Specific Objectives:

By the end of this lesson the students should be able to:

(a) List at least four factors which determines the choice of sewing machines.
(b) Outline the procedure for the use and care of the sewing machine.
(c) Identify different types and brand of sewing machines.
(d) Thread the sewing machine.
(e) Use the sewing machine to make a simple article.

Factors affecting the choice of sewing Machines

Choose a reliable made with servicing facilities. Choice of model will depend on your budget
and the amount and type of work to be done.
When choosing a sewing machine, consider the following points :
= Buy from a reputable dealer.
= Check for a warranty.
= Check the availability of parts and service.
= Make sure that there is a user manual.
= Make sure that the machine you buy is suitable for your needs.
= Amount of money available.
= Frequency of use( may dictate a more durable type)
= Sewing skills.
= Amount of space( for free standing or portable/table top)

Types of Sewing Machine:

There are many different types and models of sewing machines. They can be divided into four
main groups as follows:
1. Straight Stitch Sewing Machine:
Manual or Hand Operated, Treadle or Foot Operated and Electric. This machine sews only
straight stitches in a forward and backward motion.
2. Zigzag or Swing Needle Sewing Machine:
In addition to straight stitching this sewing machine can also be adjusted for the needle to swing
from left to right to do zigzag stitches.
3. semi-Automatic Electric:
In addition to straight stitch and zigzag stitch, this sewing machine also has four or five more
stitches.
4. Computerize Sewing Machine:
This sewing machine is fully computerized and must be carefully programmed for successful
sewing. It can do a variety of stitches and embroidery patterns.

Brands of Sewing Machines

= Singer
= Sure Stitch
= Neki
= Brother
= Vikin
= Toyota
= Bernina
= Kenmore
( We did Types of Sewing Machines in the previous class)

General Care of the Sewing Machine

> Never work the sewing machine while it is threaded unless the presser foot is lowered.
> Never use the machine while any parts of it are loose.
> Remove all threads, pins and fluff from the machine as they are produced.
> Keep the machine dusted and cover it up when not in use, leaving the presser foot down.
> Oil the sewing machine according to the manufacture's instructions.
> If the machine is electric, make sure that plugs and flexes are in good condition.

General Rules of the Sewing Machine

+ Use the correct size needle and thread for the fabric.( No. 14/ 90 needle is general)
+ Thread the machine correctly.
+ Ensure that the bobbin is correctly placed.
+ Bring the bobbin thread to the top of the machine ready for stitching.
+ Place both ends of thread under the presser foot and pass them towards the back of the
machine.
+ Make sure that the needle is at its highest point before stitching.
+ Test the stitch on a scrap of the fabric to be sewn.
+ Correct the tension if necessary.
+ Correct the stitch length of the stitch if necessary.
+ Place the garment to be sewn so that the main part of it is to the left of the needle, leaving the
space under the arch
free.
+ Place the inner edge or the presser foot against the edge of the hem or just to the side of the
seam line.
+ Make sure that there are no pins left in hems or seams.
+ Stitch smoothly along tacked lines.
+ When turning corner, keep the needle down in the fabric and raise the presser foot, turn the
fabric and replace the
presser foot.
+ Do not pull the fabric as it is passes under the foot.
+ When stitching is completed, raise the presser foot, ease the fabric out from under the foot,
and pull both threads very
gently towards the back of the machine.

Activity - If you have access to an electronic sewing machine, create a design and embroider it
using the machine.
= Watch the videos below to learn more about the threading of the machine, the filling of the
bobbin and how to use the sewing machine.