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Attaching Ribbon with a Twin Needle Sewing on Leather Narrow Hem Gathering with the Cording Foot Applying Trims, Cords or Braids Shirring with the Gathering Foot Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Multiple Layers Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Plaids Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Pile Fabrics Sewing with the Side Cutter Sewing with the Ruffler...
Straight Stitching The Straight Stitch is generally used to join seams or do topstitching. It is the most basic of the stitches and is the most commonly used. For a longer stitch or for thicker fabrics, lengthen the stitch using the Stitch Length Dial.
Straight Stitch for Topstitching The Straight Stitch can be sewn “on top” of the fabric so that the stitches are visible. This is different from using the straight stitch to join a seam hidden inside the project. A topstitch provides a decorative touch while holding the seam allowances flat.
Create Quilted Fabric Create your own quilted fabric with the Straight Stitch and the Seam/Quilt Guide. This attachment is great when sewing large projects that cover the machine’s seam guides. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Standard Foot...
Speed Basting Basting is used to temporarily hold fabrics together. The stitch length and tension are adjusted to create a looser stitch. This stitch can easily be removed with a seam ripper or simply pulled out. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length:...
Making Piping Piping adds a beautiful finish to projects such as pillows, sleeve edges, collars and more. The design of the Zipper Foot allows for the needle to stitch very closely to the edge of the foot. This is important when inserting zippers, applying piping or when topstitching close to the fabric’s edge.
Attaching Purchased Piping Attach pre-packaged piping to add a bold finish to home decorating projects, crafts or clothing. Machine Set-up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Zipper Foot Materials: (2) 3” x 6” pieces of home décor fabric 7”...
Centered Zippers There are several ways of inserting zippers. The pattern envelope of the project or garment will designate the best type of zipper application, as well as the length and type of zipper to use. Most applications require a zipper foot.
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Press the seam open. Finish raw edges if necessary. Apply glue stick lightly on the right side of the zipper. Place the zipper face down, so that the zipper’s coils or teeth are directly over the machine-basted seam. Pin in place, if necessary. Spread fabric flat, right side up and place 1/2”...
Satin Stitch Appliqué A close Zigzag Stitch is called a Satin Stitch. Satin Stitching is a great way to finish an appliqué on children’s garments and home decorating projects. Try a rayon thread for a smoother looking finish. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Zigzag Stitch Stitch Width:...
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Sew around the applique again, covering the previous stitching. Sewing over an applique twice is not always necessary, however, it does give a beautiful full-covered effect.
Lace Insertion Insert lace into a special occasion garment or a home decorating project to create a beautiful heirloom keepsake. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Zigzag stitch Stitch Width: Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Standard Foot or Satin Foot* Needle Position Center Materials: 5”...
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Carefully cut under the lace down the center. Turn these raw edges back away from the lace, then finger press. Finish fabric’s edges by sewing a small zigzag through all layers, being careful not to catch too much lace. Turn fabric over and trim excess fabric seam allowances away. Note: A nice touch can be added by Hemstitching down each side of the lace.
Couching a Strand of Pearls Couching is a term for sewing over trims, such as cord, ribbon or a strand of pearls. The stitch may or may not penetrate the cord it stitches over, depending on the desired effect. A Zigzag stitch or a wide decorative stitch are excellent choices for this technique.
Button Sewing Use your sewing machine to sew on buttons, snaps or hooks with ease. This is especially helpful when making a large project where multiple buttons need to be attached, such as a shower curtain that has button tabs. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Zigzag...
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Lower the presser foot to hold the button in place. Turn the hand wheel forward, adjust so that the needle goes into the right or left hole. Adjust the stitch width dial to fine tune the swing of the needle into the opposite hole.
Four-Step Buttonholes The built-in buttonhole is divided into four different steps. This simple process provides reliable results for buttonholes on garments, home decorating projects and crafts. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Step One of the 4-Step Buttonhole* Stitch Width: Buttonhole symbol Stitch Length: Buttonhole symbol Presser Foot: Buttonhole Foot...
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Turn Pattern Selection knob to Step Two of the Four-Step Buttonhole. Sew, and the machine will stitch in reverse, making the left side of the buttonhole. Stop sewing when the needle reaches the fabric mark which indicates the top of the buttonhole. Turn Pattern Selection knob to Step Three (the upper/top bartack).
One-Step Buttonholes The built-in One-Step Buttonhole* measures the button’s length and then automatically sews a beautiful buttonhole. This is a very simple process that provides reliable results on garments, home decorating projects and crafts. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Buttonhole symbol Stitch Width: Buttonhole symbol Stitch Length: Buttonhole symbol...
