary steps for a stuck needle?
Answer: It can be nerve-racking if the needle is still stuck even after you just loosened its screw. For the fixing part, you can try hitting the machine or if there is a magnet in your house, use that to remove the needle. But, if a part of the needle falls below the housing, you will need needle pose pliers to pull it out.
2. What controls the movement of the needle?
Answer: the handwheel of the sewing machine controls all the movement of the take-up lever and the needle. The handwheel is controlled by power or hand, and however, it depends on the brand.
3. What moves the thread up and down?
Answer: It is the Take-Up Lever. The top thread goes through the metal lever, which moves the thread up and down alongside the needle.
Conclusion
A few simple steps will be enough to adjust the needle position on a sewing machine. Some companies offer different needle positions. And it is an essential attempt to learn how to use it accurately to take full advantage of its full potential.
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