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Place the fabric under the foot, aligning the starting mark on the foot with the mark on the fabric. Lightly hold the threads and begin to sew. When the buttonhole is finished, stop sewing.
Four-Step Corded Buttonholes A Corded Buttonhole adds strength and stability. This type of buttonhole is especially important when sewing stretch fabrics or fabrics that easily ravel. The “cord” can be a heavy thread, several strands of regular thread or lightweight yarns, etc. The buttonhole is stitched over the cord, creating a reinforced buttonhole.
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The zigzag section of the buttonhole will stitch over the cord. After stitching is completed, pull the excess cord tails tight. This will pull the cord into the buttonhole. Cut off the excess cord.
One-Step Corded Buttonholes A Corded Buttonhole provides added strength and stability to buttonholes. This type of buttonhole is especially important when sewing stretch fabrics or fabrics that easily ravel. The “cord” can be a heavy thread or several strands of regular thread. The buttonhole is stitched over the cord, creat- ing a reinforced buttonhole.
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Attach the Buttonhole Foot to the machine, taking care not to displace the cord. (See sewing machine instruction manual) The foot will hold the cord in the correct position as the machine stitches the buttonhole. Sew the buttonhole, following the One-Step Buttonhole instructions in the machine instruction manual.
Free-Motion Monogramming Monogramming adds a personal and professional touch to garments, home decorating items and craft projects. When monogramming, the feed dogs are lowered (or covered), allowing for free-motion sewing. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Zigzag Stitch Stitch Width: Stitch Length: Feet Dogs: Lowered Presser Foot: Embroidery/Darning Foot*...
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Turn the hand wheel forward to bring up the bobbin thread though the fabric. Sew a few securing stitches at the starting point. Firmly hold the hoop with both hands. Press the foot controller and guide the hoop so that the needle stitches on the drawn letter.
Free-Motion Embroidery Free-motion embroidery is an elegant embellishment. The embroidery can be extremely detailed, such as the embroidery on a bridal gown. It can also be as simple as a row of flowers on kitchen linens. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Zigzag Stitch Stitch Width: 2 or smaller Stitch Length:...
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Firmly hold the hoop with both hands. Press the foot controller and guide the hoop so that the needle stitches on the drawn letter. Maintain a consistent sewing speed and move the fabric slowly. Co- ordinate sewing speed and movement of hoop. Note: When the feed dogs are lower or dropped the fabric will not automatically feed.
Blind Hem A Blind Hem is a fast way to finish hems securely on skirts or pants. It also makes a great choice when hemming large projects such as curtains or bed skirts. Use matching thread to help the stitches blend into the fabric, hence becoming “blind”...
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Fold under 1“ and baste in place. Position fabric with wrong side facing up, and turn the hem back to the right side, creating a soft fold at the top edge of the hem. The bulk of the fabric is to the left of the foot. Begin stitching, making sure the forward stitches fall near the 1/4”...
Attaching Beaded Trims Adding a trim is an easy way to enhance almost any project! The “look” of a denim jacket can be changed with a row of trim around the bottom edge. A pair of capri pants can be dressed up by sewing a beaded trim around each pant hem.
Mending with Multi-Stitch Zigzag The Multi-stitch is a three-step zigzag stitch. It is stronger than a traditional zigzag stitch and is used for mending, reinforcing a stitch, darning, applying elastic and many other techniques. It is ideal when mending tears. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Multi-Stitch...
Crazy Quilting Crazy quilting is done by stitching scraps of velvets, silks, satins, and other fine fabrics onto a foundation fabric. The fabrics are various shapes. The seams are then embellished with decorative stitches, often done with decorative threads. This technique is popular and can be used in wearable art, home decorator projects and more.
Straight Stretch Stitch for Woven Fabrics This stitch is wonderful for built-in strength! It is ideal when sewing heavy-weight fabrics or when it is desired to have a bolder straight stitch. Try it as a topstitch on jeans, a home decorating project, or when an extra-strong seam is needed, such as children’s clothing.
Straight Stretch Stitch for Stretch Fabrics In the 1970’s, fabrics that had stretch were introduced. Previously, only woven-type fabrics were available for home sewers. When a standard straight stitch is sewn on stretch fabric, it will “pop” or break when the fabric is stretched.
Ribbing Application The Overedge Stretch Stitch makes sewing seams on knits look as though they were finished on a serger. This stitch is stronger and more durable than overlock/serger stitching. The stitch incorporates a straight stitch and a finishing stitch into one operation. This allows for professional finish on projects, and is especially popular on sweatshirts.
Overedge Stitching When joining two pieces of fabric, it is usually necessary to finish the edges. This prevents raveling of the fabric and creates a professional finish. Machine Set-up: Stitch: Stretch Overedge or Serge Stitch Stitch Width: 5 or 7 Stitch Length: See manual Presser Foot:...
Open Seams with Overedge Stitching This technique is ideal for making an unlined garment when the seam al- lowances may show. Just like the previous technique, this also prevents raveling of the fabric and makes a professional finish on woven and knit fabrics.
Attaching Elastic Elastic can be applied directly to the fabric, such as when making lingerie. If the elastic is 3/8” wide or less, the elastic can be placed into the Standard Foot’s opening, making it easier to evenly stretch the elastic while sewing.
Sewing with a Wing Needle Use a Wing Needle to create a beautiful heirloom look on pillowcases, napkins, or special occasion garments. A Wing Needle is very wide and makes a large opening or hole in the fabric every time it stitches. Several different types of stitches can be used.
Twin Needle Sewing By using a Twin Needle, two parallel rows of stitching can be sewn at the same time. A straight stitch using a twin needle sewing creates a sporty hem on knit wear, a sophisticated top-stitch or a decorative embellish- ment.
Attaching Ribbon with a Twin Needle By using a Twin Needle, two parallel rows of stitches can be used to attach a ribbon while stitching. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Transparent Satin Foot or Standard Foot Needle: Twin Needle Materials:...
Sewing on Leather Leather can add a bold accent to a garment, home decorating or craft project. Leather does not ravel, so there is no need to finish the seam edges. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Transparent Satin Foot...
Narrow Hem The edge of a ruffle, the hem on a napkin and the edge of a prom dress are all perfect examples of where it is beneficial to use the Rolled Hem Foot. The foot has a “scroll” that helps roll the fabric’s edge over, hiding the raw edges and creating a small professional finish hem.
Gathering with the Cording Foot This technique is great for heavy fabrics such as in home decorating or textured fabrics that do not gather easily. The Cording Foot holds the cord in place so it is effortless to sew over the cord. Adjusting gathers is easy, and there is no danger that the cord will break in the middle of the project.
Applying Trims, Cords or Braids Use the Cording Foot to easily apply thin cords to add textured to wear- able art fashions or home decorating projects. The foot holds the cords in place so that it is effortless to stitch them into place. There are several decorative cords available, each creating a different effect.
Shirring with the Gathering Foot Gathering fabric means to draw the fabric up on a thread to create fullness. Shirring consists of three or more rows of gathers. Use only sheer or soft fabrics for this technique. The specially designed Shirring Foot pushes fabric into even folds under the needle. The stitch then holds the fabric folds securely.
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Turn the handwheel to ensure the needle is correctly positioned. It should line up with the Gathering Foot’s needle opening. Sew a row on top of the “pulled” line. Use the foot's edge as a guide to sew the next row of stitching. Rows will be 1/4”...
Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Multiple Layers The Even Feed Foot has its own set of feed dogs that work in conjunction with the machine’s feeding system to improve the flow of the fabric. This is particularly important when sewing several layers of fabric, such as in quilting.
Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Plaids Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Even Feed Foot* Materials: (2) 5” x 5” pieces of plaid or striped fabric Procedure: Match plaids, right sides together. Sew the two pieces together using the built-in seam guide on the machine to maintain a consistent seam allowance.
Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Pile Fabrics The Even Feed Foot is great for sewing on fake fur for coat accents, costumes or stuffed animals. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Even Feed Foot* Materials: (2) 5”...
Sewing with the Side Cutter The side cutter is an attachment that will trim the excess fabric while sewing. A Zigzag-type stitch must be used. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Zigzag, Sew and Serge, or Stretch Overedge Stitch Width: Stitch Length: 1 (for Zigzag) “S”...
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Slowly sew and gently guide the fabric. Adjust the stitch length according to fabric. Certain fabrics will cut better or cleaner than others. This is due to the nature of the fabric. The cutter works best if not more than 1” is being trimmed away.
Sewing with the Ruffler The Ruffler attachment quickly and easily produces professional looking ruffles on garments, home decorating projects and craft items. Machine Set-Up: Stitch: Straight Stitch Stitch Width: 0, no width Stitch Length: Presser Foot: Ruffler Materials: 3” x 10” piece of lightweight cotton 3”...
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Place the fabric under the Ruffler. Place fabric in the guide plate. Remember to lower the Presser Foot Lever. Lightly push the cloth feed plate towards the back of the machine. Place the longer piece of fabric under the foot and beneath the shorter piece of fabric